The Rainger family of Auckland

Joseph Rainger (1841 - 1918) married Jane (1847 - 5 September 1930).  At her death the Auckland Star published the following obituary for Jane:

OBITUARY.

MRS. JOSEPH RAINGER

Mrs. Joseph Rainger died at her home, Brighton Road, Farnell, this morning, The late Mrs. Rainger was born at Malmsbury, England, 84 years ago and was married in Malmsbury Abbey. She came to Auckland with her husband and family of eleven just on 50 years ago, and for 40 years had lived in Brighton Road. For her many friends she had always a kind and cheery word and her passing will be deeply mourned by all those whose privilege it was to know her. Her husband predeceased her twelve years ago. She is survived by the following family: Mesdames Caughey, Woolley and Matthews, of Auckland; Mrs. Littleproud, of Huntly; Mrs. Barnsdale, of Christchurch; and Mrs. Cronin, of Sydney; and Messrs. W. J., C, R. G., and T. Rainger, all of Auckland. The interment to-morrow will be private.

1. Lucy Hannah Rainger (1865) married Andrew Clarke Caughey (1849 - 1928) in 1886.  A.C. Caughey founded the well known Auckland store, Smith and Caughey with his brother in law.  When he died, A.C. Caughey was recognised by a very full and flattering obituary which appeared in the 18 December 1928 edition of the Auckland Star:

DEATH OF MR. A. C. CAUGHEY.

A WORTHY CITIZEN.

PUBLIC BENEFACTOR

GREAT HUMANITARIAN WORK,

Deep regret will be felt by many friends all over New Zealand at the news that Mr. Alfred Clark Caughey* at his home this afternoon. Mr. Caughey was well known in business circles as the partner who, with the late Mr. W. H. Smith, started the business which has since grown into the big firm of Smith and Caughey, Ltd., Queen Street. But Mr. Caughey had other activities outside his business, and had been a generous contributor to churches and philanthropic institutions, added to which he had filled a number of honorary positions in connection with the Methodist Church. Of Mr. Caughey it may be said with truth "he was a worthy citizen."

Bom at Fortaferry, County Down, Ireland, Mr. Caughey was for five years apprenticed to the firm of Jas. Lindsay and Co., of Belfast. At the age of 21 he left that establishment and went to London, where he obtained an appointment in a firm in Westbourne Grove. The next move was to a large firm in the South of Ireland as silk shawl and mantle buyer. A few years later he received an appointment as junior superintendent in the famous Compton House, Liverpool, where he remained until tempted by a considerable increase in salary, he returned to his old firm, the Limerick Warehouse Co., Ltd., where he successfully held a responsible position until an offer came from Lindsay's of Belfast to take the position of head superintendent.

in 1879 Mr. Caughey came to Auckland. Mr. W. H. Smith, a brother-in-law, in 1880 also decided to come to New Zealand, and the following year the firm of Smith and Caughey was started in a small way in a shop at the corner of Upper Queen Street, the main object at first being to supply drapery and lingerie to the ladies of Auckland. Times were then bad, but with business aptitude and thorough knowledge of the trade the firm gradually forged ahead and finally the present premises were secured. To-day Smith and Caughey's is recognised as one of the most important and up-to-date drapery establishments in the country.

In his younger days Mr. Caughey was an enthusiastic volunteer, and in 1898 enrolled amongst the employees of the firm a corps known as the Auckland Rifles, of which he was appointed captain. Colonel Pole Penton referred to this firm in one of his reports as an example to all employers of labour in this respect, and also stated that the corps was one of the smartest in the colony, having been officered and trained for 18 months solely by Mr. Caughey and his employees.

Mr. Caughey had many other activities during his long residence in Auckland. He was a member of the Board of Governors of Prince Albert College, and in bygone years served on the Mount Albert Road Board as well as on the school committee of that district. He was for a number of years president of the Auckland Y.M.C.A., and during his term of office the fine pile of buildings of that useful organisation was opened free of debt, which, at the time, was considered a great achievement. With his sister, Mrs. Smith, he founded at Mount Albert what is known as Wesley Home for the benefit of orphan and destitute children, regardless of creed or class. From this has sprung into existence two kindred homes known as Epworth and Epsom Homes. Mr. Caughey was also prominently identified with the great humanitarian work on behalf of babies and mothers, known as the Plunket Society, which, for all time, will be associated with the honoured name of Dr. Sir Truby King, the founder of this patriotic and popular organisation. Mr. Caughey was at the time of his death treasurer of the Methodist Theological College. For some time past the health of Mr. Caughey had been failing, and to the trials of illness was added the death of one of his sons quite recently. Mr. Caughey is survived by his wife and the following children:—Messrs. Marsden, Patrick, Leonard, Stewart and John Caughey, and Mrs. Hugh Blackwell, of Kaiapoi.

*I believe his name was Andrew not Alfred.

   1.1 James Marsden "Marsden" Caughey (1888 - 1962) married 1.2 Kathleen Elizabeth Mitchell (1889 - 1969) in 1910.  Their wedding was reported in the 12 February 1910 edition of the Observer:

THE SOCIAL SPHERE

The Pitt-street Wesleyan Church was crowded on Tuesday afternoon with ladies eager to witness the marriage of Miss Kathleen Mitchell, only daughter of Mr T. Mitchell, of Anglesea-street, Ponsonby, to Mr J. Marsden Caughey, eldest son of Mr A. C. Caughey, of Mt. Albert. The Rev. W. Ready performed the ceremony. Mr Mitchell gave away his daughter, who looked pretty and graceful in a Princess robe of white pailette silk, with a tunic of silk lace, and a handsome veil of fine Brussells net, flowing from a wreath of orange blossoms. She carried a lovely bouquet of water lilies and ferns. Miss Hattrick, of Wanganui, was chief bridesmaid, in a gown of pale pink chiffon over white glace, and a large white hat trimmed with hyacinths. Miss Kathleen Caughey, sister of the bridegroom, as another bridesmaid, wore a dainty gown of white embroidery, and large white hat. Miss Hatrick carried a pink bouquet, and Miss Caughey a basket of flowers. Mr W. Astley was best man, and Mr W. Caughey groomsman.

After the ceremony the bridal party and guests adjourned to Wesley Hall, where the wedding breakfast was held. Among the wedding presents was a solid silver tea service, suitably inscribed, and presented by the employees of Smith and Caughey. Mrs Mitchell looked stylish in a striped blue and black silk voile, with jet trimming and transparencies of Paris lace, black and white toque trimmed with jet and grass. Mrs Caughey wore a handsome dress of black and white chiffon over glace; black and white hat trimmed with jet and touches of pink. Mrs W. Rainger, soft white embroidered silk, becoming hat. Miss J. Rainger, flowered chiffon over silk, pretty hat en suite.

      1.1.1 Thomas Harcourt Clarke Caughey (4 July 1911 - 1993)

   1.2 William Henry Caughey (1890 - 16 February 1919).  William enlisted in the first World War and was died as a result of disease, in Germany on 16 February 1919.

   1.3 Hugh Price Rainger Caughey (1892 - 15 November 1928) married Lillian Doris Page (1893 - 1948) in 1916.  Hugh preceded his father in death.

      1.3.1 Ronald Hugh Caughey (20 March 1918 - 5 September 1975) married Catherine Mary Caughey (8 December 1923 - 2008).  Ron worked in paediatrics.

      1.3.2 William Graham Caughey (21 November 1919 - 8 October 2012)

      1.3.3 Brian Keith Caughey (6 December 1927 - 2006)

   1.4 Patrick Caughey

   1.5 Andrew Leonard "Leonard" Caughey (21 August 1896 - 1982) married Agnes Annie Blackwell (16 September 1898 - 1988) in 1922.  Leonard also served in World War One, but unlike his brother, he returned home.  

      1.5.1 Margaret Anne Caughey (February 1925 - 16 October 1928).  Margaret was just short of four years old when she died.  She is buried with her Uncle Hugh.

   1.6 Jean Kathleen "Kathleen" Caughey (5 February 1900 - 1979) married Henry Hugh Blackwell (25 July 1896 - 1975) in 1922 

   1.7 Joseph Stuart "Stuart" Caughey (2 December 1901 - 1986) married Mavis Vida Rebecca Jordan (27 September 1901 - 1992) in 1925
   
   1.8 John Egerton "John" Caughey (8 August 1904 - 2000) married Dora May Joughin (8 July 1905 - 1984) in 1931

2. William Joseph Rainger (1868 - 1932) married Ada Amelia Brett (1868 - 1952) in 1897.  Their wedding was quite an event and was extensively reported including this report in the 18 September 1897 edition of the Observer.  Note the detail around all the women's attire:

St. Peter's Church, Takapuna, was the scene of an extremely pretty wedding on Wednesday afternoon of last week, the bride being Miss Brett, eldest daughter of Mr Henry Brett, and the bridegroom Mr William Rainger, sharebroker, of Auckland.

The nuptials occasioned a good deal of interest amongst a large circle of friends, many of whom assembled in the church to witness the ceremony. The church was beautifully decorated by the lady friends of the bride. An archway of lilies was erected, from which depended a large wedding bell of white flowers, under which the bride and bridegroom stood during the ceremony. The Rev. H. Davies officiated, the service being choral.

The bride was given away by her father, and looked extremely well in an elegant gown of creme serge made with zouave, and full vest of creme silk and chiffon, pretty creme hat trimmed with silk and upstanding flowers, and she carried a beautiful shower bouquet finished with broad satin ribbons, with monogram worked on the ends. Miss Emily Brett acted as bridesmaid, and wore a dainty dress of heliotrope hail shower muslin, the skirt made in the new style, gathered some distance below the waist, folded waist belt and collar of heliotrope satin, the bodice finished with white lace, white hat, trimmed with crepon silk and upstanding grass and purple irises, she carried an exquisite bouquet of violets and primroses, finished with wide heliotrope ribbon. The bridegroom's gifts to bride and bridesmaid were gold bracelets. Mr A. White acted as beat man.

Mrs Brett wore a beautiful gown of black silk, fischu of creme silk lace, black jet bonnet relieved with pink; Mrs Rainger, handsome gown of black merveilleux silk, pretty black and sea-green bonnet; Mrs Arthur Brett, black skirt, very dainty blouse of pink brocaded silk, black velvet hat trimmed with pink; Miss Rainger, black skirt, pretty crushed strawberry silk blouse, pretty white hat; Mrs Caughey, stylish black and white striped silk gown trimmed with creme silk lace and steel trimming, stylish floral toque; Mrs E. Porter, wine coloured costume; Miss Porter, pretty creme and butter coloured costume; Mrs A. C. H. Collins, looked elegant in a black velvet gown and hat Misses Baulf, pretty creme and vieux rose costumes, respectively; Miss J. Reeve, black velvet skirt, stylish blouse of buttercup yellow brocade, black hat with buttercups; Mrs Leys, handsome brown costume; Miss Henderson, grey, white hat; Mrs Cotter, black silk trimmed with grey; Miss E. Moon, pretty creme and gold costume; Miss Reid, black skirt, dainty gold coloured silk blouse; Miss Moon, black and violet; Mrs Williamson, grey, black bonnet; Miss Williamson' pretty navy blue costume, relieved with pink; Mrs Ansenne looked nice in black silk and lustre gown, large black hat with flowers; Miss Enderaon, grey and creme.

At the close of the service Miss Williamson, organist, performed the Wedding March. The guests, who were confined to relatives and very intimate friends, were subsequently entertained at afternoon tea by Mr and Mrs Brett, at their residence. Mr and Mrs Rainger left in the evening to spend their honeymoon in the country. 

William Joseph Rainger

William and Ada had four children:

   2.1 Leslie William Rainger (1898 - 1964) married Emma Mabel Bass (1896 - 1970) in 1925.

   2.2 Ada Rona "Rona" Rainger (25 October 1903 - 1951) married John Richard Kingston (20 January 1903 - 1987) in 1930.  Their wedding was described in the 12 February 1930 edition of the Auckland Star:

FASHIONABLE WEDDING.

KINGSTON—RAINGER.

St. Mark's Church was beautifully decorated in blue and white flowers this afternoon, with a rose petalled wedding bell and large pots of bamboo, when Ada Rona, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. W. J. Rainger of "Te Kiteroa," Domett Avenue, Epsom, became the wife of John Richard, eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. J. J. Kingston, of Victoria Avenue, Remuera. The Rev. George Cruicksbank performed the ceremony. The bride was given away by her father, and wore a gown of limerick lace, patterned in large fine cobwebs, attached to sprays of roses, with outstanding petals. It was mounted on deep cream faille net. The neck was cut in a small square. A beautifully cut train was set in the waist, the whole gown making a delightful ensemble. Many yards of billowy tulle formed a long train, which had a deep border of lace. The tulle was drawn into a cap fashion, with a band of lace and small lily of the valley and orange blossom buds. It fell also over the face. She carried a sheaf of white lilies.

Miss Connie Rainger and Miss Gwen Kingston were bridesmaids, and wore frocks fashioned alike in deep cream marli chiffon. The frilled, peacock dipping skirts were fastened to plain bodices, with small gaugings at the waistline. Period bows and ends of soft hydrangea blue silk were placed at the back of the waist. Stitched picture tulle hats with transparent hems had taffeta bows. Shoes and bouquets of the same tone of blue made an effective setting. The little flower girl Diana Frater was in a frilled white chiffon frock, and Marick Gray, the little page, wore pastel blue taffeta trousers and white silk shirt. Mr. Roy Craig attended as best man.  

   2.3 Alan Brett Rainger (18 January 1905 - 1984) married Ellen Endean "Nell" Gaudin (1906 - 1969) on 17 April 1929.  
Details of Alan and Nell's wedding day were published in the 18 April 1929 edition of the Auckland Star:

WEDDINGS OF THE WEEK.

RAINGER—GAUDIN

The marriage of Miss Nell Gaudin, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. F. E. N. Gaudin, of Norwood Road, Bayswater to Mr. Alan Brett Rainger second son of Mr. and Mr. W. J. Rainger of Domett Avenue, Epsom, took place at St. Peter's Church, Takapuna, last evening. The Rev. W. G. Monckton officiated, and the service was fully choral, with Mr. Foster Brown as organist. Pink was the dominant note and the church was beautifully decorated by the girl friends of the bride in chrysanthemums and cosmos of that shade. This included the bell which was suspended from an arch of ferns and pink flowers, also the posies on the pews.

The bride came down the aisle with her father. She wore an old world gown of cream satin beaute over shell pink taffeta. The skirt fell to the ground, having a transparent hem of blonde lace, which with tiers of tiny frills of cream georgette made a dainty trimming. A georgette collar fell over her shoulders and sprigs of orange blossom were thrown over the gown. She wore a tulle veil bordered with blonde lace, caught to the head with clusters of orange blossom on each side. A posy of three tones of pink flowers and maiden hair fern was carried. The old world style was carried out by the wearing of silk lace elbow-length mittens. Two bridesmaids were in attendance. Miss Freda Gaudin, who wore shell pink, and Miss Connie Rainger, who wore willow green. Their frocks were both fashioned alike, with tucked tight fitting bodices of georgette, rather full skirts with deep flounce of lace, and large tulle hip bows, and picture hats to tone. Mr. Keith Stewart acted as best man and Mr. Murray Hunter as groomsman. A reception was held at "Wharehoa," the home of the bride's parents. The drawing room was charmingly decorated in a scheme of pale pink, with large bowls of pink flowers. Mrs. Gaudin received her guests wearing a frock of navy blue lace, a georgette wrap, and black hat with ospreys. She carried a posy or red roses. Mrs. W. T. Rainger was gowned in bronze gold lace, and lame, and hat to tone.

   2.4 Constance Mary "Connie" Rainger (27 July 1908 - 1978).  Connie never married.

William's obituary appeared in the 7 September 1932 edition of the Auckland Star:

OBITUARY.

MR. W. J. RAINGER.

It came as a shock to the numerous friends of Mr. William J. Rainier to learn of his death last evening after a short illness. Mr. Rainger was most popular with all who knew him, both because of his genial character and generous nature. Mr. Rainger was born in Wiltshire, England, 64 years ago, and was educated at a West of England public school. He served his apprenticeship with the firm of Dicks and Son, at Sherston, Wiltshire, and came to Auckland in 1884, where he entered the drapery firm of Bridgman and Company. He joined the staff of McArthur and Company, warehousemen, of this city, in 1890, and for two years was a commercial traveller on the West Coast of the North Island. Then he was appointed departmental manager. When that firm was absorbed by Sargood, Son and Ewen. Ltd., in 1896, Mr. Rainger went into partnership with Mr. Edward Matthews. In 1897 that partnership was dissolved, and Mr. Rainger started business on his own account as a wholesale tobacco, cigarette and fancy goods merchant, which he carried on until his death.

Mr. Rainger was keenly interested in sport, being a member of the Northern Boxing Association. His recreations were golf, bowls, shooting and billiards. He was in his earlier years a member of the Queen's Own Volunteer Corps. Mr. Rainger belonged to the Northern Club and the Auckland Club. He was a past president and a life member of the Auckland Warehousemen and Commercial Travellers' Club, and a past president of the Auckland Savage Club. He is survived by his wife, the eldest daughter of the late Sir Henry Brett and Lady Brett, and the following children: Messrs. Leslie Rainger, Alan Rainger, Mrs. J. R. Kingston and Miss Constance Rainger.

3. Isabel Rainger (c1872) married William Henry Matthew (1871 - 1903) on 17 January 1903 at St Mark's Church, Remuera.  William had been Quartermaster with the First Canterbury Rifles.  He had also been the manager for Butterworth Brothers in Christchurch and the Department Manager for W. McArthur and Co., Auckland.  At the time Isabel married, her father Joseph was living on Brighton Road, Parnell.  It seems that William died soon after their marriage, but I've been unable to find what happened to Isabel, although I know she was still alive in 1930 at the time of her mother's death.

4. Annie M. Rainger married James Cronin in St Leonard's, Sydney, New South Wales in 1913.  

5. Amy Rainger (1876 - 1944).  Amy's engagement to Frank Littleproud (1881 - 1950) was announced in the 11 August 1906 edition of the Observer, and they were married on 12 March 1908 at St Mary's Cathedral, Parnell by Rev. MacMurray.  Frank was the fourth son of Henry Littleproud of Ponsonby.

   5.1 Joyce Rona Littleproud (8 September 1910 - 2001)

6. Charles Rainger (1876 - 17 October 1933) married Florence Mary "Mary"  Court (1876 - 1967) in Auckland on 9 January 1901.  Interestingly (for me) Alister's Great Great Grandfather officiated!

Their wedding was reported upon in the 10 January 1901 edition of the Auckland Star:

A pretty wedding took place at All Saints' Church, Ponsonby, yesterday, the contracting parties being Mr. Charles Rainger, of Parnell, and Miss Florence Mary Court, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Court, of Hamilton Road, Ponsonby. The Rev. Canon Calder performed the marriage ceremony. The church was full of guests and well-wishers, admirable arrangements being made for their convenience. The bride was given away by her father, and was dressed, in an elegantly trimmed cream silk gown, with lace trimmings, and transparent sleeves and collar. She also wore a bridal wreath of orange blossoms and an exquisitely embroidered veil, and carried a lovely shower bouquet. Her two sisters, Misses Annie and Elsie Court, and Misses Jennie and Agnes Rainger, sisters of the bridegroom, accompanied her as bridesmaids, and were prettily attired in rich China silk dresses and white chiffon and plume hats, and carried pink and yellow bouquets and streamers. Mr. Harry Rainger, brother of the bridegroom, officiated as best man, Messrs. G. and H. Court and R. Rainger acting as groomsmen. Dr. Thomas was present at the organ, and played the "Wedding March" and other suitable selections. After the ceremony a large party of relatives and guests sat down to a wedding repast at the residence of the bride's parents, when the usual toasts were honoured. Much admiration was expressed at the numerous and valuable presents which, were displayed. The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a handsome diamond ring, the bridesmaids' gifts being pretty gold brooches. The newly wedded pair were recipients of many and hearty congratulations, amidst which they left on their honeymoon.

Charles and Mary didn't have any children.

Charles' obituary appeared in the 19 October 1933 edition of the Auckland Star:

OBITUARY.

MR. CHARLES RAINGER.

A former well-known figure in the drapery trade in Auckland, Mr. Charles Rainger, died at his home, 12, Dromorne Road, Remuera, at the age of fifty-seven. As a young man, Mr. Rainger arrived in Auckland from England with his parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Rainger, about 50 years ago. He served in several large drapery establishments in the city before he went into business on his own account, first at Newmarket and later at Onehunga, and retired several years ago. Mr. Rainger, who married Miss Florence Court, a daughter of the late Mr. John Court, was a member of the Remuera Bowling Club. He is survived by his widow.

7. Harry Rainger (1879 - 1928) married Edith Florence Walker (1870 - 1951) on 1 March 1905 at Thames.  They were married by Rev. Dr. O'Callaghan.  Edith and Harry lived in Auckland.  More about the Walker family and Harry and Edith's children here.  An account of their wedding was published in the 11 March 1905 edition of the Observer:

THE SOCIAL SPHERE...

The marriage of Miss Edith Walker, fourth daughter of Mr J. W. ("Long Drive”) Walker, to Mr Harry Rainger, of Auckland, was celebrated at St. John's Church, Tararu, Thames, on Wednesday of last week. The church had been prettily decorated by the friends of the bride, a floral archway and bell forming the principal features of the scheme. The Rev. Dr O'Callaghan officiated, and the service was choral, Mr W. H. Newton presiding at the organ and playing the wedding marches. The bride was given away by her father, and wore an exquisite bridal gown of Chantilly lace, a present from Home, made over a foundation of ivory satin, with chiffon interlining. The skirt was gracefully cut, displaying effectively the beautiful design of the material, while the bodice was draped simply, the sleeves being caught in the centre and flowing. She also wore a shaped chiffon sash and tulle embroidered veil, charmingly caught up with a cluster of orange blossom, and carried a bouquet of choice hot-house flowers and maiden hair fern.

Miss Amy Walker, sister of the bride, acted as bridesmaid, wearing a charming Paris frock of hand-painted chiffon in pale pink design, over a double underskirt of blue glace silk and chiffon. The skirt was surmounted with flounces of the material edged with Valenciennes, the same effect being reproduced in miniature on the pretty elbow sleeve. The bodice was draped with a picturesque fichu of early Victorian style finished with hanging rosettes, and blue corselet ceinture. Her hat was of the Romney type, of cornflower-blue tulle, garlanded on crown and brim with flowers to correspond, and bunches of ribbon shaded in gradation. She carried a bouquet of dark red roses. Mr J. Alexander, of Auckland, acted as best man.

After the ceremony, the bridal party, which was limited to the near relatives of the bride and bridegroom, was entertained at Mr Walker's residence, Tararu, where a reception was also held, and despite heavy rainfall, was largely attended by friends of the parties. Gramophone repetitions of songs and opera scenes by Madame Melba, who is a cousin of the bride, formed a notable part of the afternoon's proceedings. The gift of the bridegroom to the bride was a handsome diamond ring, and his memento to the bridesmaid was a Nellie Stewart bangle. Mrs Rainger's going away dress was a smartly cut tailor-made costume of dark green cloth, with white lapels, and becoming hat of tricoloured straw in brown, green, and blue, with box-pleat of intermixed ribbon and tulle tastefully combined.

8. Richard George "Dick" Rainger (1881 - 1954) married Violet Jessamine Johnson  (1887 - 1967) in 1903.

   8.1 Daphne Violet Rainger (26 August 1903 - 1988).  Daphne's engagement to Douglas Erle Rathbone (5 August 1904 - 1991) was announced in the 24 November 1927 edition of the Auckland Star.  Douglas was the eldest son of Mr and Mrs L.C. Rathbone.  Subsequently they married on 1930.  The wedding was reported in the 5 June 1930 edition of the Auckland Star.  I have left out the lengthy guest list...:

RATHBONE—RAINGER

A wedding of interest to a large circle of friends in the Dominion was celebrated at St. Mark's Church, Remuera, last evening when Miss Daphne Rainger, elder daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Rainger, of Arney Road, Remuera, became the wife of Mr. Douglas Erie Rathbone, of Wellington; eldest son of Mr. and Mrs. L. C. Rathbone, of "Otanga," Victoria Avenue, Remuera. The girl friends of the bride had decorated the church with beautiful winter blooms, pink lobelia and maidenhair fern posies, being tied with silver lame ribbons to each pew, and a wedding bell suspended over the bridal pair, which was made of pink camellias and silver bells. The Rev. G. C. Cruickshank officiated at the service, which was choral. The bride's frock was unusual. Mounted over flesh-pink chiffon of fine Mechlin lace and traced in silver bunches of grapes, the skirt was made with three tiers at the back, each tier having a small hem of tulle. The close-fitting bodice had a tulle yoke outlined in silver, and from the back fell a small graceful cape, held in the centre by a true-lovers' bow and long narrow ends of silver ribbon. The circular Brussels lace veil was secured with a crosscut wreath of orange blossoms, which encircled the head. She carried a sheaf of white roses and pink carnations. Miss Cushla Rainger and Miss Nancy Noakes attended as bridesmaids, and wore dainty frocks of cameo pink moire. The long flared skirts were made in four panels, and revealed underskirts of silver lame; pink fish net and narrow silver ribbon formed the bodices, and they were fastened at the back with paste buckles. The new felt picture hats, wide-brimmed and cut close at the

back of the head, had moire velvet bows with diamante ornament across the back, and they carried, sheaves of pink roses. The little flower girl, Ailsa Rathbone, wore pink satin, with rows of ruchings on the skirt, and a pink felt Dutch bonnet. A posy of daphne was carried. Mr. Hector Fisher attended as best man, and Mr. William Rathbone as groomsman. Ushers at the church were Messrs. Nield, Paterson, Robert Barr, Ralph Wylde-Brown, Craig Partridge and Richard Rainger. A reception followed the ceremony, the bride's home being a bower of pink and gold flowers. The marquee erected on the lawn was strung with silver, hanging palms and pink shaded lights. Mrs. Rainger received the guests in a gold and wine floral metal brocade frock, with small coat of the same material. The wine-stitched panne velvet hat and kolinsky fur choker were completed by a shower bouquet of deep red roses. Mrs. Rathbone, the bridegroom's mother, wore a turquoise georgette and metal lace frock, with duchess blue panne velvet wrap bordered with soft grey fox fur, and blue felt hat. A blue and lemon bouquet was carried.

   8.2 Cushla Joyce Rainger (13 April 1907 - 1989) married McGregor Turnball in 1943.

The Auckland Star reported Cushla's marriage to McGregor in its 7 October 1943 edition:

AIR FORCE WEDDING

TURNBULL— RAINGER

At the chapel at Hobsonville yesterday afternoon, the marriage took place of Section-Officer Cushla Rainger, W.A.A.F., younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. R. G. Rainger, of Arney Road, Remuera, to Squadron-Leader McGregor Turnbull, son of Mrs. R. Turnbull, of Napier. The chaplain of the station, Flight-Lieutenant Gardner, performed the ceremony.

The bride, who was given away by her father, was married in her uniform. Attending her was her sister, Mrs. Douglas Rathbone, who wore a floral frock with navy accessories. The best man was Flying-Officer F. V. Pilling, adjutant of the station. Members of the Women's Auxiliary Air Force formed a guard of honour outside the chapel.

Before leaving for the reception at the home of the bride's parents, the wedding party was entertained in the officers' mess. Mrs. Rainger received the guests, who included the commanding officer of the station, Wing-Commander F. R. Newell, and Mrs. Newell. The bride, a former Waaf supervisor at the station, is now attached to the Air Department, Wellington, and the bridegroom, a member of the Royal Flying Corps in the last war, has an administrative position at a South Island station.

   8.3 Richard Edwin Rainger (d 1971, Surfers Paradise, Australia) Richard Jnr served in the air force in World War Two and was missing for a time in 1943 before being confirmed as a Prisoner of War.  After the war married, but divorced in 1964.  He then moved to Australia where he worked as an estate agent until his death in 1971.  

   8.4 John Joseph Rainger (November 1919 - 12 July 1920).  This baby died aged just nine months.

In the Spring of 1931, Richard's home was partially destroyed by fire, and he had a lucky escape himself.  The details were published in the 22 October 1931 edition of the Auckland Star:

CHOKED BY SMOKE.

ESCAPE FROM BLAZING HOUSE

REMUERA HOME GUTTED.

OWNER FALLS EIGHT FEET.

Awaking to find himself choking in thick smoke, Mr. R. G. Rainger, living at No. 4, Arney Road, Remuera, had a narrow escape from death early this morning. Half suffocated, and with the crackle of blazing timber in his ears, he managed to reach the ground by means of a fire escape. There was no one else in the house at the time. Although excellent work was done by the Remuera and Parnell brigades, the house was badly gutted, the top storey being destroyed and the rear portion of the lower floor extensively damaged.

It was a few minutes after 10 o'clock that Mr. Rainger went to bed. A small fire had been burning in a sitting room at the back of the house earlier in the evening, but "appeared dead' when he retired. Shortly before one o'clock this morning he awoke, coughing violently from the effects of smoke. Although there was no sign of flames, the bedroom, which is at the front of the house, was full of smoke. Stopping only long enough to throw a pair of trousers through the window, Mr. Rainger made a run for the stairs.

Staircase Ablaze.

At the top of the staircase Mr. Rainger was met by a long tongue of flame. Smoke was also billowing up from the lower storey, and the stairs themselves were blazing fiercely. Realising that the burning staircase might give way beneath his weight, Mr. Rainger wisely decided not to attempt to break through the fire, but dashed through another bedroom to a fire escape on the side of thehouse. Fortunately this part of the building was not alight.

Weak from the effects of the smoke, Mr. Rainger missed his footing when near the bottom of the escape, and fell eight feet to the ground. With the wind knocked out of him, it was several minutes before he was able to pick himself up and give the alarm by telephone from a neighbouring house. After ringing the brigade he returned to the house and succeeded in saving a few valuable sports trophies from the living room. With the exception of the suit of pyjamas in which he escaped, Mr. Rainger lost all his personal effects, the pair of trousers which he had thrown from the upstairs, window being found badly charred on the lawn.

Good Work by Firemen.

The alarm was given at two minutes past one, and when the Remuera and Parnell brigades arrived the whole top storey of the house was blazing fiercely, and the place was also well alight at the back. Long arms of flame were reaching from nearly every window on the upper storey, and dense billows of smoke were rolling away into the night. One lead of hose was taken in through the front door, and thousands of gallons of water were played on to the rear of the building, where the fire appeared to have its strongest hold. When the blaze had been checked at one of the upstairs balconies another lead of hose was taken up a ladder, and the firemen were able to attack the fire on the top floor. It was a sharp and strenuous fight, but within 20 minutes the brigades had the outbreak under control. Considering that the flames were fanned by a strong breeze, the firemen's achievement was particularly good.

It seems certain that the fire started at the rear of the house. Mr. Rainger is of the opinion that a faulty chimney was probably the cause of the outbreak. The upper storey was completely gutted, and one room downstairs was burnt out. In the other rooms on the ground floor the effects were damaged by water.

Curiously enough, although the house is situated in a popular residential area, no one saw the fire until Mr. Rainger himself had given the alarm. Members of one family living across the road noticed the smell of something smouldering as early as eleven o'clock, but another neighbour who passed the house half an hour after midnight saw no sign of fire.

Insurances and Contents.

The house, a ten-roomed one, was formerly owned by Mr. P. Butler. It was insured for £2250 in the office of the North British and Mercantile Insurance Co., Ltd. There was a cover of between £400 and £500 of the contents.

As none of the contents of the upstairs rooms were saved, and as many of those downstairs were ruined by water, Mr. Rainger is a fairly heavy loser. A serious loss to the owner is a large number of sports trophies, although the more valuable of these were, luckily, in the downstairs rooms that were not gutted. Mr. Rainger estimates that there were upwards of 60 trophies in the house at the time of the fire. These comprised awards for hurdling, cycling, swimming, rowing, tennis and golf won by the owner himself, and a number of golf trophies won by his wife and daughter, who were on a visit to Hamilton last evening.

9. Thomas Trevor "Tom" Rainger (1882 - 9 December 1939) married Clara Miles (1884 - 1913) in 1907.  Following her death at the age of just 29, Thomas married Edith Annie Smith (1887 - 3 June 1967) in 1915.  Thomas and Clara had the  following children prior to her death:

   9.1 William Joseph Thomas Rainger (1908)

   9.2 Amy Winifred Rainger (11 June 1909 - 1995)

   9.3 Vera Agnes Rainger (7 April 1911 - 1998)

10. Clara Jennie "Jennie" Rainger (chr 13 March 1884 - 1959) married George Henry Woolley (1890 - 1970) in 1916

11. Arthur Thomas Rainger (1886).  I believe Arthur died as a baby.  

12. Agnes Rainger (1889 - 8 April 1944, Christchurch) married Roy Alfred Barnsdale (1 March 1889 - 25 November 1981, Rotorua) in 1914.  Roy was a bank manager and took over a hotel, the Occidental in 1959, in Canterbury.  Later he seems to have retired to Rotorua.  The following article, published in the 16 November 1922 edition of the Norther Advocate discusses his impending move to Hastings and gives an indication of how much the family must have moved around:

PERSONAL
Mr R.A. Barnsdale, manager of the National Bank in Whangarei, has received word of his promotion to the managership of the Hastings branch.
As it is only a little over two  years since he opened the Whangarei branch he has won promotion rapidly.  
Mr Barnsdale has been an active citizen, being prominent in cricket and musical circles, vice-president of the Waiata Society, and treasurer of the Whangarei Club.  He has also been a warden and vestryman of Christ Church, and has done useful work in connection with the Chamber of Commerce. 

I believe that Agnes and Roy had at least one son:

   12.1 Alan Roy Barnsdale (2 October 1921, Whangarei - 10 August 1987, Rotorua).  Alan worked as an Accountant in Rotorua.