Nye, Staff, Osborne and Honore families

The following story appeared in the NZ Truth on 10 July 1909.  It caught my eye as I was looking for something else.  When I looked a bit further into it, I found a really interesting extended family as well, many of whom had had their own share of tragedy and triumph.  With respect to the article that interested me, however, in their typical sensational manner, NZ Truth reported:

THE FOXTON TRAGEDY.

HEDLEY NYE'S MIDNIGHT DEED.

A Little History of the Family.

The Hardships of a Deaf Mute.

A tragic occurrence took place at Foxton during the slumbering hours of Sunday night, or rather Monday morning, last, which has caused the residents of the peaceful Manawatu port to become greatly excited with the event. The occurrence which has led to this distinction being thrust on Foxton is nothing less than the committal of murder, and the darksome deed was rendered more gruesome by reason of the fact that it was a well-known resident who was done to death by

HIS 19-YEAR-OLD SON.

The scene of the tragedy was the residence of Mr Thomas Nye, and the circumstances surrounding the event and the cause of the deed are somewhat enshrouded in mystery. Thomas Nye, the victim of the tragedy, was a son of the late Mr George Nye, one of the oldest settlers m the Foxton district. From what can be learned of the sad incident, it appears that the family retired to bed about 11 p.m. on Sunday last. Mr and Mrs Nye occupied an apartment on the ground floor of the house, whilst the sleeping apartments of Hedley Nye, the youth charged with the deed, and his step-brother and sister, were upstairs.

About one o'clock in the morning Mr Nye was aroused by heavy sounds as of someone moving about the house, and he at once rose and proceeded to investigate the unusual occurrence. He went into the dining-room, and on reaching the foot of the stairs was met by his son, Hedley Nye, who was in possession of a double barrelled breech-loading shot gun. The boy appears to have immediately levelled the weapon at his father and fired point blank at him, the shot entering his neck at the left side. Mrs Nye, on hearing the report of the gun, rose and called out to her husband, but receiving no reply she became alarmed and called out a warning to the'occupants of the upstairs rooms, whilst she made a rush for the door. Before she got through the passage, however,

SHE WAS CHALLENGED BY HEDLEY NYE,

but succeeded in evading him and fled through the bush to a neighboring house where she roused the occupants and informed them of what had taken place. At the Nye's house the younger boy hurriedly left the room, and proceeding downstairs fell over the prostrate body of his father, and then fled from the house. The boy's sister, either unable to get out of her room or afraid to leave it, bolted herself in and screamed loudly for help, and she was found in a highly nervous state when the police arrived to investigate the tragedy. Meanwhile the perpetrator of the tragedy had disappeared, taking the gun with him. He was traced as proceeding towards Levin, on the Whirokino Road, and soon as news of the occurrence was received by Sub-Inspector O'Donovan at Palmerston North, an active search for the youth was instigated. Constables Woods and Sweeney of Foxton, Constable Essen of Shannon, Constable Bagrie of Levin, and Detective Quirke of Palmerston North were engaged all the morning in searching for the youth, who was eventually arrested by Constable Bagrie at Levin Station. Hedley Nye is a deaf mute, and the constable made known the charge against him by writing on a piece of paper

"YOU ARE CHARGED WITH MURDER."

and the youth in reply wrote, "Yes." Accused, who was carrying a breech-loader and cartridges, made no resistance but submitted quietly to arrest and was conveyed to Foxton to await the inquest and whatever charge the police might bring against him.

It has been stated in the daily press that the youth is of somewhat eccentric habits and that he had previously threatened to shoot his father, but there seems little foundation for the statements.

Thomas Nye, the murdered man, used to be an officer m a volunteer corps. He was a tall, dark handsome man, and was a great favorite with his friends and acquaintances, and particularly with the female sex. At balls, where Nye attended he was usually the centre of attraction for many of the fair sex, and his fondness for the gentler sex seems to have been the cause of his domestic troubles. His first wife sought and obtained a divorce from him on the grounds of misconduct. But Nye did not remain long alone, for he married a woman who was also divorced. There were three children of the first marriage, Hedley Nye being the eldest. The other two children are both girls, the elder being about 18 years of age and tbe younger about 6. A peculiarity of all the children is that

THEY ARE ALL "DEFICIENT"

in some respect, the younger child being able only, with difficulty, to say, "Mamma" and "Dada." The boy's mother was married again about three years ago to Mr Rist, now in the employ of A. L. Wilson and Co., of this city, and the younger child is with Mrs Rist. People who know the youth Hedley Nye, state that he is not of eccentric habits, but that he is a steady, hard-working youth. The boy was first '"put to learn woodcarving" and showed some considerable skill, but his infirmity told against him, as, being a deaf mute, he could not converse and consequently was unable to be left in the shop, where he might have to meet and explain matters to clients. He was found employment in another sphere, but again his infirmity told against him. He seems to have had an objection to working on the farm as the solitude of the life, combined with his infirmity, appeared to get on his nerves and became a trial to him. The solitude of the life he found too much for him, but still he was kept at the farm. His father was kind to him on the whole, but there appears to have been some misunderstanding on the part of the youth and his relatives, as his father, at one period, caused advertisements to be inserted in the Foxton paper, intimating that he would

NOT BE RESPONSIBLE FOR THE BOY'S DEBTS.

The boy also, whilst in Christchurch some time ago, received a letter, from home intimating that he was not welcome there. Some correspondence seems to have taken place between the boy's own mother and step-father, and his father and the authorities, in regard to the unfortunate boy's welfare. Mr Rist, who is not in receipt of a large lamily, undertook the responsibility of bringing up the youth's youngest sister, but was unable to do the same for the boy. It would appear that the youth had been bandied about, and doubtless this has led to him becoming dissatisfied. Much sympathy is expressed locally for the youth in his hour of trial and efforts are being made to provide him with counsel for the trial.

THE INQUEST.

The inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of Thomas Nye was held at Foxton before the Coroner, Mr A. Fraser, on Monday afternoon.

Sub-lnspector O'Donovan appeared for the police.

Mrs Nye stated that on hearing a noise her husband got out of bed, struck a light, and proceeded down the passage to investigate. In a few seconds she heard a crashing sound in the dining-room. She called out to her husband, and receiving no reply got out of bed and went into the passage. There she saw the body of her husband lying on the door, and on looking into the kitchen saw accused looking into the drawer of the cupboard where the cartridges were kept. When accused saw witness he made for her and chased her out of the house. She closed the door and hid behind a tree. Accused came out and made for the gate, but seeing no one he went in again. Witness called to the children to save themselves and then made her way across to Mrs Arthur Symons' place.

Lionel Bursten, 13 years of age, stepbrother of accused, stated that he saw accused enter the bedroom and either put a cartridge in the gun or withdraw one. Witness rushed past accused downstairs, and at the foot fell over the prostrate body of his father. Witness got up and entered the sitting room, locked the door, and escaped by the window. Violet Nye, sister of accused, stated that she was upstairs when she heard shots fired, and called to his mother to come upstairs. Witness heard accused come upstairs and dress himself, and next saw him

OUTSIDE IN THE MOONLIGHT.

She locked herself in the room and saw accused go away. She remained in the house until the constable arrived to search the house. The constable could not find accused, and he took witness to Mrs Symons'.

The young accused was brought in and some difficulty was experienced in swearing him. The accused even smiled at the attempts of Coroner and officials to swear him, and his uncle took a seat next to him and tried to make him understand by saying that God would be angry if he told a lie. He appeared puzzled and then smiled. The question was written "Do you understand the nature of an oath?” and he wrote underneath "Yes." It was then written, "Will you swear to tell the truth?" and he again smiled and wrote, "I do not think of it." The next question was, "Do you know your father is dead?” He nodded and smiled and wrote, "Yes." Again the Coroner wrote "Do you know how he died?” Mr Moore then desired that he should be informed that he need not answer any questions which would incriminate himself, and the Coroner wrote, "You are not compelled to answer questions that will bring you into trouble."

He seemed confused and gazed around with a puzzled expression and then wrote "The shot went through the heart and head and died instantly." Another question asked was, "Why did you go to Levin?” and he wrote "I go to Levin so the policeman not find me the way." He then signed his name.

The Coroner returned a verdict tliat deceased met his death by a gun-shot wound inflicted by his step-son. After the inquest accused was formally charged with causing the death of Thomas Nye, and was remanded to Palmerston North until Thursday. He was taken to Palmerston by Detective Quirke. On Thursday Hedley Nye was brought before the Court and remanded to appear at Foxton on July 12.

Thomas Nye

Thomas Nye (1865 - 1909) married Winifred Dagmar Beatrice Osborne (1865 - 1942) in Foxton in 1887.  Together they had the following children:

   1. Hedley Thomas Osborne Nye (1889 - 1966)

   2. Violet Dagmar Elizabeth Nye (27 August 1890 - 1982) married Albert James Kellow (1877 - 1957) in 1911.  They had at least one daughter:

      2.1 Gwendolyn Mary Kellow (11 November 1911 - 2008).  Gwendolyn married Mr Hare.    

   3. Victoria Winifred Nye (1901)

As indicated in the article above, the marriage was obviously not a particularly happy, settled one.  On 12 July 1903 at Wellington, the Chief Justice granted Winifred 'restitution of conjugal rights' and alimony of 32 shillings per week.  

On 2 September 1903, at Winifred's petition, the Chief Justice in Wellington granted a decree nisi to be made absolute in six months.  The basis of the petition was that the Respondent (Thomas) had not cohabited with Winifred since June 1900.  Thomas had refused to comply with the previous order for restitution of conjugal rights.  

In 1905, Thomas married for the second to divorcee Agnes Maria Burston nee Hogg (1872 - 1964).

Agnes had previously married James Burston (1861 - 6 November 1912) on 22 August 1894 at the Cathedral in Nelson.  They had been married by Rev. J.P. Kempthorne.  James had come to New Zealand from Somerset, England.  Agnes was the eldest daughter of John Hogg, of the City Brewery in Nelson.  At the time of their marriage, and until 7 October 1897, James worked as a Brewer in partnership with Charles Frederick Muntz, in Nelson.  Following the dissolution of the partnership, he carried on alone in business.  Together, James and Agnes had one son:

   1. Lionel Bertie Burston (10 March 1894 - 1976) married Nancy Dawes in 1927.  In 1923 Lionel was the best man at the wedding of friends Douglas Morrison and Ivy Hodgson, in Wanganui.  Lionel and Nancy had at least one son:

      1.1 Peter Lionel Burston (19 August 1928 - 2008)

Agnes and James were granted a decree nisi in the Palmerston North Court on 3 October 1904 and this was reported in that day's edition of the Manawatu Standard:

DIVORCE COURT
Monday
(Before His Honor Justice Cooper)
...

Agness Maria Burston (Mr Innes) v. James Burston.

Petitioner in her evidence stated she was married to the respondent at Nelson in 1894. They lived in Nelson at first and then went to Richmond, where they lived for six years. They went to Foxton about three years ago. Shortly after marriage petitioner discovered that her husband had been previously married and divorced. Her husband was the son of a brewer and drank very heavily. The whole of his wages were spent in drink and petitioner had to take in sewing to support herself. She still kept herself and frequently, while they were living together, had to support her husband. He had struck her several times and frequently she had to seek refuge in barns, sheds and at the neighbours. She left her husband eighteen months ago.

Mathilde Collins, a resident of Foxton, gave evidence relative to the respondent's drinking habits and cruelty to his wife in Foxton.

Louisa M. Madden, a sister of the petitioner, gave corroborative evidence as to respondent's cruelty and drunken habits. She was aware her sister had been turned out of her house on several occasions and once respondent had chased petitioner with a piece of lighted wood.

Eva Cresswell, a former resident of Richmond, but now in Palmerston, said she had seen petitioner cruelly illtreated. by respondent. Petitioner had taken refuge in her (witness') father's barn on one of these occasions.

A. J. Hogg, brother of the petitioner, also deposed to the drinking habits of the respondent and his cruelty to petitioner.

A decree nisi was granted, with costs on the lowest scale and custody of the child. Order to be made absolute in three months.

Following the divorce, James did not remarry.  He died prematurely as a result of an incident which occurred on 5 November 1912, in Gisborne.  His death was as a result of fireworks going off (for Guy Fawkes) and scaring his horse, which then bolted, throwing him.  He died the following day. James had worked as a surveyor's assistant prior to his death.  The Poverty Bay Herald reported fully on James' death in their 6 November 1912 edition:

A FATAL ACCIDENT.

MAN THROWN FROM HORSE.

RESULT OF FIREWORKS.

A fatal accident, believed to have been caused by the setting off of fireworks, occurred last night, whereby a surveyor's assistant, Mr James Burston, a single man, aged about 47 years, was killed.

Deceased, when in town, resided in Upper Ormond Road.

He left home about 10 a.m. yesterday to ride to town, and shortly before 7 p.m. he was seen by his landlady racing up Ormond road it being quite evident that the horse was bolting. When a short distance from the Mangapapa bridge he was thrown on to the hard metal, and was picked up in an unconscious condition. Deceased was carried to the hospital, when he was found to be severely bruised about the head and shoulders, and also injured inwardly. He did not regain consciousness, and passed away about 5 o'clock this morning.

The bolting horse came from the direction of Roebuck road bridge, in which vicinity reports of fireworks were heard shortly before the frightened animal appeared m Ormond road.

Deceased had resided in Gisborne for a number of years, and was well known and respected. He hails from Taunton, Somersetshire, where his mother and brother reside.

Upon receipt of the information Sergeant Hutton communicated with Mr W. A. Barton, S.M., district coroner, who is on his way up the Coast. It has been arranged to hold an inquest this evening before Mr H. E. Hill. J.P., acting coroner.

In 1907, Winifred Nye also remarried - to Herbert George Rist (1877 - 1966).      

An insight into Hedley Nye appeared in a 8 July 1909 report in the Wairarapa Daily Times.  

HEDLEY NYE.

When arrested Hedley Nye, says the Herald, had in his possession a cheque for £1 10s 4d, four cartridges, a small memorandum book and his father's single-barrel shot gun. The accused is of spare build and possesses a rather pleasant face. He is a deaf mute, and was born at Foxton. At five years of age he was sent to the school for deaf mutes at Sumner, Christchurch, where he remained for a period of about seven years. While at the Institution he is reported to have been of exemplary conduct, showed marked intelligence in his studies and was a favourite of the principal, Mr Yon Asch. He was also the champion athlete of the school during his term there. On leaving the Institution he came back to Foxton and took up his residence with his father at "Sunnyside." It is questionable whether he liked farming pursuits, as on two or three occasions he decamped. He was very fond of reading light literature, and evinced a great fondness for animals. At times he became very moody and as is usual in such cases, evinced stubbornness.

The matter of the Crown v Hedley Nye was settled for good mere months later, and this was reported in various papers, including the 24 August 1909 extra edition of the Evening Standard:

EXTRA EDITION. 

FOXTON MURDER CASE.

TRIAL OF HEDLEY NYE.

ACQUITTED ON THE GROUND OF INSANITY.

TO BE DETAINED IN AN ASYLUM.

[BY TELEGBAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

PALMERSTON N., This Day.

The Foxton murder case, in which Hedley Nye, the deaf-mute, was charged with shooting his father, Thomas Nye, at Foxton, on 5th July, came on before Mr. Justice Cooper and a jury this morning.

Mr. C. A. Loughanan appeared for the Crown, and Mr. T. M. Wilford for the defence.

An alternative count of manslaughter was also preferred.

Mr. Wilford, by consent of the court, put three, issues— (1) Whether accused was mute of malice or by the visitation of God; (2) whether he was able to plead; or (3) whether he was sane or not.

Evidence was called to show that accused had been a deaf-mute all his life, and the jury, without leaving the box, found accused to be mute by the visitation of God.

On the second and third issues, Mr. Wilford said he would bring evidence to show that accused was the victim of delusions. He believed his father was still alive, and in the house. Another delusion was that of a sense of grandeur, and that he could see in the dark. Counsel had tried to question accused, but his answers were wild and unintelligible.

Dr. Crosby, medical superintendent of Mount View Asylum, gave the opinion that accused was a lunatic and unable to plead.

Dr. Gilmer, of Wellington, gave corroborative evidence, stating that the boy behaved like a wild animal.

Dr. Martin, of Palmerston, said he had had two hours with accused on the previous night, and found that the delusions mentioned by the other witnesses were quite fixed. Accused was a degenerate physically.

Other evidence went to show that accused was of unsound mind.

After the judge's charge, the jury, without leaving the box, brought in a verdict of lunacy, and accused was ordered to be placed in Porirua Mental Asylum during the pleasure of the Minister for Internal Affairs.

Following Thomas's death, Agnes again remarried, this time to James William Hodgson in 1915.

THE GEORGE NYE - ELIZA BURR FAMILY 

Thomas Nye was the son of George Baker Nye (1907) and Eliza Nye formerly Staff nee Burr (1904), who had married in 1856.  Thomas was their youngest child.  

George Nye was well known and respected in Foxton, During his lifetime, on 9 February 1923, the Evening Standard published the following extensive biography of his life to that point:

TWICE MAYOR OF FOXTON.

INTRODUCTORY

The subject of our sketch is a pleasing illustration of the possibilities this colony afforded, and still affords, to the energetic and frugal to succeed in placing themselves in a comfortable and independent position.

Mr George Nye, twice Mayor of Foxton, was born in December, 1826, in Sussex, England. The old borough and markettown of Lewes, situated on the river Ouse, was his birthplace, and the sturdy independence of its townspeople seems to have been inherited by the child. It was here that the confederated barons defeated the forces of King Henry III and concluded a treaty with him called "The Mise of Lewes.?” The famous Thomas Paine, author of the "Rights of Man" in the earlier part of his life was an exciseman at Lewes. Evidently the old people in the neighbourhood had a way of looking at things and acting differently from the ordinary run of countrymen. From such stock sprung some of our grandest colonies, and still will.

The boy at the age of 13 found his surroundings too "cribb, cabin'd and confined" and being interested in the talk about the new laud over the seas which was then occupying much attention in England owing to the formation of the New Zealand Land Company, made up his mind to leave his home and parents and accompany his uncle and aunt on their adventurous voyage to New Zealand. In September 1839 these pioneers embarked in the good ship "Oriental" and met amongst her passengers many of the colonists now " Old Identities."

FELLOW PASSENGERS

We do not purpose giving a list of passengers, but a few interesting names come to the front which we may fairly state. One of the passengers was Mr Thomas McKenzie, Rangitikei's old settler, and now the father and grandfather of a very large number of children who are employed in reducing the wilderness and extracting the fruits from the soil. Another passenger was Mr Alexander Grant of Turakina, a hardy old gentleman who, though verging close on 83 years of age, left a few months ago on a trip to Australia to visit his relations there. Then there was Mr Kettle, the father of the present Judge Kettle, who as a surveyor made the first survey of this district in 1842 for the Company, of thousands of acres of land which were purchased from the Natives in trade. Trouble arose and the Home Government despatched Mr Commissioner Spain to inquire into the deal, and ruthlessly cut down the Company's holding to 900 acres, for which the three old blocks, Mr F. Robinson's 400 acres, Mr Kebbell's 400 acres and Mr Burr's 100 acres are the representatives. Mr Kettle subsequently went to Otago. Mr Shand, the father of one of the partners in Woods, Shand and Co., was another passenger, as well as a Mr Duppa, who built the first house in Oriental Bay, Wellington, the bay deriving its name from the ship which brought the immigrants out. Mr T. U. Cook, our old townsman, though not a fellow passenger, can be fairly mentioned as a fellow voyager, as he started in the ship Adelaide at the same time from England.

ARRIVAL IN THE COLONY.

On the 22nd January 1840, the Anniversary Day of the Wellington Province and the true founding of the Colony, Mr George Nye landed in Port Nicholson. For a year he stayed where he landed and then he joined Colonel Wakefield's party who went north to Taranaki to purchase and survey laud. Mr Nye witnessed the first purchase of land in that new Province and assisted in its survey, staying there for some two and a half years. The first settlers in Taranaki had not a "rosy'" time, as owing to the Native fighting, potatoes and other food was scarce, and many a time a distinguished settler had to repair to the Ocean beach with a fish hook and a long line to feel for his breakfast or dinner. It is rumoured that a dead whale was worth something even in the shape of victuals, but this may be a slight exaggeration. Leaving Colonel Wakefield, and not being more than 17 years of age George Nye determined to reach Wellington overland and walked the distance through little known country and through swarms of Natives, not a bad act for a mere lad, not long away from his parents' care. There was a ferry at Wanganui which was worked by " Old Identities" of Wanganui, Messrs Taylor and Watt, who were not old but very new Identities then, having only just commenced business in that district. He got to Wellington safe and sound.

HIS VARIOUS OCCUPATIONS,

After a time in Wellington he left it to take charge of the ferry which was established at the mouth of Porirua Harbour in those clays, the traffic up the coast being then all along the beach. In his capacity as ferryman he had the satisfaction of crossing the first lot of cattle taken overland up the coast, and they were the property of the late Mr Francis Robinson.

ARRIVAL IN MANAWATU

In 1846 Mr George Nye arrived in Manawatu, and went to work at rope- making at the stores run by Mr T. U. Cook on the south bank of the river at Paiaka. This point seems to have been selected by the first European settlers as a choice position, as immediately opposite to Mr Cook's store were the flour and saw-mills of the Messrs Kebbell. Matters went on smoothly here until the great Rangiheatea's outbreak made the settlers think it advisable to leave, and Mr Nye, being also of that opinion, finding that the beach route had been stopped or “tapu'd" he had to work his way from Paiaka to Horowhenua by the bush route, a toilsome journey which can be imagined by anyone knowing the character of the growth, and that there were no tracks of any sort marked through it.

Land having proved a rather unsafe position Mr Nye joined a whaling party at Kapiti with Robert Jillett, a well known hand, and of which the late well known Hector Macdonald, of Horowhenua, was the chief "headsman." The work lasted some time and their proceedings were fairly remunerative.

After whaling Mr Nye took a hand at road-work and was engaged in the formation of the main trunk road, in Horikiwi Valley. Maori labour was employed with European overseers. Pay was different in the "good old days" to what it is now, then the Maories received two shillings and sixpence and the overseers three shillings and sixpence. As another instance of low pay we may mention that Mr Comption, who resided on the bank of the Manawatu river, was engaged in laying out part of this main road, had to act as paymaster, and had to oversee two hundred men, and received in exchange, tho princely salary of six shillings a day! We may further mention that station-hands received seven shillings a week and their "tucker," and station overseers obtained £30 a year and their maintenance.

The Native troubles being over Mr Nye returned to Paiaka and rope-making at which he continued for three or four years, when he turned his attention to shipbuilding and turned out two schooners for Mr T. U. Cook, the "Mary Jane" and the "Hannah." These boats plied on their trips to Wellington and back for many years. He then settled down to carpentering and housebuilding, a trade he had learnt under his uncle. The Presbyterian Church and Mr Duncan's house are two buildings erected by Mr Nye.

FAMILY TIES.

In 1856 Mr Nye wisely entered into the married state, and was united by the Rev James Duncan to the widow of Mr Staff. He then leased land from Mr T. U. Cook at Wirokino and worked upon it. Every one in the district, nearly, knows Mrs Nye who presides in her kindly manner at the very comfortable home they now possess. There were only four children, two boys and two girls, all married; George and Thomas, and Mrs Honore and Mrs E. Osborne. 

THE NEW HOME.

At the Government sale of the Awahou block Mr Nye purchased about 100 acres of the rich swamp land, bounded by the main road to Wirokino. In those days the main drain was not cut, and the swamp was one actually and not in name. On this he laid out much money and in 1869 built the house he at present occupies, which is most prettily situated on a knoll from which a fine view is attainable. Here he has formed his splendid orchard, cut out of the standing bush for shelter, which comprises a large variety of apples, plums, green gages, filberts, walnuts and chestnuts. Here also are the numerous vineries the produce from which equal a ton and a half saleable at from one shilling to one shilling and sixpence a pound. The vines we have before described and need only repeat that they are a sight worth seeing as they near ripening, and a sight Mr Nye will most cheerfully gratify when asked. To be accurate as to dates we may as well state that the vineries were not started till 1886 and have each year been made larger, and now they present 6000 superficial feet of glass.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS.

From about the year 1870, the time when Sir Julius Vogel's schemes were carried out Mr Nye secured an important position as Inspector of Works in the Public Works Department, stationed chiefly at Foxton under the District Engineer, J. T. Stewart, but travelling towards the latter years far and wide, his duties having taken him up to New Plymouth on the West Coast and to Napier and Gisborne on the East Coast. The number of years he remained under the Government prove that he succeeded in giving the Department every satisfaction.

PUBLIC MAN.

Mr Nye has never flinched from taking his share of the responsibilities as a settler. In the early days he was a member of the old Foxton Highway Board, this being about 1868, and this board opened up many of the roads in its small district, under the chairmanship of the late Mr F. Robinson, in very much the same state they are now in. He was a member of the School committee in the days when householders had to pay a direct tax for education

In 1887 Mr Nye was elected to the new Foxton Borough Council and has practically been continuously connected with it, though not always as a member, as he retired once but more to assist in securing the carrying out of needed works. In this way he superintended very carefully the building of the new punt, and the building of the culvert at the Awahou stream, besides many other works. In 1891 Mr Nye had the honor of being elected Mayor without opposition, and in 1802 he was re-elected after an election.

PERSONAL.

Mr Nye belongs to the Presbyterian Church, in which, during the last twenty six years he has been an office-bearer. The farm like his other possessions has increased and multiplied exceedingly and now runs up to 263 acres with a fair lot of cattle and 700 sheep despaturing thereon. The history of this man's life is an object lesson to those who read it aright.

SOME OLD SETTLERS.

Mr Nye recalls many old settlers who were on the coast when he came up, some alas gone, amongst whom we regret to number Mr F. Robinson, the Messrs Kebbell, H. Symons, Tom Scott and Barnett: amongst those still living we find the Rev. James Duncan, Messrs T. U. Cook and A. Burr.

"A Burr" refers to Amos Burr, who was George's wife Eliza's brother.

Prior to meeting Eliza, George Nye had apparently had a relationship with a woman called Christina Dawson nee Gilbert.  Christina gave birth to two children, one of whom died in 1855.  The other was:

   1. Elizabeth Nye (1853).  Elizabeth never married, and I'm unsure when she died.

Soon after Elizabeth's birth, Christina deserted the baby and Thomas, and eventually his wife, Eliza would care for baby Elizabeth.

Eliza's husband, Captain Staff had already died prior to she and her children arriving in Wellington in 1855.  They had had three children, who were also brought, eventually, into the Nye household:

   2. Walter John Staff (9 August 1843 - 11 January 1935, Seatoun, Wellington) married Annie Jane Corbett  (1847 - 25 October 1919, 23 Ellice Avenue, Wellington) on 15 June 1867.  They were married by Rev. William Kirk.  On 18 August 1928, the Evening Post reported on Walter's 85th birthday:

Mr. Walter John Staff, who celebrated his eighty-fifth birthday on tho 9th August, is a pioneer colonist, having arrived in the Dominion in February, 1855, shortly after the great earthquake. For a number of years Mr. Staff resided with his mother at Whirokino, Foxton, being one of the earliest settlers of the river port. Mr. Staff visited Otago and other places in the early days and remembers Palmerston North when it was a bush settlement, and shot wild duck in the vicinity of that town. Mr. Staff has been a resident of Wellington for many years and was engaged until his retirement as a clerk of works on important buildings.

Together Walter and Annie had the following family:

      2.1 Annie Eliza Staff (1868 - 1954) married John Craig in 1890.

         2.1.1 Edith Ada Craig (1891 - 1966) married Percy Farquharson Stevens (11 January 1903 - 1989) in 1930.

         2.1.2 Evan Stuart Craig (11 March 1892 - 1976) married Winifred Armstrong Aitken (22 June 1893 - 1974) in 1916.

         2.1.3 Andrew John Craig (1894 - 1944) married Gwendolyn Stoddart Mitchell (28 October 1895 - 1977) in 1919.

         2.1.4 Colin Walter Craig (1896 - 1 February 1938) married Adelpha Mary Healy (1894 - 1967) in 1920.  Adelpha was obviously a Catholic, and Colin must have converted, as when he died in 1938, he had a Requiem Mass.  Colin was only 41 when he died, and he is buried at Karori Cemetery.  Adelpha suffered again later that year when their thirteen year old daughter died:

            2.1.4.1 Valerie Margaret Mary Craig (1925 - October 1938).  Valerie is also buried with her father in Karori Cemetery.  

         2.1.5 Hugh Douglas Craig (1898 - 1901).  Little Hugh died aged only two years.

         2.1.6 Herbert Sydney John Craig (13 February 1900 - 1983) married Violet Rachael Cloughley (7 June 1906 - 2004)  in 1929.

         2.1.7 Ada Joy Craig (1905) married Alfred Hughes Paterson (1897 - 1939) in 1925.  Alfred was a solicitor.  Together, Ada and Alfred had four daughters and lived in Greymouth.  Alfred died prematurely at the age of only 42 and the Evening Post reported his death on 1 September 1939:

OBITUARY

MR. A. H. PATERSON

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

GREYMOUTH, This. Day,

The death occurred this morning of Mr. Alfred Hughes Paterson, aged 42, solicitor.

He was a member of the Borough Council and was prominent in the Presbyterian Church, Caledonian Society, and debating circles.

Mr. Paterson was born in Sydney.

He leaves a wife and four daughters. Brothers are the Rev. John Paterson (Stratford) and Rev. Dr. Paterson (Oamaru).

         2.1.8 Margaret Annie Jean Craig (1907 - 30 May 1933, Wellington) married Arthur Vincent Jenkins (30 May 1903 - 26 April 1941) in 1931.  Margaret was only 26 years old when she died.  Following Margaret's death, Arthur remarried to Margaret K. Barron.  Arthur himself died an early death, while serving in Greece in World War Two.  The Evening Post reported as follows on 19 November 1941:

DEATH OF MAJOR A. V. JENKINS

Advice has just been received that Major Arthur Vincent Jenkins, of Wellington, died of wounds in Greece on April 26.

Major Jenkins,who was a wellknown figure in the city and especially in military circles, was 37 years of age, and was educated at Wellington College and Victoria College. He was appointed a cadet in the Internal Affairs Department in 1919, and obtained his degree of Bachelor of Commerce. In 1937 he was transferred to the Army Department as a clerk at Army Headquarters. He always showed a keen and practical interest in military work from the time he was in the Wellington College Cadets. As a Territorial he joined the 19th Medium Battery, N.Z.A., and reached commissioned rank in 1923. He later held the position of battery captain for five years and in 1935 was promoted major and assumed command of the unit, which position he held at the outbreak of war.

During the difficult period of the volunteer system, he worked unceasingly to keep his battery up to an efficient strength. On the social side of military work he devoted a great deal of time and was largely responsible for the success of many of the artillery balls held in Wellington. He was also an enthusiastic member of the United Services Club, of which he was secretary for a number of years. He played a large part in the formation of the Territorial Officers' Association. He was awarded the New Zealand Service Medal in 1931. The day after war was declared he handed his offer of service to his brigade commander and was selected to go overseas attached to a field regiment with the First Echelon. On the arrival in Egypt of an anti-tank battery, he was appointed to the command. He served throughout the campaign in Greece.

He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Margaret K. Jenkins, eldest daughter of Captain and Mrs. F. W. Baron, Hataitai.

Major Arthur Vincent Jenkins

         2.1.9 John Stanley Craig (1911).  I'm unsure what happened to John.

      2.2 Walter John Staff (1870).  I'm also unsure what happened to Walter Jnr.

      2.3 Ada Ellen Staff (1872 - 1917).  Ada never married and died aged 45.

      2.4 William Henry Staff (1874 - 1960) married Lavinia Effie Marriott (1877 - 1960) on 28 April 1908 at St Mark's Church, Wellington, by Rev. A.M. Johnson.  Lavinia was the only daughter of Edmond Marriott and Eliza Emily Marriott nee Williams and the granddaughter of Mr. James Henry Marriott.

         2.4.1  Ellen Florence Staff (1909)

      2.5 Frederick George Staff (1876 - 20 October 1939, Napier) married Alice Hoare (1879 - 1939) in 1902.  I can't find a lot of information on Fred in the early years, but on 4 March 1931 he applied to take over the licence of the Waverley Hotel, Queen Street, Auckland from John T. Winter.  However, this business obviously didn't suit Fred, as by December 1931, he was advertising that the licence for the Waverley Hotel was being transferred to William Edward Grant. 

         2.5.3 Eileen Ada Staff (1903 - 19 September 1977, Napier).  Eileen never married.

         2.5.2 Walter Frederick Hoare Staff (1906)

      2.6 Emily Jane Staff (1878 - 1948) married Claude Thain Flyger (1881 - 1966) in 1929.  Emily was related to Claude in that his mother was a Burr, daughter of Amos Burr - Emily's grandmother's brother.  Claude was had been married previously when Emily married him.  His first marriage to Effie McCulloch (1883 - May 1915) (daughter of Alexander McCulloch and Evelyn Mildred McCulloch nee Ransom who had married in 1882) was recorded thus in the 16 March 1905 edition of the Manawatu Times:

WEDDING.

Flyger—McCulloch

Yesterday afternoon the wedding took place of Miss Effie McCulloob, eldest daughter of Mr A McCulloch, Boundary road, and Mr Claude Flyger, son of Mr H. Flyger, late of Rangitikei Line.

The bride, who was given away by her father, looked very pretty, attired in a gown of creme silk voile, nicely trimmed with narrow creme bebe ribbon and chiffon. She also wore the usual veil and orange blossom. The bride was attended by the Misses Elsie and Doris Flyger, sisters of the bridegroom, and the Misses Eva and Hilda McCullocb, sisters of the bride.

The two elder bridesmaids were daintily attired in pretty muslin frocks, with belts of deep white silk, and wore black picture hats. The younger bridesmaids were also attired in white muslin dresses, with long sashes of orange coloured silk, and large white hats.

Mr E. Osborne acted as best man, and Mr R. Flyger as groomsman.

The bridegroom's gift to the bride was a pretty gold bangle, and to the bridesmaids, gold heart pendants, brooches and band rings.

The bride's travelling dress was a navy blue costume, with an accordeon pleated chiffon vest, and a black picture hat.

Mr and Mrs Flyger left by the afternoon train for Wanganui, where the honeymoon will be spent. The happy couple., who are both well known, were the recipients of many valuable presents.

I don't believe that Effie and Claude had any children together.  Effie died, aged only 31 years, in 1915.

Claude then married again in 1920 to Rita Mabel Sampson (1891 - 1923).  However, again bad luck struck and Claude was left a widow again, when Rita died aged just 32 years a mere three years after marriage.

      2.7 Charles Albert Staff (1879 - 1953) married Florence Mary Woodward (9 July 1884 - 1972) in 1908.  With his siblings, Emily and Bertram, Charles was one of the three founding pupils of Levin school, on 24 February 1890.  

         

      2.8 Bertram Nye Staff (1881 - 11 September 1957, Napier) married Catherine Grace Letham (1886 - 1919) in 1908 and then, following her death, married Alice Elsie Walpole (4 July 1896 - 1981) in 1920.  In his middle years, Bertram seems to have enjoyed serving on juries and his name pops up regularly in jury lists!  Bertram and Catherine had the following children:

         2.8.1 Keith Robert Staff (15 July 1909 - 1986).  The unusual family issues with drowning continued with Keith, although he luckily survived, his two companions were not so lucky, as the 9 January 1928 edition of the Auckland Star reports:

BOATING FATALITY 
ONE BODY RECOVERED
(By Telegraph - Own Correspondent)
WELLINGTON, this day.
On Christmas Eve a fourteen foot boat manned by Keith Staff, Donald Mackay and David Lauder, capsized in the vicinity of Somes Island.  Staff succeeded in swimming ashore, but the other two were drowned.  Lauder's body was found floating off Muritai last Saturday afternoon; Mackay's has not been found.

Keith went on to marry and have at least one son.  

         2.8.2 Bertram Walter Staff (25 July 1912 - 1999)

Bertram and Alice also had a son:

         2.8.3 Peter Walpole Staff (11 June 1921 - 2000).  Peter married Gwytha Marion Haggie (13 November 1922 - 1998), who was the daughter of Mr and Mrs W.G. Haggie of Wanganui.

      2.9 Ethel May Staff (February 1883 - March 1883).  This baby died aged just four weeks, and is buried at the Bolton Street Cemetery, Wellington.

      2.10 Ella Gertrude Staff (19 January 1885 - 1972) married William "Willie" Harold Cooper (1880 - 1968) in 1916.

      2.11 Florence May Staff (24 May 1886 - 1974) married William Ernest Leonard Thirkell (1894 - 1959) in 1917.  

      2.12 Robert Cecil Staff (1891 - 1891).  Baby Robert died aged just 12 days.  He is also buried with his infant sister Ethel, in the Bolton Street Cemetery, Wellington.

   3. John Henry Staff (1847 - 1932) married Elizabeth Lucas (1852 - 1900)  in 1873.  Elizabeth's death was reported in the 20 February 1900 edition of the Manawatu Herald:

The Late Mrs Staff.

On Sunday morning we regret to announce that Mrs John Staff expired after about a month's illness, though she had for years been an invalid.

Mrs Staff was a daughter of a very old settler in the Manawatu, a Mr Lucas, who resided and died at Paiaka. Mr Staff married Miss Lucas about 27 years ago in his stepfather's house at Sunny side.

They lived for some years at Wirokino, and then left for Rongotea, where they purchased a farm and resided upon it until about two years ago, when Mr and Mrs Staff and part of the family came to reside in Foxton, having left two sons and a daughter to take care of the farm, which they had leased to the eldest son.

The deceased lady was about 49 years of age, and was related to many in this district. She leaves a widower and seven children to mourn her loss.

The funeral took place to-day at 10 o'clock, and was largely attended by relations and friends.

The Rev. V. Woollass conducted the service, and Mr Jonson had charge of the arrangements.

John and Elizabeth had the following family:

      3.1 Henry Staff (1875 - 3 December 1911, Wellington Hospital).  Henry was only 36 years when he died.

      3.2 Elizabeth Staff (1877 - 1938)

      3.3 William Staff (1880 - 1958) married Elizabeth Emily Matilda Hill (1880 - 1951) in 1904.

      3.4 Edward Staff (1883 - 11 February 1905).  Edward drowned while swimming off the wharf in Foxton with his cousin Oscar Honore.  The Manawatu Standard reported the sad events in their 13 February 1905 edition:

Double Fatality at Foxton.

Two Young Men Drowned.

(From Our Own Correspondent)

A very sad drowning accident occurred at Foxton on Saturday afternoon, the victims being Edward Staff, aged about 22, son of Mr J.Staff, a resident of Foxton, and his cousin, a young lad aged 14 named Oscar Honore, youngest son of Mrs Honore, of Norbiton Road.

From information gathered it seems that the two young fellows went bathing off a point opposite the Maori Pah, about a mile above the wharf, on Saturday afternoon. When they did not return to their homes at night grave anxiety was caused and Mr Nye, grandfather of the deceaseds, organised a search party during the night, resulting in the discovery of their clothes on the bank where they went swimming. This left no doubt as to the cause of the non-appearance of the boys at home. At this particular spot a sand spit runs almost half way across the river and it is very shallow, the deep part of the river being on the opposite side, under the bank. Neither of the young fellows could swim efficiently, and it is surmised that the younger boy got into difficulties and that his companion was drowned in attempting to render him assistance.

The river was dragged in the morning and Oscar Honore's body was found about half way across the river at about a quarter to eleven. Edward Staff's body was not found till three o'clock in the afternoon in the deep water on the opposite side.

Quite a gloom was cast over the town by the sad news, as both the young fellows were well known in Foxton. and were sons of respected residents. Oscar Honore was attending the local public school and was one of the brightest boys at the school. He was in the sixth standard, and besides being Colour-Sergeant of the school cadets, was captain of the school cricket club. He will be much missed by his comrades, who looked to “Hockey", as he was familiarly called by all his school boy friends, to lead them in the coming cadet drill competition in Palmerston on March Ist. His place will indeed be hard to fill.

Great sympathy is felt for the bereaved parents. The inquest will be held today.

      3.5 Walter Staff (1885 - 1958)

      3.6 Thomas Staff (1887 - 1925) married Barbara Valentine in 1905.  Following Thomas's early death, Barbara married George William Seaddon in 1929.  Together, Thomas and Barbara had seven children, including the following:

         3.6.1 Dulcie Elizabeth Staff (1906 - 1925).  Dulcie was only 19 when she died.

         3.6.2 Walter John Staff (1908 - 1925).  Walter was only 17 when he died.

         3.6.3 Alfred Edward Staff (1910 - 1925).   Alfred was only 15 when he died.

         3.6.4 Eva Margaret Staff (1911).  Eva was only 14 when she died.  

         3.6.5 John Henry Staff (17 September 1918 - 2009)

         3.6.6 Barbara Ann Staff (23 August 1920 - 2004)

Thomas and all four of his eldest children were drowned on Saturday, 22 August 1925 at Foxton Beach.  A report of the tragedy appeared in the 24 August 1925 edition of the Auckland Star:

FIVE DROWNED.

FATHER AND FOUR CHILDREN.

CAPSIZE OF A "FLATTIE."

OVERTURNED ON THE BAR.

MANAWATU RIVER TRAGEDY.

(By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.")

PALMERSTON NORTH, this day.

One of the most terrible drowning tragedies in the history of this coast occurred late on Saturday afternoon at Manawatu Heads, when, through the swamping of a flattie on the bar a father and four of his children lost their lives. The names are:—

Thomas Staff, builder and farmer, Foxton. Aged 46.

Dulcie Staff, aged 19.

Walter Staff, aged 17.

Alfred Staff, aged 15.

Margaret Staff, aged 14.

A widow and three young children aged two to five are all that remain of the family.

The body of the father was recovered yesterday morning.

Mr. Thomas Staff was a son of one of the earliest settlers of the Manawatu, and was a highly respected resident of Foxton. He completed building the flattie on Saturday, and decided to take the boat out for a trial spin on the river. Accompanied by his four eldest children, he commenced the journey from Foxton about three o clock with the tide running out strongly. A fisherman named Dawson, tending his nets on a bend above the jetty, hailed the rowers as they passed, and received a breezy response, although he expressed himself somewhat anxious at them going downstream, because the tide was rapidly running out.

Woman's Graphic Story.

No one else on the beach saw them until the little craft was passing the spit at the pilot's signal station, near the river's mouth. Here an elderly Maori woman, Mrs. Ward, was gathering pipis and she was sole witness of the swamping of the boat on the bar. With native genius for narrative and details, the frail old woman told her story.

"At about three o'clock," she said, "I saw the tide going out strongly, and I was very much surprised when the boat came down, making for the bar. It passed about fifty yards away from me. There was a girl wearing a pink scarf sitting in the bow, two young fellows were pulling at the oars, and the man and another girl, dressed, I think in brown, were sitting in the stern. They were still rowing as they neared the bar. "I was very much surprised and afraid, because I knew their danger. The tide was running out swiftly and the sea was very rough.

The Boat Swamped.

"I watch them. The first wave strike them. I hear them laugh. A second wave strike them, and I hear them cry out. Then a third wave strike them and swamp the boat. I hear them scream 'help,' and look again, but see neither people nor boat. I then try to get help but I am an old woman and cannot run very fast, so I take off my white coat and wave it.

"There were a few people some distance away, but it was hard to make them understand that a terrible thing had happened. The pilot's house is a long way off, but at last I got somebody to go to him. Then I came back with a young fellow to see what we can do. I ask him for match to lighi a fire, so that if we get anyone from the water we might perhaps bring him round."

It was explained that the Maori method of resuscitation was to get smoke into the nostrils to cause sneezing, thereby finding out whether there was any sign of life.

Pilot's Vain Search.

In the meantime the pilot, Mr. Larsen, had made the best time possible with his powerful launch, but dusk was gathering as he made the bar, and it was now dead low water, which prevented the launch from crossing the treacherous divide between the river and the open ocean. The pilot, therefore, could do nothing but turn back and wait till morning.

Not till some time later was it definitely ascertained that the victims were residents of Foxton. The police were called, but night made search an impossibility.

Father's Body Found.

At daylight on Sunday morning the pilot had his launch again commissioned, and, with two police officers, made for the southern shore of the river, where they dragged diligently all the morning. Their search was rewarded with the recovery of the body of the father.

The rudder, an oar, the mast and sail of the flattie were also found.

The Levin police also participated in the search. Although the story of the one eyewitness suggests ignorance of the river's dangers as the primary cause of the tragedy, those who knew Mr. Staff are firmly convinced that he had a thorough knowledge of its variable moods, having been familiar with them since his boyhood. Moreover his friends declare that caution was a prominent trait in his character, a trait that was strengthened by the fact that some years ago his brother and cousin met their end by drowning in the Manawatu river.

Two Foxton boys have reason to be thankful that they are still alive. It was arranged that they should accompany the party, but finally decided not to go. This tragedy, following so closely on that of the previous Sunday, in which a woman and two sons were drowned in the Oroua river, just above its confluence with the Manawatu, has revived the river's sinister reputation.

About 36 years ago, Mr Staff's brother and a cousin named Honore were drowned while swimming off the wharf at Foxton, and Mr Staff had been little on the river since that time. The father of the deceased, Mr. Thomas Staff, lives in Wellington.

Mr Staff was of a retiring disposition and was highly respected in the district. Widespread sympathy was expressed for his widow, who is left with a son aged seven and two girls aged three and five years respectively.

A fortunate circumstance is that two sons of Mr. Kennedy, and a daughter of Mrs. Carmont, of Foxton, were to accompany the party in the boat, but decided, at the last minute, not to go.

      3.7 Eva Staff (1889) married William Allin Dalrymple (17 December 1897 - 1976) on 17 April 1922 at St Peter's Church, Wellington.  They were married by the Rev. Canon Taylor.  At that time Eva's father was listed as living at Maida Vale Road, Roseneath, and William was listed as the son of Mr and Mrs Percy Dalrymple of Glen Road, Kelburn.

      3.8 John Alfred Staff (1892 - 1894).  Little John died aged only one year.

   4. Eliza Ann "Ann" Staff (1849 - 1929) married William Anderson in 1878.

      4.1 Walter John Anderson (1879 - 1945) married Caroline Lambarth (1879 - 1950) (daughter of Arthur and Adeline Lambarth) in 1906 The Evening Post edition on 11 August 1945 reported Walter's death:

OBITUARY

MR. W. J. ANDERSON

Mr. Walter John Anderson, who died recently, was the eldest son of the late Mr. and Mrs. William Anderson, of Palmerston North and Bunnythorpe. He was born in Wellington in 1879 and at an early age went to live at Bunnythorpe with his parents.

On leaving school he worked on his father's farm and attended night school. Later he entered employment with the late Mr. C. M. Ross, Palmerston North, and then took up the carpentry trade, working for the late Mr. T. Griggs and Messrs. Bennett and Sollett, Ltd.

Subsequently, with his brother, Mr. W. Anderson, he took over a farm at Aokautere, where he remained for two years. For the following eight years he farmed in the Waikato district and later at Levin.

About 1920 he returned to Palmerston North to take up his former trade as a carpenter, but returned to farming until 1934, when he joined the staff of the Palmerston North Hospital Board, remaining with it until a month prior to his death. Mr. Anderson was a keen sportsman, being especially fond of fishing. In his earlier days he was a member of St. Andrew's Presbyterian Church choir and a member of the Manawatu Bowling Club.

He was married in 1906 to Miss Caroline Lambarth of Palamerston North, and is survived by his wife, two daughters (Mesdames J. F. Shearman and A. Jamieson, of Palmerston North), one son (Mr. W. A. Anderson, of Plimmerton), and 14 grandchildren.

Messrs. H. Anderson (Aokautere), G. Anderson (Sydney), and A. Anderson (Palmerston North) are brothers. 

         4.1.1 Jean Florence Anderson (9 August 1908 - 2002).  Jean married Mr Shearman and latterly Mr Milne.

         4.1.2 Walter Alexander Anderson (8 April 1910 - 1993)

      4.2 Harry Anderson (1881 - 19 May 1960, Palmerston North)

      4.3 George Baker Nye Anderson (1885 - 1970, St Leonards, NSW, Australia).  George lived in New South Wales.

      4.4 Alexander Charles Anderson (19 June 1887 - 1976) married Catherine Elizabeth Cruickshank (9 December 1892 - 1976) in 1921.

In addition to these four children and Thomas, George and Eliza had the following children together:

   

   5. Ellen Nye (1857 - 1949).  Ellen married Christian Honore (1857 - 6 May 1892) on 4 December 1879 at her father's residence in Foxton.  Ellen and Christian were married by Rev. J. Duncan.  Christian was the second son of the danish Rev. Abraham Honore of Marton.  Together Ellen and Christian had a family of six sons and one daughter:

      5.1 Walter Jacob Honore (1880 - 1979) married Edith May Franklyn (1884 - 1969) in 1905.  Edith was one of the daughters of Inglewood pioneer William Henry Franklyn (17 July 1840, London - 28 February 1924) and his first wife Mary Ann Franklyn nee Rowe (1854 - 1890).  Walter and Edith lived around the Rangiwahia/Mangaweka area.  Walter and Edith had at least one son:

         5.1.1 Franklyn David Honore (19 June 1910 - 1996)

      5.2 Christian Le Fevre Honore (8 July 1882 - 1984) married Agnes Marion Summers (1891 - 1959) in 1920.  Christian was an accountant, but also enlisted and served during WWI.  Agnes was a daughter of Robert Stanley Summers (1854 - 21 June 1908, Aramaho, Wanganui) and Elizabeth McQueen Summers nee Cochrane (1858 - 1943) who had married in 1889 and resided in Mangaweka.

      5.3 George Augustus Honore (1884 - 1897).  George died aged only 13 years, apparently from "inflammation of the brain".  Meningitis perhaps?

      5.4 James Garnet Honore (14 January 1886 - 1974) married Lilias Isabel Signal (5 December 1890 - 1972) in 1922.  Lilias was the only daughter of William Signal and his wife Amelia Emily Signal nee Wilkins of Foxton.  James served in WWI.

      5.5 Abraham Frederick Honore (1888 - 1892).  Young Abraham died of diptheria as a four year old - it was during this time that his father also later succumbed to the illness.

      5.6 Oscar Madsen Honore (1890 - 11 February 1905).  Oscar drowned at Foxton with his cousin, Edward Staff.  "Madsen" was Oscar's grandmother's maiden name.

      5.7 Christina Eliza Ellen Honore (3 August 1892 - 1986).  Christina was born after her father's death.  She married William Edward Signal (25 November 1901 - 1992) in 1925.   William was the son of William Signal and his wife Amelia Emily Signal nee Wilkins, who had themselves married in 1890.  William was also the brother of Christina's sister in law, Lilias Signal.  The wedding was mentioned in the Evening Post - 22 July 1925 edition:

The marriage was recently solemnised in the Foxton Methodist Church between Christina Ellen, only daughter of Mrs. C. Honore and the late Mr. Christian Honore, and Mr. William Edward, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. W. Signal, both of Foxton.

Rev. S. H. D. Peryman officiated. Mr. W. J. Honore, of Palmerston North, gave his sister away.  Misses Fairy Osborne and Frances Honore were bridesmaids. Mr. C. Van Slyke, of Wellington, was best man.

The service was fully choral, Mrs. E. J. Westwood presiding at the organ. 

   

In early 1892, the Honore family were battling diptheria.  Young Abraham died as a result, and eventually, so did his father, Christian.  A report of Christian's untimely death appeared in the 7 May 1892 edition of the Manawatu Herald:

Death of Mr Christian Honore.

It is with more than ordinary regret we announce the death of Mr Christian Honore at an early hour yesterday morning. For some time past the family have been suffering from diphtheria, and the deceased and his wife had a long and anxious time in nursing the four children attacked. It will be remembered that one little one succumbed to the disease. The deceased was therefore much pulled down by anxiety and weakness when the diphtheria got a hold of him yesterday week, and having rather a weak chest it went hard with him. Last Wednesday night he was in a very critical condition, but towards morning appeared to have improved rapidly, but unfortunately it appears merely to droop again the next day.

Mr Honore was an old resident, having come here at an early age as assistant to Mr Loudon. He, by degrees, worked his way up to becoming a storekeeper on his own account, and the last few years had gone well with him, so that he saw his way to give up trade, which was always distasteful to him, and purposed later on to reside on his farm. It has been ordered otherwise.

Mr Honore leaves a wife and five children to mourn his loss. Mrs C. Honore is the eldest daughter of Mr Nye, the Mayor, and the deceased's father is Mr Abraham Honore.

To the widow and relatives we tender our sincerest sympathy, knowing how hard it is to realise at once “Whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth."

   6. George Nye (1859 - 29 May 1902).  George was the mayor's eldest son.  He married Mary Matilda Vickery (1871 - 1962) in 1890.  Mary was the daughter of James Vickery and his wife Annie Vickery nee Stevenson, who had married in 1891.  George was a teacher at the Oroua Bridge School.  He died of "consumption".  George and Mary had no children together.  Following his death, Mary married Walter John Simpson (1876 - 1969) in 1906.  Unlike her first marriage, Mary had the following children during her second marriage:

      Eileen Margaret Elizabeth Simpson (1907) married Sydney Parkes (31 October 1906 - 1994) in 1928.

      Walter Kirkpatrick James Simpson (16 August 1912 - 1977)

      

   7. Harriet Nye (1862 - 9 March 1946, Palmerston North) married Edmund John Burnard Osborne (1854 - 1927) on 7 September 1880 at her father's residence in Foxton.  Edmund was the son of Edward Pike Osborne (1825 - 1918) and Susan Annie Eliza Osborne nee Syms (1827 - October 1906), who had married on 27 August 1849 at the Zion church, St Helier, Jersey. The family were well interconnected with the Nye family, as their daughter, Winifred, was also the first wife of Thomas Nye, Harriet's younger brother, and the mother of Hedley Nye, his murdered.
I believe that Edmund was a draper and a tailor in Foxton.  Unfortunately he went bankrupt on 5 February 1904, but seems to have recovered from this misfortune, and moved to Palmerston North.

      7.1 Lilian Eliza Ellen Osborne (1881) married Alfred George Walker (1871, Nelson - )in August 1907.   Alfred was the son of John Walker and his wife Mary Walker of Nelson.   Lilian and Alfred's wedding was reported upon in the 8 August 1907 edition of the Manawatu Standard:

WEDDING.

Yesterday afternoon at St. Andrew's Church, Miss Lillian Osborne, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs E. Osborne, late of Foxton, was married to Mr Alfred Walker, representative of Messrs Sargood, Son and Ewen on this coast for years past.

The bride was charmingly attired in white silk voile over satin, trimmed with chiffon and bebo ribbon, with a beautiful veil embroiderel with Limerick lace. She carried a bouquet composed of jonquils and maidenhair fern.

The bridesmaids were the Misses "Birdie," "Dulcie," "Daisy" and "Tiny" Osborne, sisters of the bride. The two first wore cream voile dresses and black Gainsborough hats with black plumes, while the two younger ones wore blue silk with granny bonnets of the same colour and material.

Mrs Osborne, mother of the bride, was dressed in a navy tailor made costume and smart hat to match.

The bridegroom was attended by Mr T. Fox. After the ceremony the wedding guests were entertained at afternoon tea at Whitehead's rooms. Included in the guests were Mr Osborne, grandfather of the bride, who, despite his 85 years, made a happy speech.

The wedding gifts formed a very handsome collection. The bridegroom's gifts were a handsome gold granny chain to the bride, and gold brooches to the bridesmaids.

The newly-wedded pair left, amid the felicitations of their friends, by the evening train for Napier where the honeymoon will be spent.

The bride's going away costume was a smart tailor made one of navy cloth, with white felt hat and white ostrich plumes.

I believe that Alfred may have previously been married to Clarissa Martha Sarah Dean (1876 - 1910)  who died at the age of 28 in 1904, leaving several young children.  However, I'm not certain that this is correct.

Alfred had worked for a firm called Milson and Coles but by 1908 he was working as a “Bookseller, Stationer, and Fancy Goods Dealer” in the Square, Feilding. The business had been established around ten years earlier, and moved to the Square around 1905. Alfred was known to do a lot of importing and he carried a heavy stock of books of all kinds, stationery, periodicals, newspapers, post cards, photographic requisites, fancy goods, and art needlework. He was also a local agent for the Pauline Paper Company, Wilcox Smith, of Dunedin, foreign stamp dealers, and the Dresden Piano Company. When he left school he had first been an apprentice ironmonger under Messrs. Wilkins and Field, of Nelson. He stayed with them for thirteen and a half years including time spent as their chief traveller, based out of the Wellington business. Alfred then worked as a salesman for Messrs. Sargood, Sons, and Ewen, of Wellington, giving that up to take on his stationery business.

Alfred George Walker

Lilian and Alfred had at least the following children:

         7.1.1 Dorothy Walker (1908)

         7.1.2 Alfred Osborne Walker (13 May 1909 - 1976).  Alfred Jnr grew up to be a mechanic.  In 1943, as reported in the 10 September edition of the Auckland Star, he appealed a conviction and sentence before the aptly named "Justice Fair":

FAILED TO ENROL

APPEAL BY MECHANIC

PENALTY CHANGED TO FINE

Some new evidence was produced when a motor mechanic, Alfred Osborne Walker, aged 34 (Mr. Sullivan), made an appeal before Mr. Justice Fair to-day against conviction on August 30 by Mr. J. H. Luxford, S.M., on a charge of having failed to enrol for military service and a sentence of two months' imprisonment.

Mr. Cleal, for the Crown, said that under the National Service Regulations the appellant was in a class called up in 1940. He was a single man, and did not register. He was interviewed by the police in 1942, and told a constable he had filled in an enrolment form in 1940. He had not received any reply or card. Later, when he was prosecuted this year, there was no evidence that he had applied for enrolment.

During the case, said counsel, the constable who interviewed Walker was asked if appellant had not filled in an enrolment form at the time of the interview, and said he could not remember. Two or three days later, added counsel, an enrolment form filled in by appellant was found on the police file. It had not been forwarded to the military authorities.

Mr. Sullivan commented appreciatively on the "magnificent integrity of the police" in frankly making the disclosure that the appellant's enrolment form had been inadvertently withheld. His Honor commented that this was the duty of the police, and was in line with their usual honesty.

Commenting that the magistrate had no doubt considered it "fishy" that two forms should go astray, Mr. Sullivan put appellant in the witness box.

Walker testified that he had served in the Territorials, but was exempted on account of medical evidence of a weak heart. When he applied for enrolment in 1940 and received no reply or registration card he thought it was because the authorities had the record of his Territorial exemption. This was confirmed when there was no reply to the second application. Eventually, after the prosecution, he applied for the third time, and got a registration card. He was medically examined and put in grade 2.

His Honor commented that the case was presented in rather a different light than it had been when before the magistrate. The new evidence to some extent supported appellant's claim that he had applied for enrolment. While apparently not seeking to avoid military service, the appellant must have been aware from common knowledge that there was an obligation on him to ascertain his military obligations and to have a registration card. The penalty must be substantial. The conviction by the magistrate would be confirmed, but the penalty would be reduced to a fine of £20, in default two months' imprisonment, without costs.

      7.2 Edmund Thomas George Osborne (1883 - 1966) married Ida Letitia Berry (1889 - 1948)  in 1909.  Ida was the daughter of Thomas Carstairs Berry (1864 - 1926) and his wife Annie Wills Berry nee Shepherd (1859 - 1948), who had married in 1886.  Edmund and Ida had at least the following daughter:

         7.2.1 Madeleine Shepherd Osborne (28 April 1911 - 2002).  Madeleine married Mr Meyer.

      7.3 Emma Harriet "Birdie" Osborne (12 February 1885 - 1974) married John Carville Young (1882 - 1966) on 16 December 1908.  Their wedding garnered a lot of attention and was reported in the 16 December 1908 edition of the Manawatu Standard:

WEDDING.

YOUNG—OSBORNE.

A wedding, which has aroused a great deal of interest was celebrated in St. Andrew's Presbvterian Church this afternoon, when Mr John Carville Young, second Son of Mrs J. Young, of Linton Street, well known in local business circles, was united in matrimony to Miss E. H. (Birdie) Osborne, second daughter of Mr and Mrs Edmund Osborne, of Ferguson Street East. The church was prettily decorated for the occasion, and a large crowd of friends and well wishers were present to witness the ceremony, which was performed by the Rev. I. Jolly, M.A.

As the bride entered the church on her father's arm, Miss G. Humphries sang as a solo, "The Voice that breathed o'er Eden," and as the newly married couple left the church Miss Brown played a "Wedding March."

The bride was charmingly attired in a handsome gown of ivory chiffon taffeta, made a la Empire style, and trimmed with silk insertion, the under bodice being of silk net. She wore the orthodox veil and orange blossoms, and carried a handsome bouquet made by her aunt, Mrs Nye, of Foxton.

Of bridesmaids there were seven, the chief being Miss Chrissie Honore, cousin of the bride, who was dressed in white silk muslin with sash and bouquet of pink, and hat to match. The Misses Nye (cousin of the bride) and Jean Young (sister of the bridegroom) were attired in blue silk muslin and creme hats, and carried pale pink bouquets. The Misses Daisy and Dulcie Osborne(sisters of

the bride) wore Empire gowns and Dutch bonnets of pale pink silk; while little Fairy Osborne (sister of the bride), and Marjorie Walker (niece of the bride) completed the charming company, and were arrayed in white with pale blue sashes. The little ones in white carried baskets of flowers, while the two in pink carried crooks.

Mrs Osborne, the bride's mother, wore a smart tailormade navy blue costume, and navy blue toque massed with cherries, while Mrs Young, the groom's mother, wore a black silk dress and bonnet trimmed with ospreys.

Mr P. C. Fileul acted as best man, and Mr A. P. Stewart as groomsman. The bridegroom's present to the bride was a handsome gold grannie chain, and to the bridesmaids gold brooches.

The bride's going-away dress was a smart navy blue tailormade costume with a creme hat trimmed with pink roses.

After the ceremony a reception was held in St. Andrew's Hall adjoining the church, and about a hundred and fifty guests stayed to celebrate the auspicious occasion. The presents received by the happy couple came from far and wide, and served to show in what great esteem Mr and Mrs Young are held in this district.

         7.3.1 Winston Osborne Young (17 November 1909 - 1978) married Eva Constance Horsburgh in 1931. 

            

         7.3.2 Ian Carville Young (17 October 1912 - 1989)

      7.4 Burnard/Bernard Augustus Osborne (1887 - 2 January 1931, Palmerston North).  Bernard worked as a plumber prior to his death.  He died just one day after his brother Wilfred. 

      7.5 Reginald Stanley Osborne (1889)

      7.6 Gordon Clarence Osborne (25 April 1893 - 1976) married Katherine MacRae in 1927

      7.7 Mervyn Bruce Osborne (1896 - 19 October 1961, Palmerston North)

      7.8 Wilfred Selwyn Osborne (1897 - 1 January 1931, Palmerston North).  Wilfred worked as a builder prior to his death.

      7.9 Dulcie Thelma Osborne (21 December 1898 - 1976) married Joseph Archibald Price (22 March 1903 - 1972) in 1930

      7.10 Daisy Gwendoline Osborne (15 September 1901 - 1978) married Jack Crosbie Bowker (1901 - 1968) in 1929

      7.11 Fairy Pearl Osborne (1903)

Eliza Nye died in 1904, and her obituary was published in the 7 December 1904 edition of the Manawatu Standard:

The Late Mrs Nye.

Mrs Eliza Nye, who died at Foxton on Friday at the age of 80 years, was borne at Boston, Lincolnshire, in the year 1824. She left England for this colony at the age of 30, and arrived at Wellington in February, 1855, and immediately afterwards came to Foxton.

At the time of her arrival in New Zealand, the deceased lady was a widow (Mrs Staff) and had three children. In May, 1856, about a year after her arrival in Foxton she was married to Mr George Nye.

After the marriage, Mr and Mrs Nye lived for about twelve months at Awahou, and then went up the river to Wirokino, where they resided for about eleven years, until Mr Nye purchased what is known as the Sunnyside property. The esteemed couple resided thirty-two years there. After that, Mr and Mrs Nye came to Foxton and lived with their daughter, Mrs Honore, at whose residence Mrs Nye died last week.

Mrs Staff's three children are still living. Walter John Staff, aged 61, is Clerk of Works at Wellington. John Staff, who is now a resident of Foxton, Norbiton Road, was a farmer at Rongotea for some years. The youngest child is a daughter, Mrs A. Anderson, who is now a resident of Palmerston North.

Mr and Mrs Nye had four children, of whom three are still living. The eldest daughter was married to Mr C. Honore, and since losing her husband some years ago she has resided at Norbiton Road, Foxton. Mr Geo. Nye, the eldest son, was a schoolmaster for 22 years under the Wanganui Education Board, and died of consumption a little over two years ago. The second daughter, Mrs Edmund Osborne, was a resident of Foxton until a few months ago, when Mr and Mrs Osborne left the town and took up their residence in Palmerston North. The youngest of the children is Mr Thomas Nye, who has been a resident of Foxton for some years. The deceased lady leaves 42 grand-children and 5 great-grandchildren.

Mrs Nye, who had always been a lady of an active and energetic disposition, maintained good health, both physically and mentally, until about six weeks ago when she contracted influenza which was followed by bronchitis. Although she recovered from the latter illness, it left her too weak to survive.—Herald.

A year after Eliza's death, George married again, this time a much younger woman called Edith Ellen North (1869 - 1910), in 1905.  Although so much younger, Edith did not have a long life ahead of her - dying at the age of just 41 in 1910.

When George Nye died in 1907, fitting tributes appeared in papers locally and nationally, including this one in the Manawatu Standard's second edition of 29 May 1907:

SECOND EDITION.

THE PASSING OF THE PIONEERS.

DEATH OF MR G. NYE.

The death is announced of Mr Geo. Nye, Foxton, after an illness extending over two years. The late Mr Nye was one of the colony's pioneers, landing in Wellington in 1840.

As an officer of the Public Works Department, Mr Nye was connected with the surveying, roading, and bridging of a great portion of the West Coast. His intellect remained unimpaired till the last.

A few days before his death he was consulted by the Public Works Department with regard to necessary repairs at the Wirokino Bridge. He dictated a reply, making suggestions, which at is understood will be given effect to.

Mr Nye was twice Mayor of Foxton. He took a keen interest in public affairs, and his death will be keenly regretted.

He leaves a widow, one son, Mr T. Nye, and two daughters, Mesdames Honore and E. Osborne (Palmerston).