James Stoddart (1792 - 2 August 1864) married Christina (1818 - 27 March 1892)
James lived in Dixon Street, Wellington and had been connected with the management of the Motupipi Coal Mine at Golden Bay in the Nelson/Marlborough area. Obviously, later he moved his family north to Wellington. Christina lived in the property at Dixon Street for almost thirty years, after James' death.
James and Christina seemed to have a rather large family - at least two sons and five daughters (although I can't find one of the daughters) - however none of them seemed to live particularly long lives - certainly Christina seems to have outlived at least six of her seven children! The family I have been able to attribute to James and Christina are:
1. Mary Ann Stoddart (1837 - 18 June 1871, Pipitea Street, Wellington) married John Sutherland. See here.
2. John Charles Stoddart (1844 - 11 July 1871, Hopper Street, Wellington) married Eliza Williams (second daughter of David Williams of Tinakori Road, Wellington) on 2 October 1864 at St Paul's Church, Thorndon, Wellington by Rev. F. Thatcher. Following John's death, Eliza married John Jamieson in 1873.
3. James David Stoddart (1846 - 30 September 1872, Willis Street, Wellington) married Jane Gordon in 1869. Following James' death, Jane married Henry Cook in 1874.
4. Christina Isabella Stoddart (1848 - 1878) married John William Matthews (second son of the late Mr Richard Matthews) (1840) of Auckland on 3 May 1865 by Rev. Isaac Harding.
John Stoddart Matthews (19 January 1868, Invercargill - 1933) married
Emily Jane McConnon (1873)
5. Agnes Ingles Stoddart (January 1850 - 17 July 1870) married Thomas Taylor Cutbush on 10 December 1867 at Dixon Street, Wellington. She had one child, Helen Stoddart Cutbush, who was died soon after birth in 1868. Thomas Cutbush is infamous in that he apparently left a son behind in England who would grow up to be a suspect in the Jack the Ripper case. Following Agnes' death, it appears Cutbush went to Australia.
6. Helen Stoddart (1852 - 23 February 1871, Ghuznee Street, Wellington) married David Allan (fourth son of Alexander Allan) on 16 September 1869.
Showing posts with label Wellington. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wellington. Show all posts
Sunday, June 17, 2012
John Sutherland
John Sutherland (2 February 1818 - 26 August 1865) was the younger brother of Nathaniel Sutherland Snr. He was a carpenter and apparently at one time had a business on Courtney Place.
He married Mary Ann Stoddart (1837 - 18 June 1871), daughter of James Stoddart in 1855. Together they seem to have had at least four children:
1. John Sutherland (1856 - 29 August 1873, Pipitea Street)
2. Daughter (unknown - doesn't seem to have died as an infant - possibly Helen or Isabella?)
3. James Stoddart Sutherland (29 November 1860 - 19 November 1863). At the time of James' birth, John was listed as being a carpenter. James died of diptheria. At the time of his death, the family lived on Thorndon Flat (around Pipitea Street). James was listed as being John's "third child and second son."
4. Donald Sutherland (July 1862 - 15 June 1863, Molesworth Street, Wellington). Donald died aged just 11 months and was referred to as being John's "youngest child and third son."
John died on 26 August 1865 at the age of 47, meaning he must have been born around 1818 (meaning he is the right age to be Nathaniel's younger brother).
Mary Ann Stoddart died at Pipitea Street on 18 June 1871. She was aged 34 years.
* I believe there were two John Sutherlands living in the Wellington area during the relevant period - the other John Sutherland died in Wellington and was buried at Bolton Street on 5 February 1890 aged 67, meaning he was born around 1823 - too young to be the correct John Sutherland. This John Sutherland was buried in plot 41.0 at Bolton Street Cemetery with his family.
This character could do with some more fleshing out - so any help or information would be gratefully acepted. In the meantime, I'll try to find some information about Mary Ann Stoddart.
He married Mary Ann Stoddart (1837 - 18 June 1871), daughter of James Stoddart in 1855. Together they seem to have had at least four children:
1. John Sutherland (1856 - 29 August 1873, Pipitea Street)
2. Daughter (unknown - doesn't seem to have died as an infant - possibly Helen or Isabella?)
3. James Stoddart Sutherland (29 November 1860 - 19 November 1863). At the time of James' birth, John was listed as being a carpenter. James died of diptheria. At the time of his death, the family lived on Thorndon Flat (around Pipitea Street). James was listed as being John's "third child and second son."
4. Donald Sutherland (July 1862 - 15 June 1863, Molesworth Street, Wellington). Donald died aged just 11 months and was referred to as being John's "youngest child and third son."
John died on 26 August 1865 at the age of 47, meaning he must have been born around 1818 (meaning he is the right age to be Nathaniel's younger brother).
Mary Ann Stoddart died at Pipitea Street on 18 June 1871. She was aged 34 years.
* I believe there were two John Sutherlands living in the Wellington area during the relevant period - the other John Sutherland died in Wellington and was buried at Bolton Street on 5 February 1890 aged 67, meaning he was born around 1823 - too young to be the correct John Sutherland. This John Sutherland was buried in plot 41.0 at Bolton Street Cemetery with his family.
This character could do with some more fleshing out - so any help or information would be gratefully acepted. In the meantime, I'll try to find some information about Mary Ann Stoddart.
Isabella Sutherland and Edward Wild
The Isabella Sutherland who is died on 25 August 1889, and who was buried at the Bolton Street (formerly Sydney Street) Cemetery, was aged 55 years of age at her death (as per NZBDM registrations). This would indicate that she was born around 1834. Nathaniel Sutherland's sister Isabella was apparently born in 1808, which would make her too old to be the Isabella Sutherland who died in 1889. I don't believe they were the same person.
Isabella Sutherland came to New Zealand with her brothers, Nathaniel, Daniel and John on the barque Jane, which arrived in Port Nicholson, New Zealand on 24 May 1841. She would have been aged about 33.
I have searched early marriages, and have found one marriage for an Isabella Sutherland, to Edward Wild in 1841. This would seem most likely to be the correct Isabella Sutherland - Nathaniel, Daniel and John's sister. I'll need to collect more evidence to confirm this, but proceeding on this assumption...
Isabella Sutherland (1808 - 18 July 1872) married Edward Wild in 1841. Isabella Wild is buried in the Bolton Street Cemetery - plot 47.0. The cemetery records indicate that she was buried on 21 July 1872 and that she was 64 years old at the time of her death - which puts her birth date as the correct one for Nathaniel's sister, and tends to confirm that she is the 'right' Isabella. Isabella and Edward lived in Murphy Street, Thorndon at the time of Isabella's death. I am unsure when Edward died, but given that weeks after Isabella's death, her furniture was being auctioned by local auctioneer, Mr R.J. Duncan, it would seem that he predeceased her. Having perused Newspapers around the time, I think Edward may have even died prior to 1866, but I can't find his death or burial record. Unfortunately, like Alister's grandfather, John Waters Snr, he seems to have just vanished.
On 4 September 1872, Mr Duncan was also advertising, in the Wellington Independent, the auction of Isabella's property, which sounded pretty substantial:
THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, 4th SEPTEMBER.
I highly suspect that Edward and Isabella didn't have children, or if they did, that they died young, as I can't find any indication of a family.
I believe that this Isabella is the correct one. I also note that Murphy street was just around the corner from Pipitea street, where Nathaniel and Marion Sutherland were bringing up their family.
Isabella Sutherland came to New Zealand with her brothers, Nathaniel, Daniel and John on the barque Jane, which arrived in Port Nicholson, New Zealand on 24 May 1841. She would have been aged about 33.
I have searched early marriages, and have found one marriage for an Isabella Sutherland, to Edward Wild in 1841. This would seem most likely to be the correct Isabella Sutherland - Nathaniel, Daniel and John's sister. I'll need to collect more evidence to confirm this, but proceeding on this assumption...
Isabella Sutherland (1808 - 18 July 1872) married Edward Wild in 1841. Isabella Wild is buried in the Bolton Street Cemetery - plot 47.0. The cemetery records indicate that she was buried on 21 July 1872 and that she was 64 years old at the time of her death - which puts her birth date as the correct one for Nathaniel's sister, and tends to confirm that she is the 'right' Isabella. Isabella and Edward lived in Murphy Street, Thorndon at the time of Isabella's death. I am unsure when Edward died, but given that weeks after Isabella's death, her furniture was being auctioned by local auctioneer, Mr R.J. Duncan, it would seem that he predeceased her. Having perused Newspapers around the time, I think Edward may have even died prior to 1866, but I can't find his death or burial record. Unfortunately, like Alister's grandfather, John Waters Snr, he seems to have just vanished.
On 4 September 1872, Mr Duncan was also advertising, in the Wellington Independent, the auction of Isabella's property, which sounded pretty substantial:
THIS DAY, WEDNESDAY, 4th SEPTEMBER.
MR
R. J. DUNCAN will sell by public auction, at the stores of J.
Dransfield, Esq, Grey street, at 12 o'clock sharp, Land and
Merchandise as under Lot 1. Consisting of all that piece of Land
about of an acre (more or less) having a private read from Murphy
street, being part of town section No 586, together with 10 roomed
cottage thereon, formerly occupied by Mrs Wild. The garden is
perhaps one of the best stocked with fruit bearing trees of any in or
adjacent to the City, and has yielded a considerable yearly amount to
the late proprietress. Adjoining is a lease-hold property with 14
years to run at a very moderate rental, having a frontage of 40 links
to Murphy street, by a depth of 513 links. This desirable property
is situated in the neighborhood of the residences of the Hon. the
Premier, A. de B. Brandon, Esq, Colonel Gorton, &c, &c, and
possesses many claims upon the attention of those anxious to secure a
building site in the city, or as a highly remunerative investment.
I highly suspect that Edward and Isabella didn't have children, or if they did, that they died young, as I can't find any indication of a family.
I believe that this Isabella is the correct one. I also note that Murphy street was just around the corner from Pipitea street, where Nathaniel and Marion Sutherland were bringing up their family.
Isabella Sutherland and Benjamin Ling
My research thus far leads me to believe that this Isabella Sutherland who married Benjamin Ling was probably not related to Nathaniel Sutherland - ie was not his sister, as she was twenty years too young. Despite this, it has been interesting looking into this family history, and so like I've done with others, I've published it in the hope it will be of use to someone.
Isabella Sutherland (1829 - 1921) married Benjamin Ling (1820 - 1881) on 29 September 1853 at the residence of Dr Taylor on Hutt Road, Wellington. Benjamin was Carcass and Shipping Butcher on Lambton Quay, Wellington for years until he sold the business to James Gear on 1 April 1868. Benjamin died suddenly of "apoplexy" (probably a stroke, or aneurysm) at the age of 61 leaving his widow with at least three daughters. Given that Isabella was married from Dr Taylor's home and that their eldest daughter was given the middle name Taylor, I wonder whether Isabella had been married previously and if Taylor could in fact have been her maiden name?
Ben and Isabella had the following children, at least:
1. Benjamin Henry Ling (1854 - 1855). Died as an infant. Probably buried in Wellington, but not noted in the cemetery records.
2. Jane Ann Taylor Ling (1856 - 2 November 1936, Masterton) married Robert Wellwood (21 May 1936 - 26 January 1927, Hastings) on 14 March 1883 at St Paul's Church, Wellington by Archdeacon Thorpe. Robert's property was known as Maxwell Lea, Hawkes Bay, although he was originally Irish. Robert worked as an auctioneer and a stock and station agent was the first Mayor of Hastings, and was well respected in Hawkes Bay. See more about him here. Robert was twenty years older than Jane, and she was his second wife. His first wife was Annie Heslop (1849 - 12 August 1881) and they married on 11 April 1872 at Puketapu. Together they had the following children:
2.1 Norman Richardson Wellwood (1877 - ) Norman was married at least three times. His first wife was Ruth Holden (1882 - 1909) and they married in 1903. In 1905, Ruth was recommended for a bravery award, for her efforts to save some friends in a drowning accident. This was reported the Bush Advocate on 24 February 1905. In 1909, Ruth died aged just 27 - I don't believe they had any children.
In March 1912, Norman was in the news himself, having been injuring when the car he was driving 'smashed.'
Norman moved to Australia sometime after 1916 and was living in New South Wales in the 1920s. He had married Jean Mackay Gow in New Zealand later in 1909 and on 21 April 1926 they were divorced. By September 1927 he seems to have remarried Madge ? and was possibly living in or around Murwillumbah, New South Wales. Norman and his first wife Jean had the following child:
2.1.1 Shislah Annie Wellwood (1911)
2.2 Arthur Trevor De Montmorney Wellwood (1880 - 18 April 1961) He doesn't appear to have married or had children. Arthur served in the Boer War and his papers are available online.
Following their marriage, Jane and Robert had the following children:
2.3 Eva Ling Wellwood (1884 - 1959) married John Alick Betts (1886 - 1959) in 1911
2.4 Robert Terence Wellwood (1885 - 22 November 1918) married Alice Maude Brown (1889 - 1937) in 1914. Robert died during WWI of disease.
2.4.1 Terrence Wellwood (June 1915 - 16 August 1915). Died aged just five weeks.
2.5 Ruby Maudine Wellwood (7 January 1887 - 1980) married Frank Middleton Poynter (son of James Benjamin and Kate Poynter nee Simpson, who had married in 1875)(18 May 1878 - 1945) in 1914. They lived in Tauranga. The Poynter's wedding was reported in the Hawera & Normanby Star on 23 December 1914:
2.5.1 Dick Middleton Poynter (1915 - 24 December 1941). Dick was killed during WWII. There is more information about him and his death here.
2.5.2 James Middleton Poynter (1923 - 1923) Died aged just six months
2.6 Eileen Isabel "Isobel" Wellwood (1889) married John Campbell in 1928
2.7 Erick Benjamin "Eric" Wellwood (1890 - 17 September 1940) married Margery Myers (19 February 1900 - 1983) in 1931. Eric also served in WWI but unlike his older brother, he returned to New Zealand, where he and his wife seem to have lived in Masterton. It's likely that following his father's death, Eric's mother Jane came to live with Eric and Margery, as she died in Masterton in 1936.
2.8 Bessie Doris "Doris" Wellwood (13 August 1892 - 1976) married Eustace Percival Baker (11 June 1888 - 1974) in 1923
2.9 Zeta Kathleen Wellwood (1897) married Leslie John Edmondson (son of John Alfred and Prudentia Elizabeth Edmondson nee Grey, who had married in 1891) (1895) in 1925. Leslie served in WWI and then it seems like that he and Zeta moved to Australia.
3. William Sutherland Ling (January 1858 - 21 October 1869, Melbourne, Australia). Died overseas aged 11 years and nine months.
4. Benjamin Ling (1860 - 1925)
5. Margaret Isabella "Isabella" Ling (1861 - 1935) married John Peat (eldest son of David Peat) on 20 April 1887 at St Paul's Church, Wellington by Rev. Still. The Peats lived in Oriental Bay, Wellington.
5.1 Elvira Peat (1889 - 1931) married Albert Oliver Douglas Boddington (son of Henry Albert and Mary Ellen Caroline Boddington nee Rutherford in 1887) (1892 - 1951) in 1926
5.2 Isabel "Bunty" Peat (1894 - 11 January 1919, Leura, New South Wales)
5.3 Jack Peat (1 February 1898 - 1990) married Ellen Irene Chesswas in 1923.
6. Bessie Wilhelmina Ling (11 March 1871 - 1952) married Percy Archibald Gillies (1873 - 1920) on 19 November 1902 at Otaki, by Rev. T.C. Pargiter. Percy was a farmer in Te Horo, and given that Bessie's mother owned property in Te Horo, this is likely how they met. Percy was well known for his beautiful garden at his property at Te Horo. Percy and Bessie moved to Palmerston North and Percy disappeared from there on 25 February 1920. The mystery of his disappearance was solved and reported upon in the Feilding Star on 5 August 1920:
6.1 Wyvern Benjamin Gillies (9 September 1903 - 1998) married Edna Jean Rowlands on 31 October 1903 - 1979) in 1931. (Coincidentally, Edna was a descendant of Mary Tutchen and Edwin Bannister and is mentioned here.)
6.2 Ruby Ellen Gillies (14 July 1910 - 1998) married Mr Reid.
Isabella died at the grand old age of 93 in 1921 and her passing was recorded in the Evening Post on 17 September 1921:
Isabella Sutherland (1829 - 1921) married Benjamin Ling (1820 - 1881) on 29 September 1853 at the residence of Dr Taylor on Hutt Road, Wellington. Benjamin was Carcass and Shipping Butcher on Lambton Quay, Wellington for years until he sold the business to James Gear on 1 April 1868. Benjamin died suddenly of "apoplexy" (probably a stroke, or aneurysm) at the age of 61 leaving his widow with at least three daughters. Given that Isabella was married from Dr Taylor's home and that their eldest daughter was given the middle name Taylor, I wonder whether Isabella had been married previously and if Taylor could in fact have been her maiden name?
Ben and Isabella had the following children, at least:
1. Benjamin Henry Ling (1854 - 1855). Died as an infant. Probably buried in Wellington, but not noted in the cemetery records.
2. Jane Ann Taylor Ling (1856 - 2 November 1936, Masterton) married Robert Wellwood (21 May 1936 - 26 January 1927, Hastings) on 14 March 1883 at St Paul's Church, Wellington by Archdeacon Thorpe. Robert's property was known as Maxwell Lea, Hawkes Bay, although he was originally Irish. Robert worked as an auctioneer and a stock and station agent was the first Mayor of Hastings, and was well respected in Hawkes Bay. See more about him here. Robert was twenty years older than Jane, and she was his second wife. His first wife was Annie Heslop (1849 - 12 August 1881) and they married on 11 April 1872 at Puketapu. Together they had the following children:
2.1 Norman Richardson Wellwood (1877 - ) Norman was married at least three times. His first wife was Ruth Holden (1882 - 1909) and they married in 1903. In 1905, Ruth was recommended for a bravery award, for her efforts to save some friends in a drowning accident. This was reported the Bush Advocate on 24 February 1905. In 1909, Ruth died aged just 27 - I don't believe they had any children.
In March 1912, Norman was in the news himself, having been injuring when the car he was driving 'smashed.'
Norman moved to Australia sometime after 1916 and was living in New South Wales in the 1920s. He had married Jean Mackay Gow in New Zealand later in 1909 and on 21 April 1926 they were divorced. By September 1927 he seems to have remarried Madge ? and was possibly living in or around Murwillumbah, New South Wales. Norman and his first wife Jean had the following child:
2.1.1 Shislah Annie Wellwood (1911)
2.2 Arthur Trevor De Montmorney Wellwood (1880 - 18 April 1961) He doesn't appear to have married or had children. Arthur served in the Boer War and his papers are available online.
Following their marriage, Jane and Robert had the following children:
2.3 Eva Ling Wellwood (1884 - 1959) married John Alick Betts (1886 - 1959) in 1911
2.4 Robert Terence Wellwood (1885 - 22 November 1918) married Alice Maude Brown (1889 - 1937) in 1914. Robert died during WWI of disease.
2.4.1 Terrence Wellwood (June 1915 - 16 August 1915). Died aged just five weeks.
2.5 Ruby Maudine Wellwood (7 January 1887 - 1980) married Frank Middleton Poynter (son of James Benjamin and Kate Poynter nee Simpson, who had married in 1875)(18 May 1878 - 1945) in 1914. They lived in Tauranga. The Poynter's wedding was reported in the Hawera & Normanby Star on 23 December 1914:
POYNTER—WELLWOOD.
At
St. Matthew's Church, Hastings, Miss Ruby Maudine Wellwood, second
daughter of Mr and Mrs Robert Wellwood, of Brooklands, Hastings, was
united in matrimony to Mr Frank Middleton Poynter, youngest son of Mr
J. P. Poynter, of Eltham. The bride wore a gown of white charmeuse
and veil with orange blossoms, and carried a bouquet of white
flowers. The bridesmaids were Misses Doris and Zeta Wellwood
(sisters of the bride), who wore floral ninon frocks and pretty
flower-trimmed hats with black velvet streamers. They carried
bouquets of pink sweet peas. Mr Harold Symes was best man and Mr
Hartshorn, groomsman.
2.5.1 Dick Middleton Poynter (1915 - 24 December 1941). Dick was killed during WWII. There is more information about him and his death here.
2.5.2 James Middleton Poynter (1923 - 1923) Died aged just six months
2.6 Eileen Isabel "Isobel" Wellwood (1889) married John Campbell in 1928
2.7 Erick Benjamin "Eric" Wellwood (1890 - 17 September 1940) married Margery Myers (19 February 1900 - 1983) in 1931. Eric also served in WWI but unlike his older brother, he returned to New Zealand, where he and his wife seem to have lived in Masterton. It's likely that following his father's death, Eric's mother Jane came to live with Eric and Margery, as she died in Masterton in 1936.
2.8 Bessie Doris "Doris" Wellwood (13 August 1892 - 1976) married Eustace Percival Baker (11 June 1888 - 1974) in 1923
2.9 Zeta Kathleen Wellwood (1897) married Leslie John Edmondson (son of John Alfred and Prudentia Elizabeth Edmondson nee Grey, who had married in 1891) (1895) in 1925. Leslie served in WWI and then it seems like that he and Zeta moved to Australia.
3. William Sutherland Ling (January 1858 - 21 October 1869, Melbourne, Australia). Died overseas aged 11 years and nine months.
4. Benjamin Ling (1860 - 1925)
5. Margaret Isabella "Isabella" Ling (1861 - 1935) married John Peat (eldest son of David Peat) on 20 April 1887 at St Paul's Church, Wellington by Rev. Still. The Peats lived in Oriental Bay, Wellington.
5.1 Elvira Peat (1889 - 1931) married Albert Oliver Douglas Boddington (son of Henry Albert and Mary Ellen Caroline Boddington nee Rutherford in 1887) (1892 - 1951) in 1926
5.2 Isabel "Bunty" Peat (1894 - 11 January 1919, Leura, New South Wales)
5.3 Jack Peat (1 February 1898 - 1990) married Ellen Irene Chesswas in 1923.
6. Bessie Wilhelmina Ling (11 March 1871 - 1952) married Percy Archibald Gillies (1873 - 1920) on 19 November 1902 at Otaki, by Rev. T.C. Pargiter. Percy was a farmer in Te Horo, and given that Bessie's mother owned property in Te Horo, this is likely how they met. Percy was well known for his beautiful garden at his property at Te Horo. Percy and Bessie moved to Palmerston North and Percy disappeared from there on 25 February 1920. The mystery of his disappearance was solved and reported upon in the Feilding Star on 5 August 1920:
A
MYSTERY SOLVED.
MR.
GILLIES' BODY FOUND
A
gruesome discovery, made yesterday morning, indicates the cleaning up
of the mystery surrounding the disappearance from Palmerston North on
March 24 last of Mr Percy Archibald Gillies, a married man, aged 48
years. For some time after his disappearance searching inquiries
were made by the police and relatives, and a substantial reward was
offered for information leading to the discovery ol Mr Gillies dead
or alive.
At
11a.m. yesterday Mr C. T. Keeble, of Fitzherbert, and an employee
named E. C. Edmonds, were working on the form's property, facing the
riverfront, when they noticed the body of a man held fast in some
drift wood, it having apparently been washed down the river.
The
police were immediately informed of the fact, and Constable Gow
proceeded to the scene. The body was in a very advanced state of
decomposition—in fact, nearly all the flesh had gone from the
bones, and the features were unrecognisable. Only a few shreds of
clothing and the boots remained on the body. The clue to Mr Gillies
identity, however, was discovered in an overcoat, which was found
some 20 yards from the body.
On
the maker's tag, inside the garment, was written, in indelible ink,
the name “P. Gillies, Otaki." Mr Gillies had lived at Otaki
for mony years, and had only resided in Palmerston for a
comparatively short period before his disappearance. Deceased was a
nephew of Mr Hugh Gillies, of Rangitikei Line, and is survived by a
wife and family. Times.
6.2 Ruby Ellen Gillies (14 July 1910 - 1998) married Mr Reid.
Isabella died at the grand old age of 93 in 1921 and her passing was recorded in the Evening Post on 17 September 1921:
The
burials that take place at the old Sydney-street Cemetery are very
few and far between nowadays, and only the very early settlers have
space there. Yesterday afternoon another of the rare funerals took
place there, being that of Mrs. Isabella Ling who left Wellington a
good many years ago for Otaki, but for the past year had been with
her daughter, Mrs. Percy Gillies, at Palmereton North. Mrs. Ling had
attained the age of 93 years, and till last year, when she received a
severe shock, her house at Otaki being burnt, she enjoyed good
health.
Mrs.
Ling lived for many years in Wellington, and saw some of the
excitements of the early days, some of which were very alarming. Her
home was widely noted for its openhearted hospitality, and many old
friends of the family will regret to hear of her death.
(The
funeral took place at the Sydney-street Cemetery yesterday afternoon.
Mrs. Ling leaves three daughters and a son—Mrs. Robert Wellwood
(of Hastings), Mr. B. Ling (of Otaki), Mrs. Peat (of Wanganui,
formerly of Wellington), and Mrs. Percy Gillies (of Palmerston
North). Mr. Ling predeceased his wife several years ago.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Sutherland burials in Bolton Street Cemetery
Following is a list of all the Sutherland burials in the old Bolton Street Cemetery, Wellington, New Zealand. I've grouped them into plots where possible (I think the record numbers aren't particularly helpful - the plot numbers are more significant).
Agnes Sutherland aged 9 years service 22 August 1859 PN 41.0 RN 101064
William Sutherland aged 4 years service date 1 September 1859 PN 41.0 RN 101091
Jane Sutherland aged 4 months service date 11 November 1859 PN 41.0 RN 101077
J Sutherland aged 4 days service date 8 October 1860 PN 41.0 RN 101075
Sarah Ann Sutherland aged 36 years service date 13 March 1861 PN 41.0 RN 101089
John Sutherland service date 5 February 1890 PN 41.0 RN 101079
Thomas Sutherland service date 24 May 1911 PN 41.0 RN 101090
Jemima Elizabeth Sutherland 16 July 1871 PN 41.0 RN 101078
Donald McLeod Sutherland aged 6 years service date 28 April 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101067
George Grey Sutherland service date 1 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101073
Margaret Sutherland service date 1 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101083
Robert Stokes Sutherland service date 7 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101088
Marion Sutherland aged 16 years service date 4 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101084
FS Sutherland aged 3 years service date 25 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101072
E Sutherland service date 27 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101068
Nathaniel Sutherland aged 77 years service date 5 August 1883 PN 187.0 RN 101087
Marion Sutherland aged 90 service date 30 October 1905 PN 187.0 RN 101085
Donald Sutherland aged 11 months service date 18 June 1863 PN Unknown RN 101066
James Sutherland aged 3 years service date 21 November 1863 PN Unknown RN 101076
John Sutherland aged 47 service date 27 August 1865 PN Unknown RN 101080
Mary Ann Sutherland aged 34 years service date 20 June 1871 PN Unknown RN 101086
John Sutherland service date 12 March 1879 PN Unknown RN 101081
Unknown Sutherland service date 18 April 1885 PN Unknown RN 101063
Louisa Sarah Sutherland service date 2 August 1885 PN Unknown RN 101082
Isabella Sutherland service date 27 August 1889 PN 206.207.G RN 101074
Elizabeth Sutherland service date 3 August 1866 PN 38.E RN 101070
Eliza Sutherland aged 56 years service date 6 August 1866 PN 1.M RN 101069
Alexander Robert Sutherland service date 24 October 1878 PN 1.M RN 101065
Elizabeth Sutherland aged 26 years service date 21 October 1880 PN 98.H RN 101071
*PN = Plot Number; RN = Record Number
Agnes Sutherland aged 9 years service 22 August 1859 PN 41.0 RN 101064
William Sutherland aged 4 years service date 1 September 1859 PN 41.0 RN 101091
Jane Sutherland aged 4 months service date 11 November 1859 PN 41.0 RN 101077
J Sutherland aged 4 days service date 8 October 1860 PN 41.0 RN 101075
Sarah Ann Sutherland aged 36 years service date 13 March 1861 PN 41.0 RN 101089
John Sutherland service date 5 February 1890 PN 41.0 RN 101079
Thomas Sutherland service date 24 May 1911 PN 41.0 RN 101090
Jemima Elizabeth Sutherland 16 July 1871 PN 41.0 RN 101078
Donald McLeod Sutherland aged 6 years service date 28 April 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101067
George Grey Sutherland service date 1 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101073
Margaret Sutherland service date 1 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101083
Robert Stokes Sutherland service date 7 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101088
Marion Sutherland aged 16 years service date 4 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101084
FS Sutherland aged 3 years service date 25 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101072
E Sutherland service date 27 May 1861 PN 187.0 RN 101068
Nathaniel Sutherland aged 77 years service date 5 August 1883 PN 187.0 RN 101087
Marion Sutherland aged 90 service date 30 October 1905 PN 187.0 RN 101085
Donald Sutherland aged 11 months service date 18 June 1863 PN Unknown RN 101066
James Sutherland aged 3 years service date 21 November 1863 PN Unknown RN 101076
John Sutherland aged 47 service date 27 August 1865 PN Unknown RN 101080
Mary Ann Sutherland aged 34 years service date 20 June 1871 PN Unknown RN 101086
John Sutherland service date 12 March 1879 PN Unknown RN 101081
Unknown Sutherland service date 18 April 1885 PN Unknown RN 101063
Louisa Sarah Sutherland service date 2 August 1885 PN Unknown RN 101082
Isabella Sutherland service date 27 August 1889 PN 206.207.G RN 101074
Elizabeth Sutherland service date 3 August 1866 PN 38.E RN 101070
Eliza Sutherland aged 56 years service date 6 August 1866 PN 1.M RN 101069
Alexander Robert Sutherland service date 24 October 1878 PN 1.M RN 101065
Elizabeth Sutherland aged 26 years service date 21 October 1880 PN 98.H RN 101071
*PN = Plot Number; RN = Record Number
Tuesday, June 5, 2012
George Grey Sutherland's book
One of the stories which had touched me the most has been that of the children of Nathaniel and Marion Sutherland, five or six of whom, aged between 13 months and 16 years, all died of diptheria in April and May 1861.
The last child to die was George Grey Sutherland. Probably named for Governor George Grey, George Grey Sutherland was born in January 1852 and died aged just 9 years 4 months on 24 May 1861 at Mr Robert Stokes' residence, Woolcombe Street, Wellington.
As a result of this blog, I received emails from a gentleman, Simon, who had come into possession of a Victorian children's book and had wondered what had become of the child to whom the book belonged - George Grey Sutherland.
Simon contacted me and has sent the following photos of the book. He commented that he wondered how the book had survived so well (it is inscribed with George's name and the date - 21 December 1859), but that George's tragic premature death explained that.
Following are some photos of the book which George would have received when he was only around 8 years old, just eighteen months before his death:
Thanks very much to Simon for sharing this little gem.
The last child to die was George Grey Sutherland. Probably named for Governor George Grey, George Grey Sutherland was born in January 1852 and died aged just 9 years 4 months on 24 May 1861 at Mr Robert Stokes' residence, Woolcombe Street, Wellington.
As a result of this blog, I received emails from a gentleman, Simon, who had come into possession of a Victorian children's book and had wondered what had become of the child to whom the book belonged - George Grey Sutherland.
Simon contacted me and has sent the following photos of the book. He commented that he wondered how the book had survived so well (it is inscribed with George's name and the date - 21 December 1859), but that George's tragic premature death explained that.
Following are some photos of the book which George would have received when he was only around 8 years old, just eighteen months before his death:
Thanks very much to Simon for sharing this little gem.
Sunday, May 13, 2012
Wilkinson family
Another family who is interlinked with the families in Wanganui, through daughter Christina, is the daughter of David Norman Wilkinson, Nurseryman of Oriental Bay, Wellington. Christina is an Aunt of Constance Mary Latto's husband David Norman Wilkinson III - and a great aunt of his daughter, my grandfather's cousin Judith.
David Norman Wilkinson I (January 1810 - 17 December 1902) of Roseneath, Oriental Bay. From Ayr, Scotland. On 24 December 1842 David advertised that he was opening a Wellington Nursery. David and his wife Elizabeth/Isabella came to New Zealand from London on the ship Olympus arriving in Port Nicholson on 20 April 1841 with their eldest child, daughter Christina, who was 14 months old at the time of arrival. David was listed as being aged 28 at the time of their arrival and Elizabeth was listed as being 23. I believe that Elizabeth may have been Isabella Mary Dunlop Wilkinson (1809 - 1867) buried at Bolton Street Cemetery. This is confirmed by a newspaper report in the Wellington Independent, Volume XIX, Issue 2172, 25 February 1865, Page 3, where a report about an infanticide case refers to Isabella Wilkinson being the wife of David Wilkinson of the Wilkinson Tea Gardens in Oriental Bay. It also explains the use of "Dunlop" in family names. Isabella and Elizabeth were names which were often interchanged.
1. Christina Wilkinson (January 1840 - 1908) married Thomas Higgie Jr on 1 September 1866 by Rev. J.S. Muir. Thomas was from Wanganui. For more details on their family see here.
Of interest, is an unfortunate court case, which Christina brought against her husband and her brother David Norman Wilkinson II as executors of her father's will. Following are reports of the court case:
First, a report published in the Evening Post 16 June 1903 edition:
2. David Norman Wilkinson II (1843 - 12 May 1919) of "Glen-Lea", Grass Street, Oriental Bay. David married Annie Honor O'Meara (1852, Victoria, Australia - 29 May 1926, Wellington, NZ) in 1873. They lived at 13 Grass Street, Oriental Bay. Together they had eight children:
2.1 David Norman Wilkinson III (1874 - 1957) married Constance Amy Timperley nee Latto (1892 - 1960) in 1929. David carried on his father's business in the Nursery at Oriental Bay and although he married late, to widow Constance, they had one child:
2.1.1 Judith Wilkinson (1930+?)
2.2 John Dunlop "Jack" Wilkinson (1877 - 1937) married Ada Mary Moir (1898) (daughter of John Roger Harrison and Martha Ann Moir nee Bryan, who had married in 1894) on 10 October 1921. John worked as a metal worker and is buried at the Karori cemetery. I'm unsure what happened to Ada after John's death, but it's not impossible to consider that she may have remarried, as she was only 39 at the time of his death.
2.3 Jannette/Janet Ellen Maud Wilkinson (1880 - 1969). Janet never married. She lived with her mother until her death, and then continued to live at the house at 13 Grass Street until her own death in 1969.
2.4 William Oswell Wilkinson (1882 - 1968). I was somewhat confused about where this gentleman fit in, but I knew that he was related to David Wilkinson II and shared in his estate (see Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 8, 9 July 1927, Page 16). Thanks to Roger Wilkinson (Wilkinson descendant) I relooked at this whole family and came across the following marriage report which answered my questions and confirmed that William was David's third son - from a report in the Manawatu Standard on 21 April 1909:
"On Thursday last a quiet wedding took place, when the marriage of Miss Eva Bryant, second daughter of the later Mr T. Pascoe Bryant, and Mr William Oswell Wilkinson, third son of Mr D. N. Wilkinson, of Oriental Bay, Wellington, was solemnised at Holy Trinity Church, Ohariu Valley. The Rev. J. Vosper conducted the service. The bride was given away by her cousin, Mr Arthur Stone. The bridesmaids were Misses Babs and Lorna Bryant, sisters of the bride, and Miss May Wilkinson, sister of the bridegroom. Mr Earl Wilkinson acted as best man. "
Finally, I now know that William married Eva Ellen Bryant on 15 April 1909. Together, they had at least two children:
2.4.1 Vyvienne Joyce Wilkinson (1910)
2.4.2 Kenneth William Pascoe Wilkinson (1911)
2.5 Isabella Mary Wilkinson (1884)
2.6 George Earl Wilkinson (23 July 1886 - 9 September 1975) married Elizabeth Anne Morris (daughter of Alexander and Jane Morris) (1884 - 1 January 1958 ) in 1913. George and Elizabeth lived in Mersey Street, Oriental Parade for at least the early part of their marriage - their first daughter Jean was born there:
2.6.1 Jean Honor Wilkinson (11 July 1915, Mersey Street, Island Bay - 2007). Jean married Baker
2.7 James Gordon Wilkinson (1888 - 21 April 1920). Worked as a clerk and died aged just 32, Gordon is buried at Karori Cemetery. Gordon apparently died of the effects of influenza, which he had suffered badly from the year prior to this death. He worked for Treasury in the City, and had been educated at the Clyde Quay School. He was an amateur runner and boatsman. He never married. At the time of his death, he was listed as being his parents fifth, and youngest son, meaning that the last child listed for his parents, Arthur Wilkinson, must have already died.
2.8 May Olive Annie Wilkinson (1898 - 1985) married Francis Kennedy Gasquoine (1898 - 28 September 1968) in 1921. They had at least:
2.8.1 John Wilkinson Gasquoine (22 May 1929 - 2006)
Following Frank's death in 1968, May appears to have married again late in life, this time to Guy Hanbury Masfen (5 November 1894 - 1996).
2.9 Arthur Eric Wilkinson (1899)
Their mother Annie Honour Wilkinson died in 1926 and The Evening Post reported in its "Women in Print" section on 2 June 1926:
3. Ellen Wilkinson (1846) married William H Hales (1830, New Brunswick, Canada - July 1909, Wanganui, New Zealand) in 1869. Much more about the Hales family here.
4. Isabella Mary Wilkinson (1851 - August 1923). Isabella never married and she is buried at the Bolton Street Cemetery.
David Norman Wilkinson I (January 1810 - 17 December 1902) of Roseneath, Oriental Bay. From Ayr, Scotland. On 24 December 1842 David advertised that he was opening a Wellington Nursery. David and his wife Elizabeth/Isabella came to New Zealand from London on the ship Olympus arriving in Port Nicholson on 20 April 1841 with their eldest child, daughter Christina, who was 14 months old at the time of arrival. David was listed as being aged 28 at the time of their arrival and Elizabeth was listed as being 23. I believe that Elizabeth may have been Isabella Mary Dunlop Wilkinson (1809 - 1867) buried at Bolton Street Cemetery. This is confirmed by a newspaper report in the Wellington Independent, Volume XIX, Issue 2172, 25 February 1865, Page 3, where a report about an infanticide case refers to Isabella Wilkinson being the wife of David Wilkinson of the Wilkinson Tea Gardens in Oriental Bay. It also explains the use of "Dunlop" in family names. Isabella and Elizabeth were names which were often interchanged.
1. Christina Wilkinson (January 1840 - 1908) married Thomas Higgie Jr on 1 September 1866 by Rev. J.S. Muir. Thomas was from Wanganui. For more details on their family see here.
Of interest, is an unfortunate court case, which Christina brought against her husband and her brother David Norman Wilkinson II as executors of her father's will. Following are reports of the court case:
First, a report published in the Evening Post 16 June 1903 edition:
THE
LATE D. N. WILKINSON'S ESTATE.
A
MISSING WILL.
When
the case of Higgle v.Wilkinson and another, in connection with the
estate of the late D. N. Wilkinson was returned before the Chief
Justice this morning, Mr. Bell, for the defendant Wilkinson, said
there was apparently a will mado by the deceased between 1874 and
1884. There was, however, no trace of it except a reference to it in
young Wilkinson's diary, which indicated that his father had seen Mr.
Meason, a solicitor, then residing in the same locality. That was
apparently after the execution of one of the deeds by the daughters,
by which they re-conveyed to him lands he had provioudly conveyed to
them. Efforts had been made without avail to trace the will and to
find Mr. Meason. His Honour said he knew Mr. Meason personally, and
believod he was still living in England. He was a man of some means,
and at one time was headmaster of a large college near Melbourne. He
practised as a solicitor in Dunedin, and still had property at
Merivale, near Christchurch. It was decided to at once send
telegrams to Christchurch and Dunedin with the view of tracing the
will if possible.
The
witnesses called for the defence included the defendant David Norman
Wilkinson. In reply to Mr. Izard, he stated that it was some time
after the property was given to Mrs. Higgie that witnesess heard of
it.
Mr.
Izurd: What did your father tell you about that?
Mr.
Jellicoe objected to the question, which he presumed was intended to
support the suggestion of a trust. His Honour said such evidence
would surely be what was known as "self-serving evidence,"
and he could not see how the defence could bring in statements by the
father on this head.
After
some discussion His Honour said the question could not be admitted,
and it was not pressed.
Mr.
Izard said he assumed that ruled out all conversations between the
father and the son about the daughters. His Honour remarked that
there was the suggestion of the daughters that they were refused
access te their father.
Examination
continued: Witness knew nothing of the circumstancca under which his
sisters gave back their sections. An entry in his diary of 14th
March 1882, showed that Mr. Meason drew a will for his father on that
day. Witness never read the will, but Mr. Meason remarked to him
"The will is very favourable to you."
Witness
denied that Mrs. Higgie was never allowed to see her father alone.
Her statement to that effect was untrue. He never gave any
instructions that any person was noy to see his father alone. Could
remember one occasion of two and a half years ago when Mrs. Higgie
had an interview alone with the testator in his bedroom.
To
Mr. Jellicoe: Witness was married twenty-eight years ago, hod a
family of eight, who had lived on the property with his father all
the time witness was working there. His father was a widower
thirty-seven years, and witness, his wife, and family looked after
him. It would not do to interfere with him at all; he wanted his own
way.
Witness
and his wife repaid the old man £500 of the £1000 he had had to pay
as a bondsman on the Rimataka Tunnol contract, in which witness was
concerned.
Up
till two year ago testator bad a good memory.
During
the last ten years was he not entirely in the hands of you and your
wife? - Not at all.
Can
you suggest any other person who had any influence over him during
that time? - No. Witness was being questioned in regard to the
treatment of his sister Isabella, who was admittedly not physically
strong, when his Honour asked what bearing this could have on the
matter he had to decide.
The
plaintiff did not set up undue influence in regard to the will.
Mr.
Izard: This daughter has brought an action herself.
Mr.
Jellicoe: We set up undue influence to induce the testator to break
the contract.
His
Honour ruled the questions inadmissible.
Mr.
Jellicoe (to witness): Is this the first account you have sent to
your sister in regard to the small life-estate proparty left her? —
Witness: Yes.
Mr.
Jcllicoe: Well, it allows what your sister has to expect. She gets
about £40 a year, and in the first account you deduct 3d for stamps!
Mr.
Izard said his learned friend knew perfectly well why all the details
had been set forth. The account was rendered by the witness as an
executor, and he (Mr. Izard) had advised him to be very careful.
The
Rev. J. Paterson, of St. John's Church, was called in regard to the
testator's mental capacity. He thought testator was capable of
transacting his business affairs up to within twelve months, or two
years at most, of his death. He rcgarded him as a very intelligent
old man, and very communicative.
To
Mr. Jellicoe: He always spoke kindly of his daughters, and witness
never heard him say anything that would indicate any unkindly feeling
towards them.
No
further witnesses were called, and counsel addressed the Court. Mr.
Jellicoe, in moving for judgment submitted that the gift of the land
to Mrs. Higgie, originally was absolute and unconditional. There was
no evidence that there was any trust, and it was clear that the land
was reconveyed to the testator on him undertaking to equally divide
his estate among his children.
Mr.
Bell emphasised that the words of the testator in the letter to Mrs.
Higgie, "You all share alike," were quite capable of
meaning "all the daughters." The testator's intention at
the time might be called fraudulent – it was to pass away part of
his property for the time being in view of possible bankruptcy.
There was no contract between testator and Mrs. Higgie in express
terms which could be enforced a contract relating to land must be in
writing. If it was a representation to make a will in plaintiff's
favour it could not be enforced, and the action therefore failed.
His
Honour said he would await the result of the enquiries as to the will
drawn up by Mr. Meason before giving his judgment.
2. David Norman Wilkinson II (1843 - 12 May 1919) of "Glen-Lea", Grass Street, Oriental Bay. David married Annie Honor O'Meara (1852, Victoria, Australia - 29 May 1926, Wellington, NZ) in 1873. They lived at 13 Grass Street, Oriental Bay. Together they had eight children:
2.1 David Norman Wilkinson III (1874 - 1957) married Constance Amy Timperley nee Latto (1892 - 1960) in 1929. David carried on his father's business in the Nursery at Oriental Bay and although he married late, to widow Constance, they had one child:
2.1.1 Judith Wilkinson (1930+?)
2.2 John Dunlop "Jack" Wilkinson (1877 - 1937) married Ada Mary Moir (1898) (daughter of John Roger Harrison and Martha Ann Moir nee Bryan, who had married in 1894) on 10 October 1921. John worked as a metal worker and is buried at the Karori cemetery. I'm unsure what happened to Ada after John's death, but it's not impossible to consider that she may have remarried, as she was only 39 at the time of his death.
2.3 Jannette/Janet Ellen Maud Wilkinson (1880 - 1969). Janet never married. She lived with her mother until her death, and then continued to live at the house at 13 Grass Street until her own death in 1969.
2.4 William Oswell Wilkinson (1882 - 1968). I was somewhat confused about where this gentleman fit in, but I knew that he was related to David Wilkinson II and shared in his estate (see Evening Post, Volume CIV, Issue 8, 9 July 1927, Page 16). Thanks to Roger Wilkinson (Wilkinson descendant) I relooked at this whole family and came across the following marriage report which answered my questions and confirmed that William was David's third son - from a report in the Manawatu Standard on 21 April 1909:
"On Thursday last a quiet wedding took place, when the marriage of Miss Eva Bryant, second daughter of the later Mr T. Pascoe Bryant, and Mr William Oswell Wilkinson, third son of Mr D. N. Wilkinson, of Oriental Bay, Wellington, was solemnised at Holy Trinity Church, Ohariu Valley. The Rev. J. Vosper conducted the service. The bride was given away by her cousin, Mr Arthur Stone. The bridesmaids were Misses Babs and Lorna Bryant, sisters of the bride, and Miss May Wilkinson, sister of the bridegroom. Mr Earl Wilkinson acted as best man. "
Finally, I now know that William married Eva Ellen Bryant on 15 April 1909. Together, they had at least two children:
2.4.1 Vyvienne Joyce Wilkinson (1910)
2.4.2 Kenneth William Pascoe Wilkinson (1911)
2.5 Isabella Mary Wilkinson (1884)
2.6 George Earl Wilkinson (23 July 1886 - 9 September 1975) married Elizabeth Anne Morris (daughter of Alexander and Jane Morris) (1884 - 1 January 1958 ) in 1913. George and Elizabeth lived in Mersey Street, Oriental Parade for at least the early part of their marriage - their first daughter Jean was born there:
2.6.1 Jean Honor Wilkinson (11 July 1915, Mersey Street, Island Bay - 2007). Jean married Baker
2.6.2 David Dennis Morris Wilkinson (6 August 1917 - 21 January 2005). David was a mechanic and married Ailsa Joan Norling (16 June 1920 - 2008) on 4 March 1942.
2.6.3 Earl Gordon Wilkinson (12 February 1920 - 13 September 2012). Earl worked as a bank clerk in Wellington, and later as a bank manager in the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua. I don't believe Earl ever married.
2.6.4 Nancy May Wilkinson (30 March 1921 - 19 August 1986). Nancy married Arthur Hildreth (7 July 1920 - 2001).
2.6.5 James Stewart Wilkinson (27 June 1923 - ?)
2.6.3 Earl Gordon Wilkinson (12 February 1920 - 13 September 2012). Earl worked as a bank clerk in Wellington, and later as a bank manager in the Kapiti Coast and Horowhenua. I don't believe Earl ever married.
2.6.4 Nancy May Wilkinson (30 March 1921 - 19 August 1986). Nancy married Arthur Hildreth (7 July 1920 - 2001).
2.6.5 James Stewart Wilkinson (27 June 1923 - ?)
2.7 James Gordon Wilkinson (1888 - 21 April 1920). Worked as a clerk and died aged just 32, Gordon is buried at Karori Cemetery. Gordon apparently died of the effects of influenza, which he had suffered badly from the year prior to this death. He worked for Treasury in the City, and had been educated at the Clyde Quay School. He was an amateur runner and boatsman. He never married. At the time of his death, he was listed as being his parents fifth, and youngest son, meaning that the last child listed for his parents, Arthur Wilkinson, must have already died.
2.8 May Olive Annie Wilkinson (1898 - 1985) married Francis Kennedy Gasquoine (1898 - 28 September 1968) in 1921. They had at least:
2.8.1 John Wilkinson Gasquoine (22 May 1929 - 2006)
Following Frank's death in 1968, May appears to have married again late in life, this time to Guy Hanbury Masfen (5 November 1894 - 1996).
2.9 Arthur Eric Wilkinson (1899)
Their mother Annie Honour Wilkinson died in 1926 and The Evening Post reported in its "Women in Print" section on 2 June 1926:
On Saturday afternoon last there passed away after a protracted illness one of the old pioneers, Mrs. David Norman Wilkinson of 13 Grass street, Oriental Bay at the age of 73 years. Her husband predeceased her by seven years. Mrs. Wilkinson was born in Victoria, and migrated to New Zealand fifty-five years ago, and spent her subsequent life at Oriental Bay. Mrs. Wilkinson was one of the first residents of the Bay, and saw it grow from a wave-washed toi toi foreshore to a populous suburb. She was highly esteemed and respected in the community, as evidenced by the large number of magnificent floral tributes received. Four sons and three daughters are left to mourn the loss. The funeral took place on Tuesday morning.
3. Ellen Wilkinson (1846) married William H Hales (1830, New Brunswick, Canada - July 1909, Wanganui, New Zealand) in 1869. Much more about the Hales family here.
4. Isabella Mary Wilkinson (1851 - August 1923). Isabella never married and she is buried at the Bolton Street Cemetery.
Saturday, April 23, 2011
William Michael "Bill" Nidd
William Michael "Billy or Bill" Nidd was born in Wellington on 22 July 1874.
He was the youngest child of Thomas and Margaret Nidd, and must have lived most of his early life in Wellington, primarily in Manners Street, where his father was a Fruiterer and Greengrocer.
Bill is understood to have been educated with his older brother Joe at the Marist Brothers' school (which appears to have been the precursor for St Pat's Town).
Bill married for the first time on 8 April 1901, marrying Mary Ellen (Florence) Griffin, daughter of Charles Griffin of Christchurch. The couple were married by Rev. O'Shea at St Mary's of the Angels in Wellington.
Florence and Bill had two daughters, Mary Constance Felecia Nidd in 1902 and Cecilia Florence "Florrie" Nidd on 9 December 1903. Mary died as an infant, and Florence died in 1908, leaving four year old Florrie in her father's care. Whether she was in fact left in his physical care is unknown. In 1913 she was still in Wellington as she is recorded as passing music exams, and as being a pupil of St Mary's Convent, Wellington.
Florrie did not enjoy a close relationship with her father, but she was close to her young half brother, Pat. Pat could recall Florrrie coming to visit him some time in the late 1920s, and saying goodbye to him. She emigrated to the UK and was never heard from again.
For a time Bill was President and Secretary of the Wellington Rowing Club - recorded in the Evening Post as presiding over a Club event on 4 October 1912. He was involved with the Club from as early as 1895, being re-elected honourable secretary of the Club at their AGM on 1 August 1901. One of the fellows he rowed with was a Mr McAlpine - ironic that years later his son Pat should end up living in McAlpine Avenue - no doubt named for the rower or his family.
In 1911 Bill was elected Vice President of the Wellington Metropolitan Coursing Club, along with a Mr W.H. Edwards.
From around 1911 to 1916 he was proprietor and licensee of the Te Aro Hotel on the corner of Willis and Dixon Streets, Wellington.
Bill owned and raced horses. In October 1911, his horses won him 125 pounds at the Marlborough Racing Club races. In September 1913, his four year old horse Peroneal, ridden by jockey McDonald, won at the Wanganui Jockey Club's Spring Meeting and made him 195 pounds. In December 1913, his horse Peronilla ran in the one mile Hawera Stakes at the Egmont Racing Club. In January 1919, following races at Trentham, he won 180 pounds as a winning owner.
On 14 April 1923, the Evening Post recorded:
"Mr William Nidd's colours were well known on local courses when he resided here and raced Peroneal, Perinalla and other horses. Since he resided in Christchurch he has deserted the North Island courses, but got a good welcome from old friends on Thursday at Trentham, when Boadicea carried his colours in the Thompson handicap."
Mary Latto had a total of nine children in the space of just ten years.
Eldest son William Thomas "Pat" Nidd was born in Wellington at a private hospital on The Terrace on 17 February 1914. The story goes that his nickname, Pat, came from his mother continually patting her stomach whilst pregnant with him.
Marie Margaret Nidd was Bill's eldest daughter with Mary. She was born in Christchurch in 1915. She was eventually to marry into the McGrath family.
Monica Josephine Nidd was Bill and Mary's second daughter with Mary. She was born on 7 December 1918. She was to marry a local - one of the McEvedy brothers. She died in 2001.
Edward Michael "Mickey" Nidd was Bill and Mary's second son. He was born in 1920. He married Beth and settled in Greymouth.
Francis "Frank" Nidd was Bill and Mary's third son. He was born in 1921. He was to marry Freda Ann (1 February 1918 - December 2010) and settle in Dunedin.
Angela Adelaide Nidd was born on 2 October 1922. She never married, although she had a son in the early 1950s who was adopted at birth - he was named Glen Joseph. She lived and died in Wellington (in February 1989), and it was odd, as although she lived not far from my grandparents I never met her, and she never came to any family functions.
Joan Hillary Nidd was the youngest child of Bill and Mary.
Bill and Mary and their seven children moved to Southbridge, where Bill became licensee of the Southbridge Hotel, in 1930.
All three brothers, Pat, Frank and Mickey, played rugby and cricket variously for Southbridge, Leeston and High School clubs, throughout the 1930s until Pat and Frank went to WWII, Pat as a Lieutenant and latterly a Captain, and Frank as a Gunner. Pat and Frank appeared to be especially good bowlers. Frank also played second grade representative rugby for the Ellesmere District, from the Southbridge Club, in September 1938. Pat also played golf.
In September 1930 Bill stood for the Southbridge Town Board, but missed out on a seat. This was possibly because he was such a new settler in the town. The following year one of the commissioners resigned and as Bill was the only person nominated to fill the vacancy, he was elected to the position on 31 December 1931.
On 6 September 1932, the Ellesmere Guardian reported that Mr G. Gill, from Silverstream College, who had been staying with Bill and Mary, had returned home to Wellington. Gerald Gill was the son of Mary's sister Addie, and would have been aged about 20 at the time. Six years later he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest.
During the early 1930s, Pat attended the Christchurch Technical College, and attended a meeting for past and senior students on 24 April 1934 and, with other pupils, put on a brief one act play "The Boy Comes Home." The students had been coached by a Mr Page.
Bill was generous with donations, recorded in the Ellesmere Guardian on 28 August 1934 as having donated a trophy to the Ellesmere Gun Club. In 1934 he also appears to have been a member of the Ellesmere Miniature Rifle Association.
In February 1934, Marie was recorded as having gained Trinity College of Music qualifications for piano. At the time she was a pupil of the Leeston Convent school.
Mary was a member of the Southbridge Women's Institute. In an Ellesmere Guardian article dated 4 October 1935, it is noted that Pat helped some of the ladies produce some plays; Marie played a piano solo at an event; and Mary acted as Hostess for the Club on occasion.
On one occasion Bill played in a parents v students game of cricket against Frank - the parents winning by 28 runs on 15 March 1935. Previously he'd played against Pat in a Single men v Married men match on 29 January 1932.
In September 1836, Bill and Dr Hunt were elected Vice Presidents of the Southbridge Cricket Club. Bill's son Pat was elected Vice Captain, Treasurer and Secretary. In October 1936 Pat was selected to play representative cricket for the Ellesmere District.
On 1 December 1936 (a Tuesday) it was reported that Bill had been ill since the Sunday and that Mary's health was a cause for concern and that she had been in the Christchurch Hospital receiving 'treatment'.
In better news, it was reported in the Ellesmere Guardian on 15 December 1936 that Frank, a student of the Southbridge District High School had a "senior free place" guaranteeing free education until the age of 19.
However, on 16 April 1937, it was reported that Frank had to be taken to the hospital in Christchurch as he had developed appendicitis. After being operated upon, he apparently progressed well.
Bill's second wife, Mary died in December 1937. He placed an advertisement in the Ellesmere Guardian on 4 January 1938 thanking friends for their sympathy and kindness and especially thanking Dr Hunt for his care of Mary during her illness.
Youngest daughter, Joan Hilary died at the age of 14 years on 6 September 1938 at the Little Company of Mary hospital in Christchurch. The Ellesmere Guardian recorded an obituary for Joan that day, saying that she had been in hospital for many weeks prior to her death and that slender hope had been held out for her recovery a month earlier. The weekend prior she had seemed to make a turn for the better, and the doctors had said that they if her progress continued that she would be able to leave the hospital soon. However, another setback occurred. Joan was remembered as being a bright little girl "full of promise and very popular with her schoolmates and all who came in contact with her." She is buried at the Leeston Cemetery.
On 9 October 1940, in anticipation of the marriage of Marie and McGrath.
On 5 December 1941, the Ellesmere Guardian reported that Bill had received news that Pat had been wounded during the fighting in Libya and admitted to hospital. On 23 December 1941, it was reported that Bill had again received news, this time that Pat had been discharged from hospital. Pat had been shot in the leg.
Monica was involved with the Southbridge Basketball Club, presiding over their annual meeting in April 1945, obviously prior to the season commencing. After an election at that meeting, Monica was elected onto the committee.
He was the youngest child of Thomas and Margaret Nidd, and must have lived most of his early life in Wellington, primarily in Manners Street, where his father was a Fruiterer and Greengrocer.
Bill is understood to have been educated with his older brother Joe at the Marist Brothers' school (which appears to have been the precursor for St Pat's Town).
Bill married for the first time on 8 April 1901, marrying Mary Ellen (Florence) Griffin, daughter of Charles Griffin of Christchurch. The couple were married by Rev. O'Shea at St Mary's of the Angels in Wellington.
Florence and Bill had two daughters, Mary Constance Felecia Nidd in 1902 and Cecilia Florence "Florrie" Nidd on 9 December 1903. Mary died as an infant, and Florence died in 1908, leaving four year old Florrie in her father's care. Whether she was in fact left in his physical care is unknown. In 1913 she was still in Wellington as she is recorded as passing music exams, and as being a pupil of St Mary's Convent, Wellington.
Florrie did not enjoy a close relationship with her father, but she was close to her young half brother, Pat. Pat could recall Florrrie coming to visit him some time in the late 1920s, and saying goodbye to him. She emigrated to the UK and was never heard from again.
For a time Bill was President and Secretary of the Wellington Rowing Club - recorded in the Evening Post as presiding over a Club event on 4 October 1912. He was involved with the Club from as early as 1895, being re-elected honourable secretary of the Club at their AGM on 1 August 1901. One of the fellows he rowed with was a Mr McAlpine - ironic that years later his son Pat should end up living in McAlpine Avenue - no doubt named for the rower or his family.
In 1911 Bill was elected Vice President of the Wellington Metropolitan Coursing Club, along with a Mr W.H. Edwards.
From around 1911 to 1916 he was proprietor and licensee of the Te Aro Hotel on the corner of Willis and Dixon Streets, Wellington.
Bill owned and raced horses. In October 1911, his horses won him 125 pounds at the Marlborough Racing Club races. In September 1913, his four year old horse Peroneal, ridden by jockey McDonald, won at the Wanganui Jockey Club's Spring Meeting and made him 195 pounds. In December 1913, his horse Peronilla ran in the one mile Hawera Stakes at the Egmont Racing Club. In January 1919, following races at Trentham, he won 180 pounds as a winning owner.
On 14 April 1923, the Evening Post recorded:
"Mr William Nidd's colours were well known on local courses when he resided here and raced Peroneal, Perinalla and other horses. Since he resided in Christchurch he has deserted the North Island courses, but got a good welcome from old friends on Thursday at Trentham, when Boadicea carried his colours in the Thompson handicap."
Mary Latto had a total of nine children in the space of just ten years.
Eldest son William Thomas "Pat" Nidd was born in Wellington at a private hospital on The Terrace on 17 February 1914. The story goes that his nickname, Pat, came from his mother continually patting her stomach whilst pregnant with him.
Marie Margaret Nidd was Bill's eldest daughter with Mary. She was born in Christchurch in 1915. She was eventually to marry into the McGrath family.
On 16 November 1917 Mary also gave birth to twin daughters who were stillborn. They are buried at the Linwood Cemetery in Christchurch. Bill and Mary were living at the Star Hotel on Lincoln Road at the time the twins were born.
Monica Josephine Nidd was Bill and Mary's second daughter with Mary. She was born on 7 December 1918. She was to marry a local - one of the McEvedy brothers. She died in 2001.
Edward Michael "Mickey" Nidd was Bill and Mary's second son. He was born in 1920. He married Beth and settled in Greymouth.
Francis "Frank" Nidd was Bill and Mary's third son. He was born in 1921. He was to marry Freda Ann (1 February 1918 - December 2010) and settle in Dunedin.
Angela Adelaide Nidd was born on 2 October 1922. She never married, although she had a son in the early 1950s who was adopted at birth - he was named Glen Joseph. She lived and died in Wellington (in February 1989), and it was odd, as although she lived not far from my grandparents I never met her, and she never came to any family functions.
Joan Hillary Nidd was the youngest child of Bill and Mary.
Bill and Mary and their seven children moved to Southbridge, where Bill became licensee of the Southbridge Hotel, in 1930.
All three brothers, Pat, Frank and Mickey, played rugby and cricket variously for Southbridge, Leeston and High School clubs, throughout the 1930s until Pat and Frank went to WWII, Pat as a Lieutenant and latterly a Captain, and Frank as a Gunner. Pat and Frank appeared to be especially good bowlers. Frank also played second grade representative rugby for the Ellesmere District, from the Southbridge Club, in September 1938. Pat also played golf.
Pat Nidd, Monica McEvedy, Frank Nidd, Mickey Nidd
at Angela Nidd's funeral 17 February 1989
Photo of Bill Nidd
Bill donated a silver cup, known as the Nidd Cup to the Southbridge Athletics Club, for the athlete amassing the most points throughout the series. The cup appears to have been donated around 1931.
On 6 September 1932, the Ellesmere Guardian reported that Mr G. Gill, from Silverstream College, who had been staying with Bill and Mary, had returned home to Wellington. Gerald Gill was the son of Mary's sister Addie, and would have been aged about 20 at the time. Six years later he was ordained as a Roman Catholic priest.
During the early 1930s, Pat attended the Christchurch Technical College, and attended a meeting for past and senior students on 24 April 1934 and, with other pupils, put on a brief one act play "The Boy Comes Home." The students had been coached by a Mr Page.
Bill was generous with donations, recorded in the Ellesmere Guardian on 28 August 1934 as having donated a trophy to the Ellesmere Gun Club. In 1934 he also appears to have been a member of the Ellesmere Miniature Rifle Association.
In February 1934, Marie was recorded as having gained Trinity College of Music qualifications for piano. At the time she was a pupil of the Leeston Convent school.
Mary was a member of the Southbridge Women's Institute. In an Ellesmere Guardian article dated 4 October 1935, it is noted that Pat helped some of the ladies produce some plays; Marie played a piano solo at an event; and Mary acted as Hostess for the Club on occasion.
On one occasion Bill played in a parents v students game of cricket against Frank - the parents winning by 28 runs on 15 March 1935. Previously he'd played against Pat in a Single men v Married men match on 29 January 1932.
In September 1836, Bill and Dr Hunt were elected Vice Presidents of the Southbridge Cricket Club. Bill's son Pat was elected Vice Captain, Treasurer and Secretary. In October 1936 Pat was selected to play representative cricket for the Ellesmere District.
On 1 December 1936 (a Tuesday) it was reported that Bill had been ill since the Sunday and that Mary's health was a cause for concern and that she had been in the Christchurch Hospital receiving 'treatment'.
In better news, it was reported in the Ellesmere Guardian on 15 December 1936 that Frank, a student of the Southbridge District High School had a "senior free place" guaranteeing free education until the age of 19.
However, on 16 April 1937, it was reported that Frank had to be taken to the hospital in Christchurch as he had developed appendicitis. After being operated upon, he apparently progressed well.
Youngest daughter, Joan Hilary died at the age of 14 years on 6 September 1938 at the Little Company of Mary hospital in Christchurch. The Ellesmere Guardian recorded an obituary for Joan that day, saying that she had been in hospital for many weeks prior to her death and that slender hope had been held out for her recovery a month earlier. The weekend prior she had seemed to make a turn for the better, and the doctors had said that they if her progress continued that she would be able to leave the hospital soon. However, another setback occurred. Joan was remembered as being a bright little girl "full of promise and very popular with her schoolmates and all who came in contact with her." She is buried at the Leeston Cemetery.
On 9 October 1940, in anticipation of the marriage of Marie and McGrath.
On 5 December 1941, the Ellesmere Guardian reported that Bill had received news that Pat had been wounded during the fighting in Libya and admitted to hospital. On 23 December 1941, it was reported that Bill had again received news, this time that Pat had been discharged from hospital. Pat had been shot in the leg.
With two sons at war, Bill must have been relieved when in May 1943 he received a cable message from North Africa advising that both Pat and Frank were safe and well.
Monica was involved with the Southbridge Basketball Club, presiding over their annual meeting in April 1945, obviously prior to the season commencing. After an election at that meeting, Monica was elected onto the committee.
Kathleen Marie Nidd nee Todd
My grandmother, Kathleen Marie, was born to Robert and Ellen Todd on 22 April 1915 in Invercargill. Baby photographs in a solid oak frame show a happy, pretty little cherub sitting in a bathing bowl. She was the only daughter in her family, although her mother used to speak of an earlier daughter who died a few hours after birth, born prior to Kathleen.
Kathleen had three younger brothers - Bob, Jack and Murray. Bob became a builder, married Irene and had three daughters, Anne Marie, Christine and Susan. Jack became a doctor, married Judith and had two daughters, Elizabeth and Kathryn. Murray, an English professor, married Barbara, and had three daughters, Ann, Margaret and Sarah.
Kathleen was schooled in the South Island as a little child, and later found out that she attended school with cousins on her father's side. Her mother was Catholic and her father's family were Irish Protestants, so they weren't a close family and she never realised that some of her school mates were also cousins!
Later the family moved to Wellington. Kathleen's father worked for the Railways and her mother had been a school teacher. Kathleen's father was the more domesticated of the two and was the one who would cook and take care of the children to a large extent. During the depression when he lost his job, Kathleen's mother returned to work as a teacher. The family lived in Island Bay.
Later the family moved to Wellington. Kathleen's father worked for the Railways and her mother had been a school teacher. Kathleen's father was the more domesticated of the two and was the one who would cook and take care of the children to a large extent. During the depression when he lost his job, Kathleen's mother returned to work as a teacher. The family lived in Island Bay.
Kathleen played piano and was awarded her intermediate piano exhibition by Trinity College of Music on 22 May 1931. She was trained by Mrs Ethel Mackay and performed with other students' of Mrs Mackay at the Town Hall Concert Chamber on multiple occasions, for example in aid of the Red Cross Society on 24 September 1936 and ironically in aid of the New Zealand League of the Hard of Hearing on 29 November 1939. Her earliest recital may have been at the Masonic Hall on 10 December 1928, when she was only 13 years old. Often Kathleen seems to have played piano duets with Miss Joyce Banks.
Kathleen was always a social butterfly. She is recorded as having attended many dances and social events. Because socialising a huge part of who she has always been I've listed the instances I've found of her out and about - often with her best friend Adelaide Gill.
On 23 September 1935 Kathleen and Adelaide were at a very enjoyable "midnight party" held in honour of Miss Phyllis Kerruish who was leaving for Australia. Apparently Miss Kerruish, looking lovely in an ice blue frock, was presented with a handsome etching as her going away present.
Kathleen and Adelaide are also recorded as having attended the Wellington Younger Set Club's All Hallow's Eve party held on 30 October 1935 at the Tararua Tramping Club's Social Hall. Apparently:
On 24 April 1939 the engagement of Kathleen and Pat was announced in the Evening Post, Wellington. They married on 6 August 1940 at the Church of St Francis de Sales in Island Bay. Adelaide Gill was the bridesmaid and Bob Todd, Kathleen's brother, was the best man.
On 28 August 1940, the Evening Post records:
"Third Echelon Officer Married
Miss Kathleen Todd, who was married recently to Lieutenant Nidd (third Echelon) was guest of honour at a pre-wedding gift afternoon given by Mrs A.S.D. Rose and Miss E.H. Kierwan in a private lounge in the Midland Hotel. About sixty friends, including brother officers of Lieutenant Nidd, attended another party given by Miss A. Gill, the bridesmaid, in honour of Miss Todd and her fiance."
Soon after their marriage, Pat went away to Northern Africa, to war. Pat returned from war in 1943 and in July of that year, Kathleen accompanied him to Southbridge, where his father and family lived. By this time, Pat was a Captain.
On 23 July 1943, Pat was welcomed home to Southbridge along with other returned servicesmen, by a six hundred person strong Southbridge Town Hall meeting. Pat spoke on behalf of the soldiers.
They returned to Wellington, and on 19 October 1944, their son, Michael John was born. He was followed four years later by Jennifer Mary on 12 October 1948.
Kathleen worked doing secretarial and personal assistance work for several employers, including ICL in Wellington, where she worked directly for Mr Hartrick. She used to recall early in her career being sent by the company she worked for (Woolworths I think) to Court to take down notes of a case where a former employer was being tried. She often used to talk about how awful it was seeing him being "sent down" at the conclusion of the day.
Kathleen loved beautiful things, and would save money to buy lovely figurines from Kirkcaldie and Stains Department Store.
Kathleen and Pat had a dairy for a time in Brooklyn, after Pat left the army and then bought 74A McAlpine Avenue, on the Brooklyn Hill opposite Central Park. They called the house "The Glade". At the time it was among other villas of a similar vintage, but by the time they left, forty years later, it was dwarfed by a huge Council apartment block.
They bought a beach house at Te Horo beach and would go up there every weekend to relax, socialise and white bait. I vividly remember many many holidays up there staying with them, and convalescing from chicken pox there when I was about eight - the sea breeze was meant to be good for chicken pox. Nanna and I would go on huge long walks along the beach. One day we walked all the way down to Peka Peka beach.
We used to go to Mass a lot with Nanna and Grandad, and I remember one Christmas period where, with Sundays, Christmas, New Years day and various deceased family anniversaries, we seemed to go virtually every day. I remember Jacquelyn and I being naughty, fidgeting and fighting in our seats, and Nanna bribing us with an ice-cream after Mass if we behaved. Nanna and Grandad only had a small fridge with an icebox at the beachhouse, and so if Nanna bought icecream for pudding after lunch in Otaki, it would be half melted by the time it got brought out for pudding - Nanna would make us eat the whole carton of it!
Nanna and Grandad walked the Milford track and they travelled overseas several times - Nanna loved Hawaii.
Nanna had a fabulous appetite and ate a lot for a little person! She was also a chocolate addict and used to joke that she couldn't open a packet of chocolates or she would eat the whole lot of them - she wasn't lying either!
Nanna was always social and I also remember as a very little girl handing around bowls of chippies or cheezels at her many drinks or dinner parties. She always made an effort to be made up and to have her hair done just right. She had lovely red hair, and curls. She was always a flirt and loved male attention. She loved being the centre of attention and used to drive us crazy as she got older, wanting us to stop and all watch her opening each and every Christmas present. She always used to save the paper too - carefully opened an laid out flat for future use.
Nanna played bridge and loved going to the Opera, the Ballet and the Pictures. She never learned to drive - her father told her she was too "highly strung" to drive, and so she would walk all over Wellington - this no doubt contributed to her excellent health for many many years. She still belonged to a walking club in Island Bay in her early nineties and only went into rest home care at the age of 93.
Nanna was a Pink Lady, volunteering at the Wellington Hospital, well into her 80s. She was often running errands for people decades younger than she was.
Nanna is in the newspaper photograph below on the far left.
She was a very vibrant, active, social person, and she is now 96 years old. She is tiny, weak and a mere shadow of herself. It's sad to say but I'm hoping that in the next few days, she'll go to sleep, dreaming about all the parties and dances she went to years ago, the lovely frocks, the admiring young men, and she'll just not wake up from that.
There's a photo on her wall of her, my Grandad, Uncle Bob and Uncle Jack, their wives, and her parents. I often think how strange for her, looking at that photograph, and knowing that she is, effectively, the sole survivor of a happy group. Adelaide died long ago of a brain tumour. It must be lonely being old.
RIP Kathleen Marie Nidd nee Todd 22 April 1915 - 2 May 2011.
Funeral took place at St Francis de Sales Church, Island Bay at 11am on 6 May 2011. Service conducted by Fr. Geoff Broad.
Followed by Private Cremation.
Kathleen's ashes are to be interred with Pat at Makara Cemetery.
Kathleen was always a social butterfly. She is recorded as having attended many dances and social events. Because socialising a huge part of who she has always been I've listed the instances I've found of her out and about - often with her best friend Adelaide Gill.
On 23 September 1935 Kathleen and Adelaide were at a very enjoyable "midnight party" held in honour of Miss Phyllis Kerruish who was leaving for Australia. Apparently Miss Kerruish, looking lovely in an ice blue frock, was presented with a handsome etching as her going away present.
Kathleen and Adelaide are also recorded as having attended the Wellington Younger Set Club's All Hallow's Eve party held on 30 October 1935 at the Tararua Tramping Club's Social Hall. Apparently:
"The walls...were draped with yellow and white, these pale shades making an excellent background for the black and red silhouettes of witches, devils, pumpkin faces, pixies and all the other insignia of Hallowe'en. Lights were dimmed and shaded with orange globes upon which were painted grotesque faces in black.
The guests who arrived in all manner of national and rustic costumes, were blindfolded at the entrance, and were initiated by shaking hands with the hostess (whose hand was none too smooth having served duty as a scrubbing brush). Wet sponges and other dubious articles also played unexpected parts in the initiation ceremony. Dances were interspersed with items and Hallowe'en games, "ducking apples," in which one was required to take between the teeth one apple floating in a tub, causing much amusement."
Kathleen was again at an event, this time a "Hard Up" dance party held by the Wellington Younger Set Club, on 25 March 1936 - the theme being "It's not the rich what gets the fun!"
Then on 23 April 1936, the Wellington Younger Set Club celebrated the opening of their Clubrooms in the Newport Chambers, Courtney Place with a dance and a fencing demonstration. Again, Kathleen and Adelaide were in attendance.
On 8 June 1937, Kathleen was at the State Advances and Land and Income Tax Departments combined annual dance at the Mayfair Cabaret. The report says that Cabaret was decorated with "garlands of gay flowers and bunches of fern leaves".
On 19 July 1938, Kathleen attended the St Mary's Old Girls Association Ball which was held at St Francis' Hall. There was dancing downstairs, and bridge upstairs for those who didn't wish to dance - and it was a good opportunity for girls to get their pretty frocks out.
In 1938/39 Kathleen met Lieutenant Willam Thomas "Pat" Nidd, who was a cousin of her good friend Adelaide Gill and was staying with the Gills.
On 28 August 1940, the Evening Post records:
"Third Echelon Officer Married
Miss Kathleen Todd, who was married recently to Lieutenant Nidd (third Echelon) was guest of honour at a pre-wedding gift afternoon given by Mrs A.S.D. Rose and Miss E.H. Kierwan in a private lounge in the Midland Hotel. About sixty friends, including brother officers of Lieutenant Nidd, attended another party given by Miss A. Gill, the bridesmaid, in honour of Miss Todd and her fiance."
On 23 July 1943, Pat was welcomed home to Southbridge along with other returned servicesmen, by a six hundred person strong Southbridge Town Hall meeting. Pat spoke on behalf of the soldiers.
They returned to Wellington, and on 19 October 1944, their son, Michael John was born. He was followed four years later by Jennifer Mary on 12 October 1948.
Kathleen worked doing secretarial and personal assistance work for several employers, including ICL in Wellington, where she worked directly for Mr Hartrick. She used to recall early in her career being sent by the company she worked for (Woolworths I think) to Court to take down notes of a case where a former employer was being tried. She often used to talk about how awful it was seeing him being "sent down" at the conclusion of the day.
Kathleen loved beautiful things, and would save money to buy lovely figurines from Kirkcaldie and Stains Department Store.
Kathleen and Pat had a dairy for a time in Brooklyn, after Pat left the army and then bought 74A McAlpine Avenue, on the Brooklyn Hill opposite Central Park. They called the house "The Glade". At the time it was among other villas of a similar vintage, but by the time they left, forty years later, it was dwarfed by a huge Council apartment block.
They bought a beach house at Te Horo beach and would go up there every weekend to relax, socialise and white bait. I vividly remember many many holidays up there staying with them, and convalescing from chicken pox there when I was about eight - the sea breeze was meant to be good for chicken pox. Nanna and I would go on huge long walks along the beach. One day we walked all the way down to Peka Peka beach.
We used to go to Mass a lot with Nanna and Grandad, and I remember one Christmas period where, with Sundays, Christmas, New Years day and various deceased family anniversaries, we seemed to go virtually every day. I remember Jacquelyn and I being naughty, fidgeting and fighting in our seats, and Nanna bribing us with an ice-cream after Mass if we behaved. Nanna and Grandad only had a small fridge with an icebox at the beachhouse, and so if Nanna bought icecream for pudding after lunch in Otaki, it would be half melted by the time it got brought out for pudding - Nanna would make us eat the whole carton of it!
Nanna and Grandad walked the Milford track and they travelled overseas several times - Nanna loved Hawaii.
Nanna had a fabulous appetite and ate a lot for a little person! She was also a chocolate addict and used to joke that she couldn't open a packet of chocolates or she would eat the whole lot of them - she wasn't lying either!
Photo of Kath Nidd with great-granddaughter Jaime Myer
Feilding, c2000
Nanna played bridge and loved going to the Opera, the Ballet and the Pictures. She never learned to drive - her father told her she was too "highly strung" to drive, and so she would walk all over Wellington - this no doubt contributed to her excellent health for many many years. She still belonged to a walking club in Island Bay in her early nineties and only went into rest home care at the age of 93.
Nanna was a Pink Lady, volunteering at the Wellington Hospital, well into her 80s. She was often running errands for people decades younger than she was.
Nanna is in the newspaper photograph below on the far left.
She was a very vibrant, active, social person, and she is now 96 years old. She is tiny, weak and a mere shadow of herself. It's sad to say but I'm hoping that in the next few days, she'll go to sleep, dreaming about all the parties and dances she went to years ago, the lovely frocks, the admiring young men, and she'll just not wake up from that.
There's a photo on her wall of her, my Grandad, Uncle Bob and Uncle Jack, their wives, and her parents. I often think how strange for her, looking at that photograph, and knowing that she is, effectively, the sole survivor of a happy group. Adelaide died long ago of a brain tumour. It must be lonely being old.
__________________________________
Funeral took place at St Francis de Sales Church, Island Bay at 11am on 6 May 2011. Service conducted by Fr. Geoff Broad.
Followed by Private Cremation.
Kathleen's ashes are to be interred with Pat at Makara Cemetery.
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