Notes

THE "DUX" OF THE FIELDS.

WHEN the good ship "lonic" brushed against the Wellington wharf one day in the year 1885, she had aboard, a young Northumberlander, who hailed from that city of ship-docks and collieries - Newcastle-on-Tyne. But coal and seacraft had not occupied the boyhood of Robert Dickenson Duxfield, and when he landed in New Zealand his mental baggage was labelled M.A. Duxfield's erudite genius, while at Trinity College, Dublin, had won for him this distinction.

The Tyne-side scholar was not sea-Sick on his trip to New Zealand, a lengthy cadetship on a Bombay sailing trader having established his sea-legs as a youngster. For some years after his arrival in New Zealand, Duxfield brought his batteries of intelligence to bear with perspicuous aim upon the craniums of Wanganui and Christ Colleges and Whangarei High School students; he was headmaster of the latter for five years.

When his ancestral instincts made the call to the soil greater than the appeal of the birch and blackboard, Duxfield said "cows" - and wheresoever could one choose better country to spank the kine than Waikato; so at Horotiu with his Shorthorns he has been for 28 years. As in his school days, he did things thoroughly and well, and there being no Order of the Shorthorn Academy for his own attainments, he sees to it that, his cattle get their share of whatever honours lay in the filling of the milk-bucket.

At the Royal Show at Palmerston North in 1925, the champion Shorthorn milch cow and champion Shorthorn bull belonged to the Duxfield meadows. The honour of being a Justice of the Peace longer than anyone in his district is the one odd feather in the cap of this agriculturist. All the others are the prominent plumage of office plucked from the Auckland Provincial Farmers' Union; the Auckland Farmers' Trading Co.; the N.Z. Farmers' Fertiliser Co., Ltd.; and the N.Z. Farmers' Union, of which he is a life member.

As a little respite from milking cows, Duxfield launched out into politics at the last general election, when in the interests of the Country Party he contested the Raglan seat against R. F. Bollard, the present member and Minister of Internal Affairs.

Source: NZ Truth on 23 June 1927.

Obituary

MR. R. D. DUXFIELD.

HAMILTON, This Day.

Mr. R. D. Duxfield, M.A., J.P., a prominent breeder of Shorthorn cattle and an exhibitor, died at his home at Horotiu this morning.

The late Mr. Duxfield was. born at Newcastle-on-Tyne, England, in 1862, and was educated at the Yarmouth Grammar School.; He passed his preliminary law examination, and was articled for one year to a legal firm at Stockton-on-Tees. He later entered Dublin University, and filled various teaching positions. Coming to New Zealand in 1885, he taught at Wanganui College, later going to the Whangarei High School, where he was principal for five years. Also, as a master, he was associated with Christ's College, Christchurch. In1898 he took up farming in. the Waikato, and took a prominent part in farming matters, being connected in an official capacity with the Farmers' Union for many years.

Source: Evening Post on 26 April 1938.

MASSACRE SURVIVOR
MR G POULGRAN DEAD

84 YEARS IN DISTRICT
EARLY PAPER FINANCE

The death occurred this morning of Mr. George Poulgrain, one of the oldest identities of the district, he having lived here for 84 years. His passing recalls many memories of the hard and troublous times experienced by the early settlers.

Born in Bendigo, Australia, in 1853, Mr. Poulgrain was brought as a baby in arms to New Zealand, his parents settling at Matawhero, the centre of the Te Kooti massacre in 18G8. When they arrived 84 years ago, wild pigs, goats and cattle abounded, being a menace to life, but providing a ready supply of meat.

In those early days money meant nothing to the settlers, whose finance was all on paper and by the exchange of produce. It was many years before the late Mr. Poulgrain ever saw real coins.

Mr. Poulgrain remembered the concern that was felt in the district in 1865 when news was received of the murder of the Rev. Mr. Volkner in Opotiki by Kereopa, and the stir that was caused by the revolting details, such as the mutilation of the body and the swallowing of the dead man's eyes by Kereopa.

Escape to Auckland

During native troubles in this district, warning was given to the settlers, and Mr. Poulgrain's family, together with others, boarded a boat at Roseland and travelled down the river to Turanga. When Te Kooti escaped from Chatham Island and landed in the district, the family anticipated trouble and decided to leave for Auckland. They arrived in Turanga on the day of the massacre to find that two schooners had left the previous day, the Tarawera and the Success, one for Auckland and the other for Napier.

Calm weather held up the progress of the schooners, and the authorities decided, when news of the massacre was received, to attempt to recall the boats and send the women and children away in them. Volunteers manned a whaleboat to go out into the night and signal their return by the use of flares. The burning of Mr. Bloomfield's home was visible to the party as it set out after the boats. The signals from the whaleboat were noticed by Captain Joe Kennedy, who commanded the Tarawera, and he was acquainted of the tragedy. He signalled to Captain Trimmer, of the Success, and both ships put about. The whole of the following day was occupied in transporting the women and children to the boats.

The Poulgrain family went by the Tarawera, which took three weeks on the journey to Auckland. The provisioning for the unexpectedly large complement of passengers created a problem, and at intervals on the long trip boats had to be sent ashore to secure fresh supplies of food and water.

Vivid Impressions

Mr. Poulgrain was only a boy at the time, but many of the incidents of those stirring times were most vividly impressed on his mind throughout his long life. After returning to Gisborne, when the greatest danger from the rebel was past, the family again settled in the district, and Mr. Poulgrain became well known later as a contractor. He retired about 10 years ago, and in later years he had been living in Aberdeen road. He kept in excellent health until about a fortnight ago.

The deceased was predeceased by his wife four years ago. Two sons and four daughters, Messrs. Kenneth and Nelson Poulgrain, Mesdames P. Muir and H. Wilson, all of Gisborne, Mrs. E. O'Hagen. Timaru, and Mrs. W. Smyth, Whakatane, remain to mourn their loss.

A short service will be held in Cochrane's mortuary, Williams street, at 10.15 a.m. to-morrow prior to the departure of the funeral for the Taruheru cemetery.

Source: Poverty Bay Herald, 29 November 1937, Page 6

MRS GREGOR McGREGOR

Another of our sterling pioneers passed away yesterday in the person, of Mrs Gregor McGregor, senior. The deceased lady was born in Invernessshire in 1823, and came out to New Zealand in the ship Blenheim, landing at Wellington on December 27th, 1840. Mr. Gregor McGregor, to whom she was married in Wellington two years later, accompanied her on the voyage out. When the Maori war broke out in 1845 Mr Gregor McGregor took his wife and then two children to New South Wales for safety, returning to Wellington in 1849 when the country became more settled. In 1851 Mr McGregor, with the late Mr Wilson and Captain Daniels, left Wellington on foot. The two latter held scrip from the New Zealand Company, and selected suitable areas at Bulls and at Turakina respectively. Mr McGregor remained some years with Mr Wilson at Turakina and then came on to the Matarawa Valley, where he purchased a farm and settled with his wife and family, subsequently adding to the Matarawa property and acquiring other properties in the Wanganui district. Mr McGregor, who was also a native of Inverness-shire, where he was born in 1818, predeceased his wife, passing away in 1876. For some years past the late Mrs McGregor had resided in Wanganui, spending in peace and quietude the latter years of a strenuous and useful life. A family of five sons and four daughters survive.

Source: Wanganui Chronicle, 5 January 1914, Page 5

Nelson hockey stalwart Mark Wilkens leaves behind an impressive legacy

Nelson hockey stalwart Mark Wilkens had the enviable quality of being able to celebrate both success and failure in equal measure.

Well almost - and he wasn't a half bad player either.

The sudden recent death of Mark "Wilkie" Wilkens, aged just 55, has sent shock waves through the Nelson hockey community although in passing, he's also left behind a considerable legacy of success at both club and representative level.

A diehard Federal club man, Wilkie's involvement extended well beyond the playing arena to coaching, umpiring and administration. But it was in Federal's familiar red strip that many of his most memorable achievements occurred.

Most notable perhaps were the 28 club championship titles he collected over a long and celebrated career, which also included 278 games for the Nelson senior men's representative team. Wilken's representative involvement coincided with a golden period for Nelson when they were regularly ranked among the country's top six men's provincial sides.

More recently, Wilkens became a core member of Nelson Masters teams. In total, he finished with seven national titles in various age groups and won selection in New Zealand men's 45, 50 and 55 teams to compete at both the Masters World Cup and trans-Tasman test series against Australia. At this year's trans-Tasman series in Melbourne, he was captain of the men's 55 team.

Wilkens' initial coaching Involvement was with the Federal men's and women's premier club sides before also taking charge of the Nelson senior representative men's team. More recently he'd been involved in coaching junior club sides.

Not surprisingly, Wilkens was on the Federal club committee and Nelson Men's Hockey Associaition committee prior to its amalgamation with the women's association in the late 1980s, when he was also made a life member of the Federal club.

Outside of hockey, Wilkens' interest extended to a life-long love of music - he actually played bass with some of hockey mates in a garage band known simply as `The Federal Band'. He was an avid horse racing fan and also played competitive lower grade cricket.

Wilken's long-time friend, team-mate and Nelson's regional hockey development manager Craig Brett said that the entire Nelson hockey community has been affected by Wilkens' death.

"I have so many fond memories, as I'm sure everyone else does, his passing has had a huge impact on the hockey fraternity, not only Federal but all the clubs and colleges," Brett said.

"The support and thoughts from so many players and supporters from within the Nelson hockey community has been overwhelming. The texts, emails and phone calls in the hundreds that have come in from outside Nelson are also testament that it wasn't just our own community that has been shocked by Wilkie's death and that he was loved and respected by so many."

Source: Nelson Mail, Aug 13 2015.

SUDDEN DEATH.
HON. E. V. LUTTRELL

The Hon. Edwin Valentine Luttrell, the well-known and popular veterinary surgeon, passed away suddenly yesterday. He was attending a cow at Mr D. Dinan's place at Waerenga-a-hika, and after working at it for some time he was relieved by Mr J. Linklater. Mr Luttrell stood aside, smoking, and directing Mr Linklater what to do. About twenty minutes later Mr Luttrell fell backwards. He was spoken to, but did not reply. Dr Collins was sent for, and on his arrival he could only pronounce life to be extinct. Deceased had been in poor health of late. Death was due to natural causes. The late Mr Luttrell, who was the fifth son of the Earl of Carahampton, leaves a widow and grown up family, for whom much sympathy will be felt. He was 67 years of age. The deceased gentleman was highly esteemed and beloved by all who knew him. He came to New Zealand in the. year 1863, and served in the war against the Maoris, and during the campaign against Te Kooti. He was veterinary surgeon in the Tauranga cavalry, and on several occasions despatch rider at great risk to his life. The honourable gentleman was chosen to muster all the white women and children at Tauranga, and had them conveyed on board the steamer Tauranga, and called the roll in order to ascertain that not a white woman was left behind; so great was the anxiety owing to the threatened attitude of the Natives. The steamer cleared from her moorings forthwith on her way to Auckland, and for 18 months not a white woman, with the exception of Mrs Harrington, Colonel Harrington's wife, was seen in Tauranga. The deceased gentleman came to Poverty Bay in the latter part of the year 1871, where he remained ever since, following up his profession as veterinary surgeon, and he was looked upon as one of the cleverest men at his profession in the Dominion. He was highly respected by all who knew him, and his death is a great blow to those who are left to mourn his loss. He leaves a widow and a grown-up family of three sons and two daughters, Mrs J. K. Mclntbah and Mrs F. H. Buscke.

Colonel Porter, C.B., informs us that he was first acquainted with the late Mr Luttrell in the Urewera and Taupo campaigns in 1869. He was then a smart young veterinary officer attached to the Tauranga Cavalry, a troop of which, together with the Opotiki Cavalry, formed part of the Transport. Corps Escort, of which Colonel Porter was placed in command by Colonel Whitmore. Mr Luttrell narrowly escaped the disaster at Opape in June 1860, when Te Kooti and his people, escaping from the Urewera country to Waikato, fell in with an escort post at Opape and the whole of the escort were killed, excepting Lieutenant Smith and Sergeant Dette, who escaped wounded. Mr Luttrell at that time was to have been one of the escort, but he undertook to carry a despatch which was at the time regarded as a duty attended with much more danger. He was looked upon as a smart, and efficient officer, always ready to undertake any hazardous duty without a murmur. He came and settled in Poverty Bay about two years after the above-mentioned.

Source: Poverty Bay Herald, 7 September 1911, Page 4.

OBITUARY.

Another of New Zealand's pioneer settlers in the person of Mr Franz Henry Berkahn passed peacefully away at the residence of his son, Mr W. F. H. Berkahn, at Tipapakuku, on Sunday afternoon. The late Mr Berkahn, who was 84 years of age, and a native of Denmark, arrived in New Zealand in the old sailing vessel Queen of the North, 43 years ago next February. He went on the Elsthorpe estate with the late Mr John Buchanan, and when the Makeretu estate was subdivided took up a section and resided there for about 33 years.

Source: Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13509, 20 September 1916, page 4.
 

The War.

Mrs P. M. Beck, of Norsewood, has received the following letter from South Africa relating to the manner in which her son, Gunner J. Beck, received the wound which had, fatal consequences :-

Lichtenburg,
5th March, 1901.
Mrs Beck, Ormondville,

Dear Madam, I much regret having to send this letter to tell you of a mishap that, has come to your son John. But as you will probably see the news in cablegrams from here it seemed better to let you know how he was getting along. Last Sunday morning we were attacked by the Boers, who managed to get into the town and very close to the entrenchments where the guns were. The men were, of course, on their guns and with nothing to eat or drink. Your son offered to run across an open space to bring something to the enclosure, and unfortunately while coming back was struck in the leg, the bullet going right through and breaking the bone. The doctor came as soon as possible and made him as comfortable as he could. We had him removed to the hospital the same night, where he is now doing very well. He has of course a good deal of pain, but is bearing up well and when the swelling has gone down and the doctors have set his leg, I hope he will mend rapidly, for otherwise he is in splendid health. We are all extremely sorry for his mishap, his good nature and cheerfulness having made him everybody's friend in the battery. I trust he will soon be well enough to send you the news of his safe recovery. It is at present necessary that he should be still, which explains why he is unable to write himself. - I am, etc.,
C. T. Major,
Captain N.Z. Battery.

Source: Bush Advocate, 18 May 1901.

Monument Unveiling.

The Late Trooper Beck.

The largest concourse of people that has ever assembled at Norsewood met on Sunday afternoon to witness the ceremony of unveiling the monument to the late Trooper Beck who fell so heroically while helping to get succour for his comrades in South Africa.

A detachment of the Union Rifles acted as a guard of honour, and the Brass Band was in attendance and played most appropriate music.

Punctually at 2.30 Mr P. Martin, the energetic secretary, mounted the platform and read apologies for non-attendance from the Very Rev. the Dean of Waiapu and Pastor Ries. The latter wrote as follow:- In reply to your kind invitation, dated January 15th, I beg to state that it would have given me great pleasure indeed to have been with you on the 26th at the unveiling of the Beck Memorial Monument; but as I have to be in Makaretu on the last Sunday in each month, and this is the last Sunday in this month, I could not possibly be with you. I honour and esteem any young man who shows regard to his country, and I am very glad to learn of the way in which the Norsewood community has deemed it proper to commemorate the deeds of our late trooper, young John Beck. I trust that the monument you are about to unveil will be an everlasting teacher of two things, - Firstly, that the Danish subjects in this colony are loyal to the British Crown, and at all times willing to give their lives for the service of the Empire; secondly, that the people of the colony honour and respect any man who does bis best to help to uphold the prestige of the British Empire. I pray to God that He will comfort the parents and other relatives in their sorrow over the loss of their son and brother. In conclusion, sir, as I understand that you are short of funds for the monument, and that a collection will be taken up, I beg to enclose cheque for £l, which you will kindly add to your collection. You have my best wishes for a successful meeting.

Mr Martin then called upon Mr Hall, M.H.R., who, having; made a few introductory remarks, asked Mrs Ole Ericksen to unveil the monument, a ceremony which that lady gracefully performed, during which the volunteers presented arms, and the 'last post' was sounded.

Mr Hall then proceeded with his address, in which he eulogised the bravery shown by Trooper Beck. He also informed his hearers that a cross had been erected over the grave of deceased at Lichtenburg (where he met with his fatal wound) by his comrades-in-arms.

Addresses were also given by Mr C. A. Foston, Adjutant Cook, the Rev Canon Webb, and Pastor Topholm, the last speaker reminding his hearers that though he was not an Englishman by birth, he was a loyal subject of the King. He had travelled in several foreign countries and was conversant with their laws, and could say without fear of contradiction that there was no freer country in this world than that over which flew the English flag.

During the afternoon a collection was taken up and responded to with such good will that the monument is paid for, £12, the amount required, being taken.

Mr Hall, at the wish of Mr M. Beck, father of deceased, then read a few words of heartfelt gratitude to all those who bad helped in erecting such a memento to his son, after which Mr Foston moved that this meeting protests against the recent vile aspersions cast upon the British troops and affirms its belief in their honour and integrity.

Pastor Topholm seconded and the resolution was carried amidst loud cheering, the proceedings being brought to a close by the Band playing 'God Save the King.'

The monument, which is a very handsome marble one and comes from the works of Mr J. Waterworth, of Napier, bears the following inscription: "Erected to the memory of Trooper H. J. Beck, 5th New Zealand Contingent, who was wounded in action at Lichtenburg, South Africa, 3rd March, 1901. Died of his wounds 24th March, 1901. Aged 23." "In grateful remembrance of a brave soldier who gave his life in defence of the Empire." The monument stands on a 3-tier concrete basement, which was erected by Mr Crossland, of Ormondville, and which does him infinite credit.

Source: Bush Advocate, 27 Jan 1902

DUNEDIN,SATURDAY,OCTOBER 8, 1853.

THE "Rajah," from London direct, arrived at this port on the 5th inst., after a passage of 111 days, bringing news to the 15th June. She has a full cargo of merchandise, and 98 passengers, about 70 of whom are for this settlement.

On the 25th ult., while off the coast of Van Diemen's Land, she met with, a serious disaster, being struck by a sea, which made a clean breach over her, sweeping her decks, and carrying away the whole of her boats, her cooking galley, and her bulwarks, besides doing, as it is feared, considerable injury to her stern. Fortunately no lives were lost, but perhaps this may be accounted for in some measure from the accident having occurred during the night. Much inconvenience and discomfort have been experienced by reason of the galley having been lost. We can sympathise with her passengers, to whom the consternation and alarm must have been great, and we sincerely congratulate them on their safe arrival in port.

Source Otago Witness, 8 October 1853, Page 2.

DUNEDIN,SATURDAY,OCTOBER 8, 1853.

THE "Rajah," from London direct, arrived at this port on the 5th inst., after a passage of 111 days, bringing news to the 15th June. She has a full cargo of merchandise, and 98 passengers, about 70 of whom are for this settlement.

On the 25th ult., while off the coast of Van Diemen's Land, she met with, a serious disaster, being struck by a sea, which made a clean breach over her, sweeping her decks, and carrying away the whole of her boats, her cooking galley, and her bulwarks, besides doing, as it is feared, considerable injury to her stern. Fortunately no lives were lost, but perhaps this may be accounted for in some measure from the accident having occurred during the night. Much inconvenience and discomfort have been experienced by reason of the galley having been lost. We can sympathise with her passengers, to whom the consternation and alarm must have been great, and we sincerely congratulate them on their safe arrival in port.

Source Otago Witness, 8 October 1853, Page 2.

WEDDINGS OF THE WEEK

SHERRIFF--WALLACE.

The wedding took place on Wednesday morning, January 28, at 8 a.m., of Miss Barbara Wallace, second daughter of Mrs. Wallace and the late Mr. Wallace, of Rotorua, to Mr. Percy Sherriff, youngest son of Mr. and Mrs. D. Sherriff, of Rotorua. The ceremony was held at the residence of the bride's mother, Ranolf Street, Rotorua, the Rev. J. Milne officiating. The bride, who was given away by her eldest brother, Mr. Athol Wallace, of Whakatane, wore a dainty gown of peach georgette, inlet with Chantilly lace, with hat to match. Miss Lily Richardson was the bridesmaid, in a rose-beige crepe de chine frock, with hat to match. The best man was Mr. Lindsay Wallace, brother of the bride. Mrs. Wallace, mother of the bride, wore a frock of bronze silk charmeline, with hat to match. Miss Tracey Wallace, sister of the bride, was in delphinium blue georgette, with silver lace, and hat to match. Miss Peggy Wallace, sister of the bride, wore a floral silk georgette, with fawn hat. Mr. and Mrs. Sherriff left by the express for Auckland, where the honeymoon will be spent.

Source: Auckland Star, 25 January 1929, Page 10. 

THE IONIC

The s.s. Ionic, which arrived as we were going to press on the 4th August, had a most uneventful passage. She left London on June 18, and took her final departure from Plymouth the next day, fine and clear weather prevailing. Called at Teneriffe on the 25th, and, after taking in coal, left again same day, and with the exception of three days dirty weather when off the Cape of Good Hope (passed July 10), fine weather favoured the ship, and good onward progress was made, the best day's work done being 336 knots. Called at Hobart on the 29th July, and after landing passengers and taking in a further supply of coal, she resumed her voyage for Auckland on the 30th. Very fine weather prevailed thence till arrival in port. There was no sickness during tho passage, and Dr. Philson, after making the usual inspection, presented Captain Cameron with a clean bill of health. The lonic's passage from Gravesend occupied 46 days, the actual steaming time being 43 days 20 hours. The following are the names of her officers:? Commander, J. G. Cameron; Chief Engineer, W. O. Purvis; Surgeon, S. A. Patrick: Purser, G. Row.

Source: Auckland Star, 16 August 1884, Page 5.