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New Zealand Postcard Society (Inc) Directory Patron Chas Lilley: P O Box 372 New Plymouth chas@stampshop.co.nzPresident Jeff Long: 160 Soleares Ave, Mt.Pleasant, Christchurch 8081 jeff.long@paradise.net.nz (03) 3848463Vice-President Laurence Eagle: 55 Ravensdale Rise, Westmorland, Christchurch (03)332 4238Editors Jeff Long &Laurence Eagle (details above)Secretary Jenny Long: 160 Soleares Ave, Mt.Pleasant, Christchurch 8081 jenny.long@paradise.net.nz (03) 3848463Treasurer Ross Alexander: 110 Aikmans Road, Merivale, Christchurch 8001 rossalexander@xtra.co.nz 03 355 5357Sales Mgr/Auctioneer Chris Rabey 55 Apuka Street, Brooklyn, Wellington ships.pubs@paradise.net.nz (04)384 9293‘Annual’ Editor Bill Main: 93 Burma Road, Wellington 6035 wmain@paradise.net.nz (04)971 3535Committee Geoff Potts: 102 Fox Road, Wanganui pottsfamily00@hotmail.com Ray Staal: Villa 73 Summerset Village, 40 Burton Avenue, Wanganui John Eccles: PO Box 1174, Wellington. john.eccles@xtra.co.nz Donal Duthie: 5 Ellerslea Lane, Feilding 4702 donalduthie@paradise.net.nz Chas Lilley: P O Box 372 New Plymouth chas@stampshop.co.nz The Postcard Pillar News & Views is produced three times a year under the editorship of Jeff Long and Laurence Eagle. Contributions are very welcome at any time; please email or post to Jeff Long (details above) Membership of the Society can be obtained by sending a cheque payable to N.Z. Postcard Society Inc for $30 (families $35, overseas $NZ40) to the Secretary, with your name, address, telephone number, email address and collecting interests
Editorial: This is the fourth edition of the Postcard Pillar News & Views. Many thanks for the kind remarks and suggestions received. Remember we need your contributions, preferably in electronic format, but it is perfectly fine if this is not possible. The main aim is to get your words and pictures and ideas out to our membership. This issue we have interesting and significant articles by Gerard Morris, Laurence Eagle, Diane McKoy, Chas Lilley and ‘Safari.’
From the Committee:
The 2009 Postcard Convention weekend has now come and gone. Many postcards and stories and ‘other’ collecting interests were shared. See inside for some details, as well as photos in the special colour middle section.
The Annual Meeting was a brief affair. The main business was Donal retiring as Secretary-Treasurer. Jenny Long was appointed Secretary and Ross Alexander as the Treasurer.
Subscriptions:
These are now due, and a notice is included with this posting. It would be great if you could pay promptly, either to our Treasurer at 110 Aikmans Road, Christchurch 8001 or by direct deposit to the NZ Postcard Society ANZ 010 5330125068-00. Don’t forget to include your NAME !!
Cover illustration
Editor Jeff Long has provided this edition’s action-shot card for our cover. See the brief accompanying article on page 3.
The Postcard Society Convention 2010
will be in Palmerston North. Sept 18/19. Be there !
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The rail route to the South Island’s West Coast
By Jeff Long
James Ring was a Greymouth-based photographer who made several photographic trips through Arthur’s Pass/Otira recording the coaching days. He published two series of postcards of the area, in 1911 and 1913. There is a fantastic website about Ring at:
http://canterburyphotography.blogspot.com/2008/08/j-ring-greymouth-and-reefton.html
The route through the Southern Alps was by no means easy, and the rail section was extended bit by bit as major geographical obstacles were overcome. The Midland railway bridged the Waimakariri and reached the Bealey Valley in 1913. A temporary railway station was set up at Halpin’s Creek, just before Arthur’s Pass which was known as Bealey Flat until 3 Jan 1916.
Passengers heading further west disembarked the train and were loaded into coaches or buggies for travelling over the Otira Gorge. The Ring image below at top left shows a convoy about at least four vehicles about to depart. This is image 2 in the 1913 series. Image 3 is at bottom left below. It shows a fully laden coach passing underneath the partly-constructed rail bridge across Rough Creek, about 500 metres before the location of the permanent railway station at Arthur’s Pass. – a nice road and rail combination photo.
The vertical image is also by James Ring, from his 1911 series, and shows two coaches heading towards Arthur’s Pass, at Candy’s Bend. Tom Candy was a roadman in this area, and the constantly moving scree slope caused major difficulties for many years until the construction of the viaduct. (note: images reduced by 12%)
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JOSEPH DIVIS – mining town photographer
Simon Nathan
Joseph Divis was born in 1885 near Prague, in the country that is now called the Czech Republic. We know little of his early life, but he apparently worked as a miner from an early age, and also gained some experience as a photographer.
Arriving in New Zealand in 1909, he quickly found work in the coal mine at Blackball. He apparently had his own camera, and was soon taking photographs. One of his earliest postcards, probably taken in 1910 or 1911, is a view of the new town of Waiuta, where mining had started only a year or so earlier.
Divis appeared to have itchy feet in the early days as he moved to a different West Coast mining settlement every year or so. In later years he recalled having worked in Roa, Big River and Denniston as well as Blackball and Waiuta.
In 1919 he moved to the North Island and worked at the Martha mine in Waihi until 1924. During this period he took many photographs of the town and mine. Divis often appears in his own photographs – he obviously believed that every photograph should include people, but perhaps he also sent home photographs to show his distant family.
From 1926-30 Divis travelled overseas, including visits to Europe and what was then called the Far East, including Japan. On his return he lived again in Waihi, and apparently tried to develop a photographic business. But by late 1931 he had returned to Waiuta, and was to remain there until his death in 1967. He took several hundred photographs of the town and the mine between 1931and 1936, and many of these have been used in publications by the ‘Friends of Waiuta’. A display of these images forms the basis of a web exhibition you can see at:
http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/culture/waiuta
I am currently preparing a book on the photography of Joseph Divis, and am trying to find postcards or other images that he took. The later Waiuta period, from 1931 onwards, is well covered, but few of his earlier photographs have survived, especially in his earliest years from 1909-1919. Almost all of the photographs he produced commercially have his name (Jos. Divis), either written on the negative or stamped on the back. If you have any postcards or other images, or can direct me to where I might find any Divis material, it would be great if you could contact me:
Email: s.nathan@xtra.co.nz
Phone: 04-384-5444
This postcard shows Waiuta about 1910-11, soon after mining had started. The settlement of Waiuta was created. Tree stumps are still in evidence, and the town has a very raw look about it. This postcard is from the collection of Murray Thomas, which was stolen from him about 20 years ago – so it would be of great interest if anyone knows its present location.
This postcard of Waihi was prepared by Jos Divis in the 1920s from images he had taken around the town. One of the features of his photography is that he appears in many images. He is in at least three of the photos in the composite – can you find him? Source: Brendon Wilshire collection
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The Waterloo Bridge across the Thames
by Chas Lilley
All bridges across the River Thames in London have their own history, and Waterloo Bridge (not the prettiest) is no exception.
The first bridge was opened to the public as a toll bridge in 1817, and was named after the Battle of Waterloo. Before being officially opened, it was known as the Strand Bridge because it opened up direct access to the Strand from the south.
Valentine card 29249. Somerset House and Waterloo Bridge. “in this huge riverside house are kept the registries of wills, births marriages and deaths. In front, stretches the graceful Waterloo Bridge, which is declared to be the most artistic of those spanning the Thames. It is built of Aberdeen granite, and dates from soon after the battle, the name of which it bears.”
By 1884 serious problems had started to arise with the bridge piers; the removal of old London Bridge had increased the water flow which resulted in scouring. By 1920, the problem had become serious, and reinforcement was needed. It was decided to demolish the bridge soon after and start again. Eventually, the new bridge was partially opened in 1942 and completed in 1945, despite plenty of bombing.
Perhaps the reason for the urgency in getting the new structure operational was the major exhibition planned on the South Bank. From this postcard, looking south, one can see the future site of this 1951 ‘Festival of Britain’ exhibition which opened on May 4, 1951 (stamps were issued the day before), only six years after the bridge was opened.
I have a personal interest in this bridge, as I went under it in a police barge before it was opened in 1942, as a 12 year old. I was on holiday from evacuation in Somerset, and my Dad knew someone who knew someone (you know the story), hence my ride with the river police. WOW.
The card illustrated below was purchased at a cartophilic convention in Palmerston North. The stand-holder shall remain nameless, since they didn’t realize the importance of the card; very few cards of this nature were produced during the war, and restrictions on information mean there are no details about the publisher, or anything else!
New Waterloo Bridge, nearly completed
Of all the Thames bridges on postcards, using my collection of over 1,000 bridge cards, Tower Bridge is the most prolific (more than all the others put together), followed by London Bridge, then Westminster. Waterloo Bridge is second to last, and the last is Southwark, to the poor part of London, my part !
I attended the 19521 Exhibition a few weeks after it opened, and also the Festival Gardens by boat at Battersea, and I collect cards of these events as well.
(Ed: Chas has also provided a reference book entitled “Postcards and related collectibles of the Festival of Britain, by George Simner & Bill Tonkin, 192 pages!)
Photograph of the model of the South Bank Exhibition buildings sent as a press release.
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Timpex 2009 New Zealand National Stamp Exhibition
The Timaru Philatelic Exhibition was held at the SBS Event Centre from 16th to 18 October 2009. There were 465 competitive frames, with postcard exhibits making up 52 frames.
The postcard exhibits were divided into 2 classes. One or two frames entries are given gemstone awards as follows: Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Topaz. Three to five frames entries are given medal awards as follows: Gold with Distinction, Gold, Silver with Distinction, Silver, Silver- Bronze, Bronze.
The Judges were Sue Claridge (team leader), John Wilson and Jeff Long. There were 9 entries in the 1 to 2 frame class, and 9 entries also in the 3 to 5 frame class. John Wilson had an invited display of the postcards of Timaru photographer, William Ferrier.
All exhibitors are to be congratulated on their efforts, and it is worth noting that the postcard exhibits were among the most popular with visitors to the exhibition. Special congratulations are due to Evie South, Ann Still and Yvonne Benson for achieving the highest award in their class.
Entries from Postcard Society members in the 1-2 Frame Class
Donal Duthie. Stewart Island Postcards from the Glossine Series of Fergusson and Taylor. (Ruby).
Derek Pocock. The Perfection Series of Western Australia. (Emerald)
Evie South. Picton – and the Discovery of a Lost Love. (Diamond, and best in class)
Jenny Long. Estuary to Esplanade; the Sumner Coastline (Ruby, and best novice entry)
Jill Glasson. A Distant View – looking back to a New Zealand lifestyle a century ago (Emerald)
Bill Main. Pelorus Jack. (Emerald)
Entries from Postcard Society members in the 3-5 Frame Class
Lynda Saunders. The Waiau Ferry Bridge and Beyond. (Silver with Distinction)
Derek Pocock. The Postcards for the Society for the Propagation of the Gospel (in Foreign Parts) (Silver with Distinction)
Ann Still. A Postcard View of Early Nelson and District. (Gold with Distinction, and best in class)
Yvonne Benson. Taonga Maori: Traditional Arts and Crafts of the Maori. (Gold with Distinction)
Robert Duns. From Ferrymead to Sumner. (Silver)
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The NZ Postcard Society Convention, Christchurch, Sept 26-27, 2009
Saturday was a great day, with a wide variety of postcards in the morning chat session, and an even wider variety of non-postcard material in the afternoon, prior to the annual meeting. It was particularly pleasing to see Bill’s progress on our very first Annual. Sorry if you weren’t able to attend, but to give you a feel of what was on offer:
Postcard chats and showings:
Jeff draft of next issue of News & Views
Bill draft of the first Postcard Pillar Annual
Jill Edwardian Christchurch
Jenny B Iraq postcards
Norman Russian postcards
Alan William Blomfield family history, & Rotorua boys bathing
Barry early NZ postcards – M & M, Hotop, Brown, Weeks
Laurence J Spiller cards of Christchurch
Diane Hawera’s Ngaire gardens, & early motoring cards
Geoff the 1906 Lambton Quay (Wellington) and 1908 Christchurch fires
Herb Mt Maunganui
Robert Sailing boats on postcards, Chinese postcards
My “other” collecting interests:
Robert Post Office memorabilia & POSB boxes
Geoff stamp albums
Bill photographer’s cards
Jeff ‘one man’s journey’ to the Antarctic
Laurie the Moss franking machine
Barry carte de visite & accoutrements, & Burton Bros booklets
The formal part of the afternoon didn’t start until we had enjoyed a decent afternoon tea, and then took only a very short time. The Minutes of the previous annual meeting and all reports were dealt with in quick order. Donal Duthie was stepping down as Secretary-Treasurer, a role he had enjoyed for some years, but the breach was filled by Jenny Long accepting the role of Secretary and Ross Alexander as Treasurer.
After that it was off to the local motel for a quiet site down and drinks, then up the Port Hills to the Sign of the Kiwi for a buffet dinner. The weather was clear so the views of the city at night were great, and even most for the locals had not been to the Kiwi at night. The local hosts, Siggy and Lindsey, told us a little about the history of the building and some of their local stories, and later on Barry Hancox entertained us all with a magic lantern show. Altogether, it was a very enjoyable night, with very tasty food and fruit punch, as well as a cake to celebrate the launch of our Annual.
The next day was the Collectables Fair Day. There was the usual enthusiastic scramble during the first ninety minutes, when it was ‘members only’ but then the chaos really started. Laurence Eagle had managed to get his picture and a substantial article taking up nearly half a page in The Press and promised he was going to give away examples of NZ’s first postcard (and he did). The new and retiring Secretaries, assisted by others when they had a few spare moments, spoke with everyone as they came through the doors, explaining what the Society did and why they should join. And join they did! Ten on the day, and with more applications still coming in!
There were four dealers, and they had mountains of stock. Literally hundreds of postcards were sold to enthusiasts, and there was also a steady stream of members of the public wanting to get an idea of what their cards might be worth.
A great weekend, so thanks to all who contributed, and we look forward to seeing you in Palmerston North next year!
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Promotional Card for Aristophot Co Souvenir flag design, with Exhibition Buildings
Both cards available from the publisher in London, or at the Christchurch Exhibition, or from the wholesale agents, Gordon & Gotch
In addition to Laurence wanting an example of Aristophot card 224, three other members are on the lookout for specific postcards.
Ivan Prentice is looking for Palmerston North postcards and memorabilia. Ivan can be contacted at 535 Ferguson St, Palmerston North, or on 06 354 9958
Shirley Jones is interested in Australian cards of artist J A Turner, whose series of illustrated postcards were issued between 1903 and 1908. If you can help her out, the Editor may receive an article! Shirley can be contacted at shirleyjones26@bigpond.com
Eddy Wouters is another Australian collector, interested in postcards showing lighthouses. He can send either postcards or stamp in return. Eddy can be contacted at brabo992@hotmail.com
Jenny Long, our new Secretary, is interested in postcards of the Sumner area of Christchurch, especially those along the coastline. See page two for Jenny’s contact details.
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The 1865 New Zealand Industrial Exhibition - Dunedin
Gerard Morris
Regular readers of Postcard Pillar will be familiar with postcards and stories surrounding a number of New Zealand’s Exhibitions. However, those that predate postcard publication have gone untold. The following is a brief history of New Zealand’s first. It was held during the first four months of 1865. With the help of postcards showing the Exhibition building during its second life, as Dunedin’s Public Hospital, we can disturb a few cobwebs and maybe uncover some treasures.
The genesis of the New Zealand Industrial Exhibition of 1865 is likely to lie in the success of the 1862/63 Otago Geological Survey led by Dr. James Hector and a desire to do something with the 500 or so rocks, fossils and minerals the team collected. In September 1863 after much discussion the decision was made that an Exhibition would be held in Dunedin. Although common overseas, this was to be first in Australasia, and to get the ball rolling the local newspapers, the Otago Daily Times and Otago Witness, were supplied with detailed and persuasive articles selling the concept to their readers.
The Hype
Dunedin, it was boasted, was “the commercial capital of the colony, its first city in wealth, in population and in business activity. At no stage of its history since the foundation has its rapid advancement day by day been so marked. Well-made streets have already replaced the muddy thoroughfares which but six months back were a by-word; substantial and handsome buildings are everywhere.” Also touted was its “convenient geographical position” to Australia, which was expected to send exhibits. The province was riding a boom on the back of its gold field’s success. Its future growth, prosperity and confidence seemed assured.
It was to be “the first Universal Exhibition of Industry held in [Australasia and it] will be inaugurated in its chief city.” The intention was not only to display New Zealand and Australian produce; it was open to “exhibitors of all nations.” It goals were ambitious. Manufacturers in Great Britain, Europe and the United States were expected to “eagerly avail themselves of the opportunity of displaying under circumstances so favourable” that profits were almost guaranteed. For New Zealand too, the Exhibition’s effect was expected to advance prosperity.
Advertisements seeking interest from businesses started appearing in newspapers and reports were published about Middle Islanders who would be showing their products. North Islanders, in contrast, were slow to respond. At this time bloody land wars with Maori were being fought, and a ‘politically correct’ November 1864 newspaper report blamed these “unsettled conditions” for a poor response from potential exhibitors. Even in the Middle Island there was initially a slow response. “Provincial jealousies have had to be surmounted,” it was reported. “Apathetic committees [had to be] aroused” and the general population needed to be “stirred up.”
The report noted that the Commissioners remained positive, the lists of contributors were filling, and hyped the expected benefits of the Exhibition. It also stated that the Governor, Sir George Grey, would be attending the opening, which was expected to be on the same scale of the Royal Marriage festivities (Queen Victoria’s).
The Exhibition
On 12 January 1865, despite the absence of the Governor, Sir George Grey, and “the comparatively small countenance given by other Provinces, ” the Exhibition opened with great fanfare. There were 700 exhibitors, displaying over 1600 exhibits in four categories: raw materials, machinery, manufacturing and fine arts. 1214 exhibits were contributed by New Zealand. 202 exhibits came from Australia. Other countries represented included Austria, Belgium, Canada, France, Germany, Holland, and India. The exhibits from Great Britain arrived a month late. 31,250 people attended over the 102 days. The greatest attendance on any one-day was 1,400.
Success or Failure?
In the opinion of the Commissioners and the Otago Provincial Council the Exhibition was a huge success. A booklet by Alfred Eccles (Jnr.) was published in 1925.
Financially – Ticket sales generated just over £2,195 (projected £2,500). Reasons cited were the reduced ticket price to stimulate greater public interest, the Governor’s absence, and poor support from the North Island. The lighting failed due to gas flow problems and only three evening sessions were held.
For New Zealand – Construction materials for buildings were analysed and reported upon. Ten essays were also published. The Exhibition stimulated New Zealand’s agricultural, manufacturing, and mining industries. It also boosted the country’s profile overseas. The Dominion Museum in Wellington became the home of Hector’s geological collection.
Dunedin – Apart from the spotlight and the additional revenue it attracted; the town was given the Exhibition building, which became a much-needed new public hospital. It was demolished in 1933.
The Organisers – Dr. Eccles (Snr.) received a gold medal, and the 14 Commissioners were awarded silver medals. The design is considered to be the most beautiful of all Industrial Exhibition medals. Total number of medals minted – 1 gold, 55 silver and 87 bronze.
Exhibitors – Their efforts were rewarded in the presentation of 365 certificates of merit. Silver and bronze medals were awarded for extraordinary excellence and meritorious achievement, and to those exhibitors who aided New Zealand’s advancement in literature and science.
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The building, centre, was a prominent feature of the Dunedin skyline
(The London Bookstall, Dunedin. 682C)
The Exhibition building in use as the hospital. The Nurses’ Home is to the left of the hospital.
(undivided back card, Muir & Moodie, No.5058)
Rear view of the building. (Photo by Gill. F.T. Series No. 9587)
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1.
THE MOST PALATIAL AND LUXURIOUSLY FURNISHED RIVER STEAMER IN THE COLONY
In 1896 The Northern Steamship Company sent one of their most experienced employees, Captain William Farquhar to his homeland of Scotland to take possession of the newest steamer in their growing fleet, from shipbuilders Napier, Shanks & Bell of Yoker, Dumbartonshire. The new ship was a 441 ton paddle steamer to be named “Wakatere” (Swift Canoe).
Wakatere entered the Northern Steamship Company fleet later that year to be employed on the Coromandel/Thames route and harbour excursions. She could carry 1500 passengers and had cabins for 375.
The Wakatere soon earned the title of “The most palatial and luxuriously furnished river steamer in the colony”. The saloon was richly appointed with ship fittings of polished mahogany and silver. Two highly polished engrained tables ran the length of the saloon and the seats around the parallel walls and chairs clamped to the floor were upholstered in dark red velvet. Passengers would be accompanied by piano music. All which gave the impression of a high-class hotel if were not for the noise of the paddles.
WAKATERE IN AUCKLAND HARBOUR. Wilson Real Photo 857
2.
The trip to Thames took from three to five hours, usually in smooth water passing inside Waiheke Island until it reached Brown’s Island, then across the northern passage to the Firth of Thames to Coromandel or the southern passage passing the Sandspit Lighthouse to Thames. On the way, the passengers could visit several of the sandy bays of Waiheke or Rotoroa (also call Ruthe’s Island). The fares were between 5 and 10 shillings.
NOT A MOTOR CAR IN SIGHT. CABS WAITING FOR PASSENGERS FROM WAKATERE AT THAMES WHARF. Edward de Tourret Card. Published by Wm Coad Thames 1909.
3.
P.S. WAKATERE. THAMES.N.Z. Motor cabs slowly replacing horses.
Frank Duncan & Co. Tourist Series 183
Excursions were arranged for most public holidays with the Wakatere always decked out with colourful flags. Day trips to mostly to Waiheke Island where cold luncheon was provided, or Bucklands Beach were there was a wharf which led on to a large picnic area. Half day and evening excursions were usually around the islands in the harbour with bands playing on board. Excursion fares were approximately two shillings and children half price.
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WAKATERE DECKED OUT FOR REGATTA DAY EXCUSION. W. Beattie & Co. Moa Series. (This card was also published in Black and White).
The Wakatere did not have an incident free time over the years on its many trips. Some of the incidents that were reported are as follows:
April 1898 - Before reaching Thames, two arms of the starboard paddle collapsed of Tararu Point and the S.S. Rotomahana had to assist Wakatere to the wharf.
September 1900 - A winchman was caught in a winch at Thames and died in hospital of a fractured skull.
September 1900 - A passenger jumped overboard six miles from Thames. A search was made and he was never found.
August 1901 - 500-600 people were stranded for the weekend at Thames. Some with no money for food or lodging as the Wakatere was grounded and did not return to Auckland until Monday. The Northern Steamship company was reproached by the press for not doing more for the passengers.
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November 1902 - A winchman had an accident while discharging cargo
and died of fatal head injuries in hospital. (Yes another one. I
wonder what OSH would have to say).
April 1904 - A Robbery was reported on board and a man was charged with stealing 29 pounds.
April 1911 - The Wakatere ran into the scow Huia in the Waiheke passage about 8pm. The scow was seriously damaged and capsized. The crew was taken on board the undamaged steamer.
January 1912 - One of the saloon boys was fooling around with a revolver he found it his friends draw and not knowing it was loaded, pointed it at his friends head and it went off. The shot boy was reported as progressing favorably.
December 1914 - The Wakatere was in collision with a sketch in Ponui passage. The sketch was beached on Ponui Island in sinking condition.
December 1914 - As a result of allegations of card-sharping on the steamer on its way to Thames, two men were arrested.
February 1915 - An enquiry into a collision between the Wakatere and the scow Katie, found that the accident was caused by the second mate misjudging the distance and position of the scow and was ordered to pay 10 shillings.
The 1920s saw improvements in roads and linking up of railroads, so it became uneconomic for The Northern Steamship Company to continue passenger services and the company was forced to withdraw many passenger steamers from service between 1920 and 1929 including the Wakatere. After 30 years of service the Wakatere was laid up in 1926 and then sold to J.E. Appleton of Auckland who converted the steamer into a shingle barge. However by 1933, unfortunately the popular and much loved Wakatere had to be broken up as her lower hull was worn out by many years of dragging over shallow shell beds of the Thames.
6.