October 18th yesterday

Do you remember what you were doing on this date last year, five years ago, 10 years ago etc? This blog post looks back at what was happening in Rotorua on 18th October, yesteryear.

18 October 2004 - 15 years ago

The Daily Post had coverage of the second annual Rotorua Reebok Ekiden Relay that had been held on Saturday. 260 teams of six team members walked the marathon distance of 42.2 kilometres in rainy conditions around the shores of Lake Rotorua.

Source: Rotorua Daily Post, Monday 18 October 2004, p. 2. Photos: Tracey Robinson

18 October 1994 - 25 years ago

Lakeland Health chief executive David Buckleigh announced his resignation after 18 months in the role.

Also a general meeting was held to vote on the proposed merger of Rotorua Electricity with Bay of Plenty Electricity. There were angry calls for Rotorua Electricity chairman Jack Butterworth to resign after he announced the meeting would be adjourned for three weeks.

18 October 1969 - 50 years ago

On Saturday morning Malfroy Road School pupils held a mini-walkathon. The picture below shows signs, such as 'Miles for piles of books', which would suggest the walkathon was to raise funds for new books.

Also in education news, nine-year-old Rotorua Primary School student Shane Eaton was preparing for heats for the national frog jumping championship being held at Rotorua Primary School.

Malfroy Road School walkathon. Source: The Daily Post, Saturday 18 October 1969, p. 1.

Rotorua Primary School student Shane Eaton prepares for national frog jumping championships. Source: The Daily Post, Saturday 18 October 1969, p. 1.

18 October 1939 - 80 years ago

In October 1939 petty theft was an issue.

Firstly there was a word of warning to those stealing flowers that they would face penalties under the law. It had been reported on several occasions that flowers had been removed from Kuirau reserve, and in some case entire plants and bulbs had been taken.

Also it was also reported that petrol was being siphoned out of tanks. Motorists had been returning to theirs cars to find their tanks nearly empty.

18 October 1919 - 100 years ago

On Saturday 18th October 1919 the Arawa tribe gave a reception to General, Lady and Miss Russell at Ohinemutu. Sir Andrew Russell was presented with a feather mat as a gift.

Source: Wanganui Chronicle, Monday 20 October 1919, p. 9. Courtesy of Papers Past.

This post was written by Graeme. Thanks to Rotorua Daily Post and Papers Past.

Rotorua Mile Stones & random news events recorded in Rotorua and other NZ Newspapers c1889-1980.

Rotorua as seen in the News

October 1889 & 1890 Bay of Plenty Times (BPT)

Local talks and negotiations with Government continue as they seek to purchase the new Town.  See the Fenton Agreement.

BPT 12 October 1891: The Town Board offers a £5 reward for information on the person or persons who destroyed recently planted willow trees on the Esplanade.

BPT 26 Oct 1891: Many applications are being received for business and residential sections in the new Town. Minister of Lands assures them he will arrange matters to the gratification of the applicants.

BPT 26 Oct 1894: An Auckland builder W.H. Holman’s tender to build the Rotorua Court House is accepted.

Hot Lakes Chronicle 2 October 1895 : 

 ‘The Town Board calls for tenders for the formation of Pukuatua & Hinemoa Streets between Fenton and Tutanekai Streets, and for grubbing the extension of Hinemoa Street’

 ‘Town Board has estimated that the cost of water pipes to be extended along Tutanekai and various cross-streets would cost £972 and a further sum of £500 would be required to extend the Postmaster’s Bath’

‘Stray cattle & horses might still be seen at large about the streets, in spite of the ‘stringent’ instructions to the Poundkeeper. He recently manifested his zeal in impounding the [Town Board] chairman and secretary’s horses and it was gratifying to see that he showed not fear nor favour’

‘Mr Dansey proposed a ‘Fire Brigade’ for the town and asks for funding from the Town Board. The Chairman, Mr Malfroy, said “that in the meantime it was only a moral support that could be given, but he believed that in a measure now before the House [Parliament], power would be given whereby the Board could aid them financially.”   Mr Corlett one of a deputation for the Fire Brigade, stated that some work had already begun to form a Brigade and would like assistance from the Board in “obtaining a site for a fire station in the new town” in the conversation that ensued, it was suggested that there would be plenty of room in the Courthouse enclosure and it was not likely that the Dept. of Justice would make any objection’ [This did eventually occur in c1905 after the Grand Hotel burned to the ground on October 24^th 1904] 

Fire brigade outside station, Haupapa Street, Rotorua; Circa 1921; OP-864
Owner of Photograph : Rotorua Museum 

Hot Lakes Chronicle 7 Oct 1896 the Local news includes the following:

‘The Native Land Court has been engaged during the week in dealing with succession orders, and the partition of the Paeroa Block, Waiotapu. The Horohoro cases will be taken on the 15^th.’

‘The Whakatane-Te Teko road is now advanced to within five miles of the Tarawera River. The construction party is now working about two miles to the westward of Rotorua and Rotoiti-paku, between which lakes the road will pass’

‘The highly mineralised atmosphere in this locality has a most deleterious effect on the delicate mechanism of watches and enquiries are frequently made as to which watch is best adapted to withstand the sulphur fumes. Mr Kohn a watchmaker of Auckland… supplies a particular make of stem-winding watches… which are warrented impervious to the influences in question’   

‘The Prospecting Association held a meeting to receive reports from the prospectors who have been at work at Horohoro and in the neighbourhood of Tapuaeharuru on Lake Rotoiti. In regard to the former a Mr Macdonald stated that he had found nothing which would indicate the presence of gold.’

‘A highly successful tea and social took place in the Schoolhouse on Wednesday evening last in aid of the funds for the erection of the Presbyterian church’

In the Hot Lakes Chronicle 21 Oct 1896 an article appeared on ‘Work at Whakarewarewa’

The Geyser Area at Whakarewarewa as surveyed by Mr Baber, work had already begun and further work planned to open up the area by road and footpaths. The article mentions a rickety bridge by which access is currently gained to the area and it was expected that a new bridge, ‘strong and wide enough for vehicular traffic’ would be built. The article goes on to say ‘In regard to Pohutu, Mr Malfroy informed us [the people in this entourage] that he intends to do something which will cause it to play regularly every day at a certain hour.’

In the Hot Lakes Chronicle 28^th October 1896 a report was published outlining the Library and Reading Room Annual Report.

One of the income items was listed as ‘Sales of Waste Paper’ and they received a sum of £1 and 8 pence.

The listed expenses included Newspapers, Magazines, Kerosene, Insurance, concerts expenses, coal, solicitor’s fee’s and stamps. This all came to the grand sum of £59.  The Library and Reading Room at this time was in a small building next to the Comet Store, as seen in a photo published in our October 2018 blog post.

Auckland Star 3 October 1912: Lands for selection ‘Certain areas of town and village will be offered for sale or lease by public auction by the Crown Lands Department at the Assembly Hall…the greater portion of the land is situated in the town and suburbs of Rotorua.’

Lyttelton Times 7 November 1914: Rotorua Tenures Commission formed. “It has been ascertained that under the ‘Thermal Springs Act, 1881 there were 386 leases’ a further 429 leases were issued under subsequent acts in 1892 and 1908… the ‘Commissioners are of the opinion that it would be in the interests of  the State that any holder of leasehold Crown lands other than the occupiers of the Education Reserve desiring to obtain freehold should be afforded the opportunity’

Rotorua Chronicle 9^th October 1920: Rotorua Town Lands Act is passed. 

Evening Star 31^st October 1922: Rotorua Borough Act is passed, this enables the first Councillors and Mayor of Rotorua to be elected. This also is when the Tourist Department ceases to administer the affairs of the town.

Rotorua Morning Post 14^th October 1937: The First State Houses are built (next to Council Housing Project)

Rotorua Morning Post 14^th October 1940: The new Library was officially opened (in the Municipal Building)

Rotorua Morning Post 5^th October 1942 : The avenue of Gum trees lining both sides of Fenton Street are to be felled because the Electricity Dept. says they are too tall and are encroaching on the lines.

Rotorua Morning Post 29^th October 1945: The Dedication of the Bell Shrine at Ohinemutu takes place. This is a memorial to Mr Tai Mitchell.

Rotorua Post 11^th October 1955: Mr Ed Hillary is in town to raise funds for his NZ Team to Antarctica.

Rotorua Post 13^th October 1956: The Rotorua branch of the National Council of Women is inaugurated.

Daily Post 3^rd October 1964: The new Rotorua Airport is officially opened.

Daily Post 14^th October 1966: The premier of Howard Morrison’s film “Don’t let it get to you” is shown.

Daily Post 4^th October 1967: Alfred Hitchcock visits Rotorua.

Daily Post 13^th October 1969: The new Kiwanis Club receives their Charter.

Daily Post 6^th October 1971: The Rotorua Association of Paraplegic and Disabled Persons is formed.

Daily Post 15^th October 1973: The Rotorua Supreme Court is officially opened by the Chief Justice of New Zealand Sir Richard Wild.

Daily Post 3^rd October 1978: The Citizen’s Advice Bureau officially opens in Arawa Street, with a trained volunteer staff of 44. They will be open 6 days a week.

Daily Post 1^st October 1980: The Ritz Hall on the Cnr of Fenton & Amohau Streets is demolished.

This Blog Post by Alison with thanks to Papers Past for access to the online copies of the Hot Lakes Chronicle and other New Zealand Newspapers, Rotorua Museum and the Rotorua Library Don Stafford Collection.

Family History Month at Rotorua Library

Every August we celebrate Family History Month, a time to promote the family research resources we hold in the library to assist with family research and to inspire people in the community to delve into their own family histories.

So what will we be offering this year?

Displays

There will be a photographic display of early Rotorua settlers. Do you have any connections to those early settlers? Come and check it out.

On the ground floor and also on the 2nd floor will be display cabinets displaying toys and memorabilia from the family histories of staff members.

Drop-in Assistance

As in previous years, members of the local Rotorua Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists will be up on the 2nd floor each Wednesday from 10-2 pm offering free assistance. This could be for someone just beginning to delve into their family history or for those who are stuck and don't know where to try next.

Ben Manley will also conduct a free drop-in session on Maori Land Court research on Monday 19 August from 10-2 pm.

Workshops

Each Friday from 10 am-12 noon there will be a workshop conducted by one of the Heritage and Research Team in the i-Mac Suite on the 2nd Floor. Topics covered will be Papers Past, Cenotaph database, Maori Maps/Maori Land Online, Maori Land Court Research and Ancestry.com. These workshops cost $6.00 each and can be booked on EventFinda.

On Monday 26 August 10 am-12 noon Ben Manley will conduct a Mapping Histories workshop in the i-Mac suite, cost $6.00. Again, this can be booked on EventFinda.

Free Events

This year we have six special events, all of which are free and will be held in the Discovery Space on the 2nd Floor.

We are very fortunate as on Thursday 8 August 10.30 am-12 noon. Raymon Naisbitt from Utah, USA will be presenting on Exploring FamilySearch.org from a British Isles perspective. Raymon works for FamilySearch.org. so will have many tips to share. He's an enthusiastic family researcher, and has been doing so for many years. Many thanks to the local Genealogy group for supporting this event.

Thursday 8 August 1-3 pm, the discussion will be on an Introduction to DNA. Jan heads the DNA group, and will share about the DNA research process, some things to watch for, some successes and will also answer questions.

We're very excited to have Alex Gilbert from I'm Adopted with us on Saturday 10 August from 2-2.30 pm. Alex was in a Russian orphanage until being adopted by a New Zealand couple. In his teens he located his birth parents. Since then he's written a book, done a documentary which screened on TV and set up an organisation helping other adoptees to find their birth parents called I'm Adopted.

On Thursday 15 August 1-3 pm a panel will be sharing on presenting family history. Once you've begun researching and gathering photographs, documents and sometimes memorabilia how do you store, manage and put it together so it's able to be shared with others? There will be examples shared by our panel on these aspects of family history.

Thursday 22 August from 5-6 pm, Ben Manley will give an introduction to Mapping Technologies. This lecture will introduce free, basic tools that combine maps with narrative text, images or video to create interactive, visual narratives.

Tuesday 27 August 1-2.30, we're Talking Adoption. Marianne and her team form the Oranga Tamariki Adoption Services team will share about the adoption process, how to go about finding birth family if you've been adopted or gave a child up for adoption, and the services their team offers.

So, we hope you come along, get inspired and hopefully we'll be able to offer you assistance on your family research journey in the months ahead. Check out the posters in the library, the library website, Facebook or EventFinda for further details.

May Book Reviews

Today in New Zealand History / by Neil Atkinson, David Green, Gareth Phipps & Steve Walters

How often we've heard the term "Today in History" followed by an account of a famous event.

This book provides a snapshot of our nation's past for 365 days of the year. And yes, it may be a famous event we all know about but there are also accounts of lesser known happenings. Each entry contains the day and month but the years are not in chronological order. So 1840 and 1860 of March face one another. Bold headlines, a brief account of the event and a painting, photograph or maybe a retro advertisement complete the page. Sprinkled throughout the book are snapshots of "Born on this day" New Zealanders.

Produced by the Ministry for Culture and Heritage and drawn from Te Ara Encyclopaedia, this is a fascinating book to dip into. According to the introduction the stories presented here are intended to inform, entertain and encourage curiosity and further inquiry, not to provide a comprehensive history of New Zealand.

So 2 snippets for this week which fall into the famous category:

• 29th May 1953 Hillary and Tenzing reach the summit of Everest
• 30th May 1959 the Auckland Harbour Bridge opens

Then check out 16th March 1940 - Jockey Y-Fronts hits New Zealand shops!

This book can be found on 1st Floor at 993 ATK
in the NZ History & Travel Collection 

This book review is by Trish.

Lasting impressions: the story of New Zealand’s newspapers, 1840-1920 / by Ian F. Grant.

A fascinating look at how newspapers came to be in New Zealand and of those who owned and published the earliest newspapers and news sheets. 

It seems as if those early pioneers who brought printing presses to New Zealand were first and foremost businessmen who had strong opinions on just about everything including politics.  The publication of their newspapers relied on financial backing of investors e.g. New Zealand Company, and advertising. This meant that the content of these was primarily advertising and the front pages were always all adverts. 

The first recorded newspaper was “first printed in England, by Samuel Revans and called “The New Zealand Gazette” once he arrived in New Zealand and settled in Upper Hutt he reprinted that same issue and it went on sale 18^th April 1840. He sold 400 copies, and decided to do another print run the following Monday of another 150 copies.”

Following on from this first newspaper, another 15 independent newspapers in the most populated areas of NZ at that time. Not all survived the uncertain economy and readership, as more newspapermen arrived and printing presses were brought in by various settlers meant that competition for customers was strong.

The first Rotorua newspaper was the Hot Lakes Chronicle which was first published in 1895; it was owned by Frances F. Watt until his death at the age of 51 in 1900. His widow carried on publishing it for a while after this until David Gardner bought it in 1902.  A rival publication was printed in Whangarei by Frank Hyde, it was called ‘Wonderland Gazette and Rotorua Times’ in 1907, later the title was just ‘Rotorua Times’ and this was purchased by Mr Gardner in 1910, after his death in 1918 his son R.A. Gardner (poss. Robin Adair) took over the reins and began publishing the Rotorua Chronicle. 

This book is richly illustrated with photographs and images of early newspapers and the excerpt from these early newsmen provides a snapshot of life for New Zealand’s settlers.

This book can be found at 079 GRA in the
New Zealand  History and Travel Collection

For more information on the Rotorua newspapers see our website

To read Rotorua newspapers you can visit the 2^nd floor Heritage and Research area, and a few from 1895-1905 are digitised and available on line via Papers Past.

This review is by Alison.

 Galleries of Maoriland: Artists, Collectors and the Maori World, 1880-1910 / by Roger Blackley

This book explores the relationship between Maori taonga and the way that they are curated in museums and galleries. The author writes about the differing perspective of Maori and Pakeha when viewing the taonga in curated exhibitions. There is an increasing awareness where, when Maori artists exhibit their work, tikanga Maori is incorporated in opening and closing ceremonies.

Part of the book summary on the inside front cover explains:

"Galleries of Maoriland looks at Maori prehistory in Pakeha art, the enthusiasm of Pakeha and Maori for portraiture  and recreations of ancient life; the trade in Maori curios; and the international exhibition of this colonial culture. The culture of Maoriland was a Pakeha creation. This book shows that Maori too had a stake in this process of romanticism".

My favourite part of the book are the portraits by Gottfried Lindauer.

You can find this book in the Maori Collection
at 704.03994 BLA on the first floor of the library, and on the 2nd floor in the reference Maori Collection

This review was written by Ani Sharland

Why Dance? / by Sir Jon Trimmer & Roger Booth

I had the pleasure of seeing renowned ballet dancer Sir Jon Trimmer perform as Captain Cook in the Royal New Zealand Ballet production of Peter Pan. A role that he includes in his top 12 character roles listed in his autobiography Why Dance?

The first part of the book is a journey through his ballet career, including his teen years dancing with Poul Gnatt and Russell Keer; his training at the London Royal Ballet School; and his international career with Sadler's Wells, Australian Ballet, and Royal Danish Ballet.

In the second part of Why Dance? Trimmer offers advice and tips for new and older dancers. He covers a variety of topics including career opportunities; visualisation, focus and breathing techniques; handling feedback; keeping fit and uninjured; applying make-up; character portrayal; art of mime in ballet; and working with children and young people.

The book is co-written by former Kapiti Coast Deputy Mayor Roger Booth, who worked with Trimmer at the New Zealand Qualifications Authority developing unit standards and qualifications for the Visual and Performing Arts National Standards Body. Booth has also written a book on Bruno Lawrence, and has co-authored an autobiography with Ray Woolf.

This book can be found on the 1st Floor at 792.8 TRI NZ in the New Zealand History/ Travel section, and on the 2nd Floor in the NZ Heritage reference collection

This book review was written by Graeme.

Anzac Biscuits

Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand that recognises all New Zealanders and Australians who have served during wars, conflict and peacekeeping operations. Anzac Day originally honoured those who served in the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) and fought at Gallipoli during World War I.

The Anzac Biscuit has long been attached to Anzac Day and is seen as a symbol of national identity in both New Zealand and Australia.

But there is much debate over the origins of the biscuits and whether they were eaten by soldiers during the First World War.

In her book Anzac Biscuits: the power and spirit of an everyday national icon, Allison Reynolds reviewed research into the history of Anzac biscuits.

In 1999 University of Otago Emeritus Professor Helen Leach asserted that there was 'no evidence' that Anzac biscuits were included in parcels sent to soldiers in World War I. Australian food historian Barbara Santich agrees with this writing 'there is no evidence that Australian women packed tins of homemade biscuits and dispatched them off to loved ones in the trenches.'

Dr Sian Supski on the other hand argues that it seems likely that a biscuit resembling an Anzac biscuit was sent. Supski references The Australian Comforts Fund, which requested that biscuits and cakes be packed in sealed tins.

In 1994 the New Zealand Listener shared an anecdote that a reader's mother remembered helping her own mother pack Anzac biscuits into large golden syrup tins during World War I to send to the front.

The New Zealand National Army Museum argues that Anzac biscuits being sent to the troops is a myth but does acknowledge that there is some evidence that a rolled oats biscuit was sent to troops on the Western Front but this 'was not widespread'.

Reynolds was unable to determine a definitive answer. She was also unable to determine when the name Anzac biscuit came into place despite extensive research. Reynolds asserts that not long after the 1915 Gallipoli campaign foods such as biscuits, cakes, and puddings had patriotic terms like Anzac or Gallipoli in them.

It is agreed that Anzac biscuits were largely sold at public events to raise funds to support the war effort. Today Anzac biscuits are still used as a fundraising effort for both Royal New Zealand Returned Services' Association (RSA) and the Returned and Services League of Australia (RSL).

Below are some Anzac biscuit recipes from the 1930s and a modern recipe to try yourself!

Anzac Biscuit recipe, Patea Mail, 20 October 1930. Courtesy of Papers Past. Note the spelling of coconut.

Anzac Biscuit recipe, Northern Advocate, 4 July 1939. Courtesy of Papers Past.

Simple modern Anzac Biscuit recipe

Ingredients

1 cup rolled oats
1 cup desiccated coconut
1 cup flour
1 cup sugar
125 g butter
2 Tbsp golden syrup
1 tsp baking soda
2 Tbsp boiling water

Method

1. Preheat the oven to 180°C (160°C fan bake). Lightly grease 1-2 baking trays or line with baking paper.

2. In a large bowl, sift the flour. Stir in the rolled oats, coconut and sugar to combine. Make a well in the centre.

3. In a saucepan, melt the butter and golden syrup together.

4. Dissolve the baking soda in boiling water and then add to butter mixture.

5. Pour the butter mixture into the dry ingredient and mix to combine.

6. Roll spoonfuls of the mixture into balls and place on the oven tray, allowing enough room for biscuits to spread while cooking. Press biscuits down lightly with a fork.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 - 15 minutes, cooking one tray at a time. Remove to a wire rack to cool, and enjoy!

This recipe is simple because for the dry ingredients it follows the one cup rule - 1 cup rolled oats, one cup desiccated coconut, 1 cup flour, 1 cup sugar. You may wish to get creative and add other ingredients, such as vanilla essence, almonds, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, dried fruits (sultanas, cranberries etc).

This blog was written by Graeme. Thanks to Papers Past, The New Zealand Army Museum, Anzac Biscuits: the power and spirit of an everyday national icon by Allison Reynolds. Anzac Biscuit photographs taken by Graeme Cash.

A touch of the Irish

Rotorua Library will be hosting an exhibition Judging Shaw, on the legacy of Irish writer, George Bernard Shaw.

This exhibition marks the 85th anniversary of the Shaw's visit to New Zealand.

Shaw and guide, Rangi, at a hot springs in Rotorua. Photograph: LSE. Collection of the National Trust.

New Zealand Herald, 22 March 1934. Courtesy of Papers Past

Shaw and his wife visited Rotorua in March 1934 during a month long visit to New Zealand. During their time they visited tourist sites, such as the Rotorua Māori Arts and Craft School, Ohinemutu, Whakarewarewa, Tikitere, Hamurana Springs, and the Six Lakes.

He also attended an evening concert a Guide Rangi's Whakarewarewa home. Shaw attended the private concert on the condition that the first item be entirely in Māori and that he could leave after the first item if he desired. Shaw and his wife stayed until the end and he discussed Māoris' aptitude for music with Rangi afterwards.

Shaw and his wife also made a Sunday afternoon visit to Mount Maunganui with Dr. and Mrs J. D. C. Duncan of Rotorua.

Shaw described Rotorua as "an uncommonly pleasant place, though it smells of brimstone like Hades." He admired the beauty of the region's lakes and scenic attractions, and was particularly impressed with the Church at Ohinemutu, with its interior of Māori carving and weaving.

Judging Shaw exhibition is on 23-29 March 2019.



Shaw is not the only significant visitor from Ireland. Over the years Rotorua has hosted political figures, religious leaders, performers, and sports figures.

Mary Robinson, President of Ireland

The seventh President of Ireland and the first woman to hold this office, Mary Robinson visited Rotorua in 1993.

Mrs Robinson are her husband made a brief visit to Whakarewarewa before travelling onto Wellington.

At Whakerewarewa Robinson greeted Eileen Murphy, who is the great niece of the first President of Ireland, Douglas Hyde (he was Murphy's grandmother's brother). Murphy's husband Detective Sergeant Dennis Murphy introduced them, he at the time was head of the city's crime control unit and was assisting with security during the President's visit.

Rotorua Mayor Grahame Hall greets Irish President Mary Robinson and husband Nicholas. Credit: The Daily Post, Thursday 16 September 1993, p. 3.

Detective Sergeant Dennis Murphy introduces his wife Eileen to the President of the Irish Republic, Mary Robinson. Credit: The Daily Post, Friday 17 September 1993, p. 2.

Irish Rugby Team

The Irish Rugby team visited Rotorua in 1997 as part of a tour. Ireland A played the Bay of Plenty Steamers at the Rotorua International Stadium on Thursday May 29th. The Steamers won 52-39.

An Irish team visited again in 2010 and played New Zealand Māori team on Friday June 18th at the Rotorua International Stadium as part of the New Zealand Māori rugby team's centenary celebrations. About 13,500 people attended the game that saw New Zealand Māori team win 31-28.

Ireland A halfback Andrew Machett. Credit: The Daily Post, Friday 30 May 1997, p. 5

Rotorua resident Eamon O'Donogue supporting his home country of Ireland. Credit: The Daily Post, Saturday 19 June 2010, p. 4.



NZ Maori versus Ireland, June 18 2010, programme. Available for viewing in the Don Stafford Room, Rotorua Library





Compiled with information sourced from The Daily Post and Papers Past.
This post was written by Graeme.

New Zealand Aria

The celebrated New Zealand Aria is on again here in Rotorua next week. The annual competition is being held Thursday 25th and Friday 26^th October with the finals night on Saturday 27^th October. Many locals will remember it as the Lockwood Aria but the competition’s origins go back 72 years to 1946.

The first annual festival was held by the Rotorua Competitions Society from Friday 10^th to Wednesday 15^th May 1946. The festival included choirs, dancing, elocution and instrumental acts.

Public notice advertising first annual festival. Source: Rotorua Morning Post, Thursday 9 May 1946, p. 1.

In 1946 the Wellington-based judges were Mr. Hamilton Dickson (music – vocal and instrumental), Mr. Barton Ginger (elocution), and Miss Irene Stone (dancing).

Mr. Barton Ginger said ‘the society is to be congratulated on its initial venture, and I trust it will become an annual attraction in Rotorua.’

The Rotorua Morning Post reported in 1947 that the 2^nd annual festival saw approximately 50 per cent, more entries than the previous year. The competition has been going strong ever since. 

Public Notice. Source: The Waikato Independent, Monday 3 February 1947, p. 1. Courtesy of Papers Past.

In 1993 the song section formed its own trust and the Aria part of the competition was held as a separate event. The Lockwood Group, which was formed in Rotorua in 1951 by Dutch immigrants, Johannes La Grouw Snr and Johannes Van Loghem, came on as the principal sponsor and the 48^th Annual Festival was branded as the Lockwood Aria. 

1993 Aria winner Patricia Hughes, with Daphne Collins and Deborah Kapohe. Source: The Daily Post, Monday 18 October 1993, p. 1.

In 2007 the Lockwood Aria was rebranded as the New Zealand Aria. The 2007 event featured a performance by then 18 year-old Rotorua-born singer Elizabeth Marvelly.

The 2018 Aria competition is being held at the Rydges Hotel. The finals night is at Destiny Auditorium on Saturday 27th October.

2007 New Zealand Aria. Source: The Daily Post, Saturday 3 November 2007, p. B13.

2018 New Zealand Aria. Source: The Daily Post, Saturday 6 October 2018, Entertainment, p. 2. 

With thanks to Rotorua Morning Post, The Daily Post, and Papers Past for the above information and photos.

This was post was written Graeme. 

Chinese University Students' Football Tour - Rotorua, 1924

你好 nǐ hǎo

新西兰中文周 New Zealand Chinese Language Week (23 – 29 September 2018) is coming to a close and to celebrate we are looking back at an event from 1924 - the Chinese Universities Association Football Tour of New Zealand.

In 1924 the New Zealand Football Association organised the Chinese University Students’ Tour, which saw them play 22 games across New Zealand, including one game in Rotorua.

In the 1920s, Rotorua had a relatively small Chinese population. In the 1921 Census there were 30 Chinese residents living in the Bay of Plenty of which 14 lived in Rotorua. This event was covered favourably and widely by the media at the time, and drew interest from locals.

Source: Hawera & Normanby Star, 6 June 1924, p. 7. Courtesy of Papers Past.

On the 11^th August the Chinese soccer team arrived in Rotorua by rail from Auckland. The team played a game in Rotorua on August 13^th before returning to Auckland on the 15^th.

The Press Association reported that despite the strong wind and cold rain attendance at Arawa Park was good. The Rotorua team won the toss and had the advantage of the wind in the first half. Despite this no one scored in the first half.

In the second half Kennedy scored for the home team and Lowe scored for the Chinese team. The New Zealand Herald reports that a player named Tai kicked a second goal, while the Press Association reports that a player named Jap scored the second goal. Regardless of who did kick that goal the game ended China 2, Rotorua 1. This was only one of four games they won. They drew six and lost twelve during their 22 game tour.

Another point in the game reported was that during the second half one of the Chinese players was knocked out and a substitute had to be brought on.

Source: The New Zealand Herald, 14 August 1924, p. 6. Courtesy of Papers Past.

While in Rotorua the Chinese team visited many of the thermal sights and enjoyed local Māori performances. The New Zealand Herald reported that the team was ‘delighted with the reception extended to them.’

This was reiterated at the New Zealand Football Association committee meeting where it was decided to write to Mr. M. L. Richards to thank him for arranging the Rotorua part of the tour, and express that the Chinese team ‘much enjoyed the programme of entertainment.’

New Zealand Football Association. [New Zealand Football Association] :Chinese Universities Association Football. N.Z. tour 1924. Souvenir programme. [Chinese Universities v Wairarapa. Masterton. 17 July 1924]. Published by Geo Hunt, Gladding and Co., 24-25 H.M. Arcade, Auckland.. Ref: Eph-A-SOCCER-1924-01. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23052246

This post was written thanks to Papers Past, a free resource offering access to millions of pages of digitised New Zealand newspapers.

This post was written by Graeme.

Church Time Line Rotorua 1831-1981

Rotorua Churches 1831-1981

• Missionaries 1831-1880
• Te Koutu Mission Station c.1835. Anglican/CofE
• Mokoia Island Mission Station c.1838. Anglican/CofE
• Te Ngae Mission Station c.1843 Anglican/CofE
• Te Mu c.1845-1861– Anglican/Church of England.

• St Joachim c.1847 - Roman Catholic, Pukeroa Hill

• Te Mapou, Tapuaekura  (Lake Rotoiti) c.1850-

• St Faith’s c.1880 – Anglican, Muruika Peninsula

• Baptist Mission, Te Wairoa 1882-1886

• St Michael’s c.1890 – Roman Catholic, Ohinemutu /St Michael's – new church built around old one Feb 1964- see Photo News 15 Feb 1964 pg. 3
• New school built behind Convent c.1903. 

• Salvation Army c.1891-1955 – Arawa Street approx.  80 Arawa Street  (becomes new Palace Tavern c.1966)

• Red Shield Hut c.1914-1943, Soldier’s Institute – Arawa Street, possibly 81 or 83 (new McGill’s 1954)
• Salvation Army c.1956 - 271 Old Taupo Road
• New Citadel 1987 a Lockwood Building at 271 Old Taupo Road.

• St Joseph’s c.1892 – Near Taheke

• St John’s c.1896-1988 – Pukuatua Street, Presbyterian 
• Trinity Presbyterian Church c.1901– current at Mamaku 
• Trinity Presbyterian Church c 1950 – 13 School Rd, Ngongotaha.
• St John’s in the City – c.1989-2017 Cnr. Ranolf & Victoria Streets 
• St John’s on Fenton c.2017- at 276 Fenton Street (to be rebuilt Cnr. Ranolf & Victoria)

• St Luke’s c.1899-1973 – Haupapa Street, Anglican
• St Luke’s c.1975-Present – Cnr Pukuatua & Amohia Streets
• St Andrew’s-St David’s Presbyterian, c.1958-c.2014. Cnr Devon and Old Taupo Rd.
• Also known as St Andrew’s on the Roundabout.

• St Mary of the Cross c.1904 – Whakarewarewa, Anglican. – Renamed Te Arawa Church.
• Church of the Immaculate Conception c.1904 – Whakarewarewa, Roman Catholic.

• Bainbridge Memorial Church c.1906-1982 Hinemoa Street, United Methodist.
• Bainbridge Methodist Church c.1986- Old Taupo Road
• Methodist at Mamaku,  see c.1908.
• St Joseph’s at Owhata (Roman Catholic Church) c.1907, and St Joseph’s at Mamaku.
• Father Kreymbourg built these two churches himself.
• St Michael’s at Mamaku c.1912, 1925. St Joseph’s (1933-1986) The Catholic Church at Mamaku is blown off its piles in a severe storm. DP 11.7. 1986.

• Methodist Church at Mamaku c.1908- Mr Souster and his brother-in-law build the first.

• St Peter’s on the Rock c.1911-2017 – Mamaku, Anglican.

• Church of the Immaculate Conception.  c.1915–c.2012. 27 Taui St, Ngongotaha.  Used by Oasis Church c.2008-2012. Church demolished c2013.

• St Barnabas c 1924– (16 School Road) Ngongotaha [initially used by all denominations needing a church hall in Ngongotaha.]

• Chapel of Ease c.1926-c.1959? At the St Joseph’s Convent – Ranolf Street
• See St Mary’s Church 1954.
• New Convent on Carnot Street opened 1959.

• Devon Street Hall – c.1928- Cnr. Fenton & Devon Streets – Church of England
• St Chad’s (c.1982-Present.  St Chad’s Charitable Trust.)

St Chad's c.1920's  Cnr. Devon and Fenton Streets.
Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Libraries, 4-6217' 

• St Peter’s c.1933 - Owhata Marae, Anglican

• Bethesda Chapel c.1934-1955 – 36 Eruera Street, Brethren
• Ranolf Street Gospel Chapel, c.1957-1970 – Ranolf Street.
• Fenton Park Gospel Chapel, c. 1970- Cnr Ward & Hilda Streets. [Fenton Park Bible Church]
• Roosevelt Road Gospel Chapel – c.1969 - 5 Roosevelt Road, Western Heights.
• See New Heights c.2005-2007. Reverts to Roosevelt Rd Bible Church.
• Mamaku Brethren c.1960's-2008/09?

Fenton Park Gospel Chapel in construction
Rotorua Photonews 9 May 1970 pg.2

• St Paul’s c.1935 – 28 Church Road, Ngapuna. (Anglican) Consecrated by Bishop of Aotearoa 30th June 1935.

• Baptist c.1939 – a visiting Minister from Putaruru came to Rotorua to hold services until…
• 1^st Church, officially opened c.1945 – 100 Malfroy Road.
• Baptist (new church) next to old one, opened 9.2.1978 see Daily Post for story.

• Church of Latter Day Saints (Mormon) c.1930's – New church opened c.1960 - 10 Rimu Street.

• St Mary’s Catholic Church, 1954-1984 - Ranolf Street.
• New Church plans, for a new building/renovation of the 1954 church in 1984.

• St Mary’s Anglican Church, c.1954 at Horohoro Marae.  Either Kearoa or Rongomaipapa

• Kingdom Hall c.1956-2004–Jehovah’s Witness – 303 Fenton Street.
• Kawaha Point Kingdom Hall 1995-
• Ngongotaha Congregation c1990-
• c.2004- Kingdom Hall – moved out of Fenton street to new church 250 Vaughan Road.

• St Columba Presbyterian Hall, c.1958-c.1993 at 155-157 Clayton Road. [A church was to be moved here from Tauranga in 1982.]

• Wesleyan Methodist Church c. 1959-1980. At 219 Clayton Road [church used by other denominations since 1980]

• Methodist Church – 1962 - Ngongotaha (see also previous one at Mamaku 1939) 

• The Apostolic Church : (also known as Bethel Temple) – c.1961-1984. 70 Malfroy Road (included Bible College c.1966)
• Rotorua Apostolic Life Centre 1984-c.1995: 1 Maisey Place
• 46 Hinemoa Street  c.1996 - Cnr Tutanekai & Pukaki Streets c.1998 - Lake City Church 
• Destiny c.2005-

• Christian Science Society c.1961 – does not have own building until c.1972-1977. Cnr Old Taupo Rd and Konene Street.

• St David’s Presbyterian c.1963-current at Reeve Road, Owhata.

• St Francis Church c.1963-1970's is used by Western Heights Play Centre 1970's, 13 Thomas Crescent (Anglican)
• St Francis Whanau Aroha Day Care.  c.2000-current at 13 Thomas Crescent.   

• All Saints Hall c1963–sold-c2017. 223 Malfroy Road, Anglican. [also used by other denominations for church services.]

• Lutheran Church c.1967–c1999 89 Sunset Road [now a Daycare Centre]

• Church of the Good Shepherd c1970– Awahou – non denominational - Ngati Rangiwewehi Marae.

• Seventh - day Adventist c.1950- 6 Tilsley Street – school opens 1965.
• Seventh - day Adventist, c.1970-current. (New church) 311 Fenton Street.
• Samoan-Tokelauan Seventh-day Adventist c.2016-current, 274 Old Taupo Rd
• Maranatha Seventh - day Adventist c2014-current, in Old St Andrews Church, Old Taupo Road

• Baha’i Faith - c.1975-c.1979, 1984-current.  

• Assembly of God, c.1972-1992 – 14 Gibson Street, Fenton Park.
• Assembly of God c.1986-current at 20-40 Biak Street 
• Samoan Independent Assembly of God. c.1977–2006.  274 Old Taupo Road.

• St Paul’s c.1975 – Ngakuru (was St Bride’s from Auckland) Presbyterian - becomes Christ’s Church (shared between Anglican, Roman Catholic and Presbyterian congregations). Services were held in the School Hall c.1927 and 1950's.

• Bible Baptist Church.  c.1978-current 55-71 Pukehangi Rd. [Church built c.1980's]

With thanks to the Don Stafford Collection, Papers Past and Rotorua Library Photonews collection, Who's Who in Rotorua and Rotorua Phone Directory collections.