Brougham Street, New Plymouth.
after a long and painful illness.
died 24 April 1916 at her residence Wilson Street, Ellerslie.
John Robert Hanna arrived in New Zealand on the Ganges in 1865, he was then aged about 15 years.
His father Robert Hanna, under medical advise decided to emigrate to New Zealand (7). Robert and Eliza Hanna and their 11 children Nancy, Jane, Mary, John, Samuel, James, Thomas, Andrew, Phoebe, Joseph and Margaret sailed from Queenstown (now known as Cobh), Ireland on the clipper ship Ganges on 4 November 1864. During the voyage their daughter Phoebe Hanna died aged 1 year 4 months. She was one of 54 children and two adults who died during the voyage of bronchitis and whooping cough. The Ganges dropped anchor off Queen Street Wharf, Auckland at 7pm on 14 February 1865 (9). Robert died at Hobson Street, Auckland on 26 May 1868 after a lingering illness aged 48 years leaving his wife and young family. Eliza Hanna died 8 June 1884 at her residence Grey Street, Auckland (8).
John Robert Hanna was a nephew of J. D. Crawford, M.D., of Liverpool (12), the Rev. Dr. Crawford (11), of Belfast, and the Rev. Dr. Hugh Hanna, of Belfast (10).
Hemus and Hanna - 1875 - dissolved 11 April 1885.
Purchased
Clarke Bros. studio about July 1885.
succeeded by
Lafayette Studio about June 1902 - held Hanna's negatives
(2).
Brougham Street, New Plymouth about Oct 1902
Streets Committee.— A special report from this Committee recommended the granting of a permit to R. M. Watt for effecting certain alterations to J. R. Hanna's photographic studio, Queen street.—The report was adopted.
Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 144, 26 June 1885, Page 4
The extensive alterations which Mr J. R. Hanna has been making to his photographic studio (late
Clarke Bros.), in Queen-street, and everything is now in readiness for the opening. The place has undergone an entire renovation, and all the latest improvements have been added.
It will be remembered that Mr Hanna was induced by failing health three months ago to retire from the firm of Hemus and Hanna, with the intention of settling in the country. His prolonged holiday, however, has had the happy effect of restoring his health, and he has, in consequence, resolved to remain in the city, where he is best known.
Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 152, 6 July 1885, Page 2
above - a portrait by J. R. Hanna
184 Queen Street, Auckland.
Albert Spencer the President of the Auckland Employers' Federation was an assistant to John Hanna in 1886 before establishing his own studio in 1887 trading under the name of Sankey and Spencer.
Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 260, 2 November 1934, Page 8
We notice by advertisement elsewhere that J. R. Hanna, Photographer, (late of Hemus and Hanna.) has started business on his own account next Lewisson's, jeweller, and that he guarantees to please everyone who may favour him with their patronage.
Observer, Volume 7, Issue 381, 27 March 1886, Page 4
Mr Adam Cairns, of the Star Hotel, has been presented with a handsome photographic shield, with portraits of members of the Crimean Veterans' Association, photographed by Mr J. R. Hanna.
Auckland Star, Volume XVII, Issue 286, 4 December 1886, Page 5
J. R. H. wishes to inform his friends and the public generally, that he has quite recovered from his recent illness.
Auckland Star, Volume XVIII, Issue 299, 20 December 1887, Page 8
Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 270, 15 November 1888, Page 8
Amongst the popular novelties of the season are miniature photographs, which are being produced at small cost and utilised for distribution amongst friends as fitting accompaniments to Christmas and New Year cards.
Mr J. R. Hanna, whose studio has a reputation for first-class artistic work, announces that he is now producing midgets to suit the popular taste. These portraits are somewhat larger than a postage stamp, and are mounted on card, and the work on them is of a superior and very creditable character. The charge is 2s 6d per dozen, at which price sitters could well afford to circulate representations of themselves amongst the whole circle of their acquaintances.
One feature of Mr Hanna's announcement specially deserving of attention is that during the Christmas season every person ordering a dozen pictures will be entitled to the same number of "midgets" gratis.
Auckland Star, Volume XIX, Issue 297, 18 December 1888, Page 4
Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 8, 10 January 1889, Page 3
There are on view at Mr J. R. Hanna's photographic studio, some capital pictures of Admiral and Mrs Fairfax. Immediately prior to the departure of the Orlando, Mr Hanna went on board the vessel by request and "took" a group consisting of the Admiral, Mrs Fairfax, and the officers of the Orlando, similar to that taken when the Nelson was leaving.
We understand that Mr Hanna is about to have extensive alterations made to his studio, and these will include a new gallery and a more imposing entrance, with better facilities for the display of pictures.
Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 86, 11 April 1889, Page 4
Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 103, 2 May 1889, Page 1
Hanna's Photographic Studio.
The extension of Mr J. R. Hanna's photographic business has induced him to make extensive alterations in his Queen-street studio and attachments, so that quite a transformation scene has taken place.
Previous to the alterations there were only five rooms with studio. The additions and re-arrangements have increased the number to ten, exclusive of the studio. Commencing at the entrance, the gate has been placed in a central position, and completely renovated, while the stairway has been renewed, and made wider than formerly. At the top of the stairs there is a small lobby leading into the waiting room, on the right of which is the office and retouching room.
Speaking tubes lead from this apartment to the gallery and printing room. Beyond the waiting-room is Mr Hanna's private office, a ladies' dressing-room, gentlemen's dressing-room, fitted with every convenience, and either the dark room or gallery can be entered from the main passage, securing privacy for visitors.
The studio is of admirable design and probably the best lighted in the colonies, and includes the most modern improvements. The objectionable head-rest is almost entirely done away with, and the ventilation of the studio is perfect. There is also a large sliding sash on the south side, which can be thrown right back for the purpose of taking dropshutter pictures of children.
Underneath the studio is a large room for washing and toning the pictures, and on the first and second floors there are rooms for storing negatives, enamelling and printing rooms, the latter having two useful sliding sashes facing the north. There is also a large projecting window, which enables printing to be done in wet weather if necessary, and the mounting and framing of pictures is done in a room set apart for that purpose. On the whole, the arrangements appear to be as near perfection as possible, and Mr Hanna should reap his reward in due season.
Auckland Star, Volume XX, Issue 238, 7 October 1889, Page 4
Early on Sunday morning, Sept. 28, a 12-roomed house was burnt down at Remuera. It was the property of Mr T. F. Tinne, who also owned the furniture, but was occupied by Messrs Ward Butler, W. Kettlewell and J. C. Hanna. The origin of the fire is not known.
At 4 o'clock Mr Hanna was awakened by a crackling noise and found flames bursting from the dining room. He gave the alarm to Messrs Butler and Kettlewell, and to the servants. All escaped unhurt; but were able to save very little of their personal effects. Mr Hanna saved most of his, but Messrs Kettlewell and Butler were pretty heavy losers. The house was insured for £550 in the South British, the furniture for £550 in the New Zealand, and Messrs Butler and Kettlewell had their personal effects and furniture insured for £200 in the Standard.
Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 235, 4 October 1890, Page 6
The 1891 Hanna along with Josiah Martin were elected vice-presidents of the Auckland Photographic Club.
At an adjourned meeting of the Auckland Photographic Club held last evening the following officers were elected for the ensuing year :—President, His Excellency the Earl of Onslow; vice-presidents, Mr Josiah Martin, Mr J. R. Hanna; secretary, Mr J. P. E. Francis; treasurer, Mr G. R. Boulton members of Committee, Messrs Caldwell, Carson, Hunter and Watkins.
Auckland Star, Volume XXI, Issue 256, 29 October 1890, Page 4
Portraits of His Excellency the Governor the Countess of Onslow and Admiral Scott have been executed by Mr J. R. Hanna in such a degree of perfection as to ensure universal admiration.
Lord Onslow and the Countess have been photographed in court dress on this occasion, for the first time here, and Mr Hanna has succeeded in producing not only beautiful pictures, but exquisite likenesses.
The following letters have been received by Mr Hanna in acknowledgment of the photographs:—
(l) "Government House, Auckland, to Mr Hanna. Sir.— I am directed by His Excellency the Earl of Onslow to thank you sincerely for the four pictures you sent. Both His Excellency and the Countess of Onslow admire them very much.— I am, Yours obediently. J. S. Guthrie, A.D.C."
(2) "H.M.s. Orlando, Sydney, May 7th 1891. Sir, —I am very much obliged to you indeed for the photographs, which have arrived all safe. The photograph of me with the cap is especially liked by all my friends. — Yours faithfully, Charles S. Scott.
Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 115, 16 May 1891, Page 4
Auckland Photographs in America
In a recent issue of Wilson's "Photographic Magazine," a New York journal devoted to photography, appears an article concerning the exhibition of Mr J. R. Hanna, of Auckland, which secured a medal at the Washington Exhibition.
The writer speaks in very eulogistic terms of Mr Hanna's work, and in the conclusion of his remarks expresses the opinion that he is not behind his fellow artists of America, adding significantly that he can teach something to many of them. We extract the following:-
"The attendants at the late photographic exhibition at Washington will remember a series of fine portraits which hung there, sent from a studio far away down in the other end of the world, for the said pictures caused a great deal of remark, and created much admiration and praise. In the first place, the pluck of the photographer and his faith in his productions shown by his sending them so far to compete with the work of others of whom he know only through this magazine, were admired and in the second place the pictures themselves were of excellent quality and thus attracted by their own merits.
Again, when the report of the judges was made known it was learned that those gems of New Zealand had secured a medal for their producer. We allude to the exhibit of Mr J. R. Hanna, of Auckland, New Zealand. We have by his generosity been able to make a selection of nine pictures from it, and present reductions of them as Our Picture this time.
We have (illegible word) a representative series which well (illegible word) Mr Hanna's skill and style in the various grades of studio work, from a plain and ordinary pose to those which are more fanciful and ambitious. A careful analysis of these will show that Mr Hanna is a studious, thoughtful artist, able to cope with all the varieties of subject which come to him. In the arrangement of the lines, in the disposition of the hands, very particularly, and in the lighting he is governed by art principles all through, as anyone can see. His results are also technically good, and many useful lessons are to be had from the nine pictures we present."
The magazine contains a page of Mr Hanna's photographs wonderfully well executed, considering the reduced size. They include portraits of Miss Clara Merivale and Mrs Buckland in evening dress, of Lady Gwendoline Onslow, and others. The space devoted in the magazine to Mr Hanna's work is highly flattering to that gentleman.
Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 126, 29 May 1891, Page 3
Large numbers of those who listened to the earnest words of the
Rev. Mark Guy Pearse will be pleased to learn that beautiful photographs of the rev. gentlemen were taken during his stay in Auckland by Mr J. R. Hanna. The pictures are admirable likenesses, and are very artistically finished. Several copies were on view today at Mr Hanna's studio, and attracted a great deal of attention. These photographs may be obtained at the Sunday-school Depot at popular prices.
Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 177, 28 July 1891, Page 4
It is announced that the beautiful photographs of Rev. Mark Guy Pearse recently taken by Mr J. R. Hanna may now be obtained in either cabinet or panel size at the Sunday-school Union depot. The whole of the proceeds go to the Young Men's Christian Association, Mr Hanna having very generously promised to supply all the photographs sold free of cost. Therefore, the only benefit that accrues to him from the sale of the pictures is the credit attaching to such artistic and excellent work, and the knowledge that he is benefiting a very deserving institution.
Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 188, 10 August 1891, Page 2
Mr J. R. Hanna, the well-known photographer, has presented to Auckland Art Gallery an enlarged photograph of Sir Geo. Grey talking into the phonograph. The Mayor, Mr J. H. Upton, has presented to the same institution an enlarged photograph of Mr J. T. Mackelvie, the donor of so many valuable paintings to the Gallery. The enlargement was excellently executed by Mr Hanna.
Observer, Volume XI, Issue 659, 15 August 1891, Page 12
Mr J. R. Hanna send another letter upon the late Mr Mackelvie's portrait in reply to "Citizen" and Mr A. W. Horsbrugh. He says "Strange to say, too, the cablegrams in the columns of your paper of the day on which my letter appeared confirmed my statements as to astronomy, it being reported that the President of the British Association for the Advancement of Science eulogises photography, and hopes during the coming year to be able to give a correct chart of the heavens by this means,"
With regard to the information necessary to produce a painting of Mr Mackelvie, Mr Hanna remarks "I shall only be satisfied when a responsible person gives the trustworthy description. I knew the late Mr Mackelvie very well by sight when a resident of Auckland, but should be very sorry to place myself in the position of giving the easily-obtained information." I quite agree with 'Citizen' that enlargements finished in colour are an every day occurrence in more than one establishment in this town, to go no further but in these cases the trustworthy description, which is my strong point, is always forthcoming.
As to the camera being used by gifted men as a philosophical toy, let me remind him of Shakspere's (sic) memorable words to Horatio, 'There are more things in heaven and earth, Horatio, than are dreamt of in your philosophy.' 'Citizen' may scarcely believe it, but the fact remains that scientists, both in England and on the Continent, are making great advances towards taking photographs in natural colours, and many predict that the day is not far distant, and I hope both A.W.H. and 'Citizen' will live to see it, when the camera and lens will be brought to such perfection as to pourtray (sic) the human face divine in its natural state. I shall now withdraw from this controversy, and regret that my absence from town prevented an earlier reply."
Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 210, 4 September 1891, Page 2
Those who profess to believe there is no art in photography would do well to pay a visit at the present time to Mr J. R. Hanna's studio, and there is little doubt that such a course will dissolve their casuistry into thin air.
Mr Hanna has on view a further series of Princess Ida photographs, and they are certainly specimens of advanced art in photography. The pictures are really beautiful, and were to-day the centre of attraction to large numbers of people.
Most of the pictures are composed of groups of the principals, and they should be as gratifying to the subjects as they are creditable to the artist. One group is a large plate, fifteen inches by twelve, and includes the nine principal performers. The grouping and posing are very artistic, the detail is very faithfully reproduced and the likenesses are wonderfully good.
It would be difficult to get a finer picture, or one more delicately and artistically finished. Several groups of the chorus are all really admirable, while Miss Reeve and Miss Warren are capitally taken. There are also some charming pictures of Mrs Cooper and also excellent ones of Mr Edmiston. Mr Hanna has fully sustained the reputation of his establishment by his later series, and he has afforded a substantial argument in his own favour in the "art in photography" controversy.
Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 246, 16 October 1891, Page 3
Though Christmas cards are of infinite variety and design, the popular desire is ever for something quite new and original, and this fact has evidently impressed itself on the mind of Mr J. R. Hanna, photographer, with very satisfactory results.
He has introduced to Auckland the most unique thing in the way of Christmas cards. It is in the form of a photo stand of cardboard, with a back rest so that it will stand by itself. The design is a folding one, the opening for the photograph being on the centre leaf, while the outer leaves fold across and cover the picture. It is only natural to suppose that the cards are beautiful and artistic. This is true of most Christmas cards, and exceptionally true of these. Each page bears a very pretty floral device, the words are appropriate to the season, and the card in its complete form and containing the photograph of the sender is a most appropriate Christmas offering. Samples of these cards are on view in Mr Hanna's show cases, and have been exciting general admiration. The idea is new, and is certain to be popular.
Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 265, 7 November 1891, Page 5
Mr J. H. Upton, following the practice of his predecessors in office, has presented to the City Council a large portrait of himself, admirably executed by Mr J. R. Hanna. The portrait hangs on the Council wall, and completes the Mayoral portrait gallery up to the present time.
Auckland Star, Volume XXII, Issue 298, 16 December 1891, Page 5
Amongst the newest, designs for Christmas cards are opaline photographs on toned mounts. A collection of pictures in this style was on view to-day in Mr J. R. Hanna's show case, Queen street, and attracted an amount of attention from passers by. The idea is a good one, as persons are thus enabled to send a photograph as a Christmas card and also select their own motto.
Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 279, 23 November 1892, Page 4
Mr J. R. Hanna, photographer, of Auckland, has received a letter from the editor of the London Practical Photographer thanking him for some portraiture work which Mr Hanna recently sent him, and stating that they were greatly admired and praised when shown at one of the weekly meetings of the Photographic Club.
Auckland Star, Volume XXIII, Issue 295, 12 December 1892, Page 2
above - a portrait by J. R. Hanna
196 Queen Street, Auckland
During the recent visit of the Napier bowlers to Auckland several photographic groups were taken by Mr J. R. Hanna, the well-known photographer of Queen street. The pictures have now arrived in Napier, and may be seen at Messrs Davies and Evans' and Mr J. Crerar's establishments. They are really excellent specimens of the photographer's art.
Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXVIII, Issue 9275, 1 February 1893, Page 2
Mr J. R. Hanna, photographer, has finished a large and handsome photographic shield of those who took part in the recent Old Colonists' Jubilee at Auckland. The shield is 6 feet 6 inches long by 5 feet 6 inches wide, and contains over 160 portraits. It is suggested that the shield should be placed in the Public Library and Art Gallery.
Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 88, 15 April 1893, Page 4
Mr J. R. Hanna, photographer, of Queen street, has just finished a very large and handsome collection of photographs of old and prominent Aucklanders, chiefly in connection with the jubilee celebration of the arrival of the pioneer ships Jane Gilford and Duchess of Argyle at Auckland in 1843.
The collection or shield contains about 160 photographs, beautifully executed, including portraits of Sir George Grey Governor Hobson, and many "old hands," besides prominent colonists of to-day.
The collection is a most interesting one to all colonists, and it is suggested that it should be procured and placed in the Free Public Library in this city.
Mr Hanna has also just finished a fine life-size head of the noted Ngatimaniapoto chief Taonui, who died recently in the King Country, to the order of Mr John He.... of Otorohanga.
Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 97, 26 April 1893, Page 4
At the annual meeting of the Auckland Photographic Club, held on Thursday, the following officers were elected for the ensuing year:—President, Dr. J. Logan Campbell; Vice-Presidents, Mr J. R. Hanna and Mr R. B. Walrond Secretary, Mr G. R. Boulton; Treasurer, Mr R. Mason; Committee, Messrs G. M. Maingay, W. G. Churchward, H. Arthur, and James Coe. Seven new members of the Club were elected.
Auckland Star, Volume XXIV, Issue 244, 14 October 1893, Page 1
Miss Bowring was the recipient of two handsome presents last Saturday, on the occasion of her retirement from her position in Mr J. R. Hanna's studio, in view of her approaching marriage with Mr Spencer. Mr Hanna presented her with a beautiful marble clock, and the staff, through Mr Hemus, with a charming breakfast service.
Observer, Issue 780, 9 December 1893, Page 8
Mr J. R. Hanna, photographer, notifies in another column that his photographs of Sir George Grey and Bishop Hill being protected by registration, he warns all persons against copying, exhibiting, or attempting to sell as they will be prosecuted for a breach of the Act.
Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 66, 17 March 1894, Page 4
Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 68, 20 March 1894, Page 8
A handsome shield of photographs has just been completed by Mr J. R. Hanna, and is at present on view in the window of Mr Macdonald, Karangahape Road, by whom it has been tastefully framed. The shield contains the photographs of 64 officers and teachers of the Pitt-street Wesleyan Sunday-school, who decided to make this presentation to Mr George Winstone, the Superintendent, as a mark of their personal esteem and appreciation of his services in connection with the school during the last 25 years. The scroll work around the photographs consists of fern leaves, which have been faithfully and artistically depicted by Mr W. Gulliver. In the centre of the shield is a large photograph of Mr G. Winstone.
Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 129, 31 May 1894, Page 4
An interior view of Hanna's studio located at 134 Queen Street, Auckland
The Photogram May 1894, page 110.
courtesy of Dr Michael Pritchard FRPS, Director-General, The Royal Photographic Society
The Photogram," a London publication, devotes an interesting article to Mr J. R. Hanna's Auckland studio, and reproduces a number of his photographs. These photos, with others received from Mr Hanna, were, it is stated, "Shown to the London and Provincial Association, and to friends in other places. At the Club the opinion was expressed that no man in Britain was doing better all round portraiture; at the London and Provincial a similar verdict was given; and Mr Thomas Fall, to whom, amongst others, they were shown, said he had never seen such lovely work. The few examples reproduced speak for themselves as to the posing and lighting but the point which gives the greatest charm to the finished results in the parcel above spoken of, and in a few of those more recently received, is the beauty of the prints in quality, tone and surface."
Auckland Star, Volume XXV, Issue 153, 28 June 1894, Page 4
Our Special Supplement.
The special supplement of eight pages of illustrations in connection with the wreck of the "Wairarapa, issued gratis with today's Observer, is unquestionably the greatest achievement in Colonial journalism. Such a thing has never before been attempted in New Zealand, where illustrations of this kind have been chiefly confined to the mechanical reproduction of photographs. By the aid of the fine staff of artists at our command, and with the help of our splendid photozincographic process, we have been enabled to furnish our readers with this admirable supplement within five days of the receipt of the first news in Auckland, and free of any extra charge. The scenes delineated by the brushes of our artists are all faithful reproductions from descriptions by eye-witnesses and sketches taken at the scene of the wreck, while the large centre picture of the vessel two hours after she struck was redrawn from an admirable sketch by one of the survivors. The several groups of survivors are from beautiful photographic groups taken by Mr J. R. Hanna, and very kindly placed at our disposal. This special number is admirably adapted for sending to friends at a distance, giving, as it does, a faithful reproduction of the scenes associated with the wreck. The edition is limited and care should be taken to secure copies before it is too late.
Observer, Volume XV, Issue 827, 10 November 1894, Page 7
Mr H. Nashelski, local principal of the firm of Messrs P. Hayman and Co., leaves on Tuesday for a holiday trip to England. Last evening the employees of the firm presented Mr Nashelski with a large shield containing their photographs, the latter being the work of Mr J. R. Hanna...
Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 83, 6 April 1895, Page 4
The Art Exhibition, at the Choral Hall ...
PHOTOGRAPHIC CLUB The work exhibited by members of the Auckland Photographic Club in the anteroom, form no inconsiderable part of the attractions at the Choral Hall. A larger number of photographs are shown this year, and the work on the average is really excellent. The President of the Club, Dr. Campbell, shows two fine sunrise studies, and H. Utting has an equally interesting series of cloudland views, also an admirable panoramic representations of Onehunga and a shield of scenes from the Islands. The subjects are well chosen, and the work thoroughly satisfactory. It is almost needless to praise the work of such veteran photographers as Mr Charles Hemus and Mr J. R. Hanna; their names alone guarantee excellence. Mr Hemus only shows one picture, a really capital representation of the dear in childhood's days — "Little Red, Riding Hood." Mr Hanna's contribution is a shield of framed photos of various types, including one of Prince Franz Joseph of Battenberg. Included in the collection are some excellent photographs of children of tender years, a branch of the art in which Mr Hanna is exceptionally successful.
Auckland Star, Volume XXVI, Issue 89, 15 April 1895, Page 3
Mr S. D. Hanna, who is recognised and esteemed as one of the pillars of Freemasonry in Auckland, was the recipient of a very flattering presentation at the installation of the officers of Lodge Ara, No 1, last Wednesday evening. After the business of the meeting had been disposed of, the W.M., Brother Alfred Bartlett, called Brother Hanna forward, and in very felicitous terms requested his acceptance from the members of Lodge Ara of a very handsome framed life-size photo picture of himself (Mr Hanna). In doing so, he spoke in glowing terms of the invaluable services rendered by Brother Hanna to Lodge Ara in particular and Freemasonry in general during the last three years services that would long linger in the grateful memories of the brethren of the craft. Mr Hanna, who was much surprised at the presentation, expressed his acknowledgments very gracefully. The picture, which is a splendid one, was the work of Mr J. R. Hanna, and does credit to his studio.
Observer, Volume XV, Issue 860, 22 June 1895, Page 16
Samuel Dawson Hanna
Observer, Volume XXXVII, Issue 23, 10 February 1917, Page 6
To-day a large number of the settlers and their descendants were to be photographed by Mr J. R. Hanna in front of St. James' Hall. A copy of the photograph is to be placed in the Free Public Library.
Auckland Star, Volume XXVIII, Issue 145, 24 June 1897, Page 3
We inadvertently omitted to state in our issue of Saturday last that the fine portrait of the late Sir George Grey, which was then published as a special pictorial supplement to the STAR was reproduced from a photograph taken by Mr J. R. Hanna, the well-known photographer of this city. Mr Hanna is the possessor of the negative of this portrait, the most lifelike representation of Sir George as Aucklanders will recollect him just before he left for the Old Country, and of other photos of the deceased statesman at various periods of his life. These photographs have now a peculiar value and interest attached to them, and no doubt many of Sir George Grey's friends and admirers would be glad to possess copies.
Auckland Star, Volume XXIX, Issue 228, 27 September 1898, Page 4
The photos. of the office-bearers of St. Matthew's Church, which appeared in the "Graphic" last week were specially taken for that paper by Mr, J. R. Hanna, and like all work from Mr Hanna's studio, were of the highest class. By accident the photos, were not duly acknowledged to Mr Hanna, who certainly deserved recognition for such excellent portraits.
Auckland Star, Volume XXXI, Issue 202, 25 August 1900, Page 4
Tuesday next at 12 o'clock. Walnut Upright Grand Piano, by Bord; Handsome Cheffonier, Large Overmantel, Cedar Sideboard. Hall Stand, Collection of Paintings on Ivory, 80 Years Old; Oil Paintings. Oleographs, Duchess Pairs, Mangle. Portable Boilers, Etc.. Etc. Wood-St., Ponsonby.
Carpenter Arthur
Has received instructions from Mr J. R. Hanna, who is leaving for the South, to sell by auction at his residence, Wood-st, near Franklyn Rd., Tuesday next, at 12 o'clock,
HOUSEHOLD FURNITURE AND EFFECTS — Walnut Piano, by Bord: Handsome Drawing Room Cheffonier, Large Overmantel, Brussels Carpet, Valuable Collection of Oil Paintings on Ivory, over 80 years old: Oil Paintings, Oleographs, Window Drape. Silk Tapestry Music Canterbury. Easy Chairs, Vases, Centre Table, Gas Globes, Cedar Sideboard, Couch. Writing Desk. Ornaments. Dining Chairs, Clock, Fenders, Hall Stand, Marble Top; Carved Brackets, Bagatelle Board, Ping-Pong Table. Wool Mats, Duchess Pairs, Marble Top; Spring Mattress, Wardrobe, Washstand. Ware, D. Table, Toilet Glass, Chests Drawers, Wicker Chairs, Kitchen Tables. Chairs, Meat Safe, Gas Iron. Mangles, Wringers, Tubs, Portable Boiler. Step Ladders, Lawn Mower, Garden Tools, etc., etc. C. ARTHUR. Auctioneer.
Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 182, 2 August 1902, Page 8 (also on 30 July 1902)
In October 1897 the studio was located at 196 Queen Street, Auckland. Whether the studio has moved from 134 Queen Street or the businesses in Queen Street re-numbered is not known.
Taranaki Herald, Volume L, Issue 12089, 4 October 1902, Page 3
(this notice continued in the Taranaki Herald until 5 January 1904)
Proude — Hanna.— On Nov. 16th [1904], at the residence of the bride's parents, by the Rev. J. N. Buttle, George, only son of the late Mr M. Proude, "Thornville," Bombay, Auckland, to Mabel, eldest daughter of Mr. J. R. Hanna, New Plymouth.
Taranaki Herald, Volume liii, Issue 12713, 19 November 1904, Page 4
A busy scene was presented at the Railway Goods Department this morning, when a large consignment of Champion flour was transferred from railway trucks to numerous express waggons and afterwards photographed by Mr Hanna...
Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 13481, 30 May 1907, Page 4
Mr J. R. Hanna.
Mr John R. Hanna, a well known resident of Auckland, who for years was a partner in the firm of Hemus and Hanna, photographers, Queen Street, died at Ellerslie to-day.
When his partner retired, Mr Hanna carrier on the business, until failing health compelled him to leave Auckland. For a long time subsequently Mr Hanna was in business at New Plymouth, but the state of his health necessitated his retirement. About two years ago the family removed to Ellerslie, where he died in his sixty sixth year.
Deceased was a prominent member of the Masonic fraternity, being a P.M. of Lodge Ara, 348. I.C., and also held office in the Grand Lodge, I.C.
In his younger years Mr Hanna was also an energetic worker in connection with St. James' Presbyterian Sunday school, and the Sunday school mission. While his health lasted Mr Hanna was of a bright, genial temperament, and made many friends. He is survived by his widow and grown-up family, as well as four brothers and two sisters.
Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 83, 8 April 1915, Page 2
The death is reported from Auckland, at the age of 66, of Mr J. R. Hanna, formerly a well-known photographer of that city, and member of the once well-known firm of Hemus and Hanna. The deceased gentleman, who was a prominent Freemason, was a brother of Mr S. D. Hanna (
Samuel Dawson Hanna 1851-1917), well-known in engineering circles, Mr A. Hanna (Andrew Hanna), solicitor, and Mr J. C. Hanna (James C. Hanna), of the New Zealand Insurance Company's staff.
Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, 13 April 1915, Page 4
Hanna, John Robert, Photographer, Queen Street, Auckland. Telephone 351.
Mr. Hanna was born in Ireland, and arrived in New Zealand thirty-five years ago. He began work in his profession with M
r. R. H. Bartlett, of Auckland, whose business he subsequently managed for some time.
For ten years after leaving Mr. Bartlett he was a member of the firm of Messrs
Hemus and Hanna, and managed the business. In 1885 the firm was dissolved by mutual consent, and Mr. Hanna bought the business which was established by the late Mr. Crombie in 1855, and is the oldest in Auckland.
The building is of brick, three stories in height, and has about 2500 square feet of floor space. A handsome vestibule, adorned with choice specimens of photographic art, leads to the reception room on the first floor. The studio, 16 feet by 40 feet, was built from Mr. Hanna's own designs, and is admirably adapted for the purpose. The light is excellent, as the studio is glazed on both sides to within a few inches of the floor, and the appointments are elegant, the background scenery having been specially imported. Mr. Hanna's work is noted for excellence in quality, tone, and finish, and at the American Photographic Artists' Convention, in Washington, he secured a bronze medal in the foreign section. The “Photogram,” of May, 1894, devoted three pages to Mr. Hanna, his studio, and his work, in consequence of a packet of his photograms having been received in London. These were so beautiful that they were shown to the Photographic Club, and to the London and Provincial Photographic Association. The verdict was that no man in Britain was doing better all round portraiture, and Mr. Thomas Fall, the president of the Association, wrote to say that he had never seen such lovely work.
Mr. Hanna employs seven assistants, his portraits go all over the world, and he recently completed for a London gentleman an order for 300. His trade mark is an autograph “Hanna.”
There used to be on view in the vestibule of Mr. Hanna's studio a very fine shield, which contained the portraits of over 160 Aucklanders, deemed worthy of portraiture in connection with the district's jubilee in 1892. It is now in the Free Library, and will repay inspection as a specimen of fine photographic art, and as a collection of colonial and provincial worthies.
Mr. Hanna has been thirty-five years in Auckland, and as a Freemason he is Provincial Grand Secretary for New Zealand under the Irish Constitution.
The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District] The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1902, Christchurch
Observer, Volume XXIII, Issue 7, 1 November 1902, Page 18
Auckland Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 261, 3 November 1902, Page 8
