TRELOAR, James



James Treloar
Engineer, Photographer
Founder and President of the Hamilton Photographic Society


born 27 April 1881 Bolton, England son of Catherine Jane Birkett and James Treloar, baptised 2 September 1881 Halliwell, Lancashire,  arrived New Zealand about 1904, died 6 April 1945 Hamilton, New Zealand aged 63 years, buried 7 April 1945 Hamilton East Cemetery, married 9 November 1909, reg. 1909/4766, Lily Neill Reid (or Lilian Neill Reid) born 10 February 1880 Thames, registered 1880/626, daughter of  Jane Hardey (sometimes Hardy) and William Douglas Reid, died 26 April 1950 Hamilton aged 70 years, buried 28 April 1950 Hamilton East Cemetery.





James Treloar's parents married 16 Oct 1876 at St John, Preston, Lancashire.

James Treloar - 22 Turner Bachelor of Victoria Street
Catherine Jane Birkett - 20 Winder Spinster of Robert Street
    Groom's Father: James Treloar, Farmer
    Bride's Father: late William Birkett, Steward
    Witness: William Redfern; Janet Harrison
    Married by Banns by: Rupert Turner Offg Minstr
    Register: Marriages 1876 - 1877, Page 141, Entry 281
    Source: LDS Film 94000

issue: 
1. Ronald James Treloar born 15 April 1913 at Sterry Nursing Home, Thames, died 1983, reg. 1983/45045.

adopted daughters:
2. Florence May Treloar born 16 September 1912, died 1988, reg. 1988/39900
3. Mabel Branch

brother - Seymour Pope Treloar, born circa 1878, died 1952.
sister - Minnie Treloar [assistant librarian at the Hamilton Public Library] born 15 November 1892, bapt 18 December 1892 Halliwell, Lancashire, England, died 12 November 1948, married James Doddsworth Clark about 1920, reg. 1920/4620, sons in 1953 - Colin Doddsworth Clark, born 1921, of Christchurch, clergyman and Brian Treloar Clark, born 1924, of Hamilton, compositor.



James Treloar by an unknown photographer, probably a self portrait.


New Zealand
1904-1945

Waikato Times, Volume LVIII, Issue 8552, 4 July 1908

Mr J. Treloar, who recently left Thames to enter the engineering business at Hamilton has after several months study and investigation, been successful in constructing a new wind-mill and pump. It is altogether different from other wind-mills, the design being based on the results of the exhaustive experiments made by the Danish Government. The whole mill is simple but powerful, and soundly constructed, and reflects great credit on Mr Treloar's abilities as designer of machinery.

Thames Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 10498, 26 November 1908


Waikato Times, Issue 12398, 5 October 1912


Partington's Mill, Auckland
by James Treloar
 In June 1931 at the Palmerston North's Winter Carnival, James Treloar exhibited a study
of an old mill which "gave a bold effect, and was good from a technical point of view".
Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 141, 17 June 1931

The meeting called for last night for the purpose of forming a camera club in Hamilton was only poorly attended. Several apologies from intending members were received, however, and on account of the enthusiasm of those present and the promises for future members, it was decided to form a club to be called the Hamilton Amateur Photographic Society. The election of officers was held over till the next meeting, which is to he held on Tuesday, 18th inst. Those present made themselves into a working committee to canvass intending members. A field day was arrange for next Saturday, to meet at the Water Tower at 2.30 p.m. Mr Ladd, a member of the Wellington Photographic Society, will give an exhibition of gaslight printing at the next meeting. A telegram was received from the president of the Wellington Society wishing the new society every success.

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 13979, 4 February 1919




Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14009, 12 March 1919

A meeting of the Hamilton Amateur Photographic Society was held last night, Mr J. Treloar (president) presiding over a large attendance. One new member was elected. It was decided to enter prints at the Waikato Winter Show, it being reported that the Dunedin, Wellington and Tauranga Clubs were also competing. It was also resolved to compete at the interclub competition to be held in Dunedin next month. In this competition each club is allowed to enter 12 prints, and after the contest the entries will be sent round to each club for exhibition.

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14061, 14 May 1919
A meeting of the Hamilton Amateur Photographic Society was hold last night, Mr Jas. Treloar presiding over an attendance of 20 members. Seven new members were elected. The monthly competition was won by Mr J. Treloar. Good entries were received for the Dunedin inter-club competitions. Mr Ladd gave an interesting exposition of dry mounting. Judging by the growth of membership, and the interest displayed, the prospects for the Society are exceedingly bright.

Waikato Times, Volume 90, Issue 14082, 11 June 1919
 [in 1920 the Society changed it's name to the Hamilton Photographic Society]

The Winter Show 
Amateur Photography.
A Splendid Exhibition.
Marked Local Improvement.
A section to which we think the Association should certainly give greater space and attention at future shows is that for amateur photography. This year's exhibition is in surroundings that are the very opposite to what they should be, and quite the antithesis of the artistic. The pictures, therefore, are by no means displayed to advantage, although there are some examples there that would worthily grace any photographic exhibition. The collection does not, perhaps, cover so wide a scope as last year, although the quality of the local work shows a marked improvement. Towards this the Hamilton Photographic Society, of which Mr James Treloar Is founder and president, has been a considerable factor, and the Show Association would do well to offer this body greater encouragement in future, which, we feel sure, would be productive of excellent results, as photography may now be considered one of the most important branches of modern art...

... The "Old Orchard," by Mr A. M. McDonald, of Invercargill, "Cooling Breezes" by Mr C. R.. Cooke, of Thames, "Autumn Sunlight," and "Morning Mists" by Mr J. Treloar. of Hamilton, "In Summertime," by Miss C. L. Gibson, of Dunedin, and "Sand Dunes" by Miss Champion of Dunedin are really splendid examples of photographic art, and well worthy of a place in any photographic saloon... 
Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14668, 3 June 1921


Camera Art
Exhibition in Dunedin
Those sceptics who hold that, the, camera is not capable of work bordering on the highest form of artistic expression to the eye should pay a visit, to the Dunedin Photographic Society’s rooms in the South British Buildings, Liverpool street, where there arc on view the works, numbering close on 100, that were recently exhibited at the annual competition between the various dominion clubs, held at Timaru...
... Other exhibitors who have done creditably are J. Treloar, J. A. Salmon, T. A. Rowson, C. Weedon, and G. T. Palmer...
Otago Daily Times, Issue 18953, 29 August 1923


Two Hamilton residents, Messrs J. Treloar and H. Gaze, have had photographs accepted for the International Exhibition, of the London Salon of Photography. This is considered to be a great honour. Only three pictures were accepted from New Zealand, the third being the work of an Invercargill photographer. 
Otago Daily Times, Issue 19322, 7 November 1924
 

The Thirty-fourth annual exhibition of the Dunedin Photographic Society has just closed, and the following awards were made by the judge:—

Champion picture, Mr J. Treloar;
landscape class, Mr George Chance, F.R.P.S.;
marine class, Mr J. Treloar;
general class, Mr C. Weedon;
architectural class. Mr C. Weedon.

This year the exhibition was held in the society’s club rooms, and was confined to members only. The entries therefore were not, so numerous as usual, but the standard of the work submitted was high. The champion picture by Mr Treloar was a very fine piece of portraiture. The pose of the figure is very natural and pleasing, and the lighting has been cleverly handled. Mr Treloar was very fortunate in his model, and has taken full advantage of his opportunity. Mr Geo. Chance exhibited a number of landscape subjects which were quite up to the standard expected from him. Mr Treloar again scored in the seascape class, whilst the honours of the architectural and general classes fell to Mr C. Weedon. The architectural study was a finely-rendered subject of good tone value.
Otago Daily Times, Issue 19337, 25 November 1924


Waikato Winter Show
The eighteenth Waikato Winter Show was opened this afternoon in showery weather by the Minister for Lands, the Hon. A, D. McLeod, in the presence of a large gathering of people...
Photographic Competition.
Landscape photograph: G. Chance, 1: S. E. Cousins 2.
Portrait or figure study: J. Treloar, 1; R. Keys, 2.
Architecture: J. Treloar 1; S. Smith, 2... 
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19034, 3 June 1925


Pictorial Photographs.
New Zealand Successes. [By - Own Correspondent.] Hamilton. Friday.
Several examples of the photographic work of Messrs. H. E. Gaze and J. Treloar, of Hamilton, have been hung in the London exhibition of the Royal Photographic Society of Great Britain.
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19055, 27 June 1925


Amateur Photography.
Hamilton Man's Success.
 [By Telegraph - Own Correspondent.] 
Hamilton, Wednesday.
Another honour in photography has been received by Mr. James Treloar, a Hamilton amateur. He has had three photographs which he submitted accepted by the Canadian National Exhibition at Toronto. The three, studies are entitled, "Mrs. E. T. Rogers," "Fishing Boats" and "Sweet Sixteen."
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19149, 15 October 1925



New Zealand is fairly well represented this year at the Canadian National Exhibition of Photography at Toronto. Messrs Ellerbeck (1), Holland (2), and R. B. Walrond (1) are the Auckland contributors. Mr J. Treloar, of Hamilton, has three prints hung, and Mr J. W. Jones, of Wellington, and Mr W. J. Ferguson, of Invercargill, one each. Dunedin is represented by the Rev. H. O. Fenton, F.R.P.S., who has had three pictures accepted. Twenty-five countries have sent in contributions.
Otago Daily Times, Issue 19613, 17 October 1925


Waikato Winter Show
Photographic Section; Landscape: R. Keys. 1: G. Chance. 2.
Portrait or figure study: J. Treloar. 1: R. Keys. 2.
Architecture: G. Chance. 1: J. Treloar. 2.
Any subject: G. Chance. 1 and 2.
Marine or shipping: G. Chance, 1: S. E. Cousins. 2.
Half-plate size and under, landscape: S. E. Cousins, 1: R. Keys. 2.
Portrait or figure: G. Chance. 1- J. W. Cumming. 2.
Any subject: G. Chance. 1 and 2.
Farm scene: G. Chance. 1 and 2.
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19344, 3 June 1926


Photographic Competitions.
Dominion Artists Successful.
Every year the Amateur Photographer and Photography (the leading photographic journal of Great Britain) arranges a special competition for the British colonies and dominions, and it always proves particularly popular, attracting large entries from various parts of the Empire. The number of entries has steadily increased year by year, and the standard of picturisation reached is always a high one.

Silver and bronze plaques and also certificates of merit are awarded. This year out of the eight silver plaques given for competition two have come to New Zealand and were won by Mr J. Treloar (Hamilton), and Mr G Chance (Dunedin), both of whom are members of the Dunedin Photographic Society.

In addition it is learned from the latest salon news to hand that Miss Una Garlick (Auckland), who is also a member of the Dunedin Photographic Society, has the honour of being the only New Zealander to have work hung in this year s Pittsburgh salon.
Otago Daily Times, Issue 19810, 8 June 1926


Companies. The following private companies have been registered in Auckland:— Treloar Bros, Ltd., Hamilton, manufacturers and producers of milking plants, coach builders, plumbers, iron founders, etc. Capital: £5000 in 50 shares of £100 each. Subscribers: James Treloar, 32 shares; Seymour Pope Treloar, 16 shares; Christina Isobel Marks, two shares.
Auckland Star, Volume LXII, Issue 62, 14 March 1931

Palmerston North's Winter Carnival
Photographic Section.
A very high opinion of the work of competitors in the photographic section was expressed by the judge (Mr. A. H. Eaton, Wellington). He said that over a period of years he had been judging at the show he had never seen such a fine exhibition of pictures. There was a marked advance in the standard, and in addition there was an evenness of quality that had not been apparent in former years. In fact the judging had given him some difficulty in separating, the first pictures. in the various classes ... In the seascape or marine section, Mr. J. Treloar exhibited, without title, a fine study of a corner of a harbour...  Mr. J. Treloar's study of an old mill gave a bold effect, and was good from a technical point of view... Seconds were taken by Mr. F. Petrie (Invercargill), Mr. Chance, Mr. C. P. S. Boyer (Wellington), Mr. Treloar, and Mr. Robson.
Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 141, 17 June 1931


 Hamilton Rotarians. Mr. J. Treloar, who has been elected president of the Hamilton Rotary Club.
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21192, 26 May 1932
 This photograph appeared again in the New Zealand Herald in 1933 with the caption - Waikato Winter Show. Mr. J. Treloar, president of the Waikato Winter Show Association, which is to open its annual fixture at Hamilton to-day. New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21504, 30 May 1933.

Photographic Salon
Decision in Hamilton
[From Our Own Correspondent]
Hamilton, Friday
A decision to establish a New Zealand photographic salon in connection with the next Waikato Winter Show in May next was made at a meeting of the photographic section committee of the association to-day. Two international salon exhibitors, Messrs. H. E. Gaze and James Treloar, of Hamilton, offered to co-operate with the committee to promote the project. It was decided to send circulars, printed in four languages, to camera pictorialists throughout the world, inviting them to take part in the exhibition. Arrangements were agreed to for setting apart a large hall in the exhibition buildings for the hanging of the exhibits. Entries will be received a month before the opening of the show, ample time being provided to enable the final selection of the best pictures to be made.
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22486, 1 August 1936



Obituary
Mr James Treloar
Wide Variety of Interests
Hamilton, Friday
The death occurred this morning of Mr James Treloar, a member of the Hamilton Borough Council, aged 63. Born in Bolton, Lancashire, Mr Treloar came to New Zealand in 1904 and became foreman at a Thames iron foundry.

He moved to Hamilton in 1910 and with his brother, Mr S. P. Treloar, established an engineering workshop. He had a close association with the Methodist Church and gave 35 years' service to the youth movement. He was a past president of the Waikato Winter Show Association and the Hamilton Rotary Club, president of the Milking Machine Vendors' Association and president of the Waikato Society of Arts.

He had served on the Technical School Board of Manager's and the board of directors of the Y.M.C.A. Mr Treloar was elected to the Borough Council in 1941 and was chairman of the Gasworks Committee. He is survived by his wife and a son and daughter. 
New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25171, 7 April 1945


Gift to Domain Board
 (O.C) Hamilton, Tuesday
An area of slightly more than two acres, on the eastern side of the main road at Te Rapa; offered as a gift by Mrs Allen Bell, of Te Rapa, for use as a reserve, was accepted at a meeting of the Hamilton Domain Board last evening. Mrs Bell suggested that an elevated part of the land could be used as a site for an observatory in memory of the late Mr J. Treloar and that the reserve should be called Findlay Park. The secretary was instructed to express to Mrs Bell the appreciation of the board for her generous gift.
New Zealand Herald, Volume 82, Issue 25227, 13 June 1945


[father of James Treloar]
Mr. J. Treloar
[by telegraph—Own correspondent] Hamilton, Thursday 
The death occurred to-day of Mr. James Treloar, of Hamilton, at the age of 85 years. Mr. Treloar was born in Cornwall, England, and came to New Zealand 32 years ago to join his sons in an engineering business. After spending a year at Thames he came to Hamilton, where he had remained ever since. Mrs. Treloar died 10 years ago, and he is survived by two sons and a daughter.
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23404, 21 July 1939


[father-in-law of James Treloar]
Obituary
Mr. W. D. Reid.
(By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) Thames, this day.
The death occurred last night of Mr. William Douglas Reid, a Thames pioneer, aged 80. He was born in Belfast, and arrived in Auckland in 1863, coming to the Thames at the opening of the goldfields. For many years he carried on business as a grocer here, and returned five years ago. He was formerly a borough councillor, was a hospital trustee, leading officer of the Masonic Order, and prominent in many directions of usefulness. He leaves six daughters and three sons. One daughter is Mrs. A. Oldham, of Auckland. 
Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 137, 10 June 1918


Mr. James Treloar (Hamilton) is enjoying a visit to "good old Lancashire," which, he told a local interviewer, is more like home than his native Cornwall. Bolton may be described as his adopted town, for he went there in his early twenties and was a resident until 1906, when he went out to his sons in New Zealand.
New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21637, 1 November 1933

Mr. W.D. Reid
We regret to announce that another of the old residents of Thames has passed over to the great majority. Mr. William Douglas Reid, formerly a. well-known figure in the town, passed away after a couple of hour's illness, at the residence of hits son-in-law, Mr. E. N. Miller yesterday evening. The late Mr. Reid, who was an Octogenarian, had been in failing health for some years past, but his end came with startling suddenness.

The late Mr. Reid was in business as a grocer in Pollen Street until about five years ago, when he retired. He was at one time a member of the Thames Borough Council, and generally took his part as a useful citizen, holding many public positions. Amongst other offices he was one of the Hospital Board, and was also chairman of the local licensing bench. He always took a keen interest in education, and was for many years a member of local school committee.

He was born in Belfast, Ireland, in 1838, an came to Auckland in 1868. He was a Thames pioneer, arriving here soon after the opening of the goldfield, and he was for many years closely associated with the progress of the district. He was a leading Mason, having held office as master in the Sir Walter Scott Lodge, and was also chaplain of the Lodge.
Mr. Reid married in 1864 a daughter of Mr. S. Hardy, of the north, of Ireland. Mrs. Reid died in 1896, leaving: three sons and six daughters. The latter are Mrs. A. Oldham, Auckland; Miss Reid, Thames; Mrs E. N, Miller, Thames; Mrs. Law, Tauranga; Mrs. Mills, Featherston.; and Mrs. Treloar, Hamilton. The sons are: Mr. James Reid, of the "Chronicle" staff, Wanganui; Mr. W, G. Reid, New Plymouth; and Mr Douglas Reid, Auckland.

The funeral will leave Mr. E. N. Miller's residence, at 2.30 p.m tomorrow.

The members of Lodge Sir Walter Scott, No. 15, N.Z.C., are requested to attend the funeral of their late Worshipful Brother, W. D. Reid, tomorrow a,t 2.30 p.m. Brethren of Sister Constitutions are invited to attend.
Thames Star, Volume LII, Issue 13718, 10 June 1918


5 comments:

Alison Mackrell said...

My name is Alison Mackrell. James Treloar was my Gt Gt Uncle through his wife Lily Reid.
I have 3 of his photos passed down through my mother's family.
His portrait of my Grandmother at 18 was always on the wall. We were told it was for a competition.
The other 2 I found in amongst my Grandmother's precious bits, unframed.
One of 'sheep on a dusty road' and a coloured photo of 'a road in the winter'
I recently have had them framed & all three are now on my wall.
Thanks for this blog. We now have some great history of him.

Early Canterbury Photography said...

Hi Alison
It's wonderful to hear from you and learn about the three James Treloar photographs that you have. I wonder if they are any of the ones that he exhibited and were mentioned above in the newspaper accounts?

The photograph I have of Partington's Mill in Auckland may be the same photograph described as a "study of an old mill" that James Treloar exhibited in 1931 in Palmerston North.

I suppose he could have given photographs as gifts to relatives such your grandmother as birthday or Christmas presents. If you have photographs of your photographs I would be happy to add them to this website.

I have spent last weekend looking for more references to James Treloar in old newspapers and have now added these (above). There is also a lot in the old newspapers about his work as an engineer and his other interests but have focused mostly here on his interest as a photographer.

Hopefully someone in his family holds more photographs or even his original negatives and his work hasn't been all lost.

best wishes
Tony

Anonymous said...

Just picked up an antique camera case at a second hand store. Has the name J.D Treloar inside it. Is this the same person?

Unknown said...

Hi. I have recently purchased a vintage camera case with J.D Treloar hand written on the inside. Is this the same person?

Early Canterbury Photography said...

Probably unlikely, James Treloar, did not have a second christian name. The only J. D. Treloar I can find was John Denness Treloar born 5 August 1931, died 1 July 2017 possibly in Tauranga.