FISCHER, Adolf Gottlieb

Adolf Gottlieb Fischer

born 14 March 1857 or 14 March 1858 Sitterdorf, Thurgau, Switzerland, son of Albert Fischer and Gertrud Boetsch, immigrated to New Zealand on the "Piako" sailed London 23 October 1879 arrived Lyttelton 16 January 1880 as a steerage passenger aged 21 years, naturialised 20 June 1931, died 25 October 1936 Auckland, New Zealand aged 78 or 79 years, reg. 1936/22920, buried Hillsborough Cemetery, Auckland,  area 4, block L, lot no. 1, married about 1879, Katherina Blab, born 1857 Rotz, Kingdom of Bavaria, immigrated to New Zealand on the "Piako" sailed London 23 October 1879 arrived Lyttelton 16 January 1880 as a steerage passenger, died 18 July 1939, Christchurch, New Zealand aged 82 years, buried Bromley Cemetery, Christchurch, block 17 plot 460.

(Newspaper passenger list gives names as Adolphus Fischer and Catherine Fischer - Globe, Volume XXII, Issue 1841, 16 January 1880)


issue:
1. Albertene Fischer born 29 March 1882 Christchurch, birth reg 1882/7433, died 30 October 1971 Auckland, reg. 1971/42382 aged 89, reg. married 4 April 1914, reg. 1914/7793 Thomas Kelly, he died 1955 Auckland   
issue:
     1a. Maud Louise Kelly 16 January 1915 Napier, reg. 1915/3038, died 17 September 1963 Auckland, married 1947, Frederick Roberts

2. Alfred or Adolf Fischer born 12 January 1883 Christchurch, died 1934 Christchurch, married 30 January 1925, Agnes Orr, born 26 March 1884 Scotland, died 18 April 1951 Christchurch

3. Mary Ann Fischer born 11 November 1885 Christchurch, reg. 1886/493 (as Fisher), died 1978 Ontario, Canada, married 26 December 1912 St John's Church, Christchurch, John Frederick Hulbert Hurley (boilermaker), born 1888, London, England son of John James Hurley and Elizabeth Ann Tremain, died 1936 Windsor, Ontario, Canada, 
issue:
     3a. John Frederick Hurley birth registered 1915/21105
     3b. Alfred Mervyn Hurley birth registered 1917/23648

4. Emil Gottlieb Henry Fischer "Harry" (plumber), born 6 June 1887, birth reg 1887/8157, died 8 June 1971, New South Wales, Australia, reg 49047/1971 St Leonards as Harry Emil Fischer, buried Rookwood Cemetery, Sydney, section 12 row 32, married 1 September 1915 St Stephen's Church, Newtown, NSW, Sarah Mabel Appleby born circa 1888 Hobart, Tasmania, daughter of Thomas Hill Appleby and Rosina Philhelmina Bock died 3 September 1938, buried Rookwood Cemetery, Sydney, section 12 row 32
issue:
   4a. Sydney Fischer (builder) born circa 1927 Sydney, Australia, married 3 May 1953 St Matthews Church, Manly, Valda Mary Reynolds born circa 1931 Manly, daughter of David Owen Reynolds and Lillian Rose Sullivan
  [4b. Hilda Lillian Mary Fischer??]

5. Alfred Friederich Fischer born 13 October 1888 Timaru, reg 1888/10106, died 1 November 1978 Greymouth,  reg. 1978/42732 as Alfred Frederick Fischer. Went to Alaska about 1914 and served with the United States forces during WWI, married 1932 Mary Coulter Toal born 13 May 1899 Glasgow, died 1974 Greymouth

6. Elise Josephine Fischer (1915 - 65 Lester Street, Linwood, Christchurch) born 5 December 1889 Timaru, birth reg 1890/3928, died 19 March 1941, Katoomba, NSW, Australia, married 5 December 1912, Methodist Church, Fitzgerald Avenue, Christchurch, reg  1912/8666  Thomas Henry Price (mechanical engineer) born circa 1888 London, England, fourth son of Alfred James Price and Mary Ann Young, he died 31 August 1915 aged 27 years, buried Linwood Cemetery, Christchurch.
issue:
     6a. Richard Price born 24 October 1913 Christchurch, reg 1913/23638
     6b. Alice Maud Price born 23 January 1919 Christchurch 

 she married secondly 1917, reg. 1917/283 John James Price

7. Albert Georg Fischer (plumber) (First NZEF 4/1076) born 18 September 1891 Timaru, reg 1891/15535, died 15 March 1976 Windermere Hospital, Christchurch, married 24 October 1917 St Saviours Church, Sydenham, Christchurch, Ivy Louise Annie Duckmanton daughter of Thomas Duckmanton and Alice Eliza Clintker
issue:
      7a. Henry George Fischer born 17 September 1918 (1976 - Auckland)    
      7b. Doreen Phyllis Fischer born 20 January 1920 (Mrs Wimsett, 1976 - Blenheim)
 
8. Louisa Fischer born 29 January 1894 Timaru, birth reg 1894/1020, died 23 May 1917 Wellington aged 23 years, reg. 1917/3799, buried Karori Cemetery, Wellington.

9. Isabella Maud Fischer born 7 October 1900, (registration of death incorrectly shows 7 October 1901), birth reg 1900/18914, died 22 March 1976 Christchurch, reg. 1976/27504, married 1928, reg. 1928/842  Norman John Ivan McLeod he died 9 February 1965 Christchurch aged 65 years, reg. 1965/24788
issue:
     9a. Janice Wayne McLeod born 28 January 1933 Christchurch, died 9 July 1994 Christchurch, married John F. Penney
     9b. Graham Michael McLeod (1976 - Hobart)

Katherina and her children

photograph courtesy of Ann Jackson 

from left: 

1. Elise Josephine Fischer (6)
2. Alfred Friederich Fischer(5)
3. Albert Georg Fischer (7)
4. Albertene Fischer (1)
5. Isabella Maud Fischer (9)
6. Katharina Fischer nee Blab
7. Adolf Fischer (2)
8. Mary Ann Fischer (3)
9. Louisa Fischer (8)
10. Emil Gottlieb Henry Fischer (4)

Christchurch

January 1880 - 1885

Adolf Fischer was for about six years an operator and retoucher at Peter Schourup’s studio in Christchurch; probably from about 1880 to 1885, although in later newspaper notices he stated the period was for almost seven years.

 

On 16 March 1882 Adolf and Katharina Fischer of Willowbank, Christchurch witnessed the marriage of his sister Rosa Fischer to Johann Heinrich Otto (cabinetmaker) at the Manse in Tuam Street. Rosa Fischer was born in Rorschach, Switzerland the daughter of Albert Fischer and Gertrud Boetsch. Adolf Fischer 's occupation was given as a photographer.

 

Johann Heinrich Otto [or John Henry Otto] died 16 November 1921 at his residence Maungakaramea, Rosa Otto died 19 June 1918 at her residence Maungakaramea aged 60 years.

 

Assaults. A case, in which Kate Fisher [sic] and Jane Schrader were accused of assaulting Rose Otto, at Sydenham, was dismissed, as it appeared to be a quarrel in which all parties were to blame.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7166, 16 February 1884

 

 

Application for Protection Order. —Katherine Fisher [sic] applied for a protection order as against her husband, Adolf Fisher, and also for the support of two children. Mr Stringer appeared for complainant and Mr Holmes for defendant. The complaint was to the effect that defendant had beaten his wife and she had been compelled to leave him. It appeared that defendant had some time previously made over all his property to his wife, reserving a life interest to himself. The parties were Germans and had been married about four years. Recently the husband’s father and the wife’s brother and sister and a man named Rutz had come from the Fatherland and took up their abode at Fisher’s house. After this there was war in the camp. It was alleged by defendant that his father was turned out of the house by Rutz and others. He denied that he had beaten his wife. Complainant said she was willing to return to her husband’s house, if her father-in-law left it. Before the case for the defence was concluded, the Bench expressed the opinion that there was no evidence of any serious cruelty. When people married they ran terrible risks, there was no doubt about that, but there was not sufficient to justify the Bench in interfering between man and wife in the present case. The solicitors engaged said they would endeavour to come to an amicable settlement. Case dismissed.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7174, 26 February 1884

 

A case in which William Linton was accused of assaulting Adolph Fisher [sic] at Sydenham was dismissed. The Bench cautioned the parties to be careful as to their future conduct. Mr Holmes appeared for complainant, and Mr Weston for defendant. Some rather warm "passages of arms" occurred between the learned counsel during the hearing of the case.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXI, Issue 7186, 11 March 1884


Greymouth
1885 - 1886
 On 17 December 1885 it was announced in the Grey River Argus that Williams’s Portrait Rooms had reopened under the management of Adolf Fischer. The Portrait Rooms had previously been under the management of W. H. Clarke until at least May 1885. Clarke was formerly of Lambton Quay, Wellington. Adolf Fischer continued as manager until at least 12 February 1886.

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXII, Issue 5372, 17 December 1885

[this notice continued in the Grey River Argus,until 12 February 1886]

 

Timaru 
February 1887 - 1899

 

Mr G. A. Fischer (sic), who has been for nearly 7 years operator and retoucher to the late Mr P. Schourup, of Christchurch, has taken the studio (next Mr Slator's draper's shop) lately occupied by Mr R. Haigh, and invites inspection. 

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3852, 7 February 1887, Page 2

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3852, 8 February 1887
[this notice first appeared in the Timaru Herald on 7 February 1887 and continued until 8 March 1887]

Her Majesty's Jubilee.
A. G. Fischer,
Photographic Artist,

(Late with Mr P. Schourup, Christchurch)

INTENDS to Celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee by giving the Public of South Canterbury a chance to get 12 Beautifully Finished CABINET PHOTOS for 15s; usual price 25s (a chance that may never occur again). Deposit Tickets 2s 6d each, BALANCE (12s 6d) TO BE PAID AT TIME OF SITTING. Holders of Deposit Tickets may be taken any time up to Christmas.

Tickets may be had at the Studio, or at Mr Hutton's, Bookseller, Theatre Royal Cigar Divan, or Mrs Pitt's Registry Office. Sale of Tickets for ONE MONTH ONLY, commencing on WEDNESDAY, JUNE 15th, after which the usual price will be charged.

Early application for Tickets is necessary as the sale is limited to 1000, and on no account will this number be exceeded.

P.S.— All Photos to be finished to the entire satisfaction of the sitter. Inspection of the Studio is cordially invited. Persons from the country can obtain Deposit Tickets by sending post note or stamps for 2s 6d. 

 

A. Fischer,
Photographic Artist,
(Next Watkins', Chemist)
Main North Road, Timaru.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3960, 17 June 1887, Page 1

 

The suite of rooms recently vacated by Mr R. Haigh, have been taken up by Mr Fischer, formerly manager for the late Mr Schroup (sic), the well-known photographer of Christchurch, and in this well-known gallery he is developing a most superior kind of photography. The reception-room is handsomely furnished, and the "printing" office (where the ordinary work is done, of transferring the image from the negative) is supplied with all the mysterious and numerous requisites of the photographic artist. The studio wherein photos are taken is light and airy and spacious, and abundantly supplied with accessories. Out of this opens the dark condemned cell to which first impressions are hastily consigned to undergo certain processes to make them fit to see the light. Mr Fischer has all the very latest improvements, and he will soon have two new powerful lenses. A special feature of the portraits is the enamelling process by which the beauty of the picture is immensely augmented, Mr Fischer has extended the time for closing the sole of Jubilee Cabinet Photo Tickets to Saturday July 23rd. 

Timaru Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 3987, 19 July 1887, Page 2

Timaru Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 3995, 28 July 1887

[this notice appeared in the Timaru Herald until 17 October 1887]

 

 
The members of the Timaru Garrison Band turned out yesterday morning, and had their photographs taken (in a group) by Mr Fischer. We understand that, as three members of the band leave for Australia this week, the picture has been taken to present to them as a eouvenir (sic). 

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 4188, 12 March 1888, Page 2

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT.
A. G. FISCHER.
PHOTOGRAPHER.

BEGS TO INFORM the Public of Timaru and surrounding districts that owing to the increase of business connected with his profession he has found it necessary TO REMOVE to those Convenient and Commodious Premises, NEXT DOOR TO Mr P. W. Hutton, Main Road. The rooms upstairs have been tastefully fitted and are worthy of inspection.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVI, Issue 4234, 7 May 1888, Page 1
[this notice appeared in the Timaru Herald until 9 August 1888]

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 4308, 11 August 1888

Mr A. G. Fischer informs the public of South Canterbury that he is still taking - and will until further notice - orders for cabinet photographs at 15s per dozen. This low price includes putting that beautiful finish on a picture known to the initiated as "enamelling." Mr Fischer's studio is part of what was recently Messrs Priest and Holdgate's warehouse, and the storey he occupies has been fitted up under his personal supervision, and in a style which gives his patrons the utmost satisfaction. He thus justly claims support on the ground of being "locally established." The specimen cases bordering the Main Road, and in the hall, from which springs the staircase leading to the studio, contain numerous photographs, so that the public can see and judge for themselves of the style and the sterling quality of the workmanship turned out by Mr Fischer. In closing it is as well to remind our readers that no deposit tickets are required as a retainer for the cabinet photographs named above.(i.e William Ferrier) 

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 4324, 30 August 1888, Page 2

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 4324, 30 August 1888, Page 3

The members of the Pirates Football Club mustered at Mr A. G. Fischer's photographic studio yesterday afternoon, and had their picture taken in a group. The photographs are to be kept by members as souvenirs. 

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue XLVII, 12 October 1888, Page 2

 
Mr A. G. Fischer announces that he will continue to take cabinet photographs at a low price till the 24th inst., after which the price will be raised. Intending patrons should read the notice and not fail to inspect the high-class work Mr Fischer is turning out.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 4364, 15 October 1888, Page 2

 
Mr Fischer, photographer, has now finished the views he took last Thursday of the opening gathering of the Timaru Boating Club. The photographs are excellent, and members should one and all secure a copy as a souvenir of the season of 1888-89.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLVII, Issue 4373, 25 October 1888, Page 2

 

Mr A. Fischer, photographer, has now on view at his studio, an excellent photograph of the captain, officers, and members of the Timaru Fire Brigade. The photographs were taken singly, and arranged in a very tasteful manner, as a large group, and this card was afterwards photographed. The result is an excellent card of fairly large size, and the beautiful finish and artistic grouping are in keeping with the first-class work always done by Mr Fischer. The brigade are deservedly proud of their "picture," which also reflects the greatest credit on the taste and skill of the artist named. 

Timaru Herald, Volume LI, Issue 5032, 31 December 1890, Page 2

 
The Timaru Naval Artillery mustered at the drillshed yesterday morning to enable Mr A. Fischer, the photographer, to take photos of them, which when finished are to be presented as souvenirs to Lieutenant-commandant E. Gooch, who, consequent on removal to Napier, is about to resign his command of the corps. Mr Fischer succeeded in securing good negatives, from which he hopes to develop splendid photographs of the corps. 

Timaru Herald, Volume LII, Issue 5156, 1 June 1891, Page 2

Timaru Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 5945, 21 April 1894

Timaru Herald, Volume LVII, Issue 1621, 1 December 1894, Page 1

 

MEETING OF CREDITORS.
A meeting of the creditors of Adolf Fischer, photographer, was held at the Deputy-Official Assignee's office yesterday afternoon. Mr Alexander Montgomery, Deputy-Official Assignee, presided, and the creditors present were Messrs H. M. West, J. H. Smith, W. Ballantyne, J. Murray, W. Kernohan, G. P. Wood, M. Salek, T. Wells, G. Strachan, J. Storrier, and R. Clark (the last named had not proved). The bankrupt in reply to questions said that he had been in business in Timaru for about 8 years, starting with about £50. He attributed his difficulties to bad times and scarcity of work. He had no proposal to make, to his creditors. He had held a private meeting and offered 5s in the £, but this offer had not been accepted. Some of his creditors were willing to accept the offer; others were not. His rent had been 25s per week. The list showed that bankrupt owed unsecured creditors £332 10s;  that Mr A. E. G. Rhodes was a secured creditor, the value of the security being £550 and amount of debt £470. Bankrupt's stock was valued at £200, book; debts £10, furniture £20, other property (horse, trap, pigs, poultry, shares Building Society and Farmers' Co-operative Association) £26, surplus from securities £80; thus showing an apparent surplus of assets over liabilities of £3 18s 2d. It was resolved that the bankrupt should keep his studio open, and assist the Assignee to realise on the estate to the best of his ability, and in return he be allowed to keep his horse, buggy, harness, tools, fowls, pigs, and furniture for his services; that he be recommended for immediate discharge; and that the Assignee advertise the business for sale in the Timaru, Christchurch, Oamaru, and Dunedin papers. The meeting then closed. 

Timaru Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 1978, 14 January 1896, Page 4

Messrs Guinness and Le Cren, local agents for the Walter A. Wood Co., have now on view at their offices two very fine photographs, one photograph showing the Walter A. Wood exhibits, which were at the late show, on trucks, Timaru, and the other photograph the exhibits on their way to the ground, drawn by Chaffey's traction engine. The photographs in addition to being a good advertisement, are splendidly clear, and are a credit to Mr A. Fischer. 

Timaru Herald, Volume LX, Issue 2069, 30 April 1896, Page 2

Timaru Herald, Volume LX, Issue 2533, 23 October 1897

[this notice appeared in the Timaru Herald until 24 November 1897]

A Most Deserving Case.

To the Editor of The Timaru Herald

I have heard of the, circumstances of Mr Fischer, photographer, who lost his all through the late fire, and is thus deprived of the means of earning bread for his wife and nine children. To make matters worse for the breadwinner at this unfortunate time, his eldest boy, who earns a few shillings per week is incapacitated by an accident from doing anything for some time. I confidently make this appeal to the residents of Timaru, as the case is deserving of their hearty sympathy. If only sufficient could be raised to purchase a camera and other necessary appliances to enable him to earn bread for his family, it would be a kindly and well-timed act. Anyone wishing to assist in the above object can do so by leaving the subscription at the Borough Council office, or at my shop, when, the amount will be thankfully received and faithfully applied. I am, etc.,
J. S. Keith, Mayor.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 2901, 29 December 1898, Page 3

 

Timaru Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 2939, 1 May 1899, Page 4

Timaru Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 2953, 17 May 1899, Page 3

 
Messrs Fischer and Hardy have in their show window two excellently clear photographs of the wreck of the Elginshire, showing the two sides separately. The port side view shows the snapped-off bow lying to the left some distance away from the rest of the hull, the deck tilted to the southward. This must have needed a great force to move it bodily so far. It is odd that the bow was not carried the other way, deck to north.

Timaru Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 3120, 28 November 1899, Page 2

Timaru Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 3162, 17 January 1900, Page 1

Wellington

1902

Evening Post, Volume LXIV, Issue 135, 4 December 1902, Page 1

Napier
1913 - 1917

Mr. A. Fischer, late manager of Bunting's, announces that he is opening an up-to-date photographic studio in Emerson street, Napier. As a special concession on opening, a nicely finished enlargement will he given free with every dozen photographs.

Hastings Standard, Volume III, Issue 149, 9 June 1913

 

 

Hastings Standard, Volume III, Issue 189, 26 July 1913

Hastings Standard, Volume IV, Issue 442, 18 May 1915

Mr. A. Fischer, photographer, of Napier, again contradicts the rumour that he is a German, and points out that he is a Swiss and his wife is British. Mr. Fischer, who has been resident over forty years in the colonies, has a son, also two brothers-in-law, lighting with the Allies.

Hastings Standard, Volume IV, Issue 442, 18 May 1915

Hastings Standard, Volume VII, Issue 242, 4 August 1917

Maintenance.

Parted for Sixteen Years

At the Napier Magistrate's Court yesterday afternoon, Katrina Fischer proceeded against her husband, Adolph Fischer, Napier, to provide for her maintenance.

Mr. H. B. Lusk appeared for complainant and Mr. L. A. Rogers for defendant.

Evidence by complainant was to the effect that they were married in 1879, and had eight children. They lived at Christchurch for several years, but separated about 1900. They had agreed to divide the proceeds of the sale of some property, but she only received £10 for this. She had since struggled and reared her family. She was now 60 years of age, and since 1900 had received no money whatever from her husband, and had not known his whereabouts till about 2 years ago.

Defendant said he had offered to give her 10/- a week, but she had refused this. He had to pay a housekeeper, and was only making between £2 10/- and £3 a week. When they had parted he claimed the children, but she took them. With respect to the sale of property he had given her £100 and half of the furniture.

After further examination, His Worship said defendant had had a good holiday and he should now keep his wife in her old age.

Ordered to pay £1 per week towards the maintenance of his wife, also to pay £3 3/- costs of the order.

Hastings Standard, Volume VIII, Issue 1, 12 December 1917


Auckland
1918 - 1936

Disloyalty Case
 Auckland
1918


Disloyal Utterance.

A Swiss Fined.

Per Press Association.

Auckland, July 24

Adolf Gotlich Fischer was fined £25 for making a disloyal utterance as follows: "The British are liars and will never win the war. Germany will never go down. She will win. The British have done worse things than the Germans."

These statements were made in a boarding house. Accused said he was a Swiss, and had two sons at the front.

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume XLVI, Issue 7013, 24 July 1918

A Disloyal Swiss

Fined £25. 

Auckland, July 23.

At the Police Court to-day Adolph Gotlieh Fischer was charged with publishing an utterance indicating disloyalty as follows;-- "The British are liars. They lied in South Africa. The British will never win the war. Germany will never go down. She will win the day. The British would do worse things than the Germans, and have done so, but it will never be known until after the war. They are getting what they deserve."

Evidence was given to the effect that the statements and others of a similar tenor were made in a boarding house. Accused said he was a Swiss and had been in the Dominion forty years. He had eight children and always enjoined loyalty to Britain. Two sons were at the front. He denied ' making the statements. He had lived in Germany from ten years of age until he was fifteen. His wife, who had deserted him, was a German.

Accused was fined £25 the Magistrate (Mr. Hunt) remarking that the case was not so bad as if the utterance had been made in a public place; such as a hotel.

Hastings Standard, Volume VIII, Issue 198, 24 July 1918

Disloyal Utterance.

Offence by a Swiss

Fine of £25 Imposed.

Publication of a statement indicating disloyalty in respect of the present war was the basis of a charge against' Adolf Gotlieb (sic) Fischer, aged 60[?]; (Mr. Moody), before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S. M., at the Police Court yesterday.

The words complained of, as stated in the charge, were "The British are lairs;. they lied in South Africa; the British will never win the war; Germany will never go down; she will win the day; the British would do worse things than the Germans, and have done so, but it will never be known until after the war; they are getting what they deserve."

Annie C. Nicholson, keeper of an apartment-house at 104, Nelson Street, said that accused and his wife stayed at her house for about a fortnight in May. The war was often discussed, and on these occasions accused became very excited, and made the statement complained of, as well as remarks of a similar nature. These statements were made in the presence of Mrs. Davis and other people. From his utterances witness considered accused a most disloyal man.

Mrs. A Davis, who was living with Mrs. Nicholson, corroborated the latter's evidence as to accused's utterances. Accused was always talking in this strain. His wife told him not to talk about the British in that way, as she had brothers at the front.

Defendant said he was a Swiss, and had been in New Zealand 40 years. He had eight children, and had always enjoined them to be loyal to Britain. Two sons were at the front. He denied the statements attributed to him, and said he had never run the British down, or sided with the Germans.

Cross-examined: He was in Germany from the time he was 10 years of age until he was 15. His wife, from whom he had been separated 11 years, was in Christchurch, and he had been living with another woman since then. His wife was a German. Questioned as to some names in his notebook, he said one was that of a German friend in Samoa. At the time of the Boer War witness was in Timaru, and people regarded him as a German. In Napier he issued an advertisement [on 18 May 1915] that he was a Swiss, to remove the impression that he was a German. Witness could speak German, and also a little French. He had to give up his business as a photographer because people thought he was a German.

Annie Woods, who lived with accused, denied that he had ever made any seditious utterances.

Defendant's daughter said two of her brothers were at the front, one had returned, and another had been rejected.

George Edwards, a returned soldier, who had rooms at Mrs. Nicholson's house, said he had often discussed the war with accused, who never showed any disloyalty.

The magistrate said the accused had German relatives, German names were written in his book, he spoke German, and his evidence was not satisfactory. The case was proved, but it was not as bad as if the utterances had been made in a public place, such as an hotel. The object of the regulations was to stop such loose talk, and accused was fined £25 and 23s costs.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16910, 24 July 1918

Disloyal Sentiments

Swiss Photographer Fined.

Charges of publishing a statement, indicating disloyalty, and of making a seditious utterance, were made against Adolf Gotlieb Fischer (illegible - 60?) before Mr F. K. Hunt, SM., yesterday.

The allegation was that during May he stated that the British were liars, and were getting what they deserved; that they would do worse things than the Germans did, and that Germany would never go down.

Annie Nicholson, who keeps an apartment house in Nelson Street, said that at the beginning of May defendant and his wife took a room at her house. She understood that Fischer was a Swiss, and that he had just come from Wellington, where, for ten years, he had been a photographer, but had been burnt out. During conversations witness had with Fischer the latter spoke in a disloyal manner, and when she spoke about a ship that was torpedoed he seemed to go mad. He said the British were liars, and could not prove the Germans torpedoed the ship. He also said the British had done worse things, and were just getting what they deserved, but Germany would not go down. Mrs Fischer stuck up for the British, but was told by her husband to keep quiet. Fischer stayed only a fortnight at the house.

Annie Davis, the wife of a soldier, said she had a room at Mrs Nicholson's house, and she corroborated the previous witness in the matter of the statements made by Fischer.

The defendant stated that he was [illegible - 60?] years of age, and had lived 40 years in New Zealand, and his eight children had been born in the country. One of his sons was in France, another was a returned soldier, and a third had enlisted in America. He denied that he had ever been disloyal in word or deed, and that he had used the words alleged by Mrs Nicholson and Mrs Davis. All he did was to express a doubt as to the truth of all the tales about German atrocity, especially to children, and he had quoted an American magazine on the subject. He said he had been born in Switzerland, and had been in Germany on one occasion only, when he was about fifteen years of age. He admitted that he had had trouble in his business at Timaru and at Napier because of his German sounding name.

Annie Wood, who had lived in the same house as defendant, corroborated defendant's denial of the use of the words alleged, and defendant's daughter and other witnesses, including a returned soldier stated that defendant did not utter disloyal sentiments.

The magistrate prefaced his judgment by remarking that though such a case was difficult to prove it was very much more difficult to defend, because the section of the Act under which the charge had been laid was very wide. He considered the ease proved. A leopard could not change his spots. Defendant had German relatives, had German names in a book he possessed, and, moreover, he spoke German. The whole object of the Act, to his mind, was to stop such loose talk as he held had been proved against defendant, who would be fined £25 and costs 23/.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 175, 24 July 1918

Directories
The Southern Provinces Almanac 1888
A. Fischer, Timaru

The Southern Provinces Almanac 1889
A. Fischer, Timaru

The Southern Provinces Almanac 1890
A. Fischer, Timaru

1890 - Timaru Electoral Roll -  photographer


The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1890-91
Fischer Adolph G. Great North rd. Timaru

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1892-93
Fischer Adolph, portrait & landscape photographer, Stafford Street, Timaru

Canterbury and West Coast Electoral Rolls 1893
Fischer, Adolf, Timaru. Photographer

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1894-95
Fischer Adolf, Stafford Street, Timaru

1896 - Timaru Electoral Roll - photographer (wife Katerina)

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1896-97
Fischer Adolf, 117a Stafford Street, Timaru

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1898-99
Fischer Adolf, 117a Stafford Street, Timaru

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1900
Fischer & Hardy, 69 Stafford Street, Timaru 

1900 - Timaru Electoral Roll - photographer

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1901
Fischer Adolf, 96 Stafford Street, Timaru

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1902
Fischer Adolf, 96 Stafford Street, Timaru

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1903
Fischer Adolf, 96 Stafford Street, Timaru

1903 Electoral Roll
71 Harper Street, Sydenham, Christchurch, photographer

The New Zealand Post Office Directory (Wise's) for 1904
Fischer Adolf, 96 Stafford Street, Timaru

1911 - Wellington Central Electoral Roll - Adolf Fischer, 175 Vivian Street, Wellington, photographer
 
1911 - Napier Electoral Roll - Adolph Fischer, Brewster Street, Napier, photographer
 
1914 - Napier Electoral Roll - Adolph Fischer, Emerson Street, Napier, photographer
 
1935 - Auckland Central Electoral Roll - 26 Day Street, Auckland, photographer
with Ernest Ludwig Fischer, clerk.

 

 

Samuel McMurray Album

[purchased 5 October 2024]

above cdv courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

 

[purchased March 2023]

 

 

 

 

 

 

[purchased December 2021]
 

 

 

 

 

 

above cabinet card courtesy of Laurence Eagle

 

 

above cabinet card courtesy of Laurence Eagle 

 

 

Robert Irvine, Elizabeth Street, Timaru

above cabinet card courtesy of Laurence Eagle

 

above cabinet card courtesy of Laurence Eagle

 

 

Alexander McClelland married Jane Mahan at Rangitata on 17 December 1890 .
(This photo is not part of my collection) 

 

 

 

 

 

Alice Coward by Fischer's Studio, Napier

Views of Timaru & District

A. G. Fischer, Photographer
circa 1889.
 

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06. Station Street, from the Evans Atlas Flour Mill, circa 1889.

07. Timaru Harbour, from the Evans Atlas Flour Mill, circa 1889.

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16. Pareora River

17. Pareora Gorge

18. Water Race

19. Cushion Dam

 20. Head Works

A "Sourdough."

Home from Alaska.

Experiences at Nome.

People in New Zealand probably are as ignorant of Alaska as they are of any other country in the world. It is imagined, with the aid of moving pictures, as a place where every second man is a "Dangerous Dan McGrew," where guns are always blazing, and where the country is covered with snow and ice all the year round. Illusions regarding the present state of affairs in that most northern part of the United Sates were banished by Mr Alfred Fischer, sometime of Christchurch, in the course of a conversation with a "Press" reporter on Saturday.

Mr Fischer has been in Nome, Alaska, for the past 12 years, except for a period of service with the United States forces during the latter part of the war, and during that time he has been engaged in dredging and sluicing for gold. In November last he decided to come back to New Zealand for a holiday, and he will return to Nome next April.

Never a Bad Town.

"Nome never was a bad town," he said, "there have been only two shooting 'scraps' since I have been there, and in all its history I believe only four men have been killed. Over on the Klondyke things were worse, but in a small community such as ours (the population is only 700 in the summer and 400 in the winter, although in its palmy days, 1898 to 1906, there were 5000 people there) a man must behave decently or he is ostracised. Why, gold to the value of 1,200,000 dollars was exposed in the window of the Miners' and Merchants' Bank without a guard and without shutters—and we have only one policeman."

Among the many interesting things Mr Fischer showed to the pressman were a ptarmigan's foot, so thickly covered with fine feathers resembling fur that the bird is protected from the snow, with broad, shovel-like claws for digging in. The plumage of these birds changes with every season of the year, and during the nesting season they lose their scent. One nested six inches from the track near Mr Fischer's claim, and yet a dog could never locate it by smell. Another interesting thing was a photograph, taken at 9.30 p.m. in the sunlight on a day when the sun rose at 2 p.m. and set at 10.

Sixty Days a Year.

It is possible to work on the dredges at Solomon, where Mr Fischer and his partners have their camp, only 60 days of the year, because of the ice on the creek, which covers the flumes and banks up the sides of the construction. One man built his shack in a gulch, and after the snow there was only his chimney visible. The occupant had to gain access to his home by a snow tunnel. The creek upon which the partners conduct their operations resembles the bed of a New Zealand river, in that the distance across is a third of a mile with only small trickles of water in it. So far, the partners have dredged nine miles, but they have travelled only three and a half miles down the creek, working on a face 900 feet wide.

"We have one month of really fine weather, quite as good as Christchurch," he continued, "and three months of the year are pretty good. In the heat of the summer corrugated iron becomes so hot that you cannot press your hand against it. There is not much growth round our way, only stunted willows and the like, and all timber has to come from 80 miles to the south. Salmonberries and blueberries grow round Nome, and in South-Eastern Alaska they rear wonderful strawberries.

Not so Prosperous as it Was.

"Nome, itself, is not nearly so prosperous as it was. There is one good street with a broad walk, and the Golden Gate Hotel near the beach. It is a ten day's run from Seattle by steamer, and a rather dangerous run, as the tides are often 28 feet towards the south and 18 feet at Nome. Several vessels have been piled on the rocks. An interesting connexion between New Zealand and Alaska is that most of the ships on that run are vessels which have run on the New Zealand coastal lines."

"Is Prohibition in force in Alaska as in other parts of the' United States?" asked the reporter.

"About as much as it is in other parts of America," answered Mr Fischer. Breaches of the law are winked at, and there is a lot of 'hooch' distilled."

In conclusion, Mr Fischer, who, by the way, is a "sourdough " - a man who has stayed in Alaska over the winter season - told the reporter about two men who made 110,000 dollars each in a lucky strike. One man went to Sweden and opened an hotel, the other "blued" his money in a year and returned to Nome, where he begged food until he could find a job. 

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18595, 21 January 1926