CLIFFORD, Henry Herbert

Henry Herbert Clifford

Henry Herbert Clifford was born in Dunedin on 1 May 1872 the son of the Dunedin photographer Robert Clifford and Janet Clifford nee Malcolm.

He may have arrived in Christchurch late in 1893 when the Express train passenger list shows him travelling from Dunedin to Christchurch on 27 December [Star, Issue 4835, 27 December 1893].

He is first shown living in Christchurch in Wise's NZ Post Office Directory 1894-1895 at 46 Kilmore Street, Christchurch, then the boarding house run by Mrs Caroline Painter. He first appears on a Christchurch electoral roll in 1896, living at Blight's Road, Papanui in the Avon electorate, employed as a photographer. He would then have been aged about 24 years. In 1900 the Christchurch electoral roll shows him at 22 Cranmer Square, in 1911 at 311 Montreal Street and in 1919 at 309 Montreal Street. In 1935 and 1946 he is living at 52 Worcester Street.

He worked as an operator at Standish and Preece and resigned his position there on 27 July 1901. After a long delay due to equipment problems and ill health he opened his own studio in the newly built Beath and Co. building in Cashel Street in March 1902.  The studio was badly damaged by a large fire in February 1908 that destroyed buildings in Lichfield Street, High Street and in Cashel Street.

Many of the older Christchurch families were photographed by him over several generations. For exhibits at Wembly in 1925, he won a certificate and medal. For many years he made portraits of public figures for publication in "The Press". The Alexander Turnbull Library has photographs taken by him of Frederick Truby King (c. 1913), Jessie Mackay (c. 1929), Arthur Dudley Dodson (1932) and Ngaio Marsh (c. 1935).

His hobbies were collecting of period furniture and gardening.

He was married by the Rev. John James Bates, an uncle of the bride, at St Paul's Presbyterian Church, Christchurch on 24 July 1915, reg. 1915/4265 to Annette Mary Eleanor Jane Thomas, a music teacher. He gave his age then as 39 years, she gave her age as 31 years, however born in 1872 he was then aged 43 years and his wife born in 1881 was 33 years old. The witnesses at the wedding were the bride's uncle Hans Kennedy, a teacher and the half brother of the bride Stanley John Livingstone Hewitt, a chemist. 

Annette Mary Eleanor Jane Thomas was born on 5 November 1881, the daughter of John Woodill Thomas and Elizabeth Ann Bates.  Her father died on 16 August 1881 at Wainui aged 24 years, her mother married secondly John Hewitt. James Gordon (Gordon) Hewitt DCM, MM [1886-1965] was a half brother.

A son, Robert Henry Clifford was accidentally killed in England in 1940 aged 24 while serving in the Air Force during World War Two. Another son, Allister Bertram Clifford also died in 1940 in New Zealand. A third son was Ogilvie Garth Clifford, a lawyer.

Henry Herbert Clifford died 19 February 1949 aged 76 years, reg. 1949/18041, and was buried in Bromley Cemetery, block 17, plot 343. Buried in the same plot is his wife Annette Clifford (1968) and his son Alister Bertram Clifford. 

issue:
1a. Robert Henry Clifford, service number 391341 Royal New Zealand Air Force, born 14 April 1916, reg. 1916/4062, died 23 August 1940 from injuries at Oxford, England aged 24 years, death registered NZ reg. 1945/15784, buried Harwell Cemetery, Berkshire, grave 609

1b. Garth Ogilvie Clifford [solicitor] born 27 July 1917, reg. 1917/4193, died 27 January 1981, Christchurch, reg. 1981/43827     
1c. Alister Bertrum Clifford [or Allister Bertrum Clifford] born 30 December 1918, reg. 1919/5589, died 15 or 17 January 1940, reg. 1940/22757, [cemetery and death registration indicate date of death as 15 January, however newspaper death notice and headstone indicates 17 January], buried 19 January 1940 Bromley Cemetery, block 17, plot 343

 

above - The Clifford grave in Bromley Cemetery.

The celebration of a quiet but pretty wedding took place at St. Paul's Church, Cashel Street, this morning, when Mr H. H. Clifford, of Christchurch, was married to Miss Annette Thomas, daughter of Mrs Hewett, (formerly Mrs Thomas), also of Christchurch. The ceremony was performed by the bride's uncle, the Rev. J. Bates, of Lyttelton. The bride, who was given away by another uncle, Mr H. Kennedy, wore a lovely frock of white crepe de chine, and a veil that was worn by her aunt, Mrs H. Kennedy, on her wedding day. She carried a white shower bouquet. Miss Irene Kennedy, who acted as bridesmaid, wore a pale blue silk frock, with hat, shoes, and stockings all in the same tone. Her bouquet was white, with touches of pink. 

Mr Stanley Hewett was best man. The bridegroom's present to the bride was a beautiful aquamarine pendant, and that to the bridesmaid a gold wristlet watch. Among the presents to the bride and bridegroom was a lovely framed picture presented on behalf of the studio staff by Miss Herdman, who has been attached to the staff for the last twelve years. After the ceremony a quiet reception was held at "Ermola," Montreal Street, to which the relatives of the newly married couple were invited.

The bride's reception costume was of fine navy serge, with which she wore a set of stone marten furs and a molecoloured hat, with feathers to match. Mrs Hewett (mother of the bride) wore a pretty grey costume and a black hat. Mrs Kennedy was attired in a smart navy blue suit, with an amethyst-coloured hat.

On going to Mr Clifford's studio to be photographed, the bridal pair received a pleasant surprise. Instead of the familiar surroundings of the a flower-decked department met their eyes. The room was gay with wattle blossoms, in the midst of which a large white horseshoe hold pride of place. The floral transformation was the conception and work of the lady assistants of the studio, who must have been up bright and early to have achieved so successful a result. Mr and Mrs Clifford subsequently left for the south, where they will spend their honeymoon.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume II, Issue 454, 24 July 1915

wedding photograph of Henry Herbert Clifford and Annette Mary Eleanor Jane Thomas, 24 July 1915, by Henry Herbert Clifford

from Ancestry.com

back row standing: 1. Marie Isabel Bates; 2. unknown; 3. probably Stanley John Livingstone Hewitt; 4. Clinton Miller Bates.

middle row standing: 5. unknown; 6. unknown; 7. Caroline Bates; 8. Henry Herbert Clifford; 9. Annette Mary Eleanor Jane Thomas [Mrs Clifford]; 10. Rev. John James Miller Bates; 11. probably Hans Kennedy [then aged about 45 years].

front row, seated: 12. unknown; 13. unknown; perhaps Eleanor Jane Bates [Mrs Kennedy]; 14. unknown; 15. unknown; 16. Irene Kennedy; 17. Elizabeth Ann Bates [Mrs Hewitt formerly Thomas]; 18. unknown. 

  Caroline and Rev. John James Miller Bates and family; perhaps at the time of their 20th wedding anniversary 20 July 1914
by Henry Herbert Clifford
back row standing: 1. Norah Kathleen Bates, 2. Clinton Miller Bates, 3. Marie Isabel Bates
front row sitting: 4. Ewart Armstrong Bates, 5. John Clifford Bates, 6. Caroline Bates, 7. Isobel Louise Bates, 8. Rev. Bates, 9. Joseph Clarke Bates.
 The aunt of  Annette Mary Eleanor Jane Thomas [Mrs Clifford], Caroline Bates married her cousin Rev. Bates in 1894. A daughter Josephine Anne Bates died in 1902 aged four months. 

The Giant's Causeway
To The Editor of the Press. Sir, —I cannot be content to be quiet while I understand that the Giants’ Causeway is to be demolished to supply metal for the Summit road. Apart from Maori tradition attached to the rock itself, the unique shape is admired by everybody who tramps the hills. I have tramped the hills for 4O years or so, and I especially say that there are tons of metal to be obtained further along from the Giants’ Causeway; this rock could be taken and never missed. Instead of writing like this, a deputation ought to be formed right away to prevent this sacrilege. My voice is only one of thousands, and I do hope I am not too late to help to save one of nature’s beauty spots of Christchurch.—Yours, etc., H. H. CLIFFORD. February 20, 1937.

Press, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22023, 22 February 1937

Christchurch
March 1902 -December 1926
in Beath and Co's new Building,
 171 Cashel Street later 152 Cashel Street, Christchurch

In 1910 the Christchurch City Council systematically numbered all buildings and sections in Greater Christchurch. The building situated at 171 Cashel Street was renumbered 152 Cashel Street. Clifford used both numbers in different advertisements for a number of years afterwards, see Numbering The Houses, Star, 14 January 1910.

Star, Issue 7166, 2 August 1901

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVII, Issue 12748, 1 March 1902

Lyttelton Times, Volume CVII, Issue 12751, 6 March 1902

Press, Volume LIX, Issue 11225, 17 March 1902

Further additions to Clifford's Studio, Cashel Street, Christchurch: The new reception rooms leading to the studio. Mr Clifford, finding the previous reception rooms too small, has made these handsome alterations for the convenience of his many patrons. These rooms also afford better opportunities for the display of specimen photographs.
The Weekly Press 9 December 1903
 Christchurch City Libraries - Ngā Kete Wānanga o Ōtautahi.

 

Beath and Co. and Clifford's studio, 171 [now 152] Cashel Street, Christchurch -  following the 1908 fire
photo by Webb and Bunz

 detail

 

above and below -  Clifford's Studio was located in Cashel Street in the building shown on the left of this postcard dated 1910, detail shown below.

above - Clifford's studio was located in Cashel Street in the two storey building in this photograph (right of centre)

WWI Soldier Photos
during World War One a number of portraits by H. H. Clifford of soldiers were published in the Sun Newspaper in Christchurch. 

Captain Edward Harris

Bombardier C. Wreford Reed

Lance Corporal F. Ferguson

L.-Cpl. William Birmingham

Lance-Corporal H. B. Brittan

Lance-Corporal G. A. Hudson

Lieut. F. Davison

Lieut. J. A. Huntley Holmes

Lieut. K. S. Abernethy

Lieutenant A. Deans

Lieutenant W. Deans

Lieutenant C. F. Carey

Private E. L. Gale

Private B. Batstone

Private H. P. Hopkins

Private F. C. Smith

Private R. J. Petre

Private L. M. Fowke

Private W. W. Gudgeon

Private W. S. Gillanders

Sergeant A. T. Field

Temp-Capt D. G. Napier

Trooper A. Hanmer

The Late Trooper R. Calvert

Trooper Robert Wreaks

Trooper F. E. Jarman

Christchurch

December 1926 - 1949

 151 Cashel Street, Christchurch

Mr H. H. Clifford is building a new photographic studio, in concrete and brick, in Cashel street, and England Bros. the architects, are inviting tenders for the work, closing at 4 p.m. on April 15th.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18660, 8 April 1926

From December 1926 the studio was located at 115 Cashel Street, an extension to Whitcombe and Tomes' Building, opposite Ballantynes. The extension may have been behind the Whitcombe and Tomes' building. After 1949 this was the address of Mannering and Donaldson's studio and later Gladys Goodall.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18840, 4 November 1926

Properties Sold. Messrs H. G. Livingstone and Co., auctioneers, yesterday submitted to public auction the property owned by Mr Vere Buchanan in Montreal street, between the site to be occupied by the new art school and the Unitarian Church. The area is 17 perches, and the improvements consist of a two-storey dwelling of 10 rooms. The property was passed in at auction at £2060, and sold afterwards to Mr H. H. Clifford.

Press, Volume LXVI, Issue 19905, 16 April 1930

David Bates, BA., LLB. 1870-1929

by Henry Herbert Clifford

[uncle of the photographer Henry Herbert Clifford's wife]



above photograph courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection
 

Pictured here are Leonard Hamilton Hay (born 1887 Christchurch) and his brother William Hay (born 1883 Christchurch - died 1966 Christchurch). They are the sons of William Hay and Caroline Hay nee McClelland.

 

 

 

unknown woman photographed by Clifford's Studio, Christchurch

[purchased October 2022]

 

above and below - unknown children by Clifford Studio, Christchurch

[purchased March 2021]

above and below - the wedding photograph of Ethel Grace Perry and Allan Hunter in 1918.

 

above - David Copeland Scott married Mary Ethel Gudsell at the Presbyterian Manse, Temuka in 1927. This photograph was taken on their honeymoon.

above - Derek Raymond Murray and his mother

above - Derek Raymond Murray

above - Derek Raymond Murray

above - Derek Raymond Murray

Henry Sydney Lawrence from the Dalgety Album
by Henry Herbert Clifford

 

 

 Photograph by Henry Herbert Clifford

 

"With Love & Best Wishes

From Bru... (Bruce?)

1936

unknown child by Henry Herbert Clifford, 1921

[purchased May 2022]

 Christchurch Boys' High School
First Eleven - 1924
Mr. A. W .Thomas, Coach, William Edward Merritt, Clifford Morris Harris, Herbert William Sims; Jack Hamer Pickles; Mr Harry Sykes Baverstock; Manager George Clifford Harper, S. W. Smith, George Henry Gordon Hobbs; Alfred Shaw Billcliff, Captain; Herbert Victor Thorne, Jack Graham Webster, Jack Jabobs.
by H. H. Clifford

Annette Mary Eleanor Jane Thomas

 

Music Examinations.
Associated Board Results

The following are the results of the November examination of the Associated Board of the Royal Academy of Music and the Royal College of Music, London: Local Centre Examinations.—Rudiments of Music (full murks 99, pass 66) Annette Thomas (private study)...

Star, Issue 10329, 7 December 1911

News of the Day.
Annette Thomas, A.T.C.L. [Associateship diploma from Trinity College London], and Gertrude Cassin, pupils of the Sisters of Our Lady of the Missions, were successful in passing the Art of Teaching in music examinations held in July last.

Press, Volume XLVIII, Issue 14524, 28 November 1912

The Commercial Hotel, Ashburton, an old land-mark of the town, has been sold by Mrs G. B. Gass and family to Mrs H. H. Clifford, of St. Elmo Flats, Christchurch, for £2500, subject to the approval of the Land Sales Committee. The hotel, which is a two-storey wooden building, containing more than 50 rooms, is situated on three-quarters of an acre of land on the corner of East and Peter streets. Ashburton, and was built between 60 and 70 years ago.

Press, Volume LXXX, Issue 24173, 4 February 1944

The Memorable ‘Ma’ Clifford

From the 1940s to the 60s, Annette Mary Eleanor Jane 'Ma' Clifford was Christchurch's most prominent landlady and in the 1950s she was receiving rent from up to 550 tenants. In 2002, Deborah Nation collected the memories of students, artists, and a variety of other tenants who paid rent to the eccentric property owner.

Spectrum for 17 June 2012

Robert Henry Clifford

1916-1940


Forced Landing in Suburb
Air Force Machine Damaged
Descent in Spreydon

A machine from the Royal New Zealand Air Force station at Wigram was extensively damaged late yesterday morning in a forced landing in Spreydon, near Barrington Park. The pilot Leading Aircraftsman R. H. Clifford, of Christchurch, received slight abrasions, and the passenger, Leading Aircraftsman J. B. Courtis, had an arm injured.

The pilot was attempting to make a landing on Barrington Park, but failed to reach it by a few yards. The official version of the mishap is that the machine was out on a preliminary bombing practice. Although the cause is not yet known, it became necessary to carry out a forced landing on the nearest available area, no suitable landing ground being handy. The machine fell in a section at the back of a house on Simeon street, Spreydon. A horse was killed, and the wings, under-carriage and propeller of the machine extensively damaged.

He pilot and passenger recovered quickly from the shock. The aeroplane will be salvaged and taken to Wigram, and a Court of Inquiry will sit soon to establish the cause of the mishap.

When attempting to make the landing the pilot found a belt of poplar trees too high an obstruction to clear. He turned the aeroplane an brought it down in an empty section between Simeon street and Barrington street, finishing up only 50 yards from the park. The horse was in the section and was killed instantly when it was struck by the starboard wing. The forced landing attracted a very big crowd, and a St. John ambulance, soon on the scene, was able to give help to the two men from the machine.

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23007, 30 April 1940

 Commissioned and sergeant pilots who have been training at No. 1 Flying Training School at Wigram and who were this week passed out for active service.
Standing, from the left, Sergeant-Pilots J. F. Carrick, G. V. Key, R. H. Clifford, G. G. Davis, D. L. McGregor-Macdonald, J. M. S. Ross, W. D. A. McLeod, and R. H. Alington.
Seated, Sergeant-Pilots G. T. Kimberley, H. N. Goodall, C. H. Douglas, J. A. Neilson, Acting Pilot-Officers C. Stewart and N. L. R. Cowan, Sergeant-Pilots N. F. Dixon,
L. R. Hewith, H. F. Francis, and M. M. Shand

 Evening Post, Volume CXXIX, Issue 127, 30 May 1940

 

 

Sergeant Pilot R. H. Clifford, of Christchurch, who is also reported dead in an accident in England.
Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23110, 28 August 1940

N.Z. Pilots Killed - Two Christchurch Men [Per United Press Association.] Christchurch, August 27.  Reports of the deaths of two Christchurch pilots in the Royal Air Force have been received. They are Pilot-officer Ronald Stanley Magee, aged 25, the son of Mrs C. M. Magee, of Gracefield Avenue, and Sergeant Pilot Robert Henry Clifford, aged 24, the eldest son of Mr and Mrs H. H. Clifford, of Worcester street...

... Clifford was educated at the Cathedral Grammar School and the Timaru Boys’ High School. After leaving school he assisted his father in a photography business in Christchurch, later joining a legal firm. He received his flying training at Wigram and passed out on May 28. He had only been in England about six weeks when the news of his death was received.

Evening Star, Issue 23665, 27 August 1940

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23746, 28 August 1940
 

Sergeant Clifford was the son of Mr H. H. Clifford, of Christchurch. He was a member of the choir of the Christchurch Cathedral, and was educated at the Cathedral Grammar School and at the Timaru Boys’ High School. At the Cathedral Grammar School he was a prefect and a sergeant in the school cadet corps. He took a great interest in sport, and was a member of the first 15 and holder of the bantam-weight boxing championship. He was also a keen tennis player. After leaving the Timaru Boys’ High School he assisted his father in a photography business in Christchurch, later joining the legal firm of A. H. Cavell and Leitch. At the same time he was taking the law course at Canterbury College. He received his flying training at Wigram and passed out on May 27. According to official advice from Wellington Sergeant Clifford died from injuries suffered when he was accidentally struck by a lorry.

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23110, 28 August 1940

The Rev. John James Bates, Minister in charge of the Waihi district, was born on Banks' Peninsula in 1868, and educated in Christchurch at the Boys' High School and Canterbury College. He attended as a student at the Theological Hall, Dunedin, and commenced to preach in 1890. Mr. Bates was stationed at Amberley for two years, at Patea two years, Hunterville six months, Mayfield one year, Cheviot one year, and at Waikari for eighteen months, and has resided at Waihi since November, 1898. He was married on the 30th of July, 1894, to a daughter of the late Mr. Joseph Bates, of Banks' Peninsula, and has two sons and one daughter.

The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Auckland Provincial District]
The Cyclopedia Company, Limited, 1902, Christchurch