Early New Zealand Photographers: BOURKE, Mary Elizabeth

Mary Elizabeth Bourke

born 1 December 1877, Hokitika, reg. 1878/11128, daughter of Mary and David Bourke [labourer/miner], died 25 February 1962 Hokitika aged 84 years, reg. 1962/30427 [registered as aged 83 years], . Her mother Mary Bourke, a native of Gaile, Tipperary died 8 August 1908 aged 73 years, her father David Bourke, a native of Ballylancers, County Limerick, died 3 January 1919 aged 84 years and her sister Catherine Bourke died 24 October 1961 aged 81 years. All were buried in the Hokitika Cemetery, block 127, plot 2948 and 2948A.

The 1905-06 Westland Electoral roll shows her as a photographer's assistant.

We regret to have to record the death of Mrs Bourke, wife of Mr David Bourke of this town. The deceased lady has been resident amongst us for the past 30 years, and during that time has made a host of friends, She was a native of County Tipperary, Ireland, and was in her 73rd year at the time of death. She leaves a family of three daughters, all of whom are residents of the town and well-known, and the sincerest sympathy of their many friends will be extended to them and Mr Bourke in their bereavement.

West Coast Times, Issue 14479, 10 August 1908

It is with regret we record the death of one of Westland’s sterling pioneers in the person of Mr. David Bourke, of Revell Street, who passed away this morning at the advanced age of 84 years after a short illness. The deceased, who was a native of County Limerick, Ireland, arrived in the Dominion in the early sixties, and for upwards of fifty years has been a resident of Hokitika, respected by all who knew him.

He leaves a family of three daughters, Sister Mary Elizabeth of the local Convent of Mercy [probably Margaret Bourke], Mary the well-known photographer, and Katie to all of whom the heartfelt sympathy of a wide circle of friends is extended in their bereavement.

Hokitika Guardian, 3 January 1919

The Austral Studio

Hokitika
1910 to circa 1933-1939

Miss Burke [sic], who was associated with the late Mr John Tait and also with the Tasma Company for fourteen years, announces that she has opened a photographic studio in the premises immediately opposite the Freemasons Hall, Revell street. For the first month a 12.x 15 enlargement will be given free with every dozen cabinets. A speciality will be made of wedding and other groups. Miss Burke’s [sic] business announcement will appear in to-morrow’s issue.

West Coast Times, 1 June 1910

West Coast Times, 3 June 1910

The photograph of the team of the Excelsior Football Club on view at present at Miss Bourke’s Austral Studio is an excellent sample of the photographic art, and the members of the Club are pronounced in their expressions of satisfaction and pleasure over the fine picture of their men. The group is a striking one indeed, and the excellent effect obtained reflects upon the photographer, Miss Bourke, the highest credit for her high-class workmanship.

West Coast Times, 7 November 1910

Miss Bourke, photographer, wishes to notify that her studio will be closed for one month.—Advt.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 February 1920

Miss Bourke, Photographer, wishes to notify that her Studio will he closed for two weeks.—Advt.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 April 1925

Hokitika Guardian, 5 December 1933

That well-known photographer, H. C. Peart, is opening in Miss Bourke's studio on the 1st. August. His scenic work is sold all over New Zealand and he is equally good at portraiture and enlargements.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1938