MONKTON, Charles Henry




Charles Henry Monkton

born circa 1840, arrived Auckland, New Zealand 15 January 1860 from London on the "Jura" as a steerage passenger [1], died 13 April 1890 Minyip, Victoria, reg. 8752/1890 then known as Henry Airey, married 1stly 28 January 1861, reg. 1861/2176 Sarah Jeannett Reed, died 3 June 1872 at the residence of her father, Davy Street, Grahamstown [Thames], married 2ndly 23 November 1881, reg. 1881/2307 Emma Mary Howell

[1] Daily Southern Cross, Volume XVII, Issue 1288, 17 January 1860

 
 
Shortland Crescent
Auckland
December 1860 - January 1863 
 
New Zealander
, Volume XVI, Issue 1531, 19 December 1860
 
 
Resident Magistrate's Court.
Saturday, March 16, 1861
Robert Letkey was charged with having stolen articles of the value of 5s. from the premises of Charles Monkton.

Charles Monkton said he was a photographic artist, residing in Shorthand street. The prisoner had been employed by him, but left about a week after Christmas. A month or six weeks ago he missed a bath, value 2s. 6d. and a colour box, value 2s. 6d., both connected with his business. On Thursday last he accompanied a police officer to the prisoner's house in Shortland street. The policeman searched a box belonging to the prisoner, and found the articles mentioned in the information, which he identified. Cross-examined by the prisoner. He was not quite certain whether it was before or after Christmas that the prisoner left him. he believed the box in which the articles were found was the prisoners. It was not locked, and there was no key to it. He never lent or gave the prisoner anything connected with the business.

Prisoner never lent him anything. Prisoner once gave him a brush. When the prisoner left him, the prosecutor said, "There is a good chance for you, and anything I can do for you I will." The prisoner never had the use of the articles while with him, for he was using them himself.

James Foster said he was Serjeant [sic] in the Armed Police. On Thursday evening last he received a search warrant, to search the prisoner's house in Shortland street for the property mentioned in the warrant. A box was pointed out us the prisoner's, which he searched, and found the bath and colour box, both of which were identified by the prosecutor. The articles now produced in Court were the same. Prosecutor said they were his property.

George Budlong said the prisoner had lodged with him up to the date of his apprehension. On Thursday evening a police officer came to his house, and asked if Mr. Robert Letkey resided there, and on being answered in the affirmative, said he had a search warrant, and asked which were Letkey's boxes. He pointed out one, which was searched, and the articles now produced were found in it. He had sold the prisoner the box shortly before. He did not put the articles in the box, but the prisoner did.

The prisoner was sentenced to two months imprisonment, with hard labour, in the Common Gaol of Auckland.
New Zealander, Volume XVII, Issue 1557, 20 March 1861 

 
 
London Photographic Rooms
Monkton and Reed
Shortland Crescent, Auckland
January 1863 to October 1863
 

 
Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIX, Issue 1717, 20 January 1863
[this notice first appeared in the Daily Southern Cross on 19 January 1863]

 
New Zealander, Volume XIX, Issue 1995, 17 October 1863
 
 
 
Queen Street
Auckland
from June 1864 - 1865


 
Daily Southern Cross, Volume XX, Issue 2148, 8 June 1864
 

Gems of Photography.— Mr. C. H. Monkton, of Queen-street, appears to have acquired considerable proficiency in the modern art of photography, if the gems exhibited at the door of his premises may be taken as specimens of his artistic skill. We perceive that he has just added to his show-case selection a series of photographs, representing Small, of the Odd Fellows' Hall, in some of his most admired characters, namely, Hamlet, the Unfortunate Man, the Irish Schoolmaster, the Lovers' Leap, the Happy Mam (Paddy Murphy), Mile's Nacoppaleen (from the "Colleen Bawn"), and a Bold Soldier Boy (localized). The pictures are really meritorious productions, and serve to show the perfection of the art. We are at a loss whether to admire the subjects or the photographs most, so perfect are the impersonations and so unique ths pictures. We commend a visit to Mr. Monkton's studio to all lovers of the art.
New Zealander, Volume XXI, Issue 2160, 2 July 1864

Threatening Language
William Reid [sic], photographer, was summoned for having used threatening language to Charles Monkton, another photographer, on Monday, the 12th inst., and threatened to punch his head.
Mr Lee represented the complainant.
The defendant pleaded guilty. His Honor ordered defendant to enter into his own bond for £100 to keep the peace and be of good behavior for six months.
Daily Southern Cross, Volume XX, Issue 2235, 19 September 1864
 
 
We understand that William Thompson has recently been visited by an enterprising artist from Auckland, desirous of producing something new in the shape of a carte-de-visite of the Maori rangatira. On one picture he is presented as the leader of his forces, with rifle and equipment, and on another in a more peaceful attitude — reading a Bible. A third view presents him surrounded by his friend's Messrs. Firth, Graham, and Dr. Sam, with a Pai Marire leader in the foreground. The pictures were taken at Waiarikiki, on the banks of the Waiho, or Upper Thames, by Mr. C. H. Monkton.
Daily Southern Cross, Volume XXI, Issue 2626, 18 December 1865 


 
Wanganui
March 1876 - 1879


Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 3017, 25 March 1876
 

Display. — Mr Monkton's window has been the centre of considerable attraction during the last day or two, the objects of admiration being some of his beautifully executed photographs taken by him in Auckland, Melbourne and other places. Judging by these we must pronounce favourably of Mr Monkton's ability to produce pleasing and accurate pictures.
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 3023, 30 March 1876

In Mr Monkton's window are a number of well executed photographs of local subjects, well worth going to see. The photographs speak well of Mr Monkton's abilities as an artist, and from the large number of subjects treated it is very evident that his talent; is much appreciated here.
Wanganui Herald, Volume X, Issue 2821, 1 July 1876


The Camera. — In the window of Messrs Monkton and Harding's studio, Ridgway Street, in addition to the other pictorial attractions, all of which are really superior productions, we noticed yesterday a framed collection of photographs representing the male and female members of the choir of St Paul's Church. The conductor occupies the centre position, the others being placed in various attitudes so as to form a border. These pictures do Mr Monkton infinite credit, as also do many others which now adorn the front of his photographic establishment.
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 3183, 3 October 1876


Local Art. — Yesterday we had the pleasure of inspecting a pedestal, manufactured by Messrs Millar and Graham, tinsmiths, of Campbell Place, to the order of. Mr Monkton, photographer. The pedestal will represent a marble pillar, about 4 feet high, round which grape vines are intertwined in the most natural manner possible. The finishing touches have not yet been given, but incomplete as the work yet is, its construction displays very superior skill. The leaves, tendrils, and bunches of grapes are faultless reproductions. As a sample of the tinsmith's art, the pedestal referred to is in the highest degree creditable to the artizans.
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 3252, 22 December 1876


Mr Monkton's new photographic studio, which is now approaching completion, will be opened early in next month. In his profession Mr Monkton is acknowledged to be nulli secundus, and now that he has am excellent studio, erected "under his personal supervision after the latest improved plans of the studios at Home and in Australia, with a complete set of photographic furniture, accessories, &c., he expects to be able to turn out a far more pleasing and effective carte than he has yet been able to do.
Wanganui Herald, Volume X, Issue 2822, 30 December 1876


New Premises.— Elsewhere is Mr Monkton's opening announcement in connection with his new shop on Taupo Quay. These premises are all but finished, and as they were constructed under the proprietor's special supervision, we need scarcely add that they are admirably adapted for their intended use. To the portrait room great care has been devoted so as to render it as comprehensive, as regards capabilities and appointments as possible. When completed, Wanganui will possess a photographic studio at once of a handsome exterior and with admirable internal appurtenances.
Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XIX, Issue 3258, 30 December 1876
 
 
Manners Street, Wellington
from April 1879 - December 1879
 
 
Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 385, 3 April 1879
[this notice continued in the Evening Post until 9 April 1879]
 
 
Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 395, 16 April 1879
 
 
Mr C. H. Monkton, photographic artist, lately arrived from Melbourne and Wanganui has opened a studio in the commodious premises in Manners-street, lately occupied by Mr. Huxley, tailor. He has an extensive collection of views of the West Coast and Waimate Plains, Maori scenes, &c.
Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 398, 19 April 1879
 
 
Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 398, 19 April 1879
 
 
Evening Post, Volume XVII, Issue 509, 14 May 1879


The Dentist and his Landlord
Charles Henry Monkton was charged on the information of Victor Crosse with having used language calculated to provoke a breach of the peace.

Mr. Ollivier appeared for the complainant, and Mr. Hutchison for the defendant.

The complainant, who is a dentist, rented a shop and three rooms from the defendant, who is a photographer, carrying on business in Manners-street. From the evidence it seemed that disputes occurred between the parties about a basin containing blood being placed in the passage through which Monkton's customers had to pass in getting to and from the studio, and also about a drain being blocked up by plaster of paris, and wax being allowed by Crosse to pass through a drain pipe. During an altercation on the 22nd ult. it was alleged that the language complained of was used by the defendant. Evidence in another case arising out of the previous one having been taken, the Bench dismissed both informations with costs against complainant. A cross summons against Crosse was then withdrawn.
Evening Post, Volume XVIII, Issue 31, 5 August 1879
 
 
Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 2, Issue 265, 15 September 1879

 
 
Mr. C. H. Monkton, photographer, Manners-street, has called a meeting of his creditors for 3 p.m. to-day.
Evening Post, Volume XVIII, Issue 134, 4 December 1879

 
At the meeting of Mr. Monckton's creditors held yesterday afternoon, it was resolved to adjourn the meeting until 3 p.m., on Tuesday, to enable one of the creditors to determine on what conditions he would take over the other liabilities.
Evening Post, Volume XVIII, Issue 135, 5 December 1879
 
 
At the adjourned meeting of the creditors of Mr. H. C. Monckton, held yesterday afternoon, Mr. Ansell, representing Messrs. Felton & Grimwade, reported that since the adjournment he had appraised the plant, &c, and was willing to take over the assets, and guarantee the other creditors 10s in the pound. After some discussion this offer was accepted.
Evening Post, Volume XVIII, Issue 139, 10 December 1879
 
A Cheeky Bankrupt.
While C. M. Monkton was airing himself at Waverley, we had the pleasure of doing a little advertising for him, which, of course, was never paid. Monkton has filed, and no doubt thinking this a splendid opportunity to twit some of the unfortunates he has let in, the proprietor has received the following remarkable epistle;—

“Wellington, December 11th, 1879.
“Mr Black,
“You will see by the enclosed [extract of private meeting of creditors], I have had to call a meeting of creditors. The principal creditor takes over the estate, and guarantees 10s in the £. If you send your account to me, I will see it settled, I told you at the time it was an extortionate price to charge for two insertions, so you would have done better to have taken less Yours, &c., C. H. Monkton.”

Mr Monkton has no doubt become very courageous behind the Debtors and Creditors Act; but we might inform him that he had not the manliness to tell us that our advertising scale was extortionate. If he had — well never mind. This is the sort of gentleman one takes a fancy to. He gets all he can, and then insults you by saying you ought to have been satisfied with half (or even less) pay. We only wish the remainder of the creditors would consent to hand Mr Monkton over to us, the devil would grind 12s (by the by, this is all the account amounts to) out of him.
Patea Mail, Volume V, Issue 485, 17 December 1879
 

 
New Zealand Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 5918, 20 March 1880
 
 
Evening Post, Volume XIX, Issue 126, 2 June 1880
 
 
A meeting of the creditors of Charles Henry Monkton, hotelkeeper, of Wellington, was to have been held this morning, but lapsed for want of a quorum. The liabilities are set down at £526 15s 10d, and the assets at £318. The meeting will take place tomorrow at 11 o'clock.
Evening Post, Volume XIX, Issue 131, 8 June 1880
 
 
Napier
July 1880
 
 
 
Mr Monkton announces the opening of the London photographic saloon, Hasting.-street. He has on sale photographs of Ned Kelly and other notorious criminals.
Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5732, 5 July 1880
 
 
 Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 5732, 5 July 1880
 
The sale on Monday next of a large assortment of photographic views of New Zealand should he well attended. Messrs, T. Kennedy Macdonald and Co. have received special instructions from the trustees in the estate of C. H. Monkton to clear the line, as the accounts of the estate are being closed.
New Zealand Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 6039, 7 August 1880
 
 
Evening Post, Volume XX, Issue 183, 7 August 1880
 
 
 
Evening Post, Volume XX, Issue 190, 16 August 1880
 
 
A sitting of the Supreme Court in Bankruptcy will be held this morning. The following cases have been set down for hearing; Albert Wilton, Samuel Kibblewhite, Henry C. Monckton, John Disher, Henry J. L. Augarde, and William Macnamara, all applications for discharge; and, in re John Davis, a motion to change the Registrar’s order.
New Zealand Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 6065, 7 September 1880
 
 
Departed Napier 4 June 1881 on the s.s. "Ringarooma" for Northern ports.
Daily Telegraph, Issue 3101, 6 June 1881
 
 
Gisborne
June 1881 - August 1881
 
 
 Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1344, 11 June 1881
 
 
Since Mr. H Monkton has established his photographic business here, he has driven a thriving trade, owing to the large reduction in the charges which have hitherto obtained. At his studio, situate in Peel Street, next to the British Empire Hotel, may be seen a number of excellent photographs of scenes in almost every part of the colony. Included among them are a great number from Wellington and Wanganui, and several in the Waimate Plains. He intends shortly to work off some views of Gisborne and the surrounding districts, which if they approach in finish and effect, anything like those exhibited, will be very generally sought for. In connection with the business, an Art Union has been established, in which every sitter will be presented with a ticket representing a prize from 5s to £2 in value. The prizes are now on view in the window, and consist of ladies' and gentlemens' albert chains, brooches, lockets, panoramic views, and carte-de-visites.
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1349, 17 June 1881
 

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1358, 28 June 1881
 
 
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1382, 26 July 1881
 
 
Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1392, 6 August 1881


Poverty Bay Herald, Volume VIII, Issue 1393, 8 August 1881
 
 
 
Leighton's Buildings, Upper Queen Street
Auckland
September 1881 - November 1882
 
 
 
 Minyip Hotel
Minyip
Victoria, Australia












2 comments:

  1. Hi Tony. In view of the inscription on the back of card, do you think this could be C H Monkton himself? He certainly looks similar to the "unknown photographer" (probably Monkton) who appears in Auckland Libraries photo 5-509

    http://www.aucklandcity.govt.nz/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?BU=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aucklandcity.govt.nz%2Fdbtw-wpd%2FHeritageImages%2Findex.htm&AC=QBE_QUERY&TN=heritageimages&QF0=ID&NP=2&MR=5&RF=HIORecordSearch&QI0=%3D%225-509%22

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Keith,
    It is possible this is C. H. Monkton himself, but I have no evidence. Perhaps if he has descendants they may be able to confirm the identity.

    ReplyDelete