Odewahn, Charles Richard

Charles Richard Odewahn

Charles Richard Odewahn [sometimes Carl Richard Odewahn] born 30 January 1888, Jindera, New South Wales, Australia son of Heinrich Friedrich Odewahn and Augusta Lydia Krause, reg. 14030/1888, married 15 February 1912 Milbrulong Lutheran Church, Milbrulong, New South Wales by Rev. pastor Hiller, reg. 2186/1912, Maria Lydia Lindner, died 22 October 1952 Narrandera District Hospital, New South Wales, buried Leeton Cemetery, New South Wales.

Obituary

Charles Richard Odewahn
The death occurred on Wednesday afternoon of Mr. Charles Richard Odewahn, of 84 Kurrajong Avenue, Leeton. He went to Narrandera on Sunday to visit his son and in the afternoon about 3 o'clock was taken ill and admitted to the Narrandera hospital. The late Mr. Odewahn had been in failing health for the past seven years, and was 64 years of age at the time of his death. He is survived by his mother, who resides at Lockhart, his widow, three children, two brothers, two sisters, and a step brother. His sons are Harry, Gordon, and daughter Freda; brothers and sisters, Ernie, Harry, Sophie, Cicely and step brother Mr. Sid Schirmer.

The late Mr. Odewahn was a native of the Albury district, and before coming to Leeton resided at The Rock. He came to the Irrigation Area in 1919 and commenced business as a photographer and toy maker in a shop in Kurrajong Avenue, opposite the site of his late residence. The toys that he made and sold were so popular with the children of that generation that he became known far and wide as the "Toy King." He was also a builder and erected many houses in Leeton. Among the buildings that he erected were the Country Women's Association building in Wade Avenue. It was built for Mr. W. A. Gordon, the chemist, in the first instance. In the year 1926 the weatherboard shop in Kurrajong Avenue, where Mr. Odewahn used to conduct business, and which was situated opposite the site of his late home, was razed to the ground by a destructive fire, together with three or four other adjoining shops. In addition to his other building activites, the late Mr. Odewahn was foreman on the construction of a number of silos in the dry area farming districts around The Rock, and other places.

He was married at Milbrulong to Marie Lydia Lindner on 15th February, 1912. During World War 2 he served with the C.C.C.

In the early days Mr. Odewahn was one of the pioneer workers for the Presbyterian Church in Leeton and was regarded as the right hand man of the clergyman. He was a very active member of the church committee and spent a great deal of his time furthering the interests of church work. Of late years, owing to failing health he was unable to continue those activities as he did in the past.
Mr. Odewahn was also a member of the Leeton District Progress Association and took a keen interest in movements for the advancement of the town and district.

The funeral will take place at 3 p.m. this (Friday) afternoon from the Presbyterian Church.

The Murrumbidgee Irrigator (Leeton, NSW), Friday 24 Oct 1952, Page 2 

New Zealand

St Andrews, South Canterbury

about 1910

Masonic Hotel, St Andrews, South Canterbury, New Zealand 

photographed by C. R. Odewahn about 1910

[photographed purchased May 2025]

Masonic Hotel, St Andrews, South Canterbury, New Zealand 

photographed by C. R. Odewahn about 1910

[photographed purchased May 2025]

Kerbins, Herbert Vivian

 

 

Herbert Vivian Kerbins

 

Herbert Vivian Kerbins, born 5 December 1870, 33 Little Lonsdale Street, Melbourne, Australia [1], reg. 24881/1870 Victoria [as Herbert Kerbins], the third child and eldest son of Catherine Kneefe [born circa 1846, at sea] and George Kerbins [born circa 1836, Exeter, England] hotel waiter, restaurant keeper, later a ship's steward, died 8 June 1937 at his residence 25 Benelong Crescent, Bellevue Hill, Sydney [2] aged 66 years, reg. 10971/1937, buried Waverley Cemetery, Sydney [3], married 1903, reg. 9715/1903 Woollahra, New South Wales, Alma Margaret Petersen born 25 May 1880 Queensland, reg. 1880/C/5997 [as Alma Magrethe Petersen], daughter of Hilma Amalie Carlsen and Hans Thomson Petersen, [or Hans Thomsen Petersen] watchmaker and jeweller of the firm Horn and Petersen, died 28 August 1970 Petersham, New South Wales, she married secondly 1943, Woollahra, New South Wales, Harold Glenmore Broughton.

 

His parents Catherine Kneefe and George Kerbins married on 13 June 1864 at the Wesleyan Parsonage, Lydiard Street, Ballarat by James Waugh, Minister, he was then a hotel waiter aged 28 years and Catherine was a servant aged 19 years [4]. 

 

 

The Star (Ballarat), Tuesday 3 April 1860, page 1 

 

Kerbins had two older sisters, Georgina Kerbins born 3 July 1865 at Armstrong Street, Ballarat and Jane Kerbins "Jeannie" born 26 January 1868 at Melbourne Road, Ballarat, there were two younger siblings, a sister Minnie Kerbins born in 1873 in Melbourne and a brother Rudolf Edgar Nicholas Kerbins born in 1878. Both these younger children died shortly after their births. Georgina married in 1882 to John Hutchinson and Jeannie married in 1890 to Charles McCoy.

 

 

Obituary

Mr. Herbert Vivian Kerbins, who died at his residence at Bellevue Hill on Tuesday, was one of the pioneers of the motor industry in Australia. He was one of the earliest car owners and one of the original members of the Royal Australian Automobile Club. He was associated with the distribution of British automobiles, and for many years was managing director of Light Cars, Ltd. He is survived by Mrs. Kerbins.

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Thursday 10 June 1937, Page 8

 

 

The grave and headstone of Herbert Vivian Kerbins [right]. He is buried with members of the Petersen family.
 

 

Kerbins & Co's Studio

348 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy, Melbourne

1889

 

 

 The Age (Melbourne), Monday 30 December 1889, page 1

 

 

Kerbins & Co.

[Bust portrait of man, to right, with moustache, wearing military uniform]. 

State Library of Victoria

 

 

New Zealand

1892-1893

 

During the period from about April 1892 to March 1893 Vivian Kerbins worked for the Christchurch studio George Eden Co. Ltd., as the Head Printer and Manager. Eden incorrectly identified him as an American in his advertisements.

 

 

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVII, Issue 9697, 11 April 1892, Page 1

 

 

 Press, Volume L, Issue 8402, 8 February 1893, Page 1

 

 

Messrs Wrigglesworth, and Binns, the celebrated photographers of Wellington have purchased the whole of the businesses of The Eden George Company, Limited. The staff, including Mr Vivian Kerbins, the manager of the work-rooms, are retained, and all persons holding deposit tickets are informed that they can use same until March 31st. Messrs Wrigglesworth and Binns will also shortly open a further studio in Christchurch for the production of their (patented) matt opal types and other work of the most fashionable type. Offers of premises for a second studio are invited.—(advt)

Press, Volume L, Issue 8417, 25 February 1893, Page 7

 

 

Early in February 1893 Wrigglesworth and Binns of Wellington purchased the studio, initially retaining the George Eden name. Vivian Kerbins then resigned with effect from 4 March 1893. However by that time he had already made arrangements to form his own photographic company Vivian Kerbins & Co., with George S. Parker, who was perhaps another former George Eden employee.

 

 

 

 

 Vivian Kerbins & Co

Herbert Vivian Kerbins and George S. Parker

 1893

 

 

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 9972, 27 February 1893, Page 1

 

 

During the period from February to May 1893 Vivian Kerbins & Co., visited seven South Island towns:

Kumara
Hokitika
Ross

Greymouth
Kurow

Oamaru
Temuka

 

Newspaper advertisements seem to indicate that Vivian Kerbins remained in Christchurch to process the negatives taken by George Parker on the West Coast. Kerbins however appears to gone to Oamaru around the middle of March 1893 and established a studio in Thames Street. Later in May they opened a studio in Temuka. 

 

The company never advertised a studio in Christchurch although "Christchurch" was printed on their cabinet cards. It is likely they never had a studio in Christchurch.

 

 

Grey River Argus, Volume XXXIII, Issue 7594, 17 February 1893, Page 2

 

 

Kumara 

about 22 February 1893. 

No details regarding the visit to Kumara have been found other than a notice in the Westport newspaper of 23 February 1893 indicating that Parker had arrived in Westport "from Kumara where they have lately been doing good business".

 

Mr G. Parker, manager for the great, surprise firm of photographers, arrived here last night from Kumara where they have lately been doing good business. All work will be finished by the Eden George Company, Christchurch. Mr Parker is now making the necessary arrangements to open in Hokitika for a few weeks. An advertisement giving full particulars, will appear in to-morrow's issue.

West Coast Times, Issue 9500, 23 February 1893, Page 2

 

 

Hokitika

Revell Street

from 22 February 1893, a notice in The West Coast Times of 23 February 1893 indicates "Mr G. Parker, manager for the great, surprise firm of photographers, arrived here last night from Kumara." They continued in Hokitika until about the 24 March when they went south to Ross.

 

Twelve beautifully enamelled cabinet photos and one 15 x 12 enlargement on opal for 17s 6d. This is indeed a wonderful announcement, and yet quite true. Mr George Parker, representing Vivian, Kerbins and Co., has taken the premises opposite Williams' chemist shop, Revell street, and will take photos at the price we have named. Go and see him and verify our statement.

West Coast Times, Issue 9501, 24 February 1893, Page 2

 

 

A great attraction was presented in Revell street last night, in the shop opposite that of Williams', chemist, Messrs Vivian Kirbins [sic] and Co have a show of photos which are a veritable surprise when we consider the very low price at which they are supplied and the excellence of the work.

West Coast Times, Issue 9502, 25 February 1893, Page 2

 

 

 

 

West Coast Times, Issue 9502, 25 February 1893, Page 3

 

 

 

West Coast Times, Issue 9518, 16 March 1893, Page 3

 

 

Ross

about 25 March 1893

 

 

 West Coast Times, Issue 9521, 20 March 1893, Page 3

 

 

 

Sergeant John Millar Langdon [or John Miller Langdon] of the Brunner Rifle Volunteers. He was killed in the Brunner Mine disaster on 26 March 1896 aged 33 years. A total of 65 miners died in the disaster, almost half of the Brunner underground work force. This was the worst mining disaster in New Zealand’s history.

Photographed by Vivian Kerbins & Co., probably during their visit to the West Coast during March and April 1893.

[purchased September 2021]  

 

 

unidentified woman by Vivian Kerbins & Co.
Ferrymead Heritage Park, Christchurch

 

Oamaru

The Surprise firm of photographers advertise elsewhere that for one month they will offer a very special line to the public of Oamaru, as detailed in the advertisement. The firm have already established studios on the West Coast and extensive workrooms in Christchurch, and intend to leave no stone unturned to turn out satisfactory work. Mr Vivian Kerbin [sic], who is the manager of the firm, has had wide experience in Australia, and has also been managing for the well-known firm of Eden George and Co. It is the intention of the new firm to establish studios in the south.

Oamaru Mail, Volume XVIII, Issue 5583, 14 March 1893, Page 2

 

 

The Vivian Kerbins Photographic Company, who are located next the Waitaki Buildings, announce their intention of executing 12 enamelled cabinet photographs and one 15 by 12 opal enlargement for the sum of 15s. Particulars appear in our advertising columns. Mr Kerbins, the head of the company, is known in Melbourne as "the King Photographer," on account of the extensive business he carried on there. The company's head establishment is in Christchurch.

North Otago Times, Volume XXXVII, Issue 7831, 25 March 1893, Page 2

 

 

Temuka

from 3 May 1893

 

 

Temuka Leader, Issue 2497, 2 May 1893, Page 2

 

 

 

Hawera

June 1893

 The Lyttelton Times of 5 June 1893 shows Kerbins [as Kerhein] and Parker departed for Wellington on the s.s. Rotorua. However the Wellington newspaper the New Zealand Times shows them arriving from Lyttelton on the s.s. Penguin.

 

June 3—Rotorua, s.s.. 876 tons, Cameron, for Wellington. Union Steamship Company, agents. Passengers for Wellington - Misses Kerbein and Johnston, Mesdames Howell, Pearce, Hayhurst and Francis, Hon J. M’Kenzie, Messrs Eiby, Hayhurst, Francis, Kerhein, Parker, Hollow, Leeming, Barty, Brabner, Hayhurst and Headings.  

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXIX, Issue 10055, 5 June 1893, Page 4

 

Penguin, ss, 442 tons, Phillips, from Lyttelton [to Wellington]. Passengers — Saloon ... Kerbins, Parker ...

New Zealand Times, Volume LIV, Issue 9919, 5 June 1893, Page 1

 

 

Mr G. Parker, advance agent of the Great Surprise firm of photographers— who hays been doing very large business in the South Island— arrived here yesterday, and is now busily engaged making the necessary arrangements to open in Hawera, for a short season. It will be seen by the business notice in another column that sample pictures can now be seen in the shop next door to Mr McNiven, plumber, Regent-street.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2454, 15 June 1893, Page 2

 

 

 

 Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XX, Issue 2459, 21 June 1893, Page 3

[this notice first appeared in the Hawera & Normanby Star on 15 June 1893 Page 3 and continued until 21 June 1893. Some overdrawing on the original image has been removed digitally.]

 

 

Olga Studio

160 Regent Street, Redfern, New South Wales.

Managed by H. Kerbins

 

 

At the marriage of Emma Moon and Henry Clifton Jones at Redfern on 15 June 1908, Mr. Kirbins [sic] of the Olga Studios presented the bride with photographs of the bridal couple.

The Ulladulla and Milton Times (NSW), Sat 27 Jun 1908, Page 8

Mr. H. Kerbins has taken over the management of Messrs. Maillard and Co., of Phillip-street. This firm holds the agency for the Brasier, Morris-Cowley, and other high-grade cars. Mr. Kerbins has been connected with motoring from its inception, and was one of the first half-dozen motorists in the State to drive a car.

Sunday Times (Sydney, NSW), Sunday 29 February 1920, page 14

 

 

 

 

 Alma Margaret Kerbins

Dear Editor.- A paper was given to me entitled the Young Idea, and while looking over it I saw your offer of a pail of pretty bangles to the girl who sent you the Best Original Letter so I thought I would try. I was twelve years on the 25th May, 1892 ; I have two brothers and a sister, but as I am the youngest I have not much to do, my brothers names are Alfred and Charles, and my sister is Hilma and my own is Alma I am generally happy, but there is one thing that makes me feel unhappy when I think of it, and that is, that I have no father, he died when I was only three years old [died 6 November 1883 aged 42 years], so I do not remember much of him; he has been dead nine years now. There is a lady who is staying with us and has got a baby boy, he was born on the 23rd of May, 1892, and is going to be called Charles Albert, he is three weeks old now and is a very healthy baby; I have been promised to go out with this lady the first time she takes the baby out, I was very glad because I love little babies very much, I have not any more to tell you this time so I will now close.
-I remain, Yours sincerely, Alma M. Petersen. 56 Windsor-street Paddington.

The Dawn (Sydney, NSW), Friday 1 July 1892, Page 26

 

 

Birthday Card Led to Divorce Court
On her husband's birthday two years ago, Mrs. Olga Eva Broughton found a birthday card in his pocket, inscribed "From Alma to Glen." On the card was a picture of an elephant and the words, "An elephant never forgets." Mrs. Broughton, 44 (formerly Hart) of Girilang Avenue, Vaucluse, said this when she petitioned yesterday for divorce from Harold Glenmore Broughton, 58, photographer. She alleged that Broughton had committed adultery in June last with Alma Kerbins, of Benelong Crescent, Bellevue Hill.
 

The suit was undefended, and Mr. Justice Owen granted a decree nisi.

The Daily Telegraph (Sydney, NSW), Friday 14 June 1940, Page 8

1] Birth certificate downloaded and viewed - 29 August 2021

[2] The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Wednesday 9 June 1937, Page 14
[3] The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Thursday 10 June 1937, Page 9

[4] Marriage certificate downloaded and viewed - 29 August 2021 

Allen, Charles John

Charles John Allen

 1883-1930

Charles John Allen born 24 March 1883, Warwick, Queensland, Australia, son of James George Allen and Esther Jane Grayson, died 31 August 1930 [1] at the residence of Mr E. F. Voitre, 161 Albert Street, Palmerston North aged 47 years, buried 1 September 1930, block 51, plot 18, Terrace End Cemetery, Palmerston North, married 1stly 24 May 1910, reg. 1910/2749 Sophie Florence Machirus, married 2ndly 9 April 1926, reg. 1926/4848 Emma Louisa Scott.

 Headstone of Charles John Allen
photograph - Palmerston North City Council

Obituary
Very sincere sympathy will be felt for Mr Charles J. Allen, of Palmerston North, in the death of his wife, the sad event taking place at his residence, Carroll street, on Friday evening last. The late Mrs Allen, who was of a bright and amiable disposition, had made many friends, who will sincerely regret her demise. Decease had been in ill-health for a considerable time but had borne her suffering with Christian fortitude, never complaining. Besides her husband, deceased leaves five little children, and also two brothers, Messrs Fred and Paul McHirus, to mourn their loss.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1877, 29 July 1920

Manawatu Times, Volume LV, Issue 7319, 1 September 1930

issue:

1. Ernest Charles Allen born circa 1912 reg. 1912/19180 

2. Edna Jean Allen born circa 1914 reg. 1914/11349

3. Leslie William Allen born circa 1915 reg. 1915/25110 

4. Grayson Roy Allen born circa 1916 reg. 1916/26119 

5. Lorna Esther Allen born circa 1918 reg. 1918/9784  
                      

Palmerston North
Coleman Place
February 1917 to about February 1919

succeeded John Edwin Lewis February 1917. Lewis repurchased the studio in October 1919.

Manawatu Times, Volume XL, Issue 13675, 3 February 1917 
[this notice continued in the Manawatu Times until 10 February 1917. A similar notice continued in the Manawatu Standard until 18 May 1917]

Evening Post, Volume XCIII, Issue 147, 21 June 1917




Palmerston North
Crown Studios
 1920

In 1920 it appears that Charles John Allen was employed by Ernest Richard Whalley at Crown Studios, in Palmerston North.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIII, Issue 1928, 28 September 1920



Palmerston North
Broadway
1924

Manawatu Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 2412, 3 July 1924

 

 

unknown woman photographed by Charles Allen, Palmerston North 

[purchased September 2022]

  

Reinforcement Camp, 1915, Trentham

C. Allen, Photo

 World War I soldiers outside tents at Trentham Military camp, Upper Hutt, Wellington. 
Ref: 1/1-017536-G. Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington, New Zealand. /records/23074704
 

Electoral Rolls:

Palmerston Roll 1911 - no. 85 Allen, Charles John, 27 Terrace Street, photographer
Palmerston Roll 1914 - no. 87 Allen, Charles John, 27 Terrace Street, photographer
Palmerston Roll 1919 - no. 107 Allen, Charles John, 25 Carroll Street, Photographer
Palmerston Roll 1928 - no. 130 Allen, Charles John, 9 Hereford Street, Photographer

[1] not 5 November 1948 as show in Ancestry.com

Eden George Co. Ltd

Eden George
born 18 September 1863, Forbes, NSW, Australia
died 2 May 1927 Manly, New South Wales, Australia

 

Ernest Eden George was born in Forbes, New South Wales, the son of William Rufus George a photographer and his wife Bettina Cresula Holman. He received his primary education at private schools and afterwards went to the Sydney Grammar School. After leaving school he entered the Sydney office of Messrs Goldsbrough, Mort and Co. as a telegraph operator. He subsequently resigned this position and went in for photography, and was employed in large businesses in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney. (1)

In 1883 he came to New Zealand and was employed in the photographic firm of George and Walton located at 214 Colombo Street, Christchurch, his brother Charles George being head of the firm with Henry John Walton. In 1885 he entered into partnership with W. N. Tuttle and Co., photographers of Auckland, but three months later on 11 August 1885 he sold out. He then appears to have purchased his brother's interest in the business of George and Walton (1) as the Managing Partner. Henry John Walton retired on 3 February 1886 and the name of the business changed to "Eden George" (3).

He married Ada Jane Butler on 31 May 1885 at Auckland, New Zealand. The Lyttelton Times reads:

GEORGE - BUTLER On May 31, 1885 at St Matthews Church, Auckland, by Rev W. Tibbs M.A., Ernest Eden, 4th son of W. R. George Esq of Sydney to Ada, only surviving daughter of late Gilbert Butler Esq of Christchurch.

A daughter, Morea Eden George was born on 17 March and baptised on 18 April 1886 at St Luke's Church, Christchurch. The parents' address was given as Gloucester Street East. This child died on 5 March 1887 and was buried in Linwood Cemetery. Another daughter Irene Eden George was born on 11 August 1889 when the parents were living at New Brighton and baptised at St Faith's Church, New Brighton. A son Stanley Eden George was born at Worcester Street, Christchurch on 18 November 1890 (2), and a second son Leslie Eden George in 1892.

 

Eden George
Colombo Street, Christchurch
1886-1891 

 

 In 1886 the Lyttelton Times ran a detailed description of the studio:

 

Photography Eden George's Enterprise

Mr. Eden George’s photographic establishment, in Colombo street, over which occasionally waves the “star-spangled banner,” as a reminder of the clever proprietor’s origin (sic), is well worth visiting, as a member of our staff can testify from personal observation. Just now, at the approach of the “festive season,” everything has been renovated and “brushed-up,” and the whole has been improved and added to, so as to present a most interesting and striking appearance. Accepting an invitation, the visitor spends an hour very pleasantly, even profitably, looking over the establishment, which is certainly much more extensive and full of conveniences than anyone would suppose who merely looked at the building from the street. The entrance hall is a familiar resort, and needs no description, but a novelty was added on Saturday evening in the shape of four transparencies, being photographs on glass, lighted up by gas. The carpeted stairs were for the occasion free to visitors to ascend and look around. About 1300 people availed themselves of the opportunity.The reception-room, where customers give their names and state their requirements, is an exquisitely arranged apartment - so well arranged, indeed, as to have won from his Excellency the Governor a very emphatic expression of approval and surprise. Here on every side skillfully arranged and not the least obtruded, are photographs of every kind. The prominent object just now is a life sized portrait of Mrs. Manifold, whose marriage a few months ago at Papanui was recorded in these columns. The lady is in her bridal dress. This has been quite an object of interest of late; and it is certainly one of the finest specimens of photography ever seen in this Colony. Out of the reception room opens a boudoir or retiring room for ladies, fitted in the most charming style. At another end is a door which opens into Mr. George’s special den which serves him as office and warehouse. Here the visitor stands quite amazed; the ingenuity brought to bear upon the packing room must have [been] phenomenal. In a crib some seven feet by five, are a safe, rows and rows of tightly packed shelves, boxes, bottles, chemicals of every kind – except antimony; and even a couple of chairs are squeezed in. When one gets in one finds it not such a cell after all. (The writer would not suggest a pun – not for worlds.)

From the reception room again, one passes to the studio. Here is a lofty, airy, spacious room, well lighted, and having its light regulated by a most complicated system of blinds, and full of instruments and accessories. Here one may be taken with all sorts of surroundings. One may sit on a plain chair, or lean against a fence; stand under foliage or in ancestral halls. One may assume any position – heroic, pathetic, or imposing, in front of that masked battery with its somber shroud – a cross between a ghoul and a sphinx. This is the instrument for taking large-size pictures, and it is of interest as having cost 150 guineas, and being the last production of the famous mechanician [John Henry] Dallmeyer before his death.

 

From this abode of light one passes into a gallery where the pictures are prepared; further on along a queer passage, one gets into a darkened room, the wooden wall of which at one end looks out into the open. Here, seated before gaps in the wall, working intently, are two operators “touching up” portraits. The picture is fixed into the gap between the operator and the light, and the operator touches them up with his fine stylus. Ah, how much some of us owe to the toucher-up. “Long live the “toucher up!” Bless him.

Finally, one descends by an interminable stairway to the “bowels of the earth.” Here, in a cellar, are collected all the negatives ever taken by Mr. George, or the old firm of George and Walton, ready at a moment’s notice if required, no matter how many years may have passed away.

Re-ascending, one bids Mr. George good bye with a sense of having seen something “out of the common.” Those who are curious about the photographic art could not do better than visit the establishment and make the same tour of it as did your representative.

Lyttelton Times, 20 December 1886 page 3.

 

 

 

In connection with Mr Eden George's special photographic enterprise, the issue of jubilee cabinet portraits for a limited period at prices that are practically nominal, we have had sent to us one of the mounts used, with a request that our opinion maybe given as to its quality. It seems that an ill-natured report has been busily circulated, to the effect that work and mounts would be alike inferior. The specimen before us is bevelled and giltedged, of heavy substance, and so far as our knowledge goes is equal in quality to any that are made. More than this, the mount has been, specially printed in vermillion and gold, the design on the back being tastefully executed in the Lyttelton Times Company's lithographic department. People who have invested - or who contemplate investing - in these "Jubilee Cabinets" may rest perfectly assured that they will get liberal value for their money.

Star, Issue 5813, 30 December 1886, Page 3

 

 

 

At an exhibition in 1887 he received a First Class Certificate in Photography for "enlarged photograph portraits by the Bromide process." Later that year he announced his candidacy for the Christchurch South Electorate. He was aged about 24 years. At the conclusion of an address one night someone handed him up a cardboard box, which he opened and found inside a child's feeding bottle, which earned a roar of laughter. He said his youth was taken as a crime, but he would go to the poll even though his opponent were Sir Julius Vogel or Methuselah. At the elections held in October 1887 he received 113 votes, the winning candidate received 767 votes.

Press, Volume XLIV, Issue 6827, 11 August 1887, Page 3.

 

 

Ashburton - Mr Eden George arrived in Ashburton this morning with his photographic plant and a numerous train of assistants, and was engaged all the afternoon making a display of his artistic photography in the Orange Hall to be ready for the conversazione on Friday night.

He has nearly 400 square feet of exhibits, including a lot intended for the Melbourne Exhibition, whither he has already dispatched a show case weighing a ton and a half. He is also fitting up his Studio at Taylor's gallery, opposite the Royal hotel, in Moore street, and will at once have all preparations completed for doing an extensive business.

Tickets entitling holders to be photographed at reduced rates can be obtained from Mr Henry Zander, merchant, East street, till Saturday night, after which full price will be charged.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1848, 23 May 1888, Page 2

 

We need scarcely remind our readers of Mr Eden George's conversazione and photograph and picture exhibition in the Orange Hall this evening. Mr George has been at very great trouble to set off his artistic and photographic handiwork to the best advantage, and many of the pictures are those of well known celebrities of Canterbury and elsewhere. Altogether there are several thousand of photos and pictures admirably arranged throughout the hall an also in show cases. The different styles of photography are also exhibited to advantage, the object of the exhibition and conversazione is a popular one, viz., relief of distress, and the exhibition is well worthy of patronage from an artistic point of view.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 1850, 25 May 1888, Page 2

In July 1888 it was reported that "at a recent meeting of the Christchurch Protection League it was announced that Mr Eden George had made arrangements to commence the manufacture of "rapid dry plates" for photographic purposes at once. This manufacture is the outcome of the protection given to photographic goods in the new tariff, and it is stated will entail an outlay of between £4000 and £5000."

A Photographic Discovery. - We are glad to notice that Mr Eden George has at last gained some tangible advantage from his long course of experiments in photographic chemistry. That he has been experimenting most assiduously, is, we believe, pretty generally known. Like many others he has been seeking for the photographic philosopher's stone - that is to say, he has been endeavouring to discover some process whereby natural colours may be produced. In this - again like many others - he has been unsuccessful. It is, however, a well-known fact that very many important scientific discoveries have fairly been stumbled upon, and Mr Eden George has accidentally found a new process, whereby he undertakes to produce all the known varieties of photographs, perfectly finished, and absolutely permanent, at about one-fourth of the cost obtaining hitherto. Such a discovery ought to bring him a superabundance of work, as we have no doubt it will do. It may be added that the new process has been subjected to rigorous test, in order to ensure the important quality of permanence.

The Star, Issue 6380, 27 October 1888, Page 3

 

 

On 16 January 1889 the Evening Post reported that Mr. Eden George, "the well-known photographer," on going to business that morning had found that his studio had been entered during the night, and the apparatus damaged so as to be useless. The cameras all but one were cut, and the bottoms of the chairs ripped open, backgrounds spoiled, glass negatives smashed, and photos torn up. The perpetrators were supposed to have got in at the back window, and wedged the front door to prevent it being opened while they were inside. Mr. George estimated his loss at £500.

 

In March 1889 he was unsuccessful sued for wrongful dismissal by a former employee Karl Andrew Gerstenkorn who later was a photographer in Invercargill. In May that year he announced himself a candidate of the Christchurch North electorate but was not successful. During the campaign its was stated that "The young man certainly turns out a very good article in the photographic line at his Colombo street studio, but beyond that, I do not think that he possesses any special talent which could warrant him in believing that nature ever intended him for a statesman." Following the election he brought an action in the Supreme Court for £200 against Meers, another photographer who printed a cartoon representing George in a dissolute appearance. Meers had used a negative depicting Eden George obtained from a former employee of the Eden George studio. Meers was told by the Judge to return the negative and not print any more copies.

 

In June 1890 Eden George formed his business into a limited liability company, with a capital of £5000. Following on from the previous year when his studio was broken into and damaged, Eden George was charged with this crime himself and implicating rival photographers, Manning and Meers. After a two day trail the case was dismissed due to insufficient of evidence. George was later sued for £25 by his former employee Karl Gerstenkorn for defamation of character by stating that the Police knew it was Gerstenkorn who had damaged the studio.

 

In the General Election of 1890 Eden George stood for the Christchurch seat but was the lowest scoring of the six candidates with William Pember Reeves taking the seat.

 

Eden George Co. Ltd
1891- 1893

 

 

A Good Dividend. — At a meeting of directors of the Eden George Company Limited, held yesterday, an interim dividend at the rate of 15 per cent per annum was declared, and is payable from Monday next.

The Star, Issue 7058, 9 January 1891, Page 3

 

Photographic - The Eden George Company have now on view at their studio, in Colombo street, a photograph of the delegates to the second conference of the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants of New Zealand. The portraits, grouping and general finish are excellent, and reflect great credit on the photographers.

The Star, Issue 7159, 9 May 1891, Page 3

 

Eden George Photographing Company. — The first annual meeting of the shareholders of the Eden George Photographing Company was held in the studio yesterday afternoon, Mr George, Managing Director, in the chair. The report showed that the receipts had been £3845 6s 2d and the expenditure £2919 7s 8d, leaving a balance of £925 18s 6d, of which £656 5s had been paid in dividends at the rate of 15 per cent, and the Directors recommended a further payment of 5 per cent, or a total of 20 per cent for the year, the balance, £50 18s 6d to be carried forward. The accounts had been audited and found correct by Messrs F. H. Barns and D. C. M'Donald. The report and balance-sheet were adopted, and the retiring Directors re-elected, the election of Auditors being left to the Directors.

The Star, Issue 7240, 12 August 1891, Page 3

 reverse inscription - 
"Photo taken December 13th 1892
Died December 27th 1892"
A cabinet card by Eden George Co. Ltd

He was an Alderman of Christchurch Municipal Council and later the Mayor of Christchurch for one term from 1893 to 1894. He sold his business to Wrigglesworth and Binns in February 1893.

Business Change.— Mr Eden George has completed the sale of his photographic businesses at Christchurch and Dunedin to Messrs Wrigglesworth and Binns, of Wellington, and intends retiring from business.

Star, Issue 4563, 7 February 1893, Page 3

The Eden George Company, Limited, are now producing far superior Opals than hitherto. Mr Binns, who has just arrived from Wellington, will take direct charge of the Studio and Workrooms, so that the delay which, has occurred in the completion of orders will shortly disappear, and only Cabinets and Opals showing most superior workmanship will be allowed to leave the Studio.

The Star, Issue 4583, 3 March 1893, Page 3

Mr. Eden George has become the lessee of the Tuam street Theatre in Christchurch, and intends to make an effort to popularise the house by inducing companies to play in it at million prices.

Otago Witness, Issue 1851, 29 June 1893, Page 37

The Christchurch Unemployed
Christchurch, October 16.

A meeting of the unemployed, convened by the mayor, was held in the Tuam street Hall at 11 this morning, when about 100 attended. The mayor adjourned the meeting till the afternoon, as he stated the Hon W. P. Reeves was keeping a number of men waiting at the Public Works Office for a reply re work, so as to frustrate the mayor's meeting.

This afternoon about 300 men attended a meeting of the unemployed called by the mayor (Mr. Eden George), who made a lengthy speech attacking the Minister for Labour and the Lyttelton Times. A resolution was earned demanding work before Mr. Reeves left Christchurch for every man who wanted it. Mr. George spoke of his candidature for Parliament, and the meeting passed him a vote of thanks for the assistance he had rendered the unemployed. Groans were given for the Lyttelton Times and Minister for Labour, and cheers for the Press.

A deputation from the unemployed waited on the Hon. Mr. Reeves this morning. The Minister said arrangements had been made to send 20 men some time this week to Catlins, and he hoped the weather would be warm enough next week to permit of sending a few men to Mount Cook road. In making a selection preference would be given to married men and those who had not previously had Government employment.

Otago Witness, Issue 2069, 19 October 1893, Page 17.

The members of the Atalanta and Cash Amateur Bicycle Clubs held their opening run on 19th inst. to New Brighton, where they were the guests of the mayoress, Mrs. Eden George, at afternoon tea. There was a good muster of riders, including a number of ladies and 20 members of the Star Wheel Club, mounted on Star bicycles.

Otago Witness, Issue 2070, 26 October 1893, Page 33

Mr Eden George is a son of Mr W. R. George of Sydney, and grandson of the late Captain Samuel George, of the Gloucester Yeomanry, who fell in the Crimean war. Mr George was born at Forbes, New South Wales, in 1863, received his primary education at private schools and afterwards went to the Sydney Grammar school. After leaving school he entered the Sydney office of Messrs Goldsbrough, Mort and Co. as telegraph operator. He subsequently resigned this position and went in for photography, and was employed in large businesses in Adelaide, Melbourne, and Sydney.

In 1883 he came to New Zealand and was employed in the well-known firm of George and Walton, of Christchurch, his brother being head of the firm. In 1885 he entered into partnership with W. N. Tuttle and Co., the well known photographers of Auckland, but three months afterwards he sold out and purchased the business of George and Walton.

In January he disposed of this business to Messrs Wrigglesworth and Binns, of Wellington. Mr George entered the political arena in 1887, when he unsuccessfully contested the Christchurch South seat at the general election. He was also a candidate at the by-election for Christchurch North when Sir Julius Vogel resigned, at the general election in 1890, and the by-election in 1891, rendered necessary by the resignation of Mr W. B. Perceval.
In 1892 Mr George defeated two other candidates for the Mayoralty of Christchurch.

Press, Volume L, Issue 8646, 22 November 1893, Page 3

In the General Election of 1893 Eden George was one of ten candidates nominated for the Christchurch Electorate were he stood as an Independent. With 1647 votes he received the lowest number of votes.

 New Zealand Graphic 26 August 1893, p128

In 1906 it was reported that - "The weight of the Christchurch Mayoral chain has now reached 3lbs. It is composed entirely of solid gold shields presented by each of the Mayors on leaving office with the exception of Mr. Eden George. The portrait of that gentleman is also missing from the collection of pictures of the Mayors hung in the Mayor's room."
Soon after his defeat in 1893 he moved to Auckland and announced his intention of standing for the Waitemata seat in Parliament but later withdrew from the contest. The versatile Mr. Eden George has also gone northward, ostensibly to promote his candidature for Waitemata, but nothing has been heard of his movements or of his having addressed the electors. Possibly the electors are more interested in the virtues of his new patent lamp than in any light he is likely to throw on the political situation.

Otago Witness, Issue 2094, 12 April 1894, Page 44

He returned to Sydney about 1895 and set up the Eden Studio in George Street. He was a member of the NSW Legislative Assembly 1901-1907 representing Sydney - Belmore and later Ashburnham.

above - a "Paris Panel" by the Eden Studio, Melbourne and Sydney.

He became a well-known horseowner. In 1906 during a debate on the Gaming and Betting Bill in the N.S.W. Legislative Assembly Eden George stated that he had lost £13,000 in racing in four years. Many of his fellow members seemed to think he was a lucky man to be in a position to lose such a sum.

He lived in Manly from about 1907 onwards where he had a substantial house and grounds on West Esplanade, which was sold in 1916 as the Eden George Estate, ‘The Dress Circle of Manly’. After his political defeat he travelled extensively in Europe and the United States of America.In 1913 he was the Liberal candidate for Phillip in the General Election in New South Wales, but was unsuccessful, polling only 941 votes, against 4685 cast for the successful Labour candidate, Mr. R. D. Meagher, a well-known Sydney solicitor.

He died on 2 May 1927 at Manly, New South Wales, Australia.

 

 

Obituary

Mr Eden George

The death of Mr. Eden George, a former Mayor of Christchurch, is announced in Sydney newspapers to hand last week. Mr. George, who was a photographer, was Mayor in 1898 and as he was under thirty years of age at the time, he was the youngest occupant of the Mayoral chair. In some of his municipal ideas Mr. George was many years ahead of his time, as for instance, in his advocacy of asphalt streets. After taking up his residence in Sydney, Mr. George sat for a while in the New South Wales Assembly, and also became interested in horse racing as an owner. Recently he fought a libel action against “Truth,” in which be appeared as his own advocate.
from the Christchurch Press 23 May 1927 page 8.

Obituaries also appeared in the Bulletin, 12 May 1927; and Labor Daily, 19 Mar 1927.

 

 

 

 

Photographs by Eden George
Christchurch

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

above cdv courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

Mrs T. G. Russell

[purchased July 2024]

Photographs by Eden George 

Christchurch and Dunedin

 

 

 

above cdv courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

 

 

reverse inscription "Isabel Grace Ridder 1896 1897"

[purchased February 2024]

Isabella Grace Ridder daughter of Frederick and Helen M. Ridder died 14 September 1897 at  the residence of her sister, Mrs Schaffer, Lincoln aged 19 years, buried 17 September 1897 St Mary's Churchyard, Halswell.

 
reverse inscribed "Tom George?"

 

 

 

 

 

 this cabinet card courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

 

this cabinet card courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

 

 

this cabinet card courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

 

Photographs by Eden George Co. Ltd
Dunedin and Christchurch

 


 
 
 

 

 

 

this photograph courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

 

 

 

[purchased March 2023]

this cabinet card courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

 

this cabinet card courtesy of The Laurence Eagle Collection

 

"Mr Brighting & Edna"



 

"Mrs Lee Oram"

 

 

[purchased October 2022]

 

 

"Sarah Brighting"

reverse inscribed "Tom Ladd Friend Uncle Willies"
Thomas Ladd

[purchased June 2024]

 

 

 

reverse inscription " F. Macdonald 1893 Timaru"

[purchased September 2022]

[purchased September 2022]

[purchased March 2023]

 

Courtesy of  Laurence Eagle

 

Courtesy of Laurence Eagle

 

Courtesy of Laurence Eagle

 

Courtesy of Laurence Eagle

 

 Courtesy of Laurence Eagle

 

Photos by Eden George from the Samuel McMurray Album

[purchased 5 October 2024]

Henry John Chitty Harper

born c. 1804 – died 28 December 1893

Bishop of Christchurch and Primate of New Zealand

Samuel McMurray Album

[purchased 5 October 2024]

Churchill Julius

born 15 October 1847 – died 1 September 1938 

He became the second Bishop of Christchurch in 1890 and later was the first Archbishop of New Zealand.

Samuel McMurray Album

[purchased 5 October 2024]

Sarah Ann Gudsell [later Hight]

born 5 December 1867 Heathcote Valley - died 16 December 1934 Christchurch aged 67

She was a witness to Samuel McMurray's marriage in 1890 to Sarah Jane Hay. 

Sarah Ann Gudsell and George Gudsell [photo below] were the sister and brother of Thomas Gudsell. He was married to Agnes Hay, the sister-in-law of Samuel McMurray.

Samuel McMurray Album

[purchased 5 October 2024]

George Gudsell

born 13 August 1865 Heathcote Valley - died 30 March 1931 Maheno, Otago aged 65 years.

He was a witness to Samuel McMurray's marriage to Sarah Jane Hay in 1890. 

Samuel McMurray Album

[purchased 5 October 2024]

Alexander Hay and Jane McClelland

 They married on 24 May 1893 in the residence of Hugh Warnock McClelland. He was the brother-in-law of Samuel McMurray and along with Sarah Ann Gudsell and George Gudsell [above] was a witnessed to Samuel marriage in 1890.

Samuel McMurray Album

[purchased 5 October 2024]

William Harvey [?]

born 25 October 1869 Rolleston - died 3 November 1953

He was a cousin of Samuel McMurray's wife.

Samuel McMurray Album

[purchased 5 October 2024]

 

 

Photos by Eden George from Clara Harris' Album

Australia
Eden Society Studios
Melbourne and Sydney

above - photograph by Eden Studios, 727 George Street, Sydney

Frances Alicia Robinson nee Hamilton
by Eden George
[photograph contributed]

1. Auckland City Libraries
(1) Press, Volume L, Issue 8646, 22 November 1893, Page 3
(2) Press, Volume XLVIL, Issue 7716, 22 November 1890, Page 4
(3) Star , Issue 5538, 9 February 1886, Page 2