Sadd, Henry Samuel

Henry Samuel Sadd

1811-1893

born 1811 Middlesex, England the son of Samuel Sadd and Sarah Clint, she was a half sister of George Clint (1770-1854) the English portrait painter and engraver. Arrived in Auckland before 7 February 1854 when Henry Sadd of Edward Street, engraver is listed in the Daily Southern Cross as one of those liable to serve on Juries for that year. Departed Auckland 23 May 1854 on the "Moa" for Sydney with Mrs Sadd and two children [1]. Died 24 November 1893 at his residence Bridport Street, South Melbourne aged 82 years.

New Zealander, Volume 10, Issue 831, 1 April 1854

[this notice continued in the  New Zealander until 10 May 1854]

[1] New Zealander, Volume 10, Issue 846, 24 May 1854

 Robert Henry Wynyard

 (24 December 1802 – 6 January 1864)

by Henry Samuel Sadd after a daguerreotype by Hartley Webster

Wynyard, R.H. Gen A.B., C.B., circa 1860, 

Purchased 1916. Te Papa (O.013621)

 
Portrait of his Excellency Col. Wynyard, C. B.
We have been favoured with a copy of a highly finished likeness of His Excellency Colonel Wynyard, the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand, and which has just been published by Mr. Williamson.

The portrait, which is an engraving on an enlarged scale, from the miniature Daguerreotype of Mr. Webster, is the production of Mr. H. Sadd, recently of Auckland, but now of Melbourne, - the brother of the eminent English artist, and himself a man of no mean reputation in the school of art. In England and in America, Mr. Sadd is equally and honourably known for the merit of his productions; and in the latter country he was the first to create a taste for the English style of engraving.

The portrait before us, whilst it exhibits, in a modified degree, that pecaliarity of aspect which all daguerreotypes impart to the human countenance, is essentially a work of great merit, and an honourable specimen of the artist’s genius. Like the finished translation of a clever book, it has been rendered with a delicacy of touch, a fidelity of conception, and a firmness of execution, which stamp it as a work of a master spirit. The portrait is, in brief, an admirable one; not merely as a worthy specimen of colonial art, but as an able embodiment of all the leading qualities that render portraits desirable, - fidelity of feature, and a marked accuracy of characteristic personal expression. In these details the engraving excels. It places before us a life-like “presentment” of a gentleman with whom the colonists of Auckland have been long and agreeably allied; - of one who, like themselves, has felt the lights and shadows which have gladdened or depressed their fluctuating and arduous career. We greet the publication of such a portrait as an appropriate and well-timed Souvenir, - an offering which will be prized long after passing differences with the Ruler shall have sunk into utter oblivion, and when the kindly and courteous disposition of the man shall alone be remembered.

New Zealander, Volume 11, Issue 929, 10 March 1855

WEBSTER, Hartley

Hartley Webster

Auckland

Hartley Webster born circa 1817, arrived Auckland, New Zealand 9 March 1852 on the barque "Katherine Stewart Forbes" from London via the Cape of Good Hope as a fore cabin passenger, died 18 September 1906 at his residence Mt Albert, Auckland aged 89 years.  

His wife Elizabeth Webster died 26 July 1897 aged 75 years, they are both buried at the Waikumete Cemetery, Anglican Division D, Row 3, Plots 79 and 81.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 626, 14 April 1852

Daily Southern Cross, Volume VIII, Issue 501, 16 April 1852

Daily Southern Cross, Volume IX, Issue 534, 10 August 1852

Cleared Out.
Oct. 4— Napi, 17 tons, Tautari, for Russell. Passengers,- Rev. R. Burrows, Mr. & Mrs. Webster, Mr. R. Evans

Daily Southern Cross, Volume IX, Issue 550, 5 October 1852

In January 1854 Lieutenant Wynyard and Mr and Mrs Webster were passengers on the "Herald" which arrived in Auckland from the Bay of Islands [it is not known if Hartley Webster is the same person as this passenger].

New Zealander, Volume 10, Issue 810, 18 January 1854

 Robert Henry Wynyard

 (24 December 1802 – 6 January 1864)

by Henry Samuel Sadd after a daguerreotype by Hartley Webster

Wynyard, R.H. Gen A.B., C.B., circa 1860, 

Purchased 1916. Te Papa (O.013621)

 
Portrait of his Excellency Col. Wynyard, C. B.
We have been favoured with a copy of a highly finished likeness of His Excellency Colonel Wynyard, the Officer Administering the Government of New Zealand, and which has just been published by Mr. Williamson.

The portrait, which is an engraving on an enlarged scale, from the miniature Daguerreotype of Mr. Webster, is the production of Mr. H. Sadd, recently of Auckland, but now of Melbourne, - the brother of the eminent English artist, and himself a man of no mean reputation in the school of art. In England and in America, Mr. Sadd is equally and honourably known for the merit of his productions; and in the latter country he was the first to create a taste for the English style of engraving.

The portrait before us, whilst it exhibits, in a modified degree, that pecaliarity of aspect which all daguerreotypes impart to the human countenance, is essentially a work of great merit, and an honourable specimen of the artist’s genius. Like the finished translation of a clever book, it has been rendered with a delicacy of touch, a fidelity of conception, and a firmness of execution, which stamp it as a work of a master spirit. The portrait is, in brief, an admirable one; not merely as a worthy specimen of colonial art, but as an able embodiment of all the leading qualities that render portraits desirable, - fidelity of feature, and a marked accuracy of characteristic personal expression. In these details the engraving excels. It places before us a life-like “presentment” of a gentleman with whom the colonists of Auckland have been long and agreeably allied; - of one who, like themselves, has felt the lights and shadows which have gladdened or depressed their fluctuating and arduous career. We greet the publication of such a portrait as an appropriate and well-timed Souvenir, - an offering which will be prized long after passing differences with the Ruler shall have sunk into utter oblivion, and when the kindly and courteous disposition of the man shall alone be remembered.

New Zealander, Volume 11, Issue 929, 10 March 1855

Photographic Views of Auckland. — Mr. Webster, the photographer, is now engaged on a series of views of the City of Auckland and its environs, which are deserving of notice for the scale on which they are taken and for the superior manner in which they are transferred to paper. The series, we believe, will consist of twelve plates, each representing some well-defined portion of the City and Suburbs. 

Those that we have seen are: views of Shorthand Crescent and a considerable part of the West Ward; two of Parnell, from Mechanics’ Bay, including from the Point right up to Mr. Kinder’s house near the Grammar School; Government House; view from Princes street, near Mrss. Winch’s, over to Hobson-street; and view from the Queen-street Wharf, near the iron-store, up Queen-street, with Mr. Coolaham’s houses forming a prominent foreground.

These plates furnish proof of the rapid progress the City and Parnell have made within the last three or four years; and many of them will soon he sent to “old friends at home,” as the best evidence of “what sort of place Auckland is.”

New Zealander, Volume XIV, Issue 1300, 2 October 1858 

 

A very old Auckland resident, Mr. Hartley Webster, died at his residence, Mount Albert, yesterday afternoon, at the advanced age of 89 years. He arrived in Auckland in the ship Catherine Stewart Forbes, as far back as 1852, and being one of the first who started the photographic business in this city, did well, his establishment being at the upper end of Queen-street, about opposite the Anchor Hotel. Subsequently Mr. Webster carried on business in Taranaki as a chemist. Upon retiring from business, Mr. Webster settled at Mount Albert, where he has lived very quietly for many years, his sight having failed him. Deceased leaves no children, and his wife died about nine years ago.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVII, Issue 224, 19 September 1906, Page 4

 

Memorial of the 65th Regiment. — We inspected some few days ago, at the studio of Mr. H. Webster, photographer, (junction of Queen and Wakefield-streets) one of the most beautiful specimens of photographic art we have yet seen in the Colony. It is in the form of a "shield," containing the portraits of all the officers of the regiment. It is surmounted by the "Royal Tiger," most artistically drawn by Major Heaphy. The corners of the shield are enriched by designs of the "Union Jack," in a trophy, and around is a scroll of fern branches, exquisite for its chaste style and delicate touch, while underneath is a trophy of native weapons, all drawn by the same artistic pencil. This beautiful work of art — for it deserves to be so called — is to be sent to England, and presented to the regiment as a souvenir of the respect in which it was held, and the attachment entertained for it, as well as an acknowledgment of its services by the people of this Province.  It is most creditable to the establishment in which it was produced, and not less so to the city of Auckland, as a testimony its good taste and artistic requirements.— January 22

New Zealand Herald, Volume III, Issue 689, 29 January 1866

The photographers William Andrews Collis and Joseph Michael Foy are known to have worked for Hartley Webster.

Portrait of an unknown man by Hartley Webster, Auckland

[purchased November 2023]

[purchased August 2024]

"General Cameron and Staff 1864-1865"

POLACK, Isaac

Isaac Polack
born 27 September 1829, George Street, Sydney (1)
son of Abraham Polack and Hannah Bryan (2)
died 4 November 1887 aged 58 years (3)

He was a nephew of Joel Samuel Polack and grandson of Solomon Polack (13), a well-known London Jewish artist. His sister Sarah Polack was married to George Barron Goodman (12), the first professional Australian photographer.

Daguerreotypist in Auckland, New Zealand - May 1848 to August 1848. He visited Otago (or Canterbury) from about 9 October 1850 to December 1850. It is not known if he was working as a daguerreotypists on this second visit to New Zealand.

DAGUERREOTYPE.

MB. G. B. GOODMAN (George Barron Goodman) returns his thanks to the public for the very liberal patronage he has received during the last five years in the above art, and begs to inform them that being engaged in other pursuits he has sold all his interest in the above to Mr. Isaac Polack, who, having for the last three years had all the practice part under his entire management, Mr. G. B. G. can guarantee that he will, in every branch of the art, be as fully competent as himself to carry on the

DAGUERREOTYPE,
321, Castlereagh-street North.

Mr I. POLACK begs to inform the public, that having engaged the same premises formerly occupied by Mr. G. B. Goodman, will continue the above Art.

The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 9 June 1847, page 1

DAGUERREOTYPE.- MR. J. POLACK continues to take likenesses on the premises lately occupied by Mr. Goodman, Castlereagh-street, 321, North.

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Saturday 24 July 1847, page 1

Daguerreotype.

Positively the Last Month of the Daguerreotype.
MR. J. POLACK begs to apprise the public that, as he is going to leave the colony in a month, he has reduced his price to one guinea, including case or frame.
Parties desirous of having their likenesses taken, had better avail themselves of the present and only opportunity.

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Thursday 19 August 1847, page 1

DAGUERREOTYPE.- MR. J. Polack begs to inform the public that he intends remaining in Sydney three months, during which time he will carry on the Daguerreotype at No. 49, Hunter-street, nearly opposite the Union Bank. Price of each portrait one guinea, including a handsome morocco case.

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Monday 4 October 1847, page 1
This notice continued until about 16 March 1848.

Isaac Polack departed Sydney on 3 April 1848 on the ship "Hyderabad" and arrived in Auckland on 17 April 1848. (4)

This notice incorrectly shows "S" as Isaac Polack's initial.
Daily Southern Cross, Volume 3, Issue 151, 13 May 1848, Page 1

A notice in the New Zealander newspaper also on 13 May shows Polack's name as J. Polack. (5)

Daily Southern Cross, Volume 4, Issue 163, 5 August 1848, Page 1

He returned to Sydney on the schooner "Deborah" which sailed on 17 August 1848 and arrived in Sydney on 12 September 1848. (6)

DAGUERREOTYPE.

Mr. J. POLACK having returned to Sydney, will resume the above at his Residence, 49, Hunter-street, opposite Messrs. Flower, Salting, and Co.'s.
Portraits, £1 Is. each, (including case.)

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Saturday 3 March 1849, page 1

COLOURED DAGUERREOTYPE DRAWINGS.

MR. I. POLACK begs to apprise the public he will recommence the Daguerreotype on Monday, 1st July, with new back grounds, &c. He will insure to those who may favour him with their patronage, a perfect likeness. Portraits 12s.6d. and 17s.6d. each, including a handsome morocco case.
Address, first floor at Mr. Sneil's, Tailor, Bridge-street.
Hours of attendance from ten till three.

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Saturday 29 June 1850, page 1

On 29 August 1850 he departed Sydney on the barque Santipore for Port Cooper (Lyttelton) via Twofold Bay. (7)

The Santipore arrived in Otago from Twofold Bay on 9 October 1850 (8) and travelled on to Wellington arriving there on 5 November 1850 (9). There is no indication the Santipore visited Port Cooper. "J. Polack" arrived in Wellington on the schooner Eliza on 7 December 1850 this vessel sailed from Hobart Town via Otago. He sailed again on 15 December 1850 from Wellington on the brigantine William Alfred (10) and arrived in Sydney on 29 December 1850 (11).
[it should be noted that these vessels may have stopped at other ports not shown in these newspaper accounts]

COLOURED DAGUERREOTYPE
PORTRAITS.

MR. I. POLACK begs to apprise the public he has recommenced the above art, at No. 49, Hunter-street, opposite Messrs. Flower, Salting, and Co's. Portraits 12s. 6d. and one guinea each, including a handsome morocco case.

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Thursday 24 July 1851, page 1

Something "New Under the Sun." We know a recent instance in which Mr Polack so admirably drew the Photographic portrait of a beautiful lady, that, strange as it may appear, her husband absolutely preferred it to the original.

Bell’s Life in Sydney and Sporting Reviewer (NSW), Saturday 25 October 1851, page 3

POLACK.— November 4, Isaac Polack, youngest son of the late Abraham Polack, Esq., and beloved brother of Mrs. Sarah Arnold, of Sydney, and Solomon W. Polack, of Melbourne, aged 58 years.

The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 8 November 1887, page 1

Daguerrotype of Ralph Keesing

Joel Samuel Polack

(1) The Sydney Gazette and New South Wales Advertiser, Tuesday 29 September 1829 page 3(2) Our Family Genealogy Pages - Isaac Polack
(3) The Sydney Morning Herald, Tuesday 8 November 1887, page 1
(4) The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Tuesday 4 April 1848, page 2 and New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 198, 22 April 1848, Page 2

(5) New Zealander, Volume 3, Issue 204, 13 May 1848, Page 1
(6) Daily Southern Cross, Volume 4, Issue 165, 19 August 1848, Page 2 (as Polack) and The Sydney Morning Herald, Wednesday 13 September 1848, page 2 (as Polock).
(7) The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Wednesday 28 August 1850, page 2 and The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Friday 30 August 1850, page 2.August 27.- Santipore, barque, 516 tons, Captain Robinson, for Port Cooper via Twofold Bay. Passengers - Mr. Isaac Polack, Mr. William Griffiths Jones, and eight stockmen.
(8) The barque Santipore, from Twofold Bay direct, arrived, here on the 9th instant (9 October 1850), having on board 300 head of cattle and 14 horses ... — Otago News, October 12.
New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume VII, Issue 548, 2 November 1850, Page 2
(9) The barque Santipore arrived in Wellington from Otago on 5 November 1850 with two passengers, Mr. D. Jones and Robert Napier.
Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 529, 6 November 1850, Page 2
The barque Santipore arrived on Monday (in Wellington), from Otago, after a passage six days. She has conveyed a cargo of stock from Twofold Bay to Otago, had a quick run of nine days, and landed 220 head of cattle.
Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 529, 6 November 1850, Page 2(10) Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 540, 14 December 1850, Page 2 (as J. Polack) and
Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 541, 18 December 1850, Page 2.
(11) Empire (Sydney, NSW), Saturday 4 January 1851, page 2.December 29.- William Alfred, schooner, 118 tons, Captain Tinley, from Wellington the 13th December. Passengers - Mr. J. E. Scott, Mr. John Paterson, Mr. William Bishop, Mr. Isaac Polack, and Mr. Thomas Bennett.
(12) MARRIED, On the 4th inst., at the residence of her father, Charlotte-place, by Mr. Isaacs, Reader of the Synagogue, Miss Sarah Polack, to Mr George Barron Goodman, third son of A. Goodman, Esq., of Nottingham Terrace, Regent's Park, London. The Australian (Sydney, NSW), Friday 6 January 1843, page 3.

DAGUERREOTYPE. - Yesterday, Mr. Goodman opened for the first time to the public, his gallery for taking portraits according to the invention which has recently created such an extraordinary sensation in England and France. The spot selected by Mr Goodman for his operations is on the leads of the Royal Hotel, where his laboratory has been constructed. We have seen many of the portraits which issued from the laboratory during the week before it was opened to the public, and must certainly acknowledge that the accounts in English newspapers have not been at all exaggerated. The lifenesses are indeed exact, and the sitter is only kept in suspense about half a minute after which a very few minute suffice to the polishing up. and framing the minature. Mr. Goodman has completed some sixty or seventy of these minatures since his apparatus has been in order at the Royal Hotel, and specimens may be seen of many persons well known about the city, which will satisfy any of the incredulous as to the efficiency of the operation. The charge is extremely moderate - a portrait, frame, and case, being less than the cost of a new hat, or a box at the theatre. The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Tuesday 13 December 1842, page 2.DIED.On the 2nd of June last (1851), in Paris, after a few days' illness, Mr. George Goodman, late of this city, much respected by all who knew him ; leaving a large family circle in England to deplore their loss. The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Saturday 18 October 1851, page 4.

MARRIED, by special license, on Thursday, the 18th (December 1851) instant, by the Rev. Dr. Fullerton, Mr. Claude Grant Arnold, to Sarah, relict of the late Mr. George B. Goodman, formerly of this city.
Empire (Sydney, NSW), Saturday 20 December 1851, page 2. (Claude Grant Arnold was the son of the Assistant Commissionary-General, Thomas Arnold who died 10 June 1872 aged 73 years. The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Saturday 13 July 1872, page 7.)

At St. George's, Hanover-square, London, on the 29th June (1842), John Levy Roberts, Esq., of Sydney, to Minna Cecilia, youngest daughter of A. Goodman, Esq., of Nottingham Terrace, Regent's Park. The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW), Friday 25 November 1842, page 3.

(13) Solomon Polack was born in the Hague, in 1757. He worked in England and Dublin, probably before 1790. He exhibited at the Royal Academy between 1790-1835. Polack died the 30 August, 1839. Miniatures by Polack are included in the collection of the Victoria & Museum, London.

Insley

Insley

"J. Inslay" departed Sydney for Auckland on 11 October 1850 on the brig "Moa".
Sydney Morning Herald, 12 October 1850, page 2.

"J. Inslay" arrived 22 October 1850 from Sydney on the brig "Moa".
New Zealander, Volume 6, Issue 472, 23 October 1850, Page 2

Mr Insley departed Auckland 6 March 1851 on the "Victory" for New Plymouth. Due to contrary winds was unable to come to anchor at New Plymouth.
Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 568, 22 March 1851, Page 2

"Mr Imley" arrived Wellington on the "Victory" on 19 March 1851.
Wellington Independent, Volume VI, Issue 568, 22 March 1851, Page 2

DAGUERREOTYPE
AND PHOTOGRAPHIC ROOMS,
OVER M. BIRNSTINGE'S BULLION OFFICE,
GEORGE-STREET.

LIKENESSES taken in any weather equally well-richly coloured or plain by the late London process, entirely superior to any ever exhibited in this colony. By this process it will be seen that pictures possess a strength not inferior to the most celebrated oil paintings, yet possessing all the beauties of light and shade that can be found in the finest lineal engravings. These pictures are also made indelible by the electro-gilding, which gives them that beautiful tone seen in none taken by the old process. Views taken of buildings, houses in or out of the city. Oil paintings, engravings, and other daguerreotypes neatly copied. Pictures put in rings, pins, and lockets,
L. INSLEY.

The Sydney Morning Herald (NSW) Monday 2 September 1850, page 1.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume X, Issue 493, 16 August 1851, Page 410

Daguerrotype (sic) Likenesses. — It will be seen by an advertisement, that a gentleman has arrived in Nelson, who takes likenesses by the beautiful process of Daguerrotype (sic). From the specimens we have seen of his ability, we have in hesitation in pronouncing that Mr. Insley exhibits considerable skill in his art, and we would recommend our readers to pay his rooms a visit.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume X, Issue 494, 23 August 1851, Page 118

CROMBIE, John Nicol

John Nicol Crombie

John Nicol Cromie born 11 August 1827, son of John Crombie and Margaret McKellar, baptised 2 September 1827, Barony, Lanark, Scotland, died 15 December 1878 at the residence of Mr. Hugh Peck, The Grove, Balaclava, Victoria, Australia, aged 51 years, buried compartment B, grave 0320, St Kilda General Cemetery, Melbourne [1], married 23 May 1864 Garpoll Parish Church, Hereford by the Rev. J. Edwards, Harriet Berry

[1] Southern Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.

corner Bourke and Russell Streets

Melbourne, Australia

January 1855 to circa July 1855
 

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Mon 15 January 1855, Page 8

[this notice first found published in The Argus on 1 January 1855]

Shortland Crescent

Auckland, New Zealand

from July 1855 to 18 September 1856

 

New Zealander, Volume 11, Issue 965, 14 July 1855, Page 1

Daguerreotype Portraiture.— It will be perceived by our advertising columns that Mr. Crombie has finally resolved upon leaving Auckland for the Southern Provinces, where he will doubtless be as successful with his clever reflections of the community as he has been here. His art is one peculiarly adapted to colonial requirements. It cannot be expected that portraits, taken with the pencil or the brush, should be obtainable — at least of any degree of excellence, so far from home, where practical talent of high order is sure to be retained. But by the beautiful invention, discovered almost simultaneously in England and in France, an unerring substitute for the painter's art has been provided. Should Mr. Crombie, when he shall have completed his tour among the sister settlements, be disposed to revisit the north, he will again meet with a welcome reception at the capital.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 913, 28 March 1856, Page 3

Daguerreotype Portraiture.
J. N. Crombie begs to inform those parties whose commissions he was obliged to postpone, that having now received an ample supply of material, he is in a position to serve them to any extent.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 848, 14 August 1855 

J. N. Crombie begs to announce that, on the return of the " ZINGARI" from the South, he must bid farewell to Auckland. He takes this opportunity to acknowledge the very liberal patronage he has received, and desires to return his sincere thanks to those innumerable Ladies and Gentlemen who have honoured him with their visits.
DAGUERREOTYPE PORTRAIT GALLERY, SHORTLAND CRESCENT. 
P. S. — All parties having any claims on the estate are desired to submit them without delay.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XII, Issue 873, 9 November 1855

Daguerreotype Portraiture
Notice

In consequence of the unprecedented rush, which has continued for the last month, J. N. Crombie finds it impossible, without disappointing a large section of the community, to clear out in sufficient time for this trip of the "Zingari" to the South.

New Zealander, Volume 11, Issue 1007, 8 December 1855

Portraits of New Zealand Chiefs. — We have seen the portraits of twelve New Zealand Chiefs, which have been taken by Mr. Crombie, the photographic artist, and which, together with an historical sketch of each from the pen of Mr. C. O. Davis, Government Interpreter, are intended for immediate transmission to the office of the 'London Illustrated News.'

The portraits, as a work of art, are very superior, and we trust that the presiding genii of that world renowned publication will avail themselves of a contribution so well calculated to convey a correct impression of the features and character of the aboriginal potentates of this antipodal fraction of the British Empire.

We add a list oi the twelve who are thus likely to be immortalized, —
1. Taraia Ngakuti Te Tamuhuia, principal Chief of the Thames, a great warrior and cannibal;
2. Tukihaumene Te Amohau, the principal Chief of the Ngatiwhakaue tribe, Maketu, Bay of Plenty — a restive, proud man, wedded to the superstitious practices of the old Maori school. Has great influence;
3. Paratene Puhata, a Chief of the Ngatipaoa — a man of peace, — most friendly to the Government and European settlers. His mind is deeply imbued with religious principles. Much respected by both races;
4. Ruihana Te Whakaheke, principal Chief of the Ngatitipa, Waikato, a great warrior,-- fighting general,and captured by his prowess numerous pahs;
5. Karaka Te Au, a Chief of Ngatikarere, of Waikato Heads, a well disposed man, a warm adherent of the Church Missionary Society;
6. Arama Karaka Kukutai, a young Chief of the Ngatitipa, of great promise;
7. Ihaka Takanini, Chief of Te Akitai — an extensive land holder — attached to the Europeans — a descendant of the Waiohua tribe, the original inhabitants of the Auckland district;
8. Eruera Maihi Patuone — a distinguished Chieftain of the Ngapuhi, — brother of the celebrated Waka Nene;
9. Tohi Te Tururangi Te Au — one of the Ngatiwhakaue Chiefs of Maketu, Bay of Plenty, — a man of considerable influence, sensible, and particularly loyal. Proposed to raise an army of his countrymen to defend the flag of England in the Crimea. Can trace his genealogy over a period of 500 years;
10. Ngarepo Te Amoha — son of the great Ngatiwhakaue Chief Tukehaumene — popular among his people;
11. Te Wiremu Te Tonga — the Chief of the Ngatirangewewehi tribe, Maketu, Bay of Plenty — a loyal, well disposed man, — presented an ornamented spear to his Excellency Governor Browne, when introduced to him on the Queen's birthday, 1856;
12. Tamati Waka Nene — Chief of one of the Ngapuhi tribes at Hokianga, on the West Coast of New Zealand, — a man of deep penetration, firm judgment, and indomitable courage — deservedly respected by all classes of both races.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 937, 20 June 1856, Page 3

Portraits of Native Chiefs.— We recently chronicled the fact of a dozen daguerreotype portraits of native chiefs having been taken by Mr. J. N. Crombie. We are happy to learn that, by the 'Prince of Wales,' six of these portraits, accompanied by biographical sketches from the pen of Mr. C. O. Davis, were forwarded as a contribution to the publishers of the Illustrated London News. We shall look forward with interest to the arrival and reception of this little consignment.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 945, 18 July 1856, Page 2

Photography. — It will be seen from our advertising columns that Mr. J. N. Crombie, who has just returned from a professional tour to the Bay of Islands, intends opening again in Auckland this day, and continuing to take portraits for another fortnight.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 956, 26 August 1856

Photography.— It will be seen from the list of passengers per 'Zingari' for the South, that Mr. J. N. Crombie, the photographic artist, who has been resident in Auckland for a period of fifteen months, commences a professional tour through the Southern Provinces of the colony. During Mr. Crombie's stay in Auckland, he has taken the portraits of just 1088 persons, of every class in society; and, as an artist, has been more than ordinarily successful. His pictures have a roundness and boldness of character, which are frequently found wanting in portraits by the daguerreotype process. We feel satisfied that many of the Southern colonists will avail themselves of Mr. Crombie's talent in his profession, and we wish him the same measure of success in the other towns of New Zealand that has attended his sojourn in Auckland. We are happy to learn that the Governor has very courteously acceded to a request made by Mr. Crombie for permission to assume the designation of photographer to his Excellency.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 963, 19 September 1856, Page 3

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XIII, Issue 963, 19 September 1856

Snow's Cottage, Hardy Street
Nelson
September 1856 - April 1857

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XV, Issue 52, 27 September 1856

Photography.- It will be seen from the list of passengers per "Zingari" for the South, that Mr. J. N. Crombie, the photographic artist, who has been resident in Auckland for a period of fifteen months, commences a professional tour through the southern provinces of the colony. During Mr. Crombie's stay in Auckland, he has taken the portraits of just 1,088 persons, of every class in society and, as an artist, has been more than ordinarily successful. His pictures have a roundness and boldness of character, which are frequently found wanting in portraits by the daguerreotype process. We feel satisfied that many of the Southern colonists will avail themselves of Mr. Crombie's talent in his profession, and we wish him the same measure of success in the other towns of New Zealand that has attended his sojourn in Auckland. We are happy to learn that the Governor has very courteously acceded to a request made by Mr. Crombie for permission to assume the designation of photographer to his Excellency. Southern Cross.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XV, Issue 53, 1 October 1856, Page 2

Daguerreotype Portraiture. — We would recommend such of our readers as have not already paid a visit to Mr. Crombie's portrait gallery, to do so without loss of time, as that gentleman's stay in Nelson is likely, we understand, to be very short. The likenesses taken by Mr. Crombie are decidedly the best we have seen in this colony.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XV, Issue 70, 29 November 1856, Page 2

  It will be observed by our advertising columns that this is the last day of Mr. Crombie's present stay in Nelson. During his residence here he has taken, we are informed, no less than 450 portraits of persons in every section of the community. We have already referred to the very high character of his productions; indeed the large patronage he has received is a sufficient guarantee of their excellence. We observe that Mr. Crombie contemplates returning in a few months as a permanent setter in Nelson.
Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVI, 1 April 1857, Page 2

 

Cashel Street, Christchurch

April 1857

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 507, 12 September 1857, Page 8

 

Lyttelton Times, Volume VIII, Issue 512, 30 September 1857, Page 8

 



Trafalgar Street
Nelson
2 March 1858 - August 1858

Photography. — We have great pleasure in calling the attention of our fellow-settlers to Mr. Crombie's new photographic gallery, in Trafalgar-street. Since Mr. Crombie left Nelson he has visited Australia, and supplied himself with materials for carrying on his art in the most efficient manner; and a visit to his gallery, and an inspection of his new pictures, will well repay the trouble.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVII, Issue 18, 3 March 1858

 

 Colonist, Issue 38, 2 March 1858, Page 2

 

Photography. — We have great pleasure in calling the attention of our fellow-settlers to Mr. Crombie's new photographic gallery, in Trafalgar-street. Since Mr. Crombie left Nelson he has visited Australia, and supplied himself with materials for carrying on his art in the most efficient manner; and a visit to his gallery, and an inspection of his new pictures, will well repay the trouble.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVII, Issue 18, 3 March 1858, Page 2

Mr. Crombie's Portrait Gallery.— We have been rather tardy in visiting Mr. Crombie's establishment, and must express our regret thereat, but business will call men even from a due regard of local matters. However, though late, we will now give expression to that which we noticed on visiting Mr. Crombie's office. There sat Mr. Poynter in all the dignity of his magisterial office, closely elbowed by Ben Crisp, the "bullock driver." Then we saw the Provincial Secretary, several Maories, Mr. Wray of Copper Mining notoriety, Dr. Renwick, and photographs of the recent races, with an excellent portrait of Captain Nicholson; and we must express the gratification we felt at the speaking representation of the several parties we have named. Photography has of late years made most rapid marches, and we feel sure that Mr. Crombie has closely followed her quick step.

Colonist, Issue 45, 26 March 1858, Page 3

Napier

August 1858 - September 1858

Photography. — The arrival amongst us of a photographic artist is quite an event in the history of our infant township. It will be seen from our advertising columns that Mr. J. N. Crombie, to whose excellence as an artist we can speak from personal knowledge, and who has just returned from a successful professional visit to the southern provinces, — has arrived in Napier by the Wonga Wonga. His stay will be a very brief one — only till the return of the steamer; and it is scarcely necessary to remind our readers that such an opportunity does not present itself every day.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 1, Issue 48, 21 August 1858, Page 2

He returned to Auckland on ketch "Pegasus" which departed Napier on 23 September 1858 and arrived in Auckland on 7 October 1858.



 

Auckland

October 1858

Photography. — One of our first solar portrait painters has returned to Auckland, and brought with him a gallery of unmistakeable proofs of his sojourn in the South. We have paid a visit to his gallery, merely for the purpose of seeing our old Southern friends, a great number of whom may be seen photographically hanging on Mr. Crombie's portrait gallery walls. The views of Nelson are remarkably good, and we believe that, looking at his photograph of the Nelson Race Meeting, we should be almost able, by means of a microscope, to decide whether the horses there show any improvement in their points, on those of a few years back.

Daily Southern Cross, Volume XV, Issue 1186, 9 November 1858, Page 4

Photography. — Mr. Crombie, who was the first to introduce the delightful art of Photography into Nelson, and who has left among us so many pleasing specimens of his skill, has sent down a very excellent specimen of his progress in a photograph of Auckland, which may be seen at Messrs. Elliott's Office. It gives an excellent idea of what Auckland has now become; and derives additional interest from the circumstance, that prominently in the foreground is seen the new embankment, and the mud flat which is thus reclaimed from the sea, and which has lately been the subject of so much litigation between the political parties there.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XVIII, Issue 90, 9 November 1859, Page 2

Assembly Portraits. — We are glad to welcome back to Auckland again our old friend and enterprising photographist, Mr. Crombie. His cartoon of the members of the General Assembly was much admired here. Mr. Crombie has now brought with him from England a large number of impressions of this cartoon reduced to the size of an ordinary carte de visite, each likeness being numbered, and having the corresponding name of the original at the back. These miniature cards serve well as a key to the full-sized cartoon. and are convenient for transmission by letter.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 319, 19 November 1864

To Carpenters.— Tenders for the alteration of premises are called for by Mr. J. N. Crombie.

New Zealand Herald, Volume II, Issue 321, 22 November 1864

Photography.— Among the New Zealand residents who have returned to this Colony lately, we have to notice the arrival of Mr. J. W. Crombie (sic), the photographic artist, for many years located in Auckland, but whose name is familiar in all the provinces of New Zealand as having executed some of the best specimens of photographic art that have ever yet been produced in this Colony.  Mr. Crombie has once more returned to settle among us after an absence of some eighteen months in the mother country, and we hail his return with pleasure. 

In the year 1859 Mr. Crombie photographed two excellent views of Auckland as it then was, of which considerable notice was taken by the press. In the following year he also produced a group of admirably executed medallion portraits representing the members of the first Parliament of New Zealand. During Mr. Crombie’s recent visit to England, he attended the ordinary meeting of the Glasgow Photographic Institution where he read an interesting paper, selecting as his subject “The Rise and Progress of Photography in New Zealand,” from which we may quote a paragraph or two as follows.— “In 1841 the first European settlement was established in Auckland, the most northern province of New Zealand. The necessaries of life being the most important to a young colony, several years elapsed before an thing of a pictorial nature comes on the scene. Notwithstanding the comparative youth of photography, and in that remote region, so far back as 1849 or 1850 a gentleman was then travelling professedly as a Daguerreotype operator.

He was shortly afterwards followed by another, who also paid a flying visit to the different provinces. In the early part of 1851 a gentleman, who, with his family, emigrated to Auckland, had taken the precaution to add the Daguerreotype process as another ‘string to his bow.’ He shortly after gave up all other pursuits and followed it as a profession. He was, I believe, the first in that part of the world to introduce the calotype process.

With respect to the spread of photography in New Zealand, I may state that, when I arrived in Auckland from Melbourne, in 1855, there had been at least three operators before me in that small town of about 3000 inhabitants. A twelvemonth later, when travelling through the towns of the southern provinces, I found that several had preceded me on the same errand, and from all accounts, had finished the business. That, however, I found not to be the case so far as I was concerned, having always as much professional occupation as I could attend to.

According to the census taken in December last, the population of Auckland and suburbs was about 10,000. The photographic wants of this population are ministered to by six professional photographers, besides others who practice the art occasionally. The other towns, in proportion to their population, are equally well supplied with operators. It will thus be seen that we have no lack of aspirants after photographic fame.

Since the foregoing was written it is almost needless to say that in the photographic art as well as in all other matters Auckland has made rapid progress, the paragraphs extracted however are interesting as showing how far we had then progressed in these matters.

New Zealander, Volume XXI, Issue 2284, 25 November 1864

 

 above - this carte de visite by John Nicol Crombie is dated 1870.

  

Death

Yesterday afternoon, says Tuesday's Herald, Mr W. Aitken received a telegram from London informing him that Mr J. N. Crombie, formerly photographer in Auckland, had died in Melbourne, on his way to Auckland. In a letter dated at Melbourne on December 11, Mr Crombie had informed Mr Aitken that he would leave Melbourne so as to catch the mail steamer leaving Sydney for Auckland on January 2. Mr Crombie had been complaining of bronchitis for some six or seven months, and he adds to his letter, "still very wheezy." He must have become worse shortly after writing the letter, and probably was dead before the time came to leave for Sydney. 

Mr Crombie came out to Melbourne at the time of the gold discoveries in 1852, and not finding employment at his trade of a practical engineer, he went as assistant to a photographer, with whom he learned the business. In about two years afterwards, he came to New Zealand, and commenced business as a photographer in Nelson. He removed to Auckland about sixteen years ago, and opened in Shortland Crescent. In 1864, he went to England, and while he was absent his place was burned. On his return, he erected premises in Queen street, where he continued for several years. 

Having been successful in mining speculations, he purchased a considerable quantity of property in Auckland, and retired from business. For the last six years he has resided at Sydenham, near London. Having become afflicted with bronchitis, he determined on a trip to New Zealand, which he was destined never to see again. Mr Crombie was about 48 years of age; he leaves a widow and five children.

Thames Star, Volume XI, Issue 3086, 8 January 1879, Page 2

Crombie.- On the 15th inst., at the residence of Mr. Hugh Peck, The Grove, Balaclava, Victoria, John Nicholas Crombie [sic], Esq., of St Mungo villa, Amberley-road, West-hill, Sydenham, London, late of Victoria and New Zealand, aged 51 years. New Zealand papers please copy.

The Argus, Tuesday 17 December 1878 page 1

 

 The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.), Tuesday 17 December 1878, page 8
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article5925056

Awards

1862 International Exhibition, London, Class XIV, Photography and Photographic Apparatus. Award - Honorable mention for views in the colony.
Otago Daily Times, Issue 751, 14 May 1864