WILSON, William Thompson



William Thompson Wilson
born 23 March 1882, New Zealand 
son of Isabella and John Wilson (merchant) 
reg. 1882/5571
died 15 January 1917 Clonbern Road, Remuera, Auckland aged 34 years (suddenly)



Chuting the Chute, Auckland Exhibition, 3146 , W.T. Wilson, Protected 17.1.14

Plexakraft Studios





Photographers - General
Plexakraft Studios, 121 Manchester Street

Christchurch Telephone Directory 1970


reverse inscription " "Carolyn Claridge, aged 15 months"

reverse inscription "Martin Claridge, 12 months old"


HILLSDON, Richard Walter


 

Richard Walter Hillsdon
 
 
Richard Walter Hillsdon [known as Walter Hillsdon] born 11 March 1887 Auckland, reg. 1887/18914 son of the Lyttelton photographers George Henry James Hillsdon and Elizabeth Annie Woolley. [Richard's WW1 military records incorrectly give his date of birth as 11 March 1888], died 24 July 1955, Kingseat [1] aged 67 years, reg 1955/24963 (unmarried). 

 
Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 14301, 12 March 1912, Page 1
 
 
France
1918-1919
 
Advice has-been received that Sergeant Hillsdon, of Lyttelton, has been promoted to company sergeant-major, and is in charge of a number of photographers who are photographing the graves of New Zealand soldiers who have fallen at the front.
 
Prior to enlisting, Sergeant Major Hillsdon was in business as a photographer at Lyttelton. He left New Zealand with the 11th Reinforcement as a driver in the artillery, and after a number of months in that position he joined a light trench mortar battery. A few weeks before, the armistice was signed he was appointed assistant photographer to the New Zealand Forces. After travelling over Belgium and France taking photographs he returned to London and then received his present appointment.
Sun, Volume VI, Issue 1593, 22 March 1919
 
 
 
Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVIII, Issue 18596, 24 December 1920, Page 1

 

Hamilton
 King's Building, Victoria Street
 July 1921 - October 1923
 

Art Portraiture
 Hamilton's New Studio.
Modern, Scientific Appliances.
Great Lighting Effects.
Those who doubt that photography is an art need only visit the new studio of Mr R. W. Hillsden (sic), in King's Buildings, adjoining the King's Theatre, to have their doubts dispelled. To get an art photograph it is, of course, necessary in the first place that the photographer should be an artist, for the purely mechanical process of developing and toning gives a very stereotyped result unless the artistic ability of the photographer is brought into play. The photographer is, therefore, the first consideration when seeking a good portrait. It is next necessary that the very best appliances should be available to enable the artist to give expression to his ideas. Mr Hillsden in fortunate in possessing both the ability and the facilities, and he holds a distinct advantage over most photographers in that his studio was erected especially as such and was not merely converted. By a very elaborate system of blinds he can produce just whatever effect he fancies, the system of light diffusion being worked out both scientifically and artistically. The workroom and dark-room are fitted with the very latest, devices for turning out work quickly and well, with patent developing tanks, print driers, dry mounters and cutters, and the studio is probably the most complete and modern in the province. The waiting-room is very nicely fitted up and replete with the facilities for the preparation of sitters and the town is fortunate in having so modern a studio.

Mr Hillsden himself has made a close study of the scientific side of photography, and as official photographer to the New Zealand Expeditionary Force, had unique opportunities for extending his experience. While in England, he made a point of visiting the the wholesale houses and choosing the finest equipment procurable, including several lenses improved as the result of scientific, investigations for aerial photography. Mr Hillsden is prepared to take sitters at any time during daylight hours, one feature of his studio being the absence of the formalities which one has usually to undergo when sitting for a photograph. One feels immediately at home in Mr Hillsden's presence, and the quality of his work is undoubted.
Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14707, 23 July 1921
 
 
Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14729, 22 August 1921, Page 1
 
 
Waikato Times, Volume 94, Issue 14734, 27 August 1921, Page 4
 
 
Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15257, 6 June 1923, Page 4
 
 
 Waikato Times, Volume 96, Issue 15365, 15 October 1923, Page 2
 


Drove Without Due Care
Visiting Motorist Fined
Richard W. Hillsdon came to Timaru on Wednesday for the Christmas holidays, had some liquor, drove his car, was arrested and appeared in the Timaru Magistrate’s Court yesterday on charges of being intoxicated while in charge of a car and with driving without due care and attention. Mr G. G. Chisholm, S.M.. dismissed the intoxication charge and fined Hillsdon £2 (costs 10/-) on the other charge. Sergeant E. J. C. Hay prosecuted and Hillsdon pleaded not guilty to both charges.

Inspector W. J. Tait, of the Transport Department, said that he saw defendant driving his car in Canon Street at 5.35 p.m. Witness was satisfied that the defendant was not in a fit condition to drive and the defendant’s condition appeared to have been caused by intoxicating liquor. He saw the defendant cut the corner, called on him to stop without success and then drove in front of him forcing him to stop. Detective S. W. Cunningham said he saw the defendant earlier in the afternoon. Hillsdon was standing on the footpath talking to himself and to anyone who went by. He was verging on the condition of being locked up for drunkenness. His condition was improved when he was brought to the police station and improved further while he was there. Witness described defendant as being “very garrulous.” A report by Dr G. H. Ussher, who examined defendant 20 minutes after he was arrested, was in favour of the defendant.

Between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. he had three “handles” and three glasses of beer, said the defendant in evidence. “I was as sober as a judge. I never get intoxicated,” he asserted, adding that the beer was not very strong nowadays. He had tea at 5 p.m., took his car from the garage at 5.30 p.m. driving successfully through the half-closed doors of the garage and up Stafford Street. He had given way to a truck at the corner of Canon and Sophia Streets where he claimed the truck should have given way to him. He heard someone call out but as he knew no one in Timaru he did not stop, but shortly after the inspector drove in front of him and witness was forced to stop in a short distance, which he did.

“I don’t think that there is sufficient evidence to convict on the charge of being intoxicated,” said the Magistrate, “but at the same time I must convict on the charge of driving without due care and attention.”

Timaru Herald, Volume CLVI, Issue 23082, 22 December 1944, Page 2
 
 
Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27927, 26 March 1956, Page 22
 
 
 
 


 
 
 








 
 


 Ivy Eveline Green
born 1890, reg. 1890/7436 daughter of Louisa Jane and Morris Gananoque Green
married 1913 Albert William Cousens


Ernest Henry Green
born 1888, reg. 1888/3563 son of Louisa Jane and Morris Gananoque Green

 
[purchased July 2023]


unknown baby photographed by Richard Walter Hillsdon
[purchased August 2024]


[purchased 2025]



Lyttelton
 
(Massage) Albert Steele's 105 hrs World's Record
W. Hillsdon Photo

(Shaving) Albert
Albert Steele's 105 hrs World's Record
 W. Hillsdon Photo
 
 
The world's record of 104 hours for continuous piano playing was broken by Mr Albert Steele at the Queen's Theatre [Tuam Street, Christchurch] on Saturday evening. Mr Steele, who commenced playing at 3 p.m. on Tuesday last, bettered tho record, which was recently made by an American, by one hour two and a half minutes. As the time for the completion of the test drew near, large crowds gathered, filling the theatre and vestibule, and extending right across the street. An impromptu concert was given to help the pianist over the last stage of his task, one of the items being a club-swinging act by Mr C. Buckett, world's champion endurance club swinger. Mr Steele showed no sign of fatigue at the completion of the time he had set out to play for, and continued for an extra few minutes. He was wrapped in a blanket and carried to a car, being cheered en route by the crowd. Before being allowed to make up his arrears of sleep he was exercised in the open air for two hours.
Press, Volume LVI, Issue 16908, 9 August 1920, Page 6
 
 
[1] Probably at Kingseat Hospital, a psychiatric hospital.
 
 

DEWAR, Charles Barclay



Charles Barclay Dewar
Inglewood


Charles Barclay Dewar, born 10 July 1875, reg. 1875/521, son of Barbara (died 26 August 1909, Matau aged 66 years) and Thomas George Dewar [1], died 3 December 1950, reg. 1950/33794 aged 76 years, married 11 July 1911, reg. 1911/4738, Janet Ridley.   


issue:
Janet Sadie Dewar born circa 1914, reg. 1914/25077




[1] The death occurred at the Palmerston North Hospital on Sunday, at the age of 73 years, of Mr. Thomas George Dewar, reports the Manawatu Standard. Deceased was well known in the Matau Block, near Inglewood, having been one of the first to acquire land in that block, where he resided for twenty years. About three years ago he underwent an operation,and ever since has been practically an invalid, living with his son, Mr. Thomas Dewar, of Taonui street. The immediate cause of death was bronchitis, consequent on old age. Mrs. Dewar predeceased her husband some three years ago.
Five sons and three daughters are left to mourn their loss. The sons are Messrs. Thomas Dewar (Palmerston North), Charles, Arthur, and Ernest {Taranaki), and the daughters Mrs. J. N. Langman (Pohokura), Mrs. R. Adams (Ohura, Main Trunk line), and Mrs. A. Richardson (Marlborough). Taranaki Daily News, Volume LV, Issue 123, 11 October 1912

Matau. (From Our Own Correspondent.) On Tuesday, the 14th inst., a ten- roomed two-storey house, owned by Mr T. G. Dewar, was totally destroyed by fire, along with all outbuildings and their contents. Practically nothing was saved. Some few articles removed a few chains away caught fire, and were destroyed. The fire was caused by sparks from log fires, a gale of wind driving- the fire in all directions. Apparently the fire had started a mile or two away.
Logs are still smouldering in all directions and there is still great danger if the wind should spring up again.
Several other settlers had hard work to save their houses, especially as most of the wells are dry, and in some instances water had to be carried a long distance.
Taranaki Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 12814, 23 March 1905


BEATTY, Sidney

 
 
Sidney Beatty
 Timaru
15 September 1906 to April 1907
 
 
 
 
Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 13082, 17 September 1906
 
 
 
A new portrait gallery has just been opened in Timaru by Mr S. Beatty, late of Sydney, in the buildings, Stafford street north, opposite the premises of Mr R. Edwards.
 
The suite of rooms is splendidly lit and perfectly adapted for photography; the studio itself being on the west, and the best of light is obtained throughout the day. Mr Beatty intends catering for the demands of amateur photographers, and also in making bromide printing a specialty; the latter being done by him by day or night time. He has abundance of picture framing material, and will be able to meet orders for any design of work that may be required. Mr Beatty notifies that all patrons who visit the studio within three weeks from to-day, will receive an extra dozen photographs free, providing their order is for at least a dozen.
 
Mr Beatty has been in Timaru for the past few weeks arranging his premises, they being specially built for his business, and opens his studio to-day. All wishing to pay him a visit should do so early, and they will be able to say they have been in one of the best studios in the district.
Timaru Herald, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 13087, 22 September 1906
 
 
In Bankruptcy.
Re Sidney Beatty
A meeting of creditors was called for in the bankrupt estate of Sidney Beatty, Photographer, Timaru, in the Deputy Official Assignee's office, yesterday morning. There were present Mr. W. Raymond (for W. W. Henderson, Christchurch; J. R. Bruce and Co., local agents) R- Edwards (proved), P. Foster (proved), bankrupt and his solicitor, Mr. F. J. Rolleston)
 
Bankrupt's statement, was as follows : unsecured creditors, £76 16s 7d; against stock-in-trade £37, book debts £10 5s 6d ; unsecured creditors, £29 11s 1d.
 
Particulars of unsecured creditors are as follows: —
P. Foster, builder, Timaru, £3 11s 3d;
R. Edwards, Painter, £2 2s;
J. R.. Bruce and Co., Agents, Timaru, £14;
W. Albeit and  Land Agents, 10s;
A. A. Ware Co., Stationers, £2;
Jas. Craigie, Painter, 11s ;
G. W. Bennett, and Co., Photographic Dealers, Christchurch, £7 0s 4d;
same firm Wellington, £1 3s 3d;
J. Griffiths, Photographic Dealer, Christchurch, £15 10s 5d;
Lamb and Todd, Photographic Dealers. Wellington, £3 ,7s 6d;
Price and Company, Picture Moulders. Wellington, £4 8s 9d;
Ahfield Bros., Merchants, Dunedin, £6 19s ;
Guthrie, Bowron and Co., Merchants. Dunedin, £1 7s 3d;
F. W. Dutch, Photographer, Christchurch, £3 1s 6d;
H. Weeks, Printer, Christchurch, £2 14s ;
P. W. Hutton and Co., Timaru, 12s 6d.
 
Bankrupt's sworn statement showed that he was a photographer at Timaru. He came to Timaru in September 1906, and established his business in Stafford Street North. Before coming to Timaru he was in the same business in Wellington, and on his own account.  The little capital he had was expended on his business in Timaru. Up till December his business was very good and promising but after that it fell away to practically nothing. During January and February nothing was done. He attributed the falling off in the business to the Christchurch Exhibition. 
 
Latterly he had been pressed by Ahfield Bros, of Dunedin, who sued bankrupt. As he could not see his way to met his creditors and as Ahfield Bros, had obtained judgment with a view of enforcing payment, bankrupt considered it the best in the interests of all parties to file. He had nothing but photographic material and could mate no offer at present. 
 
Bankrupt put in a further statement as under:- All the furniture on the premises belonged to his wife. The value of the furniture was about £35, which was brought to Timaru with them. This property was stored in Jonas and Company's Auction Rooms, but was not for sale. Since the beginning of this year the weekly rental was 35s per week. 
 
Only two proved creditors being present no resolution was made and the meeting was adjourned.
Timaru Herald, Volume XC, Issue 13253, 6 April 1907

JEFFS, William Milne


William Milne Jeffs
born 25 May 1888 Richmond, Victoria, Australia

Album inscribed:
W.M. Jeffs Papua

To H. E. Jeffs, Melbourne, Victoria
Wilfred Jeffs, Thames, New Zealand Aug. 1935

Minnetonka C.D.

Hanua Bada C.D

Ceremonial W.D


Ceremonial W.D


Parari Village D.D

Hanuabada C.D.



Kikori River D. D.

Goaribari D.D

Ceremonial W.D.


Canoe D.D.

Goaribari Natives D.D.

Awaka W.D.
Kaiwi Girls W.D.
Hula C.D.
Hula and Hanuabada C.D.

Port Moresby C.D.

Warf P.M. C.D (Wharf, Port Moresby C.D)

Junction D.D.

War Canoes D.D.

Dubu, Hanuabada C.D.

Planters Yule Is C.D.

Elavala Village C.D.

Kaiuri Widow W.D.
Fire Daru W.D.

Hanuabada C.D.
Elavala Children C.D.

Kikori G.S. (?) D.D.

Goaribari Canoes D.D.

Aird Delta Village D.D.
Dubu's Orikola G.D. 


Goaribari Natives D.D.

Hanuabada from Elavala C.D.

Daru Village W.D.

Orikola G.D.


Orikola G.D.
Hanuabada Girls C.D.

Prade (sic) Ground Daru W.D.


Old Native Samai W.D.

Orikola G.D.

Chalmers W.D.

Orikola Natives G.D.
Kaiuri Women and Children W.D.

Working Boy Koki C.D.

Native Bridge (Auli Bridge)