View allAll Photos Tagged nihotupu
Views out over the spillway at the Nihotupu Dam.
#goodmorning #westauckland #exploreauckland #nihotupudam #nzlandscapes #discoverauckland #explorenewzealanddaily #nzpure #newzealand #disovernewzealand #instagood #landscape #sunrise #picoftheday #bluehour #visitauckland #nzroamers #framedinnz #landscapes #nztourism #capturenz #travelnz #northislandnz #nzphotography #nzmustsee
An early morning shot of a reservoir in the Waitakere Ranges, Auckland
#waitakere #sunrise #dawn #reservoir #dam #nihotupu #auckland #landscape #explorenewzealand #exploreauckland #discoverauckland #visitauckland #purenz #explorenewzealanddaily #wideangle #longexposure #canon_shots #framedinnz
One of five reservoirs in the Waitakere ranges, Lower Nihotupu Dam supplies water to the Auckland region.
Located West of Auckland, the reservoir covers an area of just under 53 hectares.
The sweeping curve of the spill-water at Nihotupu Reservoir in the Waitakere Ranges creates an interesting blend of architecture and nature.
Looks like a drone shot but isn’t. I was leaning over the edge of the railing. Shot handheld on my 35mm Fujifilm x100f. 5:45am, Nihotupu Reservoir.
#overtheedge #livingontheedge #bluehour #nightlandscape #holbacktheriver #dam #lake #magnumphototos #exploreauckland #discoverauckland #nzlandscapes #purenz #visitauckland #waitakerenightlife #landscape #instagood #picoftheday #naturessculpture #instapic #cinematic #dramatic #fujifilm #x100f #35mm #explorenewzealanddaily #framedinnz #risingphotographers
This is the Lower Nihotupu Dam spillway. Looks pretty cool, doesn't it?
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A rainbow appeared after some light rain over the Nihotupu Dam. Taken from the observation deck at the Arataki Visitor Centre.
Taking a shot into bright sunlight without filters was asking for trouble, but I kept this because I liked the colours that came through
I.D.s 972 & 00175 photographed by John Ward on 1971-07-31 using a 35mm camera producing a colour positive in slide format, then scanned and digitized.
Morris Mini registration plate No CZ 3142.
The location is near Nihotupu above Auckland on the North Island of New Zealand.
In July there were calls to conserve water in Auckland due to low water levels in reservoirs like this one in West Auckland. However after large rainfall in August and September, the dam is at capacity.
#fulltothebrim #overflowing #aucklandwatershortage #dam #reservoir #nihotupu #waitakere #auckland #discoverauckland #exploreauckland #dawn #landscapes #nature #engineering #architecture #canoneosr #canon_nz #lowlight #framedinnz #instagood #fineart #stilllife
Waitākere Ranges are a chain of hills about 15 miles west of central Auckland in the Auckland Region, running approximately 16 miles from north to south. The ranges and surrounding areas were traditionally known to local Māori as Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa (The Great Forest of Tiriwa). It is under the jurisdiction of the Auckland Council. The ranges are covered in native forest, most of which is in the process of regeneration since extensive logging and farming in the mid–late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1894 a group led by Sir Algernon Thomas (the first professor of natural sciences at Auckland University College, now the University of Auckland) persuaded the Auckland City Council to preserve 3,500 acres in the Nihotupu area of the ranges as a bush reserve. In 1895 the national Government vested the land, and several other smaller areas of the ranges, in the City Council as "reserves for the conservation of native flora and fauna". The Waitakere Ranges Regional Park now contains about 39,500 acres; the area is also protected under the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008
The Lower Nihotupu Reservoir (or Lower Nihotupu Dam) is one of five reservoirs in the Waitakere Ranges that supply water to Auckland. Built between 1945 and 1948,.[1] the reservoir covers an area of 52.9 hectares and has a capacity of 4.6 million cubic metres.[2] The reservoir is managed by Water Care Services Limited, a council owned company. -- en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lower_Nihotupu_Reservoir
Help me improve my landscape photography, I guess in terms of composition, enhancing it, post-processing, etc. I am also interested in taking starry skies, but I haven't got the chance yet. I'm hoping I could go with some photographers here in Auckland who could teach me some techniques! Ta!
The pièce de résistance of the Arataki Visitor Centre in the Waitakere Ranges west of Auckland city.
I tried doing a wider multi-shot panorama, but the sky was kind of weird and it didn't look that great. I don't think it was because my camera was changing settings on me or anything. It may just have been the time of day and the way my polarizer filter works. I don't know. I like this shot better anyway because of the cloud shadow on the bush. Makes it a bit more interesting.
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The Upper Nihotupu Dam is part of the Waitakere Ranges Water Supply System
After the completion of the Waitakere Dam in 1910, attention soon turned to the creation of further dams and reservoirs in the Waitakere Ranges to supply the increasing population of Auckland.
Walter Bush, City Engineer, favoured a site north of Piha Road for the Upper Nihotupu Dam. He considered an earth dam could be built there with good storage capacity. Henry Metcalfe (1851- 1918), the consulting engineer engaged to report on Bush's proposal, discovered foundation difficulties at this site. Metcalfe advocated for a concrete dam further down the valley, just above the main Nihotupu Falls. After further reports Bush designed the Upper Nihotupu Dam following Metcalfe's advice.
Tenders were called in 1915 and a Gisborne firm, Langlands and Company, were awarded the contract. Supplies were brought by boat to a special wharf and storage hoppers at Big Muddy Creek. A tramline was constructed up the valley to The Incline - a steep assent where trucks were hauled up to the pipeline track by a steam-powered hauler.
A quarry site for aggregate was cleared at the head of the reservoir and a tramline constructed to the dam site. However, in a freak accident during blasting for this tramline in March 1916, a flying rock killed the contractor William Langlands who was 100 metres (m) away. The contract continued under the control of Langlands' partner but progress was very slow after very heavy rain falls and flooding of the site.
Transportation of materials was delayed by washouts and tunnel collapses. World War One caused major shortages of men and materials. By 1919 foundation trenches had been dug and the first concrete was poured, but the Council was increasingly concerned about the slow progress and water shortages.
To provide additional water storage James Tyler, the Assistant City Engineer, designed a 19.8 m high concrete slab and buttress dam at the original site north of Piha Road. With rapidly increasing water consumption due to a growing population and the installation of flush toilets there was a great need to provide additional storage of 313,000 cubic metres. This auxiliary dam was completed under urgency by June 1921.
Langlands' contract continued to get further behind. The Council refused a request for an extension of time in January 1921. They then took over the contract deciding to complete it with their own engineering staff and day labour. Tyler was given the responsibility for completing the dam by 1923.
Exceptional heavy rainfall and gales on the harbour caused difficulties but by February 1923 the last concrete had been poured and the dam was officially opened by the Hon J G Coates, Minister of Works on 14 April 1923.
All aboard the Dam Tram
The Waitakere Tramline was built in the early 1900s to facilitate repairs and maintenance to the Waitakere Dam. Weekly trips have now been running for 35 years and are a great way to amuse the entire family, whatever the weather.
The Waitakere Tramline is situated about a 40-minute drive from most parts of the greater Auckland area. It offers a great armchair travel experience through the bush, winter or summer. And while one side of the tram is uncovered, the shelter of the rainforest is usually ample protection from any rain you do encounter.
The word "tram" needs to be applied loosely here since the words "miniature railway" might seem more apt, once you're seen the mode of transport on its two-foot gauge line. Built to cart equipment to build the Waitakere Dam in the early 1900s, the 20-seat tram is now run by volunteers.
The views from the "Dam Tram" are spectacular, as is the fauna. Vast kauri trees poke their majestic heads through the forest while clusters of nikau palms sit proudly on the steep sides of this verdant landscape.
The occasional rimu tree droops its whimsical arms over regenerating native bush. And every now and then there is the glimpse of a faraway view, while most of the journey offers an enclosed, but cosy forest feel.
Access to this tram is an adventure in itself. Once you have booked your space on the tram, you are given directions to a long road by a dark green hill and a dusty track, on which tram passengers are instructed to walk up until they arrive at the tram.
.A stop at the return point of the 75-minute journey provides a chance to stretch your legs, walk through the rainforest and discover the surprisingly beautiful Waitakere Dam.
There are two other tramlines in the Waitakere Ranges - the now defunct line by Huia, on which no tram runs any more, and the Waitakere Rainforest Express, which runs to the Nihotupu Dam - crossing the new Sir Edmund Hillary Trail along the way. All you need to do is book in advance, drive about 40 minutes, then sit back and enjoy the view. Literally.
The Waitakere Tramline Society operates four trips a day every Sunday except Queen's Birthday Weekend and Christmas. Adults $10, children aged 5-15 $5, pre-schoolers free. Bookings essential, phone (09) 818 4946. waitakeretramline.org.nz
DEATH OF THE HON. W. SWANSON.
It is with deep regret that we record the death of the Hon. W. Swanson, member of the legislative Council, which occurred last night at his residence, City Road. Mr. Swanson had long passed his three score years and ten, but his death was altogether unexpected, he having enjoyed excellent health and been taking his usual walks about the city, where his figure was familiar to everybody. He was out yesterday and retired to bed in the evening, feeling in his usual health, but he became ill soon after retiring, and Dr. Lewis, who was sent for, arrived just in time to be present at the death. The cause of death was heart failure.
The Hon. W. Swanson was one of Auckland's best-known and most trusted politicians. Born in Leith, near Edinburgh, on May 30, 1819, he early suffered the loss of both his parents, and was brought up under the care first of his paternal grandfather, then subsequently of an uncle. Shortly after attaining his majority, Mr. Swanson completed his apprenticeship as a shipwright, and lost little time in trying his fortunes in the colonies. Arriving in Auckland in 1844, he found employment in various lines, but wages at that time were low in the Northern capital, and Mr. Swanson visited California in the hope of striking something better. His voyage thither was eventful enough, as may be imagined from the fact that it was undertaken a vessel of 14 tons. The shipwright, however, had confidence in his own work, and when the Customs officer at Auckland declined to clear the vessel outwards on account of her being too small for a foreign voyage, Mr. Swanson, the builder and owner, quietly took his departure for the Bay of Islands, where he found an officer either more ignorant, or less strict as to the tonnage of his little craft. His mates, though possessing a theoretical knowledge of seamanship, were divided in opinion on some of the more abstruse points of navigation, and had it not been for the timely aid of a '"passenger"—the late Mr. Bell, brother of Mrs. Allan O'Neill—there is no doubt that the desired haven could never have been reached. With Mr. Bell's assistance, however, Mr. Swanson and his little company found their way to Tahiti, and on to Honolulu, where the vessel was sold, Mr. Swanson, by the transaction, becoming a landed proprietor on a small scale. After working some time in Honolulu at four dollars a day, Mr. Swanson continued his journey, and arrived in California at a time when the wages of skilled artisans ranged from sixteen to twenty-five dollars per day ; he was fortunate in obtaining employment for some length of time at the maximum wage. Returning to this colony in 1852, Mr. Swanson took up land at the place now bearing his name, and engaged heartily in the timber industry. Here he not only met with personal prosperity, but put many others in the way of making a competence. Being popular with all classes, and thoroughly trusted, Mr. Swanson was early marked out for a public career. The first position of importance to which he was elected was that of representative of the West Ward on the City Board, immediately on the formation of that body. The next step was to the Provincial Council, in which he represented first the Northern District of Auckland and then the City West; in 1871 he was elected without contest to a seat for Newton in the General Assembly. Mr. Swanson continued a member of the Provincial Council until the abolition of those bodies in 1876. In the House of Representatives he sat continuously until 1884, when, for the first and only time, he was beaten. This is a splendid record for a politician who has, throughout his career, conscientiously abstained from soliciting votes on his own behalf. Though lost to the Lower House, Mr. Swanson was not long out of harness, for in May, 1885, he was offered a seat in the Upper House, as a fitting acknowledgment of past services as a legislator. This offer was made by the Stout-Vogel Government, and was accepted by Mr. Swanson on condition of its being understood that he was free to act as independently as had always been "his" principle. Ever since his appointment Mr. Swanson has been an active member—not greatly giving to talking, but exercising a salutary influence on the deliberations of the Council. As a citizen, Mr. Swanson was held in high esteem. No charitable object has ever been denied his aid, and his private acts of kindness and generosity have all been done with an absence of ostentation well worthy of imitation. The giving of treats to the children of the public schools has been a favourite means with Mr. Swanson of affording pleasure to others, and these have generally been given on the reassembling of school after the summer vacation.
Mr. Swanson leaves a family of five sons and two daughters to mourn their loss. Two of his sons are in Auckland, one in the Waikato, one at Gisborne and one at the Islands, while both his daughters are married, one being Mrs. Bloomfield, of Gisborne, and the other Mrs. Colwill, of Auckland.
The funeral will take place on Monday, leaving City Road for Waikumete at two p.m.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19030424.2.25
RETURNED SOLDIER'S DEATH.
SUICIDE BY POISONING.
An inquest was held before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., concerning the death of a returned soldier, Norman Read Bloomfield, who died at Nihotupu on Monday last. Deceased was a married man, 37 years of age, carrying on the occupation of a omnibus proprietor. Evidence was given by deceased's solicitor, which showed that deceased had been very depressed of late and had also had financial trouble.
Elizabeth Read Bloomfield, wife of the deceased, stated that during the past three years her husband had suffered severely from consumption and had been unable to work regularly for some time. Early on Monday, 3rd inst., she heard a fall in her husband's room and found that he had fallen out of bed, and was unconscious. She thought that deceased had had another of his customary bad turns and sent to a neighbour for some brandy, and summoned a doctor. A glass which had contained poison, was on a table in the room. Deceased regained consciousness about 11 a.m. On Monday and said he wished he had made a good job of it (taking poison). Death occurred at 10.20 p.m. the same day. Deceased had lately been very depressed but had never threatened suicide His consumption was so far advanced that he was not expected to live many months.
Medical evidence showed that death was due to heart failure caused by drinking poison. Deceased's general condition was very weak and he was in the last stages of consumption.
A verdict that deceased committed suicide by taking poison in a state of depression was returned.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19240305.2.107
MR. CHARLES SWANSON. A very old resident of Auckland, Mr. Charles Swanson, died at the Auckland Hospital on July 2, after a brief illness, aged 81 years. Last week he was in Queen Street, apparently in good health. Mr. Swanson was the eldest son of the late Hon. William Swanson, M.L.C., who arrived in Auckland in 1544, and married a Maori chieftainess. Mr. Charles Swanson was an excellent Maori linguist. He is survived by Mrs. Swanson.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19300705.2.142
DISTRICT PIONEER
DEATH IN AUCKLAND
MRS. M. R. BLOOMFIELD
One of the pioneer women of the Gisborne district, who for many years was known for her hospitality and the open house she kept, Mrs. Mary Read Bloomfield, died in Auckland this week. Born in Auckland in 1863, she was the daughter of the late Mr. William Swanson, M.L.C., one of the first members of Parliament in New Zealand and later a member of the Upper House.
Mrs. Bloomfield spent her early life in Auckland and at the age of 20 married the late Mr. Thomas Edward Read Bloomfield in that city. Mr. Bloomfield brought his bride to Gisborne, where he had a sheep-station in the Te Arai district. The Opou homestead at Manutuke was built by Mr. Bloomfield, who died in 1890.
Mrs. Bloomfield continued to live at Te Arai for some time, taking a keen interest in the welfare of the people of the district and establishing many friendships, which she maintained for most of the years of her residence in Gisborne.
Mrs. Bloomfield is remembered by many present Gisbornians, who as young newcomers to the district were entertained by her at a home she established in Childers road, which was an open house to her many friends. She was also interested in hockey in Gisborne at the turn of the century, when women’s hockey was a comparatively new game. Mrs. Bloomfield is survived by two sons, Mr. William Read Bloomfield, Auckland, and Mr. Ernest Read Bloomfield, Gisborne, and one daughter, Mrs. H. E. Bright, Gisborne. Two sons predeceased their mother.
The funeral took place in Auckland this week.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GISH19471011.2.80
Plot 45: Ani Rangitunoa Swanson 1897 – Heart Disease
William Swanson (84) 1903 – Pioneer Logger – Heart Failure
Norman Read Bloomfield (37) 1924 – Motor Proprietor – Heart Failure
Elizabeth Read Bloomfield (48) 30/6/1934– at Auckland Hospital (ashes)
Charles Swanson – Miner – at Auckland Hospital
Mary Read Bloomfield (83) 1947 – Widow
Plot 47: Hui Rangitunoa Swanson (70) 1897
Harriet Colwill (82) 1951 – Widow(ashes)
In Loving Memory
Of
ANI RANGITUNOA,
wife of
William Swanson
died 4th January
1897
also
WILLIAM SWANSON M.L.C.
Husband of the above
died 23rd April 1903
aged 84 years.
“At Rest”
also NORMAN
beloved husband of
Elizabeth Read BLOOMFIELD
died 3rd March 1924
aged 32 years.
also
CHARLES SWANSON
beloved husband of
Fanney Swanson
and eldest son of the above
died 2nd July 1930
aged 81 years.
In Loving Memory Of
MARY.
Loved wife of
Thomas Edward Read BLOOMFIELD
Died 5th October 1947
HARRIET COLWILL
daughter of
Ani and William Swanson
and beloved mother of
Ruby, Frank, Joyce & Bettie.
Died 3rd Sept. 1951, aged 83 years.
DEATHS
SWANSON.—On January 4, at her late residence, City Road, Ani Rangitunoa, beloved wife of William Swanson, in her 70th year. The funeral will leave her late residence, for Waikomiti Cemetery to-morrow (Wednesday), at 2 p.m. Friends please accept this intimation.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH18970105.2.2.2
SWANSON.—On April 23, 1903, at his residence, City Road, William Swanson, M.L.C., in his 85th year.
Funeral will leave the above for Waikumete on Monday, April 27, at 2 p.m. Friends please accept this intimation.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19030424.2.2.3
READ-BLOOMFIELD.—On March 3, at his residence, Nihotupu, Norman, dearly-beloved husband of Leila Bloomfield, and son of Mary Read-Bloomfield, Gisborne, in his 37th year. Funeral will leave his late residence, Nihotupu, for Waikumete Cemetery at 2.30 to-day.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19240305.2.2.3
SWANSON.—On July 2, 1930, at the Auckland Hospital, Charles, beloved husband of Fanney Swanson, of 502, Dominion Road, and eldest son of the late Honourable William Swanson, M.L.C.; aged 81 years. The funeral will leave the mortuary of C. Little and Sons, Ltd., 209, Son Street, at. 2 p.m. to-morrow (Thursday), for Waikumete Cemetery. Private interment.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19300702.2.4
BLOOMFIELD.—On Saturday, June 30, at the Auckland Hospital, after a Iong illness, Elizabeth Read, widow of the late Norman Read Bloomfield, Nihotupu and Gisborne; aged 48.
Funeral leaves Arthur Holmes' chapel, Abbotsford Street, Newmarket, for Crematorium to-day (Monday), at 2 p.m.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19340702.2.2.3
Bloomfield.—Mary Read, loved mother of Flora Bright, at Auckland on 7th October. Interment at Auckland.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/GISH19471008.2.3
View Norman's military personnel file on line:
ndhadeliver.natlib.govt.nz/delivery/DeliveryManagerServle...
View and/or contribute to Norman's profile on the Auckland War Memorial Museum Cenotaph data base:
www.aucklandmuseum.com/war-memorial/online-cenotaph/recor...
If you are worried about your or someone else's mental health, the best place to get help is your GP or local mental health provider. However, if you or someone else is in danger or endangering others, call police immediately on 111.
Or if you need to talk to someone else:
1737, Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 or (09) 5222 999 within Auckland
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
thelowdown.co.nz – or email team@thelowdown.co.nz or free text 5626
Anxiety New Zealand – 0800 ANXIETY (0800 269 4389)
Supporting Families in Mental Illness – 0800 732 825
OBITUARY.
Another pioneer settler, who was especially familiar to picnickers at the National Park at Waitakerei, passed away on April 17 in the person of Mr William Baxter, formerly of Henderson, who died of heart failure at the age of 74 years. Deceased, who was a fine type of colonist, was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, in 183O, and went to Melbourne when the great gold rush broke out in the middle of last century, arriving in Victoria's capital in 1852. He spent a number of years on the Bendigo and Ballarat goldfields, and was also present at the historic Eureka stockade riots. He had many interesting stories to relate of the rough and occasionally dangerous life on those fields. Subsequently he returned to England, where he married, but the love for the free life of the colonies was strong in him, and he came to New Zealand in the ship Ganges, reaching Auckland in 1863. He passed through the many hardships incidental to the life of the pioneer, and when the Hokitika goldfields were discovered he joined in the rush, spending some little time in Westland. He had his third experience of goldfields life at the Thames, being one of the early arrivals on that field. Returning to Auckland, he opened a general store in Karangahape road, being in business there for some years. In the later seventies he retired from business, and started fruitgrowing at Henderson, where his farm, one of the last on the road to the Nihotupu Falls, became a very popular camping ground for picnickers to the Waitakerei Ranges. He came back to Auckland in December last, and enjoyed good health until about a fortnight ago, when he was suddenly attacked by influenza. Pleurisy supervened, followed finally by heart failure. He gradually sank, dying peacefully at four o'clock yesterday afternoon. Mr. Baxter enjoyed excellent health all through his life, and was highly esteemed by all with whom he came in contact. He is survived by his widow and two sons, Messrs. W. E. Baxter, well known in musical circles, and Mr. F. Baxter, a member of the literary staff of this journal.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19040418.2.56
DIED SUDDENLY.
MR. WILLIAM BAXTER.
It will be with much regret that many old-time residents of this city will learn of the sudden death of Mr. William Baxter, a gentleman who came with his parents and family to Auckland more than half a century ago, and he has lived here ever since. Mr. Baxter, who was about sixty-one years old, was well known in the world of music. He had not been in the best of health for some time, and it was while visiting Mr. Samuel Adams, of Symonds Street, musician, that he expired suddenly of heart failure. During his life in Auckland he has been active in musical circles, and has been choirmaster of Sacred Heart and St. Benedict's, also organist at the Newton Congregational Church. Mr. Baxter had lived for many years in Gundry Street, Newton, and is survived by his widow, three sons, and one daughter. All three sons had offered their services, and two are in France. The interment at Waikumete cemetery took place this afternoon. Many friends followed the cortege, and a great number of wreaths and flowers were piled upon the grave.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19180701.2.40
A resident in Auckland for over 55 years, Mrs William Baxter died yesterday afternoon at the dwelling of her daughter-in-law. Deceased, who was born in Leeds, Yorkshire. England, arrived in Auckland in the ship Ganges in October, 1863, with her husband and two sons. As the Waikato War was then in progress, Mr Baxter was enrolled in the Militia and had to do patrol duty around the outskirts of the town. After carrying on a grocery business in Karangahape Road for some years, Mr and Mrs Baxter went fruitgrowing at Henderson, at what is now still known as "Baxter's Bush." In 1903 they returned to town to live, and since the death of Mr Baxter the widow resided with her eldest son, the late Mr W. E. Baxter. The only other son is Mr Fred Baxter, of the literary staff of the "Auckland Star." The interment took place, this morning at Waikumete Cemetery, the service at the grave being conducted by the Rev. Frederic Warner, minister of Beresford Street Congregational Church, of which Mrs Baxter was one of the oldest members.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19181121.2.75
LONG LIFE ENDS.
VETERAN JOURNALIST
MR. FRED BAXTER'S RECORD.
LINK WITH EARLY DAYS.
A picturesque figure in journalism in the Auckland Province for over 50 years, Mr. Fred Baxter, of Ladies' Mile, Remuera, died yesterday. About a week ago he underwent a severe operation.
Mr. Baxter, who was in his eighty first year, retained his interest in journalism right up to the time of his death. He was engaged in writing his experiences in the early days of the province. During his life Mr. Baxter "covered" many exciting events in the history of New Zealand for the "Auckland Star," chief amongest which was the Tarawera eruption of 1886.
Born in Bradford, Yorkshire, England, in 1859, Mr. Baxter came to New Zealand with his parents and brother in the ship Ganges, landing at Auckland in October, 1803. His father, Mr. William Baxter, first had a grocery business at the corner of Great North Road and Newton Road. Over 60 years ago the family went to Henderson Valley and started a fruit farm on an area still known as Baxter's. Mr. Fred Baxter returned to town, and for some time worked for Robertson Bros., provision merchants. His next job was with a small paper known as the "Evening Telephone," which later was absorbed by the "Evening Bell." In 1884 Mr. Baxter joined the staff of the "Auckland Star" and remained with the firm until he was retired on superannuation in July, 1935. He came to the "Star" as a junior reporter shortly after the premises were removed from Wyndham Street to Shortland Street and worked his way up to the position of chief of staff.
Interest in Mining.
Among many interesting jobs that came his way as a general reporter was the "covering" of the opening of the Rotorua railway, on which occasion the late Rt. Hon. R. J. Seddon drove the engine of the first train. Mr. Baxter also attended the three days' meeting of one thousand natives at Ruatoki, in the Urewera Country, at which the Maoris decided to open the gates of that big territory to the pakeha. On another occasion he went with a posse of police to rescue a Maori girl who had been abducted by another tribe. Mr. Baxter started the "Star's" commercial column and was mining reporter for more than forty years.
He never engaged in public affairs, but the efficient and impartial manner in which he carried out his professional duties, and his high personal qualities won him the respect and friendship of many Aucklanders. He took a very keen interest in the welfare of the Maori race and was known far and wide as a collector of greenstone. He was also interested in stamps, and at one time conducted a philatelic column. He was also an enthusiastic gardener. Mr. Baxter was a member of Lodge Ara 348 I.C.
He is survived by his wife, two daughters, Miss Ethel Baxter and Miss Margaret Baxter, and two sons, Mr. Fred D. Baxter and Mr. Owen L. Baxter.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19391211.2.100
Plot 3: William Edward Sawers Baxter – Musician – Heart failure
Elizabeth Baxter – Widow – Old age
Plot 4: William Baxter – Farmer – Heart failure
Plot 5: Fred Baxter – Rtd Journalist
Fred Davies Baxter (72) 21/12/1968 – Rtd Solicitor (ashes)
Plot 6: John Baxter (3 hours) 1904
Elizabeth Baxter
In Loving Memory
of
WILLIAM BAXTER
born 11th Oct. 1829.
died 17th April 1904.
aged 74 years.
"He giveth his beloved sleep."
Also ELIZABETH,
beloved wife of the above
died 20th Nov. 1918, aged 89.
And WILLIAM EDWARD S.
their eldest son
died 29 June 1918 aged 62.
In Loving Memory of
FRED BAXTER
Died 10th December 1939
Aged 80 years.
Also his beloved wife
ELIZABETH
Died 14th March 1961
aged 91 years.
And their infant son
Died 5th July 1904
DEATHS
BAXTER.—On April 17, at his late residence, Sussex-street, Grey Lynn, William Baxter (native of Leeds, Yorkshire, and recently of Henderson), beloved husband of Elizabeth Baxter, in his 75th year.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19040418.2.2.3
BAXTER.—On June 29, at Auckland suddenly, William Edward Sawers, beloved husband of Annie C. Baxter, and eldest, son of Mrs Wm. Baxter, of Gundry Street, Newton; aged 61 years. Interred at Waikumete to-day.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/AS19180701.2.82
BAXTER.—On November 20, 1918, at the residence of her daughter-in-law, Mrs. W. E. Baxter, Gundry Street, Newton, Elizabeth Baxter, widow of the late William Baxter, formerly of Henderson; aged 89 years.—Passed peacefully away.
Private interment this morning, Waikumete.
paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19181121.2.2.4
BAXTER.—On December 10, 1939, at a private hospital, Fred, the beloved husband of Elizabeth Baxter, of 82 Ladies Mile, Remuera, and father of Ethel, Fred D., Owen L. and Margaret Baxter; in his 81st year.
The funeral will leave the above address at 10.30 a.m. to-morrow (Tuesday), December 12, for Waikumete Cemetery.