Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition 1898 pt II

Last post we looked at Auckland Exhibition of 1898 and Ed Bartley's role on some of the organising committees. Here we consider the closing stages of that event and ask: what was the result?

In mid January an interactive display was held over two nights in the Choral Hall.
Here the public had the opportunity of seeing experiments in electro/magnetism and other aspects of physics provided by the University College. For many this was their first exposure to the potenial uses of electricity.
Edward Bartley and other members of the Auckland Microscopic Club were on hand with the largest collection of microscopes ever seen in the region. There were 100 laid out with specimens which the public were invited to view.1 Edward was a founder member of the organisation, which was formed in 1885, and included fellow Auckland Institute members J A Pond and Josiah Martin.
This educational focus on innovation in science, technology and research was key to the Exhibition.

A Portrait Image c 1900 BFA

The push to establish a full time technical school in Auckland was also advanced by the exhibition. Edward was one of the founders of the Auckland Technical Association which had been campaigning for technical training in Auckland. By 1895 evening classes were available but there was still no  daytime programme for school leavers. Wellington already had such a school run by the Education Board on the South Kensington School curriculum.

Only two months after the exhibition the Education Board was making enquiries about a site in Wellesley St to be a combined teacher and technical training facility. Despite the support of the University College for pre-tertiary technical training, it was the Auckland association that provided a day school. The Auckland Technical School opened in 1903.

The exhibition also measurably advanced educational opportunities for the blind. Dr Purchas' braille printing machine was both invented in Auckland and first exhibited at this Auckland event. It allowed for a semi-mechanised production of braille type by impress on a copper drum- a huge improvement on the hand punching method then in use.2

Buoyed by their local success some Auckland exhibitors were already looking to London and to the proposed Paris Exposition Universelle, the international celebration of the new century of commercial opportunity. This was a world fair due to open on 14 April 1900. The Greater Britain section had provision for New Zealand exhibits.

The Auckland exhibition was visited by Hon L L Smith of Victoria - a member of the executive committee for Greater Britain representation. In an open letter to the press he expressed the view, with regard to Paris: 'you have here the nucleus...of a first class New Zealand exhibition.'3

Northern businessmen were keen to make their own arrangements. For example the Thames Machinery Company made offers to their counterparts in Victoria and Queensland to mount a joint display of cyanide extraction techniques.4

In late January the Governor's office advised the premises would be required on the 1 March.

NZH 18 Jan 1899

There was earlier such an outcry at a suggested closing date of 18 February that the exhibition remained open until the last available day -28th February. Not only did the event run at a profit, it was held to have fulfilled the intentions of the Auckland Chamber of Commerce in that it performed 'all that was expected of it as a public educator and an advertising medium for the products of the colony.'5 

The buildings were purchased by the industrialist JJ Craig of Auckland.

The Exhibitor award medals for the exhibition. Image AWMM

For those interested in the history of exhibitions and world fairs we recommend a visit here
You may enjoy a rare film archive of Exposition Universelle Paris 1900 here


1. NZH 18 Jan 1899- 20 Jan 1899
2. Ibid 14 Jan 1899. For Dr Purchas' biography see here
3. Ibid 30 Jan 1899
4. Ibid 16 Mar 1899
5. Ibid  28 Feb 1899

Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition 1898-99

The opening of the Auckland Exhibition, Auckland Weekly News 9 Dec 1898

Welcome back everyone. We are starting the research year of 2018 with a look at a summer spectacular - open from December 1898.

This is a longer post than usual. The main reason is that there is little material available in an accessible form on this topic. Our connection is Edward Bartley's involvement but we also touch here on the early history of the 'University Precinct' of Auckland- Princes St, Symonds St in particular.

In 1898 Auckland put on a great extravaganza - the Industrial and Mining Exhibition - which was part of a worldwide phenomenon begun in Europe in 1851 and continuing until the Great War.

Any adult attending the Auckland Exhibition that year could be said to belong to the 'exhibition generation'. Certainly Edward Bartley was a good example of this. He was there with his family at the Great Exhibition in London during the summer of 1851 - aged 11.

This image published by the Guardian shows the Great Exhibition buildings, London, visited by 6 million people

Coming to New Zealand three years later he must have been struck by the contrast - from Paxton's great glass house filled with technology and international design to the single storey timber stores on Auckland's waterfront.
We know he was also struck by the exquisite natural beauty of this country-first seen at that Great Exhibition- beginning his lifelong engagement with New Zealander timber, stone and vegetation.

This trans-national inter-connecting effect of the 'Exhibition' was hugely influential in forming aspirational and international patterns of thinking and being in the world. This theme has recently been explored by New Zealand historians.The PhD research of  Ewan Johnston specifically concerns the representation of Pacific peoples at exhibitions up to 1940. For this and relevant recent research refer here.

The proposal to mount an exhibition in Auckland was presented in January 1898 by the Auckland Chamber of Commerce whose president Mr Bart. Kent chaired the Executive Exhibition Committee.

The many committees and sub-committees included influencers in every area of endeavour active in Auckland at that time. Five acres were made available for showgrounds at the former Government House grounds, entered via Princes St in the central city. 70,000 square feet of covered space was specified, a cycling track and associated detached structures.

Edward was elected to the Building and Lighting Committee and to the Arts and Decorating Committee. His involvement with the Society of Arts was valued on the latter. The Choral Hall in Symonds St was to be the venue for an art exhibition open to all art society members throughout Australia and New Zealand.

Architects appointed to the Building Committee all had a hand in designing the centre piece - the main exhibition hall. De Montalk, Skinner and Arnold presented concept drawings for discussion.
Final plans were presented to the Executive, drawn up by Robert de Montalk, and accepted in April 1898.1

Sketch of the Proposed Exhibition Buildings Auckland 1898 AWN 28 May 1898

NZH 2 May 1898

This image, taken just before the opening ceremony shows the main entrance and orientation of the exhibition buildings. AWN 9 Dec 1898

The cycle track designed for the event was of concrete construction, banked for racing 5 laps to the mile. A running track was provided in the centre

The cycle track under construction AWN14 Oct 1898

The Cycle Track viewing area during the first day of the exhibition AWN 9 Dec 1898

One main focus of the Exhibition was the mineral resources of the region.  Organisers clearly intended to improve on the successful exhibitions already held in more southern provinces. 

In the words of the NZ Herald the event was 'an incontrovertible assertion of our industrial progress and an undeniable advertisement of our mineral resources.'2

Auckland emphasised the diversity as much as the technology. Coal and kauri gum from Whangarei, Dargaville and further North was found in the Minerals Court, with the latest mining and processing technology from the  gold mining strongholds of Coromandel and Thames.

The Story of Gold, as told by the Hauraki Region AWN 25 Nov 1898

Security was necessarily tight for the duration of the exhibition. Here officers are on duty at the Northland stand. AWN 16 Dec 1898 

It is noticable in the accounts and images that the standard of presentation and the content of the displays was far higher in 1898 than a modern 'expo' goer would be likely to meet today. Visitors expected to be informed as well as entertained. Some exhibitors, such as the Thames School of Mines, for their part, expected to attract a new generation into the industry.

Meanwhile in the manufacturing hall crowds of spectators gathered around the working looms of the Onehunga Woollen Mills. These recently imported machines were demonstrated by trained operators who invited close questioning by their audience.3

Luxury manufacturing in the province was also strong feature of the event. Then as now Auckland looked to American and Australian trends as much as British or local ones.

The Luxurious stand of Iredale's Ladies Wear - note the high standard of joinery and fittings on this temporary display.

A sophisticated refreshment stand - the Nathan's kiosk sold teas and iced teas throughout the event. AWN 10 Feb 1899

Arts, cultural  and sporting prowess in Auckland was equally celebrated at this exhibition. In addition to the modern sport of cycling, demonstrations of rhythmic gymnastics for youth of both genders looked forward to the health movements of the coming 20th century.
A particular highlight was the Exhibition Choir, of 600 voices, with orchestra and invited soloists performing Arthur Sullivan's 'The Golden Legend'. Music recitals and concert performances, both at exhibitor stands and other venues, occurred throughout months of the exhibition.

In our next post we consider the closing of the Exhibition and how it affected the region.

1. ref NZH 29 April 1989
2. ref NZH 28 May 1898
3. ref NZH 14 Dec 1898

Kensington Park Grandstand Whangarei- Design by Edward Bartley

Grandstand Interior. Image Prana Art Project for BFA 2017

In April 1902 the Whangarei Agricultural and Pastoral Association resolved to purchase Kensington Park ground as a permanent home 1. A government subsidy of  £500 was received in October 1902. Meanwhile the Association joined forces with the newly formed Whangarei Racing Club. Together they decided to develop the park with upgraded facilities-including a new grandstand. Edward Bartley was appointed as architect for that part of project 2.

Bartley worked over a wide geographical area - from Gisborne northwards. In the cities he was best known for his ASB banks, churches and commercial buildings. In rural areas it was mainly in his role as architect to the Auckland Charitable Aid Board that led to introductions. In Whangarei his donation of plans and supervision to the hospital, along with his Council work and commercial clients in Bank St, meant his bowler hat and dust coat were often seen. He also had strong links with both the racing fraternity and the A&P Association. Those links began in the early 1870's when the NZ Pedigree Stock Association and A&P and Farmer's Associations began to erect permanent buildings in the Auckland region.

The design which was settled on for Whangarei was a barrel roofed grandstand. It was very similar to, though smaller than, the design for Avondale Racing Club where Bartley had been engaged. That stand was opened in February 1902. No doubt members of the Whangarei Racing Club  inspected it at first hand during the 1902 racing season.

Avondale Racing Club Grandstand AWN 22 Sept 1904

There was plenty to be done before the new building could get underway. A new entrance and drive were constructed first. New cattle pens and other show facilities were a top priority. The re-siting of the race course took time to resolve and implement and the unsafe old stands were demolished.

So it was not until September 1903 that Edward Bartley advertised tenders for the Whangarei stand.

NZH 15 Sept 1903

Matters proceeded quickly once a figure was agreed on and the building was finished in a matter of months for £1200.

The side elevation closest to Kensington Park. The associated booths are original. Image BFA 2017

Edward Bartley designed a similar grandstand for the Ohinemuri Racing Club (later the Paeroa Racing Club) at Paeroa in 1904. That one no longer survives. It burned down in the 1980's after years of neglect.

 Kensington Park grandstand nearly met the same fate. Fortunately it was relocated and restored for  the Northland Hockey Association. A more recent renovation in 2009 brought the building up to modern fire safety standards - modifications Edward Bartley would certainly approve of. His many designs for public amenities and institutions were characterised by the latest advances in fire safety, a personal as well as professional interest of his.

AWN 19 Oct 1922

This is a comfortable grandstand for viewing, even by modern standards. The barrel roof acts as an early form of climate control. A careful calculation of the angle and depth for the overhanging verandah means that no one is ever looking directly into the sun. The worst of mid-summer glare is shielded from spectator's eyes. Kauri and steel posts are spaced well apart, considering their load. This allows for good visibility and flow of 'traffic' entering and leaving the stand.
These days one is more at risk from a flying hockey ball than a pressing crush of racegoers.
The grandstand is now situated on the Northland Hockey Association grounds, Park Ave Whangarei -on the outskirts of Kensington Park.

The building is listed Category 1 with the Historic Places Trust.3

1. AS19020424
2. AS19020920, NZ19020911
3. Refer http://www.heritage.org.nz/the-list/details/3829

Some Irish Lines - Tobin of Cork, Eire

I had a request recently for more images of some of the Irish connections of the Bartley families. Today we focus on Patrick Tobin who settled in Wellington, New Zealand.

Patrick Tobin abt 1919, taken before his journey to NZ

Patrick was the third of eight children born to Maurice Tobin and Bridget O'Donnell of Michelston, Cork, Eire. The Tobin farm at Curaghavoe is still held in the family, despite the history of conflict and famine in the region during the nineteenth century. The imposed laws of inheritance, along with economic distress, led to an ongoing dispersal of Irish people around the world. Within that framework, the Tobin's tenure and connection to their place of origin remained resilient. Many of Patrick's wider family group did not fare so well.

His paternal grandparents were Maurice Tobin and Ellen McGrath. His mother's parents were Patrick O'Donnell and Ellen Connell. The O'Donnell's were farmers from Lyreen, Cork. His O'Donnell uncles immigrated to New Zealand in the 1880's and facilitated their nephew's settlement later on.
Their only sister, Bridget married Maurice Tobin at Kilworth, Fermoy on 5 February 1893. She was 22 years old. This photo of Bridget with her mother Ellen Connell was most likely taken to mark that occasion.

Patrick's eldest sibling, Nellie, was born in 1894, followed by Maurice in 1899 and Patrick himself in 1901. John was born in 1902, May in 1903, Bridget 1905, Catherine in 1906 and Margaret in 1911.

Maurice Tobin, who also came to New Zealand

John Tobin, who took over the farm from his father 

Mother Bridget nee O'Donnell in the centre with daughters Bridget Tobin on the right, Catherine Tobin on the left

Peg (Margaret) on the left with May on the right

May Tobin, second left at front, completing her schooling just as the Great War began





After the Great War came the escalation of civil disorder in Ireland. Patrick left for New Zealand as soon as domestic travel was resumed for immigrants in 1919. Maurice came later in 1923. The family story was that Maurice had originally planned to succeed to the farm, as eldest son, but it was not safe for him to remain in Cork any longer. Certainly the brothers were at opposite sides of the political spectrum, a situation common to many families at this time. The assassination of a relative in January 1923, was reported here in the NZ Herald (08 Jan 1923). Maurice, also a government employee, left almost immediately afterwards.

Maurice settled in Auckland, New Zealand and married late in life. He died there in 1967 and was interred at Mangere cemetery with his wife Della.

John meanwhile had joined cousins in New York, a culture which he relished. He returned to Cork in 1926, when their father Maurice died aged 60.

John enjoying an American St Patrick's Day in the early 1920s

Catherine, also known as Kate or Kathleen, also went to the United States.

Kathleen on a trip home to Ireland in 1941 to attend her mother's funeral

Patrick, after his journey to Wellington, joined his O'Donnell cousins at their market gardens north of the city. Trained as a radio operator he found clerical work in Wellington more in demand. During the 1930's he worked in the head office of J R McKenzie's department stores.

Here Patrick, front row far left, in the support role for the 1934 McKenzie's rugby team

 Patrick met Annie Coyne from Makahu, Taranaki and married in Wellington on 25 June 1927. Patrick and Annie had four daughters - Eileen, who joined the Sisters of St Joseph; Patricia, who married Harold Bartley and settled in Auckland; Margaret, who died young; and Kathleen, who married Murray Elliott and settled in Darwin, Australia.

Patrick and Annie on their wedding day

Eldest daughter Eileen Tobin (1928-2003)

Patrick and Annie with their youngest daughter Kathleen

Second daughter Patricia (1929-2012) on her wedding day 

New Flight Information

Royal Square St Helier,  an extract from the Ouless Album on file BFA

We have some exciting new research results to share today.
For the last few months I have been looking to clarify the information transcribed from the Bartley headstone Plot 180 at Green St Cemetery, Jersey. This work was done for us in the late 1980s by CIFHS volunteers. They did a marvellous job with what was then operating as a postal request service. The headstone was very weathered on the seaward side even then and no photograph was supplied. All the same, some valuable information was collected.
In places the volunteers had to make educated guesses. In particular the entries for Judith Caplain and Ann Flight were obscure. I am happy to say we can now clear up some of the confusion and add to our family story.

Anne Flight is recorded as wife of William Bartley, which she was. They married on 22 April 1797 at St Peter Port, Guernsey. What happened next goes a long way to explaining that confusing headstone. William Bartley died some time between 1801 and 1806. This was war time and it is likely he was involved in some way. His death record has not yet been found.

Widowed Anne remarried in 1806 to Nicolas Le Cappelain. We now know their daughter Judith Nancy Le Cappelain is the lady also mentioned in the transcript. Her name is anglicised to Caplain.
It took some time to find Judith’s marriage. Her husband was not a Bartley, as the transcribers had guessed. Judith married one Robert BAKER, who was from St Austell, Cornwall.
Judith was not found in the 1841 census of the Channel Islands and nor was Robert. We are not certain where she was living before her death in December 1845. She was buried with her mother and step family so it is possible she was herself widowed by this time.

That is not the end of the story concerning Anne Flight though. We had her date of death from the transcription which suggested that she had died in St Helier. That seemed likely but I could find no trace of her in the burial records of any Jersey parish. I had no luck finding her testament or probate in British or Jersey courts. Where was she? In desperation I widened my search to include court reports of all kinds held at Jersey Archives. There I found something astonishing.

 In September 1836 one John Hemmett was prosecuted for the mistreatment of his wife Ann Flight. The documents concerning the prosecution are not publicly available, so I am not able to publish the scan supplied. We can, however, paraphrase from my amateur translation:
On the night of 24 to 25 August 1836 Hemmett returned home late. His wife was asleep in bed but he attacked her ‘with violent force’. During the attack her jaw was broken and other injuries sustained. A neighbour raised the alarm and he was arrested by the constable. It is likely that this incident was a culmination of a repeating pattern, as guilt was admitted on appearance at court on September 3.

The outcome was a separation.  In essence the Court ordered Hemmett to surrender his wife’s possessions in the presence of a constable, to pay a financial compensation and to leave her alone. The financial and legal ramifications of any failure to observe the terms of this non-molestation order were clearly delineated. (Ref JA D/Y/G1/10/274)
Anne died 2 years after this incident. A return to the burial records of St Helier found her entry, the expected 5 days after the death date recorded at the cemetery. Given the circumstances it is no wonder her son Robert saw to it that she was interred at their family plot under his father’s name.

Here is a summary of our information about Anne and Judith:
Anne FLIGHT born 13 Jan 1775 child of Thomas FLIGHT and Anne ROBERT, was baptised at town church St Peter Port Guernsey, Channel Islands on 15 January 1775. (ref. IGI B7133719 50. Film sighted 11/97). She died 17 December 1838 aged 63 and was buried 22 December 1838 at Green St Cemetery St Helier. (Ref Parish Record Index 22 Dec 1838 Ann Hemmett – original not sighted).
At age 22 Anne married William BARTLEY, son of John of St Austell, Cornwall (IGI 7132323). William died before 1806.  There were two sons Robert John (1798) and William James (1801). It is possible there was also a daughter Betsy born about 1804.
Anne married Nicholas LE CAPPELAIN (CAPLAIN) when she was 31, 0n 23 April 1806 at St Peter Port. (IGI index only sighted 2010.) Their daughter Judith Nancy Le Cappelain was born about 1807 at St Peter Port, Guernsey. Judith married Robert BAKER at the town church in St Helier, Jersey. (Parish record index states ‘Capelain’. Robert was from St Austell.
Judith died on 19 December 1845 and was interred in the Bartley plot 180, Green St Cemetery.

Some time before 1836 Anne married John HEMMETT. They separated in September 1836.

Summer Holiday

Thank you everyone for your support during the year. Hope you enjoy this visual celebration of the New Zealand Summer. Have a wonderful holiday season and travel safe

Festive Entertainment advertised Auckland Star 23 December 1876

The Auckland Photographic Club Summer excursion at Auckland Domain. Possibly Fred Bartley seated 3rd from left. Undated Image BFA

Auck Star 21 Dec 1876

The family of Robert and Esther Bartley at Taupaki early 1900s. Donated Image BFA

Cheltenham Beach, interwar years. Image by George Bartley BFA

Crozier family picnic Southland early 1900s Image Harry Crozier BFA

Takapuna Beach January 1906 Image SGGSC A256

Alice Bartley and Stephen Gilbert

This is the last of our posts on the children of Robert Bartley and Esther Kerby.

Today we are with Alice Bartley who was born at home in Chapel St, Auckland on 21 February 1858. We know very little about Alice herself. It is likely she met Stephen through his family relationship to her brother in law. Their families also shared adherence to the Wesleyan faith.

The Gilbert family travelled to New Zealand on the same ship as their cousins, the Rountree family. (Stephen Gilbert Rountree later married Julia Bartley). Their intention was to take up land north of Auckland. Parents, James and Eliza Gilbert, travelled with four daughters and three sons, one of whom was Stephen. Their ship SS Portland set a record time from Gravesend to Auckland. 181 passengers arrived in New Zealand on 22 July 1863, after leaving port on 31 April of that year.

The Gilberts did not farm their land for long. Their property, around the Waikiekie/ Matakohe area was rough country with poor access. These settlements around Port Albert and the western side south of Whangarei were originally established by immigrants with shared religious and cultural values. Many prospective settlers in this area made a second, more informed decision, about their likelihood of success once they had first hand experience of the conditions.  Instead of farming the Gilbert family moved to Auckland. James worked a few years for the 'New Zealander' before establishing a drapery in Parnell.

Stephen's first employer was the manufacturing pharmacist J. N. Manning. He continued his apprenticeship when the business was sold, working under the new owner James Sharland.
By 1879, when he married Alice Bartley, he was qualified and ready to his set up his own premises.

Ak Star 4 June 1881

The Gilbert Pharmacy opened at 223 Queen St in May 1881. The following year he moved to a better position at the other end of Queen St.

Ak Star 3 June 1882

  He continued to trade there until the business moved to K Rd in 1907. The new pharmacy was in Probert's Buildings on a good corner site which is recognisable today.

A 1909 view of the pharmacy. Image SGGSC 7-A4756

Alice and Stephen had one daughter, Flora who was born in 1882. She later married Reginald Hooton.

Stephen predeceased Alice. He died in 1938, at Epsom, Auckland. Alice followed almost ten years later in 1947.






Research by M W Bartley

Charles Bartley son of Robert Bartley and Esther Kerby

We are continuing our introduction to the children of Robert Bartley and Esther Kerby.

We have no images and scant information concerning Charles, their fourth child.

It would be wonderful to hear from a researcher who is able to tell us more about this family.

Charles Bartley was born at home in Chapel St, Auckland on the 13 January 1856. This was the family’s second year in Auckland after their arrival from Jersey, Channel Islands.

As his father and brother had done, Charles became a builder. About 1885 he married Letitia Jane GEE. She was the eldest of seven children born to Thomas Gee and Jane GOW. Thomas was a coach builder in Auckland.

Obituary for Letitia's father NZH 07 July 1902

Charles and Letitia moved to Richmond Rd after their marriage. Their family included Winifred Esther (b1886), Dulcibel Gee (b 1887) and Harry Mervyn (b1894).

Birth notice for Winifred AES 2 Feb 1886

Winifred married Alex MCLELLAN in 1914. Dulcie married, after the war ,to Thomas Henry PEARCE in about 1920.

Harry's death in 1944 was unexpected NZH 14 July 1944

Charles Bartley died at Matai Rd, Greenlane, Auckland in January 1926. Letitia passed away in 1939.

AES 29 January 1926