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EMMA ASPIN
 

5.       EMMA married JAMES ARTHUR EDMUND (JIM) SHORT at the Registrar's Office, Auckland on 18th March 1898.
View James and Emma's Marriage Certificate here.

Their thirteen children –

(1) MARY KATHLEEN  (dec'd).
      No family.

(2) WILLIAM JAMES (BILL) (dec’d)
      m Myra  Josephine Millar (dec’d)
      Josephine Theresa
  m Graham William Thomas Holland (dec'd)
                  John  (dec’d)
                  Susan Theresa
              m Graeme Ronald Phillip Hughes
                                    Alexandria Marie
                                    Staci Josephine
                  Gaylene Michele
              m David Paul Wood
                                    Nicholas Paul
                  Vivien Josephine
              m Robert John Grove
                                    Margaret Ellen  (Maggie)
                                    Grace Patricia
      Colleen Mary
  m Des Patrick Jordan
                  Laurence William (Larry)
              m Adrienne Jayne Smith
                                    Kieren Patrick
                                    Mallory Jane
                  Richard Grant (Grant)
              m Diane Jan Bosher
                                    Janna Rose
                                    Brittney (dec’d)
                                    Shannay Hillary
                  Kerry John
              m Patricia  Elaine Knight
      Patricia  Madge (dec’d)
  m Barry Walter George Ward
                  Mark Kevin
                  Leanne Marie
              m Phillip Gardiner
                                    Joshua Hayden
                                    Brianna Patricia
                  Angela Helen
              m Murray Haywood
                                    Samantha Elise
                                    Mitchell Jack
                                    Riley Dean
                  Rochelle Patricia
              m Howard Barrett
      Elaine Elizabeth
  m Barry Peter O'Malley  (dec’d)
                  Peter James
                  Vaughan Ainsley
                  Karlin Elizabeth
              m Regan Blain Somers
                                    Bridget Elaine
      Naomi Margaret
  m Phil Joseph Schultz
                  Kristine Anne
              m Brett Tristram
                                    Kayleigh Nicole
                  Jeffery Philip
              & Tania Browne
                                    Jordan Reece
                  Wayne Michael
              & Erin Collins
                                    Cody Mark
                                    Jessie James

     Wilma Myra  (Billie)
  m Elton John Knight
                  Tracey Michele
              m John Phillips
                                    Devon Brooke
                                    Kendall Grace
                  Glen Elton
              m Vanessa Leber
                  Darren John

(3) THOMAS ASPIN SHORT  (dec’d)
      m Beryl Fabian  (dec’d)
      Maurice Aspin
  m Carol Joy Pickering
                  Gregory Maurice
              m Julie Ann Vickery
                                    Matthew James
                                    Joshua Gregory
                                    Aidan John
                                    Brandon Maurice
                  Mark Raymond
              m Penny Lorraine Burrows
                                    Jeremy Thomas
                                    Sophie Lorraine
                                    Alice Mary Rose
                  Bronwyn Therese
              m Stephen Maurice Griffin
                                    Brittany Therese
                                    Arielle Rose
                                    Matthew John
                                    Marcella Ruby
                                    Claudia Emma

(4) JOHN HENRY (JACK) (dec'd)
      m Gwendoline Myra Moyle
      Marilyn Vivian
  m Raymond Cairns
                  Lauretta Marilyn
              m Gerard Karl
                                    Luana
                                    Jake
                  Jacqueline Mae
              & Shaun
                                    Bailee
                  Adrian Raymond Henry
      Nelda Marlene Emma
  m Frederick James Putt
                  Sharon Marie
              m Richard Winter
                                    Jakob
                  Jeffrey Paul
      John Gary
  m Fae Thomas
                  Stephen John
                  Vicki Maree
      Gladys
  m Terrence Howard
                  Patrick Francis
                  Kylie Ann
                  Stuart Paul John

(5) JAMES WILLIAM (JIM) (dec'd)
      m Rose Newlyn   (dec’d)
      Marion Emma
  m Leo Clayton May
                  Debbie Leanne
              m Graham Bruce Berry
                                    James Graham
                                    Peter Bruce
                  Andrea Lynn
              m Ian Raymond Adams
                                    Lynlee Rose
                                    Neil John
                                    Leon Andre Ian
                  Tracy Frances
              m Geoffrey Kenneth Letcher
                                    Emma Frances
                                    Sophie Eva
                                    Jack
      James Francis (Jim)
  m Stephanie Mabel Conway (dec’d)
                  Christine Ann
              m Eddie Robert Kuysten
                                    Rachel Marie
                                    Joshua Edward James
                  Stuart James
                  Jeffrey
              m Karen Mare Hintz
                                    Emma Lea
                                    Natasha Marie
                                    Sarah Ann
                                    Martin James
                                    Samantha Elizabeth
                                    Benjamin Ray
      Laurence Arthur
  m Patricia Evelyn Profner
                  Lynette Ann
              m Matthew Dalamore
                                    Kim Marie
                                    Jason Mathew
                  Peter Laurence
                  Kevin James
              m Lee
                                    Ayla
                                    Anthena
                                    Arian
                  Stephen Carl
      Heather Helen
  m Allan Arthur Bunn
                  Philippa Marie
              m Wayne Godinet
                                    Christopher James
                                    Nadia Marie Ihimaera
                  Michelle Veronica
              m Rick Haliday
                  Leah
      Ivan
  m Merilyn Curreen
                  David (dec'd)
                  Michael Andrew
                  Kerry David
              m Sarah Tepania
                  Lisa Maree
              m Ashley Tristan Wallace
                  Angela Tracy
              m Joshua Ace Marx
                                    Chantel Wynter

(6) LESLIE EARL    (dec'd).
      No family.

(7) ARTHUR EDMOND (ARTIE) dec’d
      No family.

(8) ROBERT JOSEPH CALLAN (BOB)  (dec'd)
      m Louisa Charlotte Queen (dec’d)
      Mervyn Robert (dec’d)
      Lois Elma
  m Ronald Keith Dickey (dec'd)
      (Lois’s partner is Joseph Saunders)
                  Christine Ann
              m Robert Leslie  McCulloch
                  (Christine remarried Rowan Muir)
                  Karin Lois
              m Gordon King
                                    Robert Victor
                                    Amy Lois
                  Douglas  Ronald Mervyn (dec'd)
      Olwyn Mary
  m Kelvin Blakeborough
                  Colin Lester
              & Glennis Clark
                                    Erin Rose Blakeborough
                  Dianne Mary
              m James Mooney
      Dennis John
  m Jennifer Allen
                  Ashley Louise

(9) MICHAEL EDWARD (EDDIE) (dec’d)
      m Louisa Charlotte Queen
      Wayne Michael
  m Roseanne Shirley Hall
                  Cameron Michael Keith
                  Logan Douglas Andrew
                  Rhyan Grant Thomas
      (Eddie remarried Gertrude Halcrow (dec’d)

(10) OWEN FRANCIS  (dec’d)
      m Elva McDonald
      Carol Mary
  m John Dennis Hickey
                  Sheryl Maree
                  Phillip John
      Janice Ann
  m Gerald  Mark Wilson
                  Bevan Mark
                  Simon Francis
      Glenys Joy

(11) DONALD SYLVESTER   (dec’d)
      m Daphne Elizabeth (Poppy)  Knight.
      Robert Arthur
  & Marlaine Urlich
                  Bailey James
      Donna Elizabeth
  m Adrian Adlai Woods
                  Teri Brooke
                  Dylan
      Susan Mary

(12) FRANCIS ADRIAN (FRANK)  (dec’d)
      m  Theresa Margaret Neil
      Kathleen Margaret
  m Gregory Dickson Lowe
                  Robert Gregory
              m Louisa Robertson
                                    Nathan Robert
                  Angela Margaret
              m Campbell Ludbrook
                  David James
                  Phillip Adrian
      Monica Frances
  m Geoffrey Watson McClay
                  Sharleen Frances
                  Jarrod Geoffrey

(13) MARGARET EMMA THERESA (dec’d)
      m  Alwyn  Laurence (Sandy)  Perry (dec'd)
      Lorraine Mary
  m Brian Donald Hull
                  Joanne Margaret
              m Steven Dinnison Morriss
                  Sandie Donnelle
              m  Benjamin Hugh Judge
                                    Jordan Sydney Judge
                                    Lucinda Ruth
                  Karen Maree
      Mervyn Laurence

 

View Emma Aspin's Birth Certificate here.
According to her official birth certificate,
Emma was born at Awhitu on the 30th January 1882. According to her official marriage certificate she was married on the 18th March 1898, aged 17 years. A simple mathematical calculation shows that these dates don't match. According to her birth certificate, John her father was aged 40 years, and Margaret her mother was aged 36. These dates do not tie-in with some of the other certificates we have obtained – in fact lots of them do not actually tie-in!!  We doubt the accuracy of the details as printed on some of these certificates and wander if Emma’s birth certificate is correct.
We suggest that this could be the date on which her birth was actually registered. However, she passed away in December 1954 aged 72, which would put her birth date as 1882.     It is all quite confusing…

As outlined in the earlier chapters of this website, ships records show that an Emma and Margaret Aspin arrived in New Zealand on the Sydenham on the 22nd March 1881, and we suggest there that she could have been born in the U.K, possibly Ireland or on board ship.   But immigration records show that name as being Emma and Margaret Aslin…..It has been verbally indicated to me by quite a number of people that the family arrived on board the Sydenham and this is the only journey this ship made to Auckland.  It made one more journey and that was to Lyttelton on 30th January 1882.    So as we said earlier, there are just many unanswered questions….
Or, her birth certificate could be 100% accurate and she could well have been born at Awhitu on 30th January 1882.    She celebrated her birthday on the 1st February. To establish the real facts is probably unimportant, certainly a little difficult, and so the question simply remains open.

As with the other members of the family, Emma worked hard on the farm as a child, although of course her first years at Awhitu were as a baby and toddler. She would have dug gum along with her sisters and brother, looked after and milked the cows, cut ti-tree and scrub and helped in all the manual work that goes with developing land in those days, as well as maintaining the household. As with the others in the family, we always understood that she too never received any formal education, although, also like the others, she did learn to read and to write. Elaine O’Malley, daughter of Bill and Myra, has done some more research for herself on the life of her grandmother Emma.  From that we see that she did attend school at Awhitu, sitting an exam on 19th October 1896 and passing reading, spelling and dictation, writing, drawing and arithmetic.   I am sure there is some more data we can put in here covering that time in her life.

Emma was married to James Arthur Edmund (Jim) Short at the Registrar's Office, Auckland, on the 18th March 1898. Her occupation is given as 'Domestic Duties' and his as 'Labourer', both living at Awhitu, Jim being 22 years of age, and Emma 17. Jim is the son of William and Mary Ann Short, and is the brother of Charlie. He was born in a nikau whare at Awhitu in September 1875 and went to school at Awhitu Central and Auckland Grammar, and he worked as a bushman at Awhitu working a pit saw. For a time he and Charlie worked in the Wairamarama area, and Jim  would swim his horse over the Waikato River and ride up the coast to Awhitu.

Jim and Emma made their home at Big Bay for a time, then moved to their home in Boiler Gully Road, both on the Awhitu Peninsula. During this time their three eldest children, Mary, Bill and Tom were born. Jim worked for J.D.Kemp breaking in horses and doing farm work, and also worked with his brother Charlie, driving his bullock team. At this point, they packed up and moved up to Kennedy Bay/Mercury Bay area, which is on the Coromandel Peninsula. This was around 1902 or early 1903 and Jim was working with Charlie's bullock team up there. With them also were other members of the Short family, as well as Jack Aspin. Their fourth child Jack, was born at Coromandel, and Emma spent some time in hospital after his birth as she was in poor health. Jim was quite well known for his successes in athletics. While living at Coromandel, a champion Australian runner who was visiting, was challenged by Jim. The bushmen took the hat around and they bet one hundred pounds on Jim, which was big money in those days - and you guessed, he won convincingly! He also played rugby while here as well as in Waiuku.
They returned to Awhitu, living at Big Bay and then Boiler Gully, and James, junior, Leslie and Arthur were all born here. Bill, their eldest son, recalls that they collected water from a spring, which was up the side of the hill away from the house. Emma used to take the washing up there to do it, and they would have to cart the water from there down to the house. At this time Jim went to work for Bob Tindall, breaking in horses and riding buck jumpers. It was in 1909 that Jim rode Bob Tindall's horse, Batchelor, to victory at Ellerslie. He rode the hurdles on Saturday, and the Steeple on Monday, Batchelor carrying l2st 71b.

You have to pause and think on this…….   Here is a horse being grazed at Waipipi and racing at Ellerslie.  How did he get the animal to Ellerslie in 1908/09?  Easy – he rode it there and rode it home again.    It is suggested he probably took two days to get there, resting the horse easily but just as likely one day to get it home again.

In November 1910, they shifted into Bill Gleeson's house at Waipipi, Jim and Bill Gleeson sharemilking for Jack Herold, and Robert and Edward were born here. Some time later Jim and Bill Short purchased a farm which was back towards the sandhills at Waipipi. They divided this into two, including the herd, the dividing line being from the road right down beside the house and out towards the coast. They required a second house, so a woolshed from out the back was towed on skids with bullocks to the site where Ross Brighouse's home is now. This temporary accommodation was converted into something resembling a home, and the family moved in. Owen would have bought the family up to 10 at this point. Bill Short built a cowshed behind the house and milked for two seasons, then Jim purchased Bill's half, selling the front part to Harry Merrick, and the back part later became part of Frank's farm. He now farmed over 580 acres. As there was no proper home on the farm, Jim had the homestead built, being built by Charlie Short, payment being 200 acres of land at Boiler Gully, Awhitu. The timber for the homestead was pit sawn at Awhitu then transported by barge from Awhitu to Waipipi Wharf, then carted by bullock team to the site on the farm. I think the two kauri trees growing in front of the homestead were retrieved from the bush and planted there. Emma and Jim shifted into the homestead on 1st September 1917, and Don was born that night. Frank and Margaret were also born in this home, thus the family was complete at thirteen – a baker’s dozen.

For the next few years Jim and family milked cows, milking by hand, and sometimes milking the cows in the paddock, then Jim acquired a contract from the Dairy Company to cart the cream. His son Don remembers these times, and says it was quite an occasion to go into town with him. Jim had a team of five horses, and he would stop them at Butchers Road, unhitch the two leaders and tie them up to a tree or post, then go on into town with the others, picking up the leaders on the way back. They also owned a gig too, and this was big time! To own and drive a gig was a mark of achievement, most only had a dray with a box or something for Mum and Dad to sit on, the family on the deck behind them. Jim became a general carrier, using a horse and cart, then five horses and a wagon, then later purchased a Model T Ford, and after that a Model A, the latter being taken over by Jim junior when he grew up. Jim worked a lot of the time putting shells on the Waipipi roads, and we have described in another section of this book just how that operation was carried out.

All this time of course, Emma's life was totally absorbed in bringing up her family. She had a warmth that was unique to her, a total dedication to her family and was greatly respected by all who knew her. She loved her garden, and had a good vegetable and flower garden. She grew the family's vegetables and stored them using fern and only purchased the necessary essentials. She made all the bread and butter for her family, cured the ham and bacon, as well as smoking the fish, and would thoroughly enjoy a day out fishing with Jim. She was also very good with needlework, especially crocket. Jim was a regular fisherman, making a habit of going fishing right at milking time! Dan Aspin recalls that on the end of a net, Jim had no rival. He had the ability to seemingly “run on top of the water” and was quite something to watch in action. He also had an uncanny ability at spotting the fish. Many times they caught that many that they had to come home and get the horse and the sledge to bring the catch home. When they had a large catch they delivered the fish (all cleaned) as far a field as Paerata. Jim and most of their family were very keen and capable horsemen, and this we have covered a little more in the sports chapter of this book. They were members of the Pakuranga Hunt Club, and on some occasions they had the Hunt breakfast at the Waipipi homestead. He was a very good rabbiter and was instrumental in forming the Waipipi Rabbit Board. He was a Trustee of the Waipipi Hall Committee, Chairman of the Waipipi Cemetery Reserve, a riding member of the Franklin County Council and an active member of the local National Party, and Chairman of the Taurangaruru and Waipipi School Committees. The Waipipi farm was later divided into two and purchased by Don and Frank. Frank sold his farm prior to retirement and Don still farmed and lived in the homestead until his passing in Feb. 1997.
In 1947 Jim and Emma purchased a farmlet in Kitchener Road, Waiuku where their home was built and Jim milked cows and broke in a few horses for a number of years. Emma passed away very suddenly on the 4th December 1954 in their home, aged 72 years and Jim continued on living with their daughter Mary. He later sold the sections and the rest of his farm, keeping the house, and established a very good orchard and garden. He always pruned his own trees and was still pruning, much to everyone's horror, when well into his eighties. He purchased one of the first Ford V8 cars and drove successive V8's with some hair-raising moments, having his license till he was 90. In 1963 he and Mary moved to go and live with his daughter Margaret and Sandy Perry, loved visiting the Kentish Hotel to talk to friends, and Jim passed away on the 17th March 1968, at the grand old age of 92. He was a very popular Grandfather, and just a few months before he passed away, he was given a fitting write-up in the local paper, the very appropriate headlines to this story being "Ride a Horse and Live Long". Jim and Emma's final resting place is at the Waipipi Cemetery, alongside  their daughter Mary and sons Leslie and Artie.

(1)    MARY - was born on the 27th September 1898, and gained her schooling at the Orua Bay School. When she left school she helped at home, looking after her brothers and sister. She was an expert cook, excelling in making butter, bread, buns, cakes and icecream. She lived for her family, and took a great interest in them, and was thought very highly of by everyone, especially her many nieces and nephews. Mary shifted into Kitchener Road with her parents, and continued to help, looking after her father after Emma died. She loved gardening and also drove the V8 - very cautiously. In her later years she did a lot of needlework. In 1963, suffering from poor health, she went with her father to live with her sister Margaret and Sandy Perry and remained here until her death on the 11th October 1964, aged 66 years. She is buried at Waipipi.

(2)    WILLIAM JAMES (BILL) - born on the 27th November 1899 when Jim and Emma were living at Big Bay and as a three or four year old he would have gone with his parents to live at the Kennedy Bay and Mercury Bay area on the Coromandel Peninsula. They returned to live at Big Bay and it was while here that Bill started school. He remembers he used to walk overland from Big Bay to Orua Bay to attend school, and then walk overland home again.

When the family moved to Boiler Gully, he continued his schooling at Orua Bay, then completed it at Waipipi. When he was 14 years old he left school and went working for his Uncle, Charlie Short, driving bullocks as Charlie had his mill at Te Toro at this time. When questioned about the difficulties involved in yoking up a team of bullocks, Bill recalls that it was never too difficult. They had their moments, but Charlie's team had it down to a fine art. One only had to yard and then yoke the two leaders, Roney and Nelson, then call out the next two, Martin and Kelly, and they would saunter up to be yoked, then the next two would come to be yoked, followed in turn by the rest of the team, arriving in their pairs - they knew the order of things!

After this, he went milking cows for a time, and recalls that two of them milked 24 cows (12 each) by hand, and he earned the princely sum of fifteen shillings per week. This was followed by a time working for the County shovelling metal. Then he went to work for Bill Hosking. Here he drove a team of horses, up to six horses in a team, doing allsorts of things, including road and cartage work. Bill recalls the time a team of five horses got themselves bellied in the mud on the beach. One horse went down, and took the rest of the team with him. They were buried, way up to their backs in the sand and mud, and the tide was coming in! Panic stations followed, and after a lot of sweat, they managed to get them all out, but only just. A lot of work was done then picking up loads of shells off the barge at Te Toro to put on the road in the Waiuku/Kohekohe areas. Bill spent some time working leveling the site for the Paerata Dairy Factory, which is a fairly large complex today, and says that at that stage it was just a puggy mess, with mud up to their knees.

Bill married a Pukekohe girl, Myra Miller, at Pukekohe on the 19th November 1930. Myra was born in Goulburn, N.S.W., Australia, but had lived in Pukekohe most of her life. They were married by Father Malloy, and made their home in Waiuku, and in fact have lived in Waiuku all their lives since. Their six daughters were all born in Waiuku, and educated here. Bill was a keen horseman, in the true tradition of this Short family, and was a keen member of the Pakuranga Hunt Club for many years. Apart from riding, he also took his turn to prepare the fields for the Hunt at the times that they were jumping in the Waipipi area.

Bill continued working for Bill Hosking for some time until he bought his own truck, and started his own carrying/contracting business, and continued at this for the rest of his working life, carrying in and around the Waiuku/Franklin area. (It is perhaps interesting to note that upon retiring, Bill sold a truck to John Hatton, and another to Jack Knight, and thus through a chain of circumstances, it could be said perhaps that Awhitu Transport and Knight and Dickey Limited originated from Bill Short's own carrying business!). Bill retired about 1963 and for a time enjoyed a little spot of farming, but since then he and Myra have lived in their home in Pacific Street, enjoying their family and friends and working in their garden. Myra's life has been devoted to her family, but found time in the busy years to do a little bit of catering, and then her outstanding contribution towards the volunteer Church and welfare organisations in the town. She has been a great supporter and member of Catholic Women's League since 1934, and recently received an Award for service to the League, and a member of Plunket for 16 years. She has been a keen gardener and is still busy with her handcrafts, etc.       At the Aspin family centenary reunion in January 1981 it was Bill who had the honour of cutting the centenary cake.   Bill was the oldest surviving grandchild of John and Margaret Aspin.        He passed away after a short illness on 16th December 1984.   Eighteen months later Myra moved from Pacific Street to a unit at the top of Queen Street, which she enjoyed immensely.    Her health deteriorated and she died on 30th December 1987.  Both Bill and Myra are buried in the Waiuku Cemetery.

Josephine - born on the 28th September 1932, and when she left school she went to work in a fruit shop in Waiuku, and Myra recalls that Josie's wages then were one pound per week. On the 19th March 1955 she was married to Graham Holland. Graham was from Waihi, and after their marriage they made their home at Turua, before moving to Papatoetoe.  The couple continued living in Papatoetoe but, sadly, Graham passed away on the 26th May 1980 after a long illness.  Josie worked as a Forewoman at San Michelle Cosmetics at Manukau City, along with her sister Elaine. Eventually she left work but kept herself busy whether it be in her garden or her workshop.   Life has thrown up another challenge when Josie was critically injured in a tragic car accident on 26th July 1989. 

They have three daughters who all attended College at Otahuhu, and who are also all very good dressmakers. The eldest, Susan, was born in 1960, enjoyed a very long association with the Guiding Movement in New Zealand, and  worked as a stenographer in the Central Post Office in Auckland. Susan married Graeme Hughes from Ngatea in August 1984.  Graeme is a ‘chippie’ by trade  ie he is a builder.   Susan continued her clerical work, working for the Forest Service and then Toyota in Thames.  At the present time Sue and Graeme own a business called “Lancewood Creations” which operates from Kohunui Street in Ngatea producing native timber products and gift lines which they sell all over NZ.   They have two daughters, Alexandria who was born in February 1989 and Staci who was born in April 1991 and they attend Ngatea Primary School.
Second daughter Gaylene, was born in 1962, and she too worked in the Central Post Office, Auckland, as a typist. In December 1984 she married David Wood and they have a son Nicholas who was born in September 1989 and attends school in Howick.   David is employed by the Fletcher Group as an Accountant.  In February 1997 the family left to spend time in London where David worked for his company for about 2 years.   They put in a lot of touring around at this point as you can imagine.  They are now settled back in NZ making their home in Howick where Gaylene works part-time as a clerical assistant.
Vivien was born in 1964, enjoying her art very much, and sat her University Entrance in the early 1980s.   She left school and worked for San Michelle and then a manufacturing jeweller being very talented in art and making jewellery.    She then went to work for Yates where she still works part-time.   Viv married Rob Grove in February 1997 and have made their home in Otahuhu.     Rob is a mechanic, employed by Toyota and the couple have a daughter Magaret born in September 1998 and Grace who was born in 2001.

Colleen - born on the 5th July 1934, and left school to work in a sewing business in Waiuku, and continued on here until her marriage to Des Jordon at Waiuku in May 1955. Des was a farmer from Kerepehi, and they have made their home there.   They retired from farming in 1989 and bought a home in Ngatea and have both enjoyed time playing golf, etc.   Colleen has contributed to a lot of community organizations and was honoured recently at a Lioness Awards evening recognizing her work in the community.   Des keeps busy on their run-off and has also spent time assisting the green keeper at Hauraki Golf Club.  Des and their eldest son Larry have spent many hours restoring two of Bill Short’s Diamond T. Trucks.
Their three sons all were born in Paeroa, and educated at Ngatea. Larry was born in May 1958, continued living with his parents at Turua for some time while he was truck driving, operating around the Hauraki Plains area and beyond, or wherever. In 1992 he married Adrienne Smith, making their home in Ngatea.    They have two children – son Kieren born in May 1993 and a daughter Mallory who was born in 1995.   Both children attend the Ngatea Primary School. 
Grant was born in December 1959, and was a linesman with the Electricity Department. He married Dianne Bosher who came from Thames, and they made their home in Australia.   The couple returned to live for a while in Waiuku, Grant being employed by Counties Power specializing in arbor work where trees interfered with power lines.   They have two daughters.  Janna was born in Australia in 1986 and Shannay who was born in NZ in 1990 and they attend the Coromandel Area School.
The third member of the family is Kerry, born January 1965, and worked in a brass foundery in Thames. He travelled extensively overseas for about four years before returning to NZ and he bought a home in Thames working on the Thames coast as a stonemason.   In 1998 he married Trish Knight who is a registered nurse and works mainly with the elderly. 

Patricia - born on the 20th November 1939 and apart from primary in Waiuku, she also attended the Pukekohe Convent. She left school and worked in Wallace Supplies for a while, then trained at the Mater Hospital to be a nurse. She married Barry Ward at Waiuku on the 8th September 1962. Barry was from Auckland and was a fitter and turner, then a motor mechanic, and they made their home in Manurewa. With their family all grown-up Patricia rejoined the work force working as a doctor’s practice nurse.   Tragedy overcame all reason when two sisters, Patricia and Josephine were involved in a terrible car accident on 26th July 1989 – and Patricia did not survive it.   Publicity was given to this case but publicity and hearings change nothing !!!!   Tricia is buried in the Waiuku cemetery.     Barry has now remarried and lives in retirement at Orua Bay on the Manukau Heads. 
Barry and Tricia have four children, all born at the Mater Hospital and all gained their education in Manurewa.

The eldest, Mark, was born in 1963 and now works in the Auckland Post Office as a Wages Clerk.   He currently resides in Papatoetoe and is an avid follower and very involved with the Commodore Car Club.
Leanne was born in 1964 and worked as  a clerical worker with the Southern Cross.  In 1994 she married Phil Gardiner and they have built a home in Manukau City.   They have two children – Joshua, born in November 1995 and Brianna born in September 1997.
Angela, born in 1967, attended Manurewa High School and when she left school she did clerical work, firstly for Cavalier-Bremworth and then Nestle.  After travelling extensively overseas, Angela married Murray Haywood.   They have two children, Samantha born in June 1995 and Mitchell who was born in June 1998.   A third child was expected as we gathered for our 120th reunion in January 2001, arrived safely, and is named Riley.  The family reside in Manukau.
Rochelle, born November1970 also attended Papatoetoe High School.    She trained as a nanny but took up employment first in Day Care and then training “Parents as First Teachers”, ironically visiting families in the Franklin and Waiuku areas.   In January 1995 she married Howard Barrett and they are presently living at Patumahoe. 

Elaine - born on the 24th November 1941, and when she left school she worked in a milk-bar in Waiuku, then went nurse-aiding at the Mater for a time before taking a job private nursing followed by childrens’ nursery school. She married Barry O'Malley in Auckland on 14th December 1961. Barry came from Auckland and has worked for Levenes, being a manager of various branches of this firm throughout the South Auckland area. They made their home in the newly developed suburb of Otara, with their three children.   Elaine worked for San Michelle Cosmetics in Manukau City, working with her sister Josie.    Eventually they moved to Papatoetoe where Barry continued with Levenes, managing the Papatoetoe shop.    Elaine was employed in the real estate sector as a property manager.   It was not long after they settled into their new home that Barry had a massive heart attack and was seriously ill for a long time.   This was to prove to be the end of his working life.   Elaine gave up her job eventually to nurse him, suffering health problems herself.  Barry had one great desire and that was to travel to Ireland to trace his ancestors and they were lucky that they managed to do that in 1996.    After eight years of extreme bad health Barry passed away on Fathers’ Day, 3rd September 2000.
Peter was born 1966, attended Papatoetoe Primary and then College.  He has followed in his father’s footsteps and started his working life at Levenes.   He later moved on to The Warehouse, working firstly in retail and then setting up new branches.    He then studied a travel/tourism course and is now employed with Qantas.
Vaughan, born 1971, and attended Papatoetoe Primary School.    He also spent time at Levenes before joining the Resene group where he now manages their Manukau store.   His spare time is taken up with kung fu in which he is the holder of a black belt and also teaches in the discipline.   Vaughan is a keen fisherman and really enjoys his boating.
Karlin, was born in 1972 and when she completed her schooling at Papatoetoe High she began work at K.Mart in Papatoetoe when it first opened.   She also moved on to work with The Warehouse and this is where she is now.   Karlin married Regan Somers early in March 2001 and they have made their home in Glenfield with their daughter Bridget who was born in February 2003. 

Naomi - born on the 12th May 1945, and went to work in the Post Office in Waiuku after leaving school, and continued on there until her marriage to Phil Schultz. They were married in Waiuku on the 19th February 1966, Phil from Auckland, was a mechanic, and they have made their home in Waiuku, as Phil now works at New Zealand Steel Mill at Glenbrook. They have three children, all born in Waiuku, and all attended school in Waiuku.   Naomi rejoined the work force, taking a position back in the Post Office in Waiuku.     She has continued living in Waiuku and now works part-time driving Special Needs children to and from other schools in Pukekohe. 
Kristine was born in 1967 and attended Waiuku College.  She now lives in Glenfield. She married Brett Tristram in March 1994 and she works for a large hotel/motel complex in Auckland doing reception and administration work.    They have daughter Kayleigh who was born in February 1996.   
Jeffrey was born in Waiuku in 1969 and after completing his schooling he trained as a truck mechanic.  He now lives in Greerton, Tauranga, driving trucks and he and his partner Tania have a son Jordan who was born in May 1993. 
Wayne was born in 1971 and  he attended Intermediate School in Waiuku.  He has worked in the hospitality industry and is a chef in Howick.    Wayne and his ex-partner Erin have two sons – Cody, born in October 1991 and Jesse born on 30th December 1993.  Jesse was born on the 6th anniversary of the passing of his great-grandmother Myra Short. 

Wilma  (Billie) - Bill and Myra's sixth daughter, also attended the Pukekohe Convent after Waiuku Primary. Upon leaving school she worked as a Clerical Assistant with a Solicitor's firm in Waiuku, and continued on here until her marriage to Elton Knight in Waiuku on the 20th April 1968. Elton comes from Waiuku and worked in a Menswear Shop in Waiuku, and now he and Wilma own this shop, known as Knights' Menswear.    Along with all the usual activities any Mum gets herself involved in, Wilma also assists Elton in the shop and twenty years on, in 2001, this still remains the only menswear shop in Waiuku while Wilma has continued on with her passion for cake decorating and in this capacity she has been a teacher at night school at Waiuku College.  Elton has taken up playing golf and has also recently joined the firm of Grahams Funeral Directors following an established Knight family tradition. Their three children were all born in Waiuku.
Tracey was born in 1971, educated in Waiuku and when she left school worked for the ASB Bank and then the Franklin District Council.  She played netball, representing Waiuku in the sport.  In April 1992 she married John Phillips from Onewhero and they built their home in Waiuku where John is employed as a bricklayer.  They have two daughters, Devon who was born in October 1997 and Kendall, born in September 1999.
Glen, born in 1973 also gained his education in Waiuku and at Waiuku College he developed a great love for both rugby and soccer, representing Counties as a soccer player.    He gained his degree in Parks, Recreation and Tourism Management from Lincoln University and when he couldn’t find employment in that field he spread his wings and headed off to Western Australia, fell in love with the place and in particular with a town called Margaret River, well known as the surfing capital of Australia.  This suited a keen surfer indeed and when he married Vanessa Leber in January 2000 they build a home in Margaret River, which is a very big wine-growing area where Glen currently works for a vineyard named ‘The Voyager’.    Vanessa is a teacher in the local Catholic school.  
Darren, born in 1975 and also educated in Waiuku was another keen soccer player.  Upon leaving school he worked in the food industry doing a four year Diploma in Marketing and Management with Foodstuffs.   In 1997 he too left NZ to work in the Summer Camps in Michigan, USA.   He then traveled extensively throughout the continent settling in London where he lives at present.   His long-term plan is to further travel via South Africa, USA and (his folk add) hopefully back to New Zealand one day!

(3) THOMAS ASPIN SHORT [TOMMY] - born at Awhitu on the 7th April 1901, Tommy was named after his Uncle Tom and his second name was his Mother's maiden name. He travelled with the family to Kennedy Bay, and on returning to Awhitu when he was five he went to school at Orua Bay. In 1921 he left Waiuku and went to Pukekohe and worked for the- Franklin County Council, then back to Waiuku and worked for Bill Hosking driving a horse and dray. He then moved to Auckland and worked as a builders labourer before joining the firm of J. J. Craig, driving a horse and dray and early model trucks for five years. During the time he was working for Craigs he became friendly with one of his workmakes, Fred Fabian, who later introduced Tommy to his sister Beryl, and she was to become his wife. After leaving J. J. Craigs he went back to Hoskings for a while then on to Willie and Morgans at Pokeno doing a cream run and getting a handsome three pounds per week for a full week during the summer! After a short time with Willie and Morgan he was offered a good job with Gullen Quarries driving a brand new Diamond T Truck.. Gullens lost their contract and then sold the business, so for a short time Tommy worked for the lime works before coming to Auckland to live in 1943 and working for Bitumix. He stayed on here for the next 13 years, working as a self-taught mechanic, and he developed a great interest in roped excavators.

In 1957 he was then offered a position with better conditions with a young go-ahead Irish Company, Green and McCahill. He served with them until 1977 retiring at the age of 76 years. He became known as the leading excavator-mechanic in the Auckland area and he was highly respected by all who worked with him.

Tommy Short's first vehicle was a 1918 King Dick Motorbike followed by a Big X, of which he owned two. He later owned a B.S.A. before purchasing his first motorcar, a Model T 5-seater, then a Model T Open-tourer, a Model A Coupe, then in 1937 he purchased a 1937 Chev Coupe which he still owns and drives. In 1957 he bought a brand new German Borgward Isabella, and this he also still has in his garage. Tommy took a great interest in vintage vehicles and engines. He has restored many motorcycles, such as a 1925 Harley Davidson, an early model Royal Enfield, an early Model James. He has also got a collection of old stationary motors which were used for milking-sheds, pumps and sawmills, and at one stage he had 26 such engines, 75% being still in working condition. Tommy and Beryl retired to their home at Stanmore Bay on the Hibiscus Coast both keeping very good health indeed.  Tommy passed away on 11th November 1983 and is buried in the Waiuku cemetery and Beryl passed away on 6th April 1995 being buried at Waikumete. 

Maurice Aspin Short - Tommy and Beryl's only child, was born on 2nd January 1934 at Grey Lynn, Auckland. His interests included roller-skating and motorbike speedway, representing Auckland many times in both. Maurice held a top executive position with Green and McCahill and is now currently working for Freightways. On 11th April 1959 he married Carol Pickering at the Catholic Church in Helensville. Carol, born on 4th June 1938,came from Helensville, and they bought a section at Te Atatu South, built their home at 42 Tiroroa Ave and 42+ years later still live in that home.

Maurice has given us some lovely insight into how life in the “big smoke” was for them when they first lived there and it is so good we have just retyped what information he gave us.   This is what he wrote  - 

“When they bought their section the North Western Motorway did not exist.  Access to the Western Districts from the south was around the New Lynn and Avondale suburbs and in those days Maurice drove a Humber 80.   Telephone communication was on a manual exchange and to be connected to the exchange you had to be on a party line with several others.   The original area where their section was was the Schiska family farm.  The old concrete path that the cows went up to the milking shed still runs at the side of the property behind their place.   Te Atatu and Henderson in those days was a prolific grape and fruit growing area.   This is still in evidence these days although greatly reduced due to the housing development of recent times.”
In 1983 Maurice formed his own ground maintenance company maintaining hospital grounds, Council parks and large sub-divisions.  During the years he worked with Green and McCahill be became involved with the NZ Heavy Haulage Association passing through the ranks up to President and later to become a Life Member.   He was also a representative on the National Roads Board.      He has a particular interest in vintage cars and currently owns three – a 1930 Model A, 1 1937 Chev Coupe and a 1957 Borgward Isabella, all three cars being vehicles that his dad Tom owned from new.    Maurice and Carol have three children. 
Gregory - born on 8th March 1960, attended Holy Cross Convent, Henderson, and later St. Paul's College in Ponsonby. He represented his school in rugby, cricket and athletics, and played senior rugby. After completing his apprenticeship as a joiner specializing in kitchen installations he joined the family company Tractor Contracting Services as an operator and director.   Greg has strong connections with the Waitemata Rugby Club where he is a committee member and coach.   On 26th September 1981 he married Julie Vickery at St Paul’s College Chapel, Ponsonby with the reception being held at ‘The Lodge’ in Herne Bay.   Julie was born on 7th October 1960 and they made their home in Rose Road, Grey Lynn and now live at Taupaki on 10 acres.  Julie has strong links with the Waiuku/Manukau Heads region as her father’s side is related to the Torpeys at Big Bay.    The Vickery family ran fishing boats and barges on the Manukau Harbour.   Greg and Julie have four boys.   Matthew was born on 5th September 1983, Joshua on 10th July 1986, Aidan on 18th January 1989 and Brandon who was born on 21st August 1992.    The boys all attended Holy Cross School at Henderson where Brandon is still a pupil.   The other three boys are all attending Liston College.  Matthew is now in the 7th form and has been made a prefect, Joshua is in the 4th form and Aiden in the 2nd form.  The boys play rugby in the winter and cricket in the summer, representing their region in both codes.  
Mark – born on 2nd August 1961, he also attended Holy Cross Convent and St. Paul's College in Ponsonby, representing his school also in rugby, cricket and athletics. He is now employed as a builder in his own right building many fine homes one in particular being the million dollar home which was recently raffled for child cancer research.   Mark married Penny Burrows on 23rd April 1983.  Penny originally came out from Somerset, England, when she was 2 years old and her family arrived on the ship “Remuera”.    She too has strong links with the Manukau Heads when as a young girl she worked for the Ferguson family at Orua Bay.     Mark and Penny were married at St Paul’s College Chapel, Ponsonby and the reception was held at the Te Atatu Rugby Club rooms.    They have three children.   Jeremy was born on 23rd May 1988, Sophie on 9th May 1990 and Alice on 15th April 1993.     The eldest two both attend Glen Eden Intermediate and prior to that Laingholm Primary where Alice is still a pupil in her 4th year.   Jeremy plays soccer for Glen Eden United, is an avid reader and also a cartoonist.   The two girls play netball and are quite talented tap-dancers as well as belonging to the local drama club.   The family have made their home in Titirangi surrounded by native bush.
Bronwyn – was born on 27th October 1965, also attending Holy Cross Convent and then St. Dominic's College in Henderson. At the time of printing our first publicationshe was in her fifth form year, was a representative Netball player for Western Districts, and had won many tennis and athletics titles.    Horses are her main passion following in the footsteps of many of the Short family.    She married Stephen Griffin at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Auckland on 28th January 1990 with the reception being held at McHughs of Cheltenham on the North Shore.   Stephen’s family hail from County Mayo, Ireland and he was born on 17th September 1964.  Bronwyn had been working for Trade New Zealand as a personal assistant until she left to have their fourth baby.      The couple’s five children are Brittany, born on 2nd February 1992, Arielle born on 22nd February 1993, Matthew who was born on 22nd October 1995 and Marcella who was born on 15th September 2000 and also Claudia, born on 25th June 2002.    The eldest girls attend Holy Cross school in Henderson.   As well as enjoying their school work they kept up the sporting interest in the family by playing netball, cricket and athletics.   Matthew is in his 1st year at school and plays rugby for the Waitemata Club with athletics being his other interest.   Marcella, born at the turn of the century, has brought much joy to this extended family.    The family reside at Riverhead which is still quite rural at present but is developing as the location is sought after. 

(4) JOHN HENRY (JACK) - when the family were living at Kennedy Bay on the Coromandel Peninsula, Jack, as he was to be known, brought their number to four. He was born on the 12th May 1903 and when just a toddler travelled back with the family to live at Big Bay and Boiler Gully. Jack gained all his schooling at Waipipi and after leaving school took a position milking cows for Hughie McFadyen, then for Arthur Knight. Jack was a keen horseman, being a very successful rider with the Pakuranga Hunt Club, and broke in many horses, etc.

He continued dairy farming for Bill Hosking when he met and married Gwen Moyle. Gwen came from Pukekohe and was no stranger to farming, as she was employed working on a farm herself. They were married in Pukekohe and made their home in Aka Aka where they sharemilked for Bill Hosking. This was in 1942, and their four children were all born while they were here. Jack continued his active interest in horses, and Gwen enjoyed badminton and excelled in hockey, representing Franklin in this sport.

In 1954 they shifted into Pukekohe and for some time Jack worked for the New Zealand Railways in Pukekohe, until poor health necessitated his retirement. He continued to live on in his home until his death at Middlemore Hospital on the 22nd June 1975. Gwen, due to her daughters' involvement in marching, continued an active roll in this sport. She has held the position of Treasurer of the Franklin Marching Association for many years, as well as   convenor for the Auckland Centre and the Franklin Association. Her major contribution has been recognized with Life Membership to the Franklin Association.   Jack and Gwen have four children.   The girls were all born in Pukekohe and John was born in Waiuku. Marilyn, Nelda and John began their schooling at Aka Aka and continued at Pukekohe Primary and High schools.
Gladys attended Pukekohe North and Pukekohe High. The girls all marched, starting as midgets and going right up to the seniors. Marilyn was a marching instructor and judge. Their children also played hockey, and they all represented Franklin in this sport.

Marilyn - took a position in a sewing factory after leaving school, continuing her active involvement in marching, hockey, etc. She married Ray Cairns, who came from Pukekohe and they have now made their home in Tirau where Ray was employed with the Matamata County Council. They have three children, Lauretta, Jacqueline and Adrian and they all attended primary school at Tirau and college at Putaruru.   Marilyn and Ray continue to live in Tirau – this bussling tourist mecca in the heart of the South Waikato.    Marilyn caters at the Tirau Golf Club and is helped out with this by Ray.
Lauretta worked in office administration in Tirau before her marriage to Gee (Gerard) Karl.   The couple have made their home in Tokoroa where they operate a rural delivery mail run.   They have two children, Luana and Jake both of whom attend school in Tokoroa.   
Jacqueine worked for the Post Office in Tirau after leaving school.   She and her partner Shaun have made their home in Tirau with their daughter Bailee born in 2000.   Jacqueline now works with NZ Post in Matamata. 
Adrian graduated from Waikato University with his degree before attending teachers training college in Wellington for a year and is now teaching at primary school level in Tauranga.

Nelda - worked as a shop assistant and clerical worker for some time after leaving school. She is married to Fred Putt and Fred came from Tauranga. He is an engineer/fitter, and they have made their home in Howick with their two children, Sharon and Jeffrey. The children attended Pigeon Mountain primary school and Pakuranga college, and Nelda works as a cashier at Food Town in Pakuranga. Nelda continues her very active roll in hockey being President of the Auckland Hockey Association and is now a Life Member in recognition of her work.
Sharon was born in Auckland on 9th June 1974 and excelled at hockey and athletics, representing Auckland in these sports as well as in touch rugby.    She was a NZ age group hockey representative player and Auckland hockey and touch rugby representative in the senior levels.     She gained her degree in physical education from Massey University and taught phys.ed at Pakuranga College.   She married Richard Winter on 18th April 1998.   Richard was from Canberra and they met when he was groundsman at Eden Park.  They have made their home in Perth, Western Australia where he is the curator of the W.A.C.A.   -  a ground any cricket fan is familiar with.   Sharon continues to teach phys.ed and dance at Forrest Field High in Perth and has also played hockey for Western Australia.    The couple have a son, Jakob who was born on 3rd September 2002.
Jeffrey was also born in Auckland, on 15th March 1976 and gained his schooling also at Pigeon Mountain primary and Pakuranga college.     Jeffrey is a qualified butcher, doing his training with Food Town.    He left NZ for the BIG OE at the turn of the century, traveling through Europe but mostly living in England.    He returned home in April 2003 and is currently working as a butcher for Woolworths in Howick.

John - he worked for Downers after leaving school. After his marriage to a Cambridge girl, Fae Thomas, they made their home in Upper Hut where John continued working for Downers. Their son Stephen was born while they were there, then they moved to Edgecumbe and while there their daughter Vicki was born. Vicki, however, met with a tragic accident and lost her life when just three years old. John and Fae now live in Matata where John had his own trucking business and more recently he has been working in Edgecumbe for the District Council.
Stephen has been driving trucks since he was 17 years old, which is no mean feat and he too lives in the Bay, near Matata. 

Gladys - also continued her sporting interests after leaving school, and took a position working in Scots Industries. She married Terance Howard from Buckland, and they have made their home in Buckland, Terance driving trucks for his father’s business – Howards Transport.   In time they purchased this business to become their own and they operate it with their sons Patrick and Stuart.   It is known as T.P. Howard and Sons and is now a third generation trucking business.  Gladys also works in a coffee bar in Pukekohe.   They have three children who all gained their education at Buckland primary and Pukekohe High schools.  
Patrick was born on 20th October 1974 and after schooling gained his full qualification as an A.Grade truck mechanic.   When not working in this capacity he works part-time with the family trucking business.
Kylie was born in June 1976 and is currently enjoying her BIG OE in Canada.
Stuart has found full employment working with his dad in the family trucking business.

(5)  JAMES WILLIAM [JIM] - born at his parents' home in Boiler Gully on 26th December 1904, Jim began his schooling at Orua Bay, and when the family moved to Waipipi he continued his school there. After leaving school he worked at the Flax Mill at Pukeroa Lake where they made fibre. While there be drove a Model T truck, he also worked on the roads at Bombay with his brother Bill. He then went to work with Gus Hartner and Alex Kerebs, working for Bill Hosking, and driving a team of horses forming the roads at Awhitu.

After some time Jim went back home and drove his father's truck collecting the cream from Taurangaruru, eventually taking over the business and continuing the cream run contract with the Waiuku Dairy Factory until the Factory closed down in 1966. Jim spent more than 45 years driving in all. He was a very keen horseman, owning and training numerous racehorses, one of the better known being 'Pinto'. He was a member of the Home Guard, Racing Club and Hunt Club, and he was also a very keen sportsman, being a representative hockey and football player.

On 25th February 1936 Jim married Rose Newlyn. Rose is the daughter of a well-known Awhitu couple, Frank and Annie Newlyn, and had lived most of her life at Awhitu. She worked as a domestic help for Mrs Bill Hamilton prior to her marriage. She and Jim made their home in Waiuku, later moving to a small farm at Taurangaruru Road, Waiuku where Jim worked for Mrs Warner, while continuing his trucking business. In later years he purchased the farm, where he milked a few cows, trained horses, riding them to the coast every day. He resided at Taurangaruru Road until his death on the 3rd December 1980.   Rose moved into Waiuku where she lived in Queen Street close to the Catholic Church, so she could walk to mass each morning.   As her health started to deteriorate she moved to the Glenbrook Rest home where she passed away on the 29th June 2000.  Jim and Rose reared a family of five children who all went to school at Kariotahi primary before attending Waiuku District High.

Marion - left school to work at a clothing factory in Waiuku.   She married Leo May on the 28th June 1958 and Marion and Leo have their own Knitwear Factory in Waiuku, where they reside in Meachen Terrace.  Their business is known as Le Mae Knitwear and they sold this in 1994.   Leo continued working there part time until he was forced to finish owing to a health problem.    He now operates a saw sharpening business from home while Marion is occupied with volunteer driving and enjoying her grandchildren.
Deborah is the first of their three daughters.  She was born on 22nd May 1959 attending Waiuku Primary and then Waiuku College.  In her 5th form year she went to Australia as a Rotary exchange student.  On leaving school she went to work at the BNZ.   She also taught for Modern School of Music.   She married Graham Berry from Te Awamutu where they bought a dairy.   Their eldest son James was born on 12th May 1989 while living there.   They then moved to Whangaparoa where Peter was born on 9th July 1993 and now they have their own electrical business and keep themselves very involved in the boys’ sports.
Andrea was born on 29th April 1962 and she also attended Waiuku Primary and Waiuku College.  On leaving school she worked for her parents as a knitting machine operator.    She married Ian Adams from Waiuku and made their home in the town.    Their first child Lynlee was born on 16th October 1990 then Neil on 8th January 1994 and Leon on 7th October 1997.  All three were born at the Pukekohe hospital and attend Glenbrook School.   The family now reside at Glenbook where Ian works for his dad at the Mobil Service Station and Andrea is involved with the children’s sports and also helps out in the classroom.
Tracy was born on 3rd February 1966 and she too attended Waiuku Primary and Waiuku College.   On leaving school she worked for the BNZ in Waiuku before transferring to BNZ at the Auckland Airport.  She spent a year travelling in Europe before coming home and marrying Geoff Letcher from Waiuku.  The couple moved to Birkenhead where Emma was born on 12th February 1994 and Sophie on 14th August 1997.  Their third child is due to be born in early January 2001, as we go to print – and yes, Jack arrived safely on 4th January 2001.      Tracy has always been involved in sport, especially playing and coaching netball.   Geoff works as Group Sales Manager for Gulf Rubber and frequently travels around the world.  

James - another Jim Short, left school and went to work for Forest Products at Tokoroa. He married Stephanie Conway and they have three children, Christine, Stuart and Geoffery. They live at Tokoroa where they have their own Cycle and Lawnmower Shop. Jim has a great interest in motorcar racing, and this is mentioned, if somewhat briefly, in another chapter.

For a while Jim and Stephanie moved to Papatoetoe but then moved back again to Tokoroa.  In this time, around 1990, Jim built two ‘Short Spyder’ sports cars  so check this out in the chapter headed Sports.  The family lost Stephanie when she passed away on 10th December 1996 and Jim has now retired in Tokoroa.
Christine – gained her education in Tokoroa then worked for Robert Stone and at the Hospital as a clerical assistant.    She married Eddie Kuysten of Tokoroa and Eddie worked for Carters at the time.  He is a keen cyclist having done Taupo’s Great Lake Cycle Tour plus many other events.     The family grew with the arrivals of Rachel around 1988 and Joshua around 1990. 
Stuart – also gained his education in Tokoroa and has since travelled  the world as a cameraman filming various documentaries.   He has been in USA, England and Russia where he was with the gymnist Nikki Jenkins.    We understand he was doing a documentary in Russia when they opened the first McDonalds restaurant there and he saw people cue for two days just to get a hamburger !!    
We were also fed a few good old tall Short stories about his travels, but we’ll stick with the facts here!
Geoffery – educated at Tokoroa as well and I seem to have a variation on how to spell your name!!!  I have both Geoffery and Jeffrey in my notes, so one is bound to be correct.   (I think it is the former.)    He married Karen Hintz and they have established themselves in Hamilton and own their own business – Collingwood  Mowers which is another cycle and lawnmower shop.    They have a family of six, Emma, Natasha, Sarah, Martin, Samantha, and Benjamin.   Geoff is a keen sportsman with many successes including the St. Paul’s cup for running, Western BOP junior champ in cycling and in motor sports he won the Anglia Pre65 champs in 1995, the Testra Touring Car champs and is the current Lexus Touring Car champ. 

Laurence - he worked for his father driving the truck for a number of years, then he went to Auckland and drove petrol tankers. He married Pat Profner, and they have four children, Lynette, Peter, Kevin and Steven. Laurence is following in his father's footsteps, training horses and now lives at Taurangaruru Road, where he has his stables.
Lynette was born on April 17 1965 at Waiuku and she had attended Waiuku Primary school and Waiuku College.  After leaving shcool she went to work as a machinest at Mt Albert.  She married Matthew Dalamore and they have two children, Kim who was born on the 25 May 1985, and Jason who was born on 26 December 1998 and they both attend school in Waiuku.
Peter was born on February 2 1968, also in Waiuku and attended school in the town.  After leaving college he moved to Auckland where he works as a mechanic.
Kevin was born on October 10 1970 at Papakura.  He worked as a painter after leaving Waiuku College.  Kevin and his partner Lee have three daughters, Aylia born on January 14 1991, Anthena born on January 12 1995 and Arian who was born on June 15 2000.
Steven was born in Pukekohe on March 14 1977 and he too attended Waiuku Primary School and Waiuku College.  He now lives and works as an apprentice panelbeater and car painter in Waiuku.

Heather – attended Kariotahi Primary school before attending Waiuku District High School. She went to work at the Telephone Exchange in Waiuku, and then after some time she transferred to Papakura, and then on to Tokoroa.    She married Allan Bunn and they have three daughters, Philippa, Michelle and Leah. Allan works for the Electricity Department at Otahuhu, where they reside.     In their ‘retirement’ both Heather and Allan have developed a keen interest in developing their family tree and the family genealogy. 
Philippa – born in Kawerau on 21st November 1966 and attended playcentre there and Kawerau Central School for 18 months before the family moved to Auckland in 1974 and then she went to St John the Evangalist school and on to McAuley High School. 
She left school in 1983 and joined the team at Manukau Social Welfare where she worked in the Otara/Mangere and Otahuhu offices with the fraud investigation group.    She married Wayne Godinet in 1985.  Currently she works part time in the Bar at Auckland International Airport and the couple have two children.  Christopher was born on 14th January 1986 and went to Holy Cross for his primary schooling then moved to De La Salle where he is in year 11.   He is currently a cadet of the ATC at Ardmore and he has had several glider flights and also had his first flying lesson.       Nadia was born on 30th May 1990 gaining all her schooling from Holy Cross.
Michelle – she was born on 6th June 1968 also in Kawerau and attended Kindy there and Kawerau Central school.   She completed her schooling at St John the Evangalist then McAuley High.   After leaving school she worked at Deejays Shoes in Otahuhu and Manukau City.    In 1991 she went to work work for Telecom at Wiri depot then on to the Sales Street depot where she met her husband-to-be Rick Haliday.    They were married in October 1994 and Michelle went on to work at Ansett Reservations for 2 years then transferred to the airport and nowadays she works for Qantas NZ.
Leah – again born in Kawerau, on 25th July 1971.  She went to Kindy at Otara and on to St John the Evangalist and McAuley High.    After leaving school she worked for Social Welfare at Manukau, Takapuna and then Otara.     In 1997 she left to have two years working holiday in England and Europe.   In 1999 when she came home she started working at Chemvin Plastics in Otahuhu and is now working at Qantas NZ at the domestic terminal in Auckland. 

Ivan - the youngest of Jim and Rose's family was born on 26 December 1945.  He worked for Forest Products at Tokoroa after leaving school, and he drove a truck here. He married Merilyn Curreen on 6 June 1970.
The family eventually settled in Waiuku where Ivan works at the mine site of New Zealand Steele.  They have five children.
David died at birth with the other four, Michael, Kerry, Lisa and Angela gaining their education at Waiuku College, then Manukau Technical Institute, Unitech and Auckland University, etc.
Michael was born on 11 August 1971 in Tokoroa and after his formal education and a further series of on-going courses, he now works as Systems Engineer at Sky City Entertainment Group in Auckland while making his home in Waiuku.
Kerry was born on 28 December 1972 in Waiuku.  Like Michae, after formal education came a series of courses and he now works as Information Systems Manager at Infinity Solutions in Auckland.  He married Sarah Tepania on 12 May 1997 and the couple have maid their home in Waiatarua, Oritia.
Lisa was born on 8 July 1974, in Waiuku also.  She married Ashley Wallace on the 8 March 2003 and works as a Financial Secretary at Penrose, also making a home in Waiuku.
Angela, who was born on the 15 May 1976 was married to Joshua Marx on the 14 February 1998.  This couple have also made their home in Waiuku, with daughter Chantel who was born on the 27 March 1996.  Angela presently works as a Dental Therapist Assistant at Waitemata Health Board.

(6) LESLIE EARL - born at the Boiler Gully Road home of his parents, and no doubt all of Jim and Emma's children born at Awhitu were delivered by the local mid-wife, their Grandmother Margaret Aspin. Leslie would have gained his schooling at Waipipi, and after leaving school, apart from probably helping out at home, his main job was rabbit trapping, in and around the Waipipi area. He later moved down to the Waikato working as an Orchardist’s assistant at Rukahia.

Sometime later he moved to a new position, as a Groundsman at the Waikato Hospital. Tragedy struck while he was working at this job. He and a friend were  skylarking about a bit and unknowingly Leslie stepped back into the path of an oncoming vehicle, and he was killed. This was on the 9th December 1970 and he would have been 64 years old.  He is buried at Waipipi.

(7) ARTHUR EDMOND [ARTIE] - also born at Awhitu, on the 31st March 1909, Artie went to school at Waipipi, and on leaving school worked at Kohekohe for Chad Dickey and Bill Hosking, putting shell on the Waipipi roads. He also worked at Aka Aka and Puni for many years. He then worked at Te Mata as a shepherd for Cornilles at Raglan, and then at Port Waikato for a few years, working as a Manager on Kwinta Station. After this Artie went to Gisborne and worked on a very big sheep station called Waipawa, which had its own store, school and blacksmith.

It was old Mr Cornilles dying wish that Artie come back and work for him, which he did, carrying on after Mr Cornilles death, working for the old man's nephews, Maurice and Wilfred. Artie continued working at Port Waikato until his death on the 8th June 1971 aged 62 years. He is buried at Waipipi.

He loved horses, was a bare back rider, buck jumper champion and broke in numerous horses. He had notable success with Brookby Song, High Count and Golden Gossip. Artie was the only one in the family that could manage 'Pinto' and rode him to victory in many point to points.

(8)     ROBERT JOSEPH CALLAN [BOB] - born at Gleeson's House in Waipipi on the 27th May 1911, Bob went to school at St. Michael's and Waipipi, and this is the man who Dan Aspin always referred to as his 'hard-up cousin' - no matter what happens, he would always be a bob short! After leaving school he worked on the family farm, then as a farmhand for Joe Renall. When he was 19 he worked on the roads at Awhitu. From there he worked for a Mangere milkman and shortly afterwards he went to work at East Tamaki. It was while driving the milk cart at East Tamaki that he met Louisa Queen, and she later became his wife. After their marriage, Bob and Louie returned to Waiuku where Bob worked driving trucks, and he did this for the rest of his life. In 1947 he bought his own Diamond T truck which was his pride and joy. Bob and Louisa moved to Auckland for a few years, but Bob was happiest when he was surrounded by his family and many friends in Waiuku. He always loved to talk about old times and had a great memory for dates and faces. They moved back to live in Sandspit Road, Waiuku in 1974 and continued to live there until Bob's sudden death in August 1980.  Louie continued to live at Sandspit Road for a short time and when the family home was sold she moved to live in Papatoetoe until her health deteriorated and she moved to Erin Park Rest Home in Manurewa.   Louie died in August 1993.  They have a family of four children, Mervyn, Lois, Olwyn and Dennis.

Mervyn - their first born, went to school at Waiuku. After leaving school he worked in a Garage as he always enjoyed and was very good with anything mechanical. He died as the result of a motor accident in 1954.

Lois - also went to school at Waiuku. While at school, Lois won several cups for athletics, often being mistaken in age because she was so tall for her age. She was also very keen and involved in the Girl Guide movement, earning the top awards available to her. She was a member of a local marching team, and later she became the South Auckland Commissioner of the Girl Guides, as well as being Brown Owl for the Brownies. After leaving school Lois worked in a Dairy for a while before going nursing. She married Ron Dickey of Papakura, Ron working for many years at Westfield. Lois has been Manageress of a Shoe Store in Papakura for the last 11 years. Ron was a very keen fisherman, and through their enjoyment of his past-time, they built themselves a beach house at Pauanui. However, a double tragedy struck this family when in 1978 Ron, and their son Douglas both died as the result of a motor accident.   Lois now resides in Maraetai with her partner Joseph Saunders.   Until recently Lois and Joe were keen boaties.  They are now active bowlers and also spend a lot of time away in their motor home enjoying seeing more of New Zealand.
Lois and Ron had three children.
Christine - the eldest being educated at Papakura. She was always interested in netball and the Girl Guides, and in 1980 she married Robert McCulloch and soon after their marriage made their home in Honolulu where Robert worked as a motor mechanic for a few months. They then emigrated to Canada where they lived for some time.  In 1991 Christine returned from Canada and made her home at Maraetai.   She and Robert divorced in 1986 and she has remarried Rowan Muir of Alfriston. 
Karin, also educated at Papakura, had interests in badminton and doing needlework. In 1979 she married a Counties Softball representative, Gordon King and moved to Seattle where Gordon played softball, but are now living back in New Zealand. They have remained very active in softball and Gordon still coaches in the sport.  They have made their home in Manurewa.   Their eldest child Robert was born on 7th December 1985.   He is a Counties representative player for softball and also excels in hockey and golf.  Amy was born on 10th August 1987 and has inherited her great grandmother Louie’s talent for handcraft.   She is a keen Girl Guide and also enjoys hockey. 
Douglas was also educated at Papakura and enjoyed most sports, especially scuba diving, until his untimely death in 1978.

Olwyn - was educated at Waiuku, and while at primary school she represented the school in tennis and basketball. She was a member of a local marching team as well. After leaving school she was the Secretary of the Waiuku Basketball Association and the Badminton Club. She was a basketball representative player, and continued her interests in tennis, table tennis and badminton. Olwyn worked in the local accountants office for a few years, and then moved to Auckland and worked in a lawyer's office. She married Kelvin Blakeborough and they lived in Mt. Roskill and she now enjoys golf with much enthusiasm.   The couple have continued to reside in Mt.Roskill with Olwyn now working in the office of the Akarana Golf Club, still enjoying her game.   They continue to spend their leisure time at Pauanui. They have two children.
Colin went to May Road Primary and then Mt. Roskill Intermediate, and he played softball for Eden-Roskill.  He has continued the family love of golf as well as diving and fishing.   He and his partner Glennis Clark have made their home in Glendene, Auckland with their daughter Erin Rose and Colin currently works in the building industry.
Dianne attended May Road Primary and was very successful in athletics, representing her Club.   She gained her Diploma in Landscape Design and is a very talented designer, winning several awards with her work.   She and her partner James Mooney have made their home in Freemans Bay, Auckland being married on Sat. 18th May 2003.
Dennis - went to school at Waiuku and Auckland, and has always shown a great interest in mechanics. He did his apprenticeship with the New Zealand Electricity Department and after coming out of his time he worked at a Garage in Mangere, and then for car dealers. He was very involved with Saloon cars at Waikaraka Park while racing a car with a friend, they were the winners of the New Zealand Saloon Car Champions. He went on to race in the Benson and Hedges series. He sailed two yachts to America before deciding to live in Honolulu. In the early 1980’s he was the Manager of the largest used car outlet in Hawaii.    He married Jennifer Allen in Hawaii in June 1987 and they have made their home there.   Dennis is now the General Manager of BMW, Honolulu.   Because he has suffered with cardiac problems in recent years he has become very interested in cardiac rehabilitation.    They daughter Ashley was born on 12th January 1993. 

(9) MICHAEL EDWARD (EDDIE) - born at Gleeson's House, Waipipi on the 31st December 1912, Eddie had no difficulty in remembering his birthday! He attended school at Waipipi and Taurangaruru, and left school to work for Bill Cameron and Ian Muir before the war, on a farm. He went to Trentham for four years at the Army School of Instruction, working in the motor transport department. He came back to Waiuku in 1946, and commenced a Boot and Shoe Repair Service. He joined the Waiuku Volunteer Fire Brigade in 1948 and served for 29 years, receiving the Gold Star in 1973 for 25 years service. Eddie retired from the Fire Brigade in 1977.

After his shoe repair business, he worked for Renall Motors (later West End Motors and now the Waiuku Borough Council Offices) for a few years. In 1950 he married Jean Gillespie, Jean working in the office at Renall Motors. Then in that same year, Eddie went to work for the Post Office as a Linesman, and remained there for the next 27 years. Jean and Eddie had their own catering business, known as De Lux Caterers, and catered for weddings, 21st parties, etc. Jean passed away in 1968.

Eddie remarried Gertrude Halcrow, and she comes from the Shetland Islands. On his retirement, they travelled to the United Kingdom and the Shetland Islands, and have been for three more visits there since.

Since 1981 they have returned no less than five more times, so that is 8 visits over a period of 13 years.  They spent two and a half years of that time living at Shetland.   Back home Eddie drove taxis at night and on the weekends for over 13 years and the couple continued living in their home at Sandspit Road for 50 years.    Eddie spent his retirement helping others by being a volunteer driver.  His hobby of wood turning produced many wooden bowls and tables.   They recently retired to the Waiuku Estuary Rest Home.  To mark the unveiling of his grandfather’s headstone at Awhitu Central and for the Aspin family gathering on January 20th 2001 Eddie was picked up by the limousine at the rest home and delivered to the venue as a special “guest of honour” along with his cousins Dan and Trevor Aspin.      These three gentlemen also had the honour of cutting the anniversary cake.   Eddie passed away on the 26th September 2001 and Gertrude has also passed on.

Wayne – Eddie and Jean’s only child, he attended schools in Waiuku and worked as a fitter and welder in Pukekohe.    He is very keen on stockcar racing and helped prepare stock cars for Bruce Taylor.    Wayne married Roseanne Hall who was born on 20th February 1965.    He works in the industrial industry and continued with his interest in racing by racing BMX cycles.   They have made their home in Waiuku with their three sons.
Cameron – was born on 4th December 1987 and has attended Otaua and View Road schools and is now a student at Waiuku College.
Logan - who was born on 14th February 1991 also attended school at Otaua and now View Road.
Rhyan – born on 6th  October 1998 is another student of Otaua and now View Road schools.  
All three boys participate in BMX with their Dad and travel nationwide to race, winning many trophies.

(10) OWEN FRANCIS - born at Waipipi on the 1st February 1915 and began his schooling at Waipipi then went to St. Michael's and later to Taurangaruru.
(Note - we are going to be miserable here, and spoil the fun. To save confusion, St. Michael's as the name suggests, is not some elaborate finishing school, but is a family home around the corner a bit from the Short's homestead where for a time school was being held!).
However, Owen attended there, and after leaving school, at a very early age, he worked and helped out on the farm, milking etc. He also broke in young horses. He had a great love of horses like so many of his family, belonged to the Pakuranga Hunt Club for many years and also competed in shows and gymkanas, winning many ribbons.

In 1945 he married a local Waipipi girl, Elva McDonald and they sharemilked around the Waiuku district until 1969. On their retirement they purchased a house in Sandspit Road in Waiuku. Owen then worked at Carter Merchants until 1976 when poor health forced him to 'officially' retire, and they continue living in their home in Waiuku, enjoying their growing family.   Over the last few years Owen didn’t keep very good health and he passed away two weeks before his 85th birthday on the 14th January 2000 at Middlemore Hospital.    Elva generally keeps good health and loves her garden.

They have a family of three daughters who all attended primary school in Waiuku and Waiuku College.

Carol - worked on the farm for a while after leaving school, then in a knitwear factory in Waiuku, and then took a position in Duthies in Waiuku and remained here until her marriage to John Hickey. They sharemilked for a few years until purchasing their farm at Kaihere. Carol enjoys sport, still playing netball and tennis, and also indoor bowls and both she and John have won many prizes in bowls.   They continue on farming at Kaihere where Carol enjoys gardening and John has taken up outdoor bowls.  They have two children, who, like their grandfather, have developed a great love of horses.
Sheryl – went to Kaihere School, playing netball etc.  She has made her home at Papakura and is a sales representative for Seaview and Zealandia Plants.  She travels from Pukekohe to Kaitaia and enjoys squash and touch rugby.
Phillip – also went to Kaihere School and he played rugby.  He now lives in Hamilton and is Assistant Manager for Anchormart in Frankton.   He enjoys surfing and golf.

Janice - enjoys many sports, including netball, tennis, badminton and indoor basketball, and also snow skiing. On leaving school she worked in the Bank of New Zealand in Waiuku for three years until transferring to the Hunters Corner Branch. In 1979 she married Gerald Wilson, and Janice continued on her job, and Gerald worked for the D.S.I.R. in Auckland. They made their home at Pakuranga and then left for a working holiday in England and on the Continent. Janice has continued her banking career and at the time this information was gathered was working in a French Bank in London.   The couple eventually made their home in Canberra, Australia.   Janice works for the Australian Government and Gerald works for the Australian War Memorial.   They have two sons.
Bevan who was born about 1988 and
Simon who was born about 1990 both boys following the Short tradition of being very able and keen sportsmen. 

Glenys - another sports enthusiast, but was slowed down a bit when she broke her leg! Not to be deterred, she is back again playing indoor basketball and netball. Like her Dad, she loves horses visiting many of her relation's farms to go riding. On leaving school she worked in Duthies for over six years then shifted to East Tamaki working as an Accountant's Assistant at Bendons. We are told here that she loves the city night life (who doesn't), but also loves getting back out to the country - sounds like the best of both worlds!   That was back in the early 1980’s.    She has made her home in Waiuku and travels to Manukau where she works.  Glenys really enjoys the trots and is an avid fan of our national sport – rugby – and no doubt, that night life!

(11)   DONALD SYLVESTER - if Eddie has no difficulty in remembering his birthday, then Don has no difficulty in remembering what day the family moved into their new homestead at Waipipi, for he was born that very night on the 1st September 1917. What a hectic time for Mum! Don began his schooling at St. Michael's and went on to attend school at Taurangaruru. After he left school he worked on the family farm, sometimes driving his father's truck. He joined the Waikato Mounted Rifles, and served in the regular army in Egypt and Italy with the Engineers, driving transporters. After the war he purchased part of the family farm. He was a keen horseman also, having trained and bred both gallopers and trotters successfully and was  very keen on breeding draught horses. Don married a local Waiuku girl, Poppy Knight. Poppy is the daughter of Harry and Elizabeth Knight and she worked as a secretary. She too is a keen horsewoman and they made their home on the farm at Waipipi living in the original homestead on the property.       After Don passed away on the 8th February 1997, Poppy continued living in the family home until the farm was sold on June 1st 2001.  Don and Poppy have a family of three, all born in Waiuku and gained their primary education at Waipipi and secondary at Waiuku College.

Arthur - born on 16th October 1961, after leaving school he commenced work at the New Zealand Steel Mill as a Laboratory Technician, and continued on here. Arthur is a keen rugby player and enjoyed racing motorcycles as well.    He married Marlaine Urlich and they have made their home on the farm at Waipipi. Their son Bailey was born on 8th August 1997.   After the sale of the farm Arthur and Marlaine purchased their own farm at Ararua, near Dargaville.

Donna – born on the 2nd December 1962 enjoys her parents' keen interest in horses and has riden in many Hunts and Shows. Donna worked as a Dispensary Technician in a local pharmacy in Waiuku.  On 1st September 1984 she married Adrian Woods and have made their home in Waiuku, operating their own Courier business.    They have two children.
Teri – who was born on 16th June 1986 and
Dylan – and he was born on 13th June 1990.

Susan – was born on 11th November 1966 and attended Waiuku College, and has the family interest and enthusiasm for riding horses, and really loves any old animal you like to mention.   She now works at Dominion Breweries in accounting. 

(12)    FRANCIS ADRIAN [FRANK] - he was born in the Waipipi homestead, on the 9th September 1919 and also attended this elite school called St. Michael's then McFaddens Cottage, and finally finishing his schooling at Taurangaruru at the age of 13 years. Frank worked on the family farm until the 2nd World War, serving in the 36th Battalion stationed in the South Pacific Islands for three years. After the war he sharemilked on the farm for two years until he purchased a block of 222 acres of the original family farm, milking cows and running a piggery. On the 12th June 1948 he married Theresa Neil who came from Otaua, and they continued farming until 1974. Frank then sold his farm and moved to Buckland working at 'Glencoe' Stud Farm for a year. They then purchased their home in Pukekohe and continue living there today. Frank was caretaker for over five years at the Franklin Trotting Club, he has since returned to 'Glencoe' Stud farm and continues to work with horses. Frank has always been a very keen horseman, being a regular follower and whipper-in of the Pakuranga Hunt Club under the leadership of the late Mr Smith from 1934 until the 2nd World War, and for a further two years after that. He was a foundation member of the Waiuku Racing Club, being a member for 26 years serving for some time as Chairman, and is now a Life Member. He was also on the Taurangaruru School Committee, Waipipi Hall and Waipipi Bowling Club Committees, holding the office of President and also the R.S.A. and Pakuranga Hunt Club Committees.

If all this doesn't sound enough, he was also a keen tennis player and a good indoor bowler. Theresa excelled at Basketball, being a Representative player, and also played tennis. Throughout her married life she has been a very active member of the Country Women's Institute holding office of President, Secretary and Treasurer over the years at Waipipi and is now a member of Buckland Institute. Theresa also enjoys outdoor bowls.   Frank passed away on 6th June 2000 and is buried at the Waipipi cemetery. They have a family of two daughters.

Kathleen - enjoys netball and tennis, and continued to play housewives netball at Pukekohe. After gaining her School Certificate she worked for the Post Office for just over four years until her marriage to Gregory Lowe who comes from Puni. After sharemilking for four and a half years, they purchased the family farm at Puni and continued on dairy farming there.  Gregory has been a Franklin Hockey representative for many years, and plays a lot of tennis.  After they sold the farm at Puni the family moved to their new property at Maioro and as I put this together I understand that their son Robert is sharemilking on this property.    Kathleen enjoys gardening and also a good game of badminton.  Greg and Kathleen have a family of four, three sons and a daughter.
Robert, like his father, enjoys hockey, being a junior representative player, and he and his sister Angela and brothers David and Phillip all attend primary school at Puni.   Robert gained his secondary schooling at Pukekohe High.  He continued to excel in hockey and tennis and if the information I have that he sharemilks for Mum and Dad is correct then the fact that he is engaged to Louisa Robertson is correct and they planned a March 17th 2001 wedding day  -  all correct!
The couple have a son Nathan who was born on 7th April 2003.
Angela attended school at Puni, then Pukekohe High and went to Waikato University gaining a Business Management degree with First Class Honors.   She travelled overseas for 2 years and will attend Waikato Teachers College to become a secondary school teacher this year.   She is now married to Campbell Ludbrook.
David also attended Puni Primary then Pukekohe High  and after completing a course he qualified as a heavy automative engineer and then completed his apprenticeship at Pukekohe Tractors.   He is currently employed at N.Z. Steel in the slag reduction complex.  He enjoys playing rugby. 
Phillip – had the same schooling, viz Puni and Pukekohe High and attended Auckland University gaining a Bachelor of Commerce majoring in international marketing and is currently employed with P & O Shipping.    He is a very good athlete and currently holds the senior record for 100 metres at Pukekohe High.   He has also excelled with hockey representing NZ through the junior grades and NZ under 21.   He currently plays for Universities and is an Auckland representative.  

Monica - another keen netball player, and upon leaving school she took a position in Duthies in Waiuku. It was while working at Duthies Monica celebrated her 21st birthday. This was an occasion enjoyed by many, particularly, one of her fellow workmates, and the following verse was written by this lady after Monica's party. We felt it was so well put together, and covers the whole event so nicely, that we couldn't leave it out.

          The 21st Birthday of Monica
                      Medium-Short
Way in the hills, where the grey dust flies,
     dwells a golden-haired chick with naughty
     eyes.
She invited us all to her party last night,
      with some expert directions for finding
      the site.
'T'was a swinging affair to suit all ages,
      from shy little tots to the grey-haired
      sages.
There were long bods, short bods, plump ones
      and lean  but an unhappy face was just not
      to be seen.
There was chatter and chuckles and crunching 
     of chips, with a varied assortment of
     suitable sips.
Then the right moment came for a speech to
     take place,  so we all gathered round to see
     Monica's face, as a humourous Gent, in a
     chapter or two, told us about Monica's
     "Duthies Debut".
He went on to describe her successful career,
     with some well-deserved praise which
     was pleasant to hear.
But he didn't stop there - Mr All-seeing
     Glenny, he knows far too much, and his
      comments were many.
He even suggested the girl was in love – what
     a fanciful notion - good heavens above!
Still, we'll keep our eyes open, incase she just
     might get her name in the paper, and
      prove the man's right.
But, enough of this gossip, I'm party reporter, 
     I’ll try to  describe the event as T’oughter.
Well, the first speaker finally ran out of
    'speak', (We were sure he was there for the
     rest of the week).
Then the Birthday Girl's Pappy presented the
     key -just a matter of form it was easy to
     see.
I think Monica's thanks was the next that we
     heard, it was not a long speech, but she
     meant every word.
Then a Fire-brigade man helped set fire to the
     cake, I expect he stood by just for "Safety
     week's sake".
Yes I'm sure she felt safer with Geoffery
     around, just to check that the house wasn't
     burned to the ground.
Well, the fluttering flames of the candles
      Alight, and the dashing red suit of the
      'Queen of the night', made a picture which
      didn't quite last long enough, 'cos  she put
      out the flames with one hang of a puff!
Then they gave her a dagger, she grabbed at
      the handle, and slashed through the icing
      like any young vandal.
When the cake looked so pretty, it seemed
      such a waste, but I'm going to forgive her,
      for I got a taste.
Next the supper was served, when the
     speeches were over, we all swarmed to get
      it like bees in the clover.
A sumptuous spread was laid out on the table,
        I'd have liked to try all, but alas, wasn't
        able.
Well, I reckon the Do was a smashing
       Success, and I know if you asked, all the
       guests would say  'Yes".
"We enjoyed ourselves truly", the big'uns and
      small, and the shorts and the mediums and
      also the tall!

Monica worked at Duthies for six years until her marriage to (yes, you guessed) Geoff McClay who came from Waiuku. Geoff is a panelbeater at Larry Murphy Panelbeaters in Waiuku, and they have made their home in King Street, Waiuku. Geoff is a keen rugby player and follower, and need -we mention that he is a member of the Waiuku Fire Brigade! Monica has been an active member of Plunket Mothers, Young Wives and Waipipi Country Women's Institute and in the early 1980’s took on a part-time job selling Avon Cosmetics.    She spent many years involved in the children’s schooling with PTA and other school committees.   She is now busy working as a cook at Waiuku Estuary Village, shop assisting in a local fashion store and selling Le Reve.   She has just completed an aromatherapy course.  Both Monica and Geoff are busy in the winter months with their tuck shop at Waiuku Rugby Club.    Geoff has had his own panelbeating business for 15 months and is kept very busy but still finds time to go fishing.    They were lucky, as a family, to attend a McClay family wedding in Ireland and spent 3 months exploring Europe and the UK.  Travel features in their future as they intend to use their Irish passports to spend more time holidaying and perhaps working in England and Ireland.    They also spent an amazing 4 weeks in Honduras spending Christmas with Jarrod and his “exchange family”.  They have two children.
Sharleen – educated at Sandspit Road School and Waiuku College.  She left College with an A Bursary and while at school enjoyed playing hockey and being involved in drama and Maori culture groups.   She was a Te Kaunihera (school prefect) in her seventh form year and had a huge involvement in the College magazine.    She went on to Otago University to study art and history and then spent a year studying teaching at Auckland College of Education.   She graduated with a BA in Art and History and Maori Studies from Auckland University.   Sharleen has since graduated as a therapeutic massage therapist and is currently working as a communication and training consultant for Southern Cross. 
Jarrod  - also educated at Standspit Road School and Waiuku College gaining a B Bursary.  He enjoyed playing soccer and badminton and also learnt saxophone and took lead roles in school drama productions.  He spent an incredible year in Honduras as an exchange student.   On returning to NZ he studied for three years at Otago University graduating with a B.Sc in Neuroscience. 

(13)   MARGARET EMMA THERESA - with a rose at the beginning, all those thorns in the middle, the family was blessed with another rose to finish it off! Margaret was born on the 28th January 1922, over 23 years after her sister Mary. She too attended school at St. Michaels, then McFaddens and then Taurangaruru, leaving at the age of 13 years to help at home and on the farm while the boys were overseas during the war years. In 1944 Margaret married Alwyn Laurence (Sandy) Perry and they made their home sharemilking at Otaua until 1954. Margaret represented Franklin in Hockey and tennis for many years, and Sandy was a representative footballer for Waiuku. On leaving Otaua they purchased a farmlet in King Street, Waiuku and then Sandy later had a Pump and Well Service for some years, then worked at Dalgetys as a Storeman. Sandy died quite suddenly while on holiday in Fiji, and after his death Margaret moved down the road to a smaller house in King Street. She has worked for Wallaces Home Cookery in Waiuku since 1971. She suffered poor health for a time, but she underwent open-heart surgery and continued to be in the best of health and worked at the Home Cookery, but just part-time. In what spare time she could find, she enjoyed her garden and developed a great love of fushias.  It is true that her family and gardening became her greatest love.   Her health deteriorated some but not the spirit, and her family farewelled her at her passing on 8th October 2000. Margaret and Sandy have a family of two, Mary and Mervyn.

Mary - attended primary school in Waiuku and then Waiuku College. On leaving school she worked at W. J. Churchills for five years, and George Courts in Papakura for two years, gaining a diploma in corsetry. She continued on here until her marriage to Brian Hull, a drystock farmer from Waiuku. Mary is a keen netballer and badminton player, representing Waiuku at netball for many years. She is now a coach for netball and has been Secretary of the Waiuku Sub-Association for some six years and also the A Grade Representative Team Coach. They have a family of three daughters, Joanne, Sandie and Karen. Joanne attended Waiuku Junior School and is now attending View Road Senior School, and Sandie and Karen attend George Street Junior School. Joanne and Sandie enjoy Brownies, and Joanne also plays netball.  Again, that was back at the time of our first publication in the early 1980’s.   The family moves on………..  Mary and Brian have continued farming the Hull family farm being the fourth generation to do so.   This farm is on Hull Road, is a drystock and cropping farm and is known as “Park Farm”.    A visit to their home will explain why!   You will have no problem finding them.  Just travel along Hull Road and look for the Norfolk pine, it’s easy.  I found it, no problems. This magnificent pine is now 85 years old, planted by a Hull and is a feature in a garden that has thrived under the care of a succession of gardeners but none more so than Mary and Brian.    This is not a garden folk, it is another blinken park !!!!!     The magnificent grounds around their home are there to be enjoyed so call in for a cuppa.   Mary’s brother Mervyn joins in and has helped create many of the structures you will see.

Amid all this Mary has continued her involvement with netball coaching the Counties A Netball team and while she was President of the Waiuku Association they raised the funds to build the new grandstand.  A great achievement.
Joanne completed her secondary schooling at Waiuku College, went on to Waikato University and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in 1994.   She went on to do her Masters in technology and completed this in 1996, her thesis being “Wave induced sediment transport on intertidal flats in a fetch limited environment, Pine Harbour Marina, Auckland”.     From this, she worked as a Field Officer for the Auckland Regional Council.   She married Steven Morriss at St. Anthony’s Catholic Church in Waiuku on 17th January 1998.  Steve was born on 22nd March 1971 at Nassau in the Bahamas, then hailed from Whangarei, is an accountant and the couple settled in Papakura.   They then travelled off on the BIG OE moving to London and are now working in New York.
Sandie also completed her schooling at Waiuku College and then completed a secretary course at Manukau Tech graduating with Honours.    She travelled extensively with friends and upon her return to New Zealand she ended up doing an Outward Bound course at Anakiwi.   It was at this point that she met Benjamin Judge, an instructor at Outward Bound.  Ben was born on 24th February 1965 in Christchurch and he and Sandie were married at “Park Farm”, the family home, on 13th January 2000.    Ben has a son Jordan, born on 3rd March 1990 at Kawakawa and the family have made their home in Clarence, Kaikoura where they have a rafting business and also wood crafting.   Their family has grown with the arrival of Lucinda Ruth, born in July 2002.
Karen also completed her schooling at Waiuku College then attended Waikato University, graduating  in 1998 with a Bachelor of Management Studies with Honours and works at Price Waterhouse Coopers as an accountant. 

Mervyn - gained his schooling at George Street primary also Sandspit Road primary, and Waiuku College. After gaining School Certificate he started his apprenticeship as a mechanic at D. and W. Motors Limited, Pukekohe, and after six years as mechanic went on to become their Foreman. From a very early age, Mervyn has always shown an interest in mechanics, and spent much of his free time when a lad, playing on the back of Sandy's truck in the grease - much to his mother's horror! Mervyn's main interest is his work and his free time is taken up with racing, rallying and stockcar racing where he helps his friends prepare their cars for their particular sport, taking part in the Motor-Guard Rally as a member of 'Possum Bourne's' racing crew. His advice on these matters is often sought after.      He has continued to work in the motor trade as a service manager and resides in Waiuku.   As we said, Mervyn has also developed a keen interest in gardening and helps Mary with many of her structures and creations in their ‘Park Farm’ garden.  He remains an enthusiastic rally follower and has travelled overseas a lot to attend rallys, etc.

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