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.
