Obituaries

Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 36, September 1992

Roy Blair, Nell Climie, Charles Finlay, Albert Thomas, Cyril Gwilliam, Huhurere Tukukino, Hugh Budge, Phil Leigh

OBITUARY: DR HC TUCK

A large crowd of mourners attended St. John's Church, Waihi to farewell the passing of Dr Harold Charles Tuck at Waihi Hospital on Tuesday, 19 November, 1991, at 74 years of age.

Dr. Tuck

A moving eulogy was delivered by Mr Jack Morgan who gave personal insights into the quiet, much respected doctor. "Harold was interested in sports and enjoyed going to sporting occasions. A tennis court at his home was put to good use. He belonged to the bowling club and was starting to unravel the mysteries of croquet after his retirement. Motor sport was a favourite and the Pukekohe Grand Prix was a must and he was a very competent driver. Dr Tuck was also keen on rugby and was a regular attender at Rugby Park. He was the union's honourary surgeon, a member of the management committee and a life member. He was also remembered for life by the volunteer fire brigade, having held the position of its honourary surgeon. As well, Dr Tuck served on the Waihi Board of Governors for a decade from the 1950's to 1960's and was its chairman for six years. He was also well known for his involvement in the 1960's fundraising for the college baths. However, it was as a doctor that most remembered him. A country G.P. - one of a twosome with the late Dr Rex Hetherington - who provided for a widespread area from Tairua to Waihi Beach."

Mr Morgan said that this service earned the pair respect and appreciation from everyone. "We tend to forget the conditions during most of the period of his practice, the size of the district covered, the roads, but we don't forget the willingness to respond when the calls came. Born in Auckland in 1917, Dr Tuck went on to Auckland Grammar School, then to Otago University Medical School, trained at Auckland Hospital and then served as a medical officer in the Army and RNZAF seeing service in the Pacific Theatre.

After World War II he came to Waihi to do locum work and eventually settled. He practised here until 1976 when he retired having spent his last two years of that time as Waihi Hospital's superintendent. Dr Tuck married his first wife, Edith, in 1947 and the couple had a son, Raymond. Edith died more than a decade ago and he married the now Mrs Dorothy Tuck in 1982. In recent years Dr Tuck has been incapacitated but still alert in mind and spirit."

Mr Morgan summed up by saying that Dr Tuck had served his community well and offered the communities condolences to Mrs Tuck, Ray and his wife, Jenny.

OBITUARY: ROY BLAIR

By Mona Townshend

It was with sadness that Society members learned of the passing last August of Roy Blair, just one week after his 80th Birthday. He was a very valued and loved life member.

Roy was born at Takapau, Hawkes Bay and grew up in Napier. After the Earthquake he moved to Taupo where he worked with his father in his bakery. In 1939 he joined the Army and was posted to Paeroa Area 2 where he met a WAAC, Gladys Hale. They married in 1944. Roy commenced work in a "temporary" job in 1946, after the end of the War and subsequently spent 29 years working with the Farmers Trading Co.

Many hours were given by Roy helping the Paeroa community. He was involved with the Athletic Club and the Paeroa Marching Girls, judging at many of their events. Numerous nights were spent as a voluntary driver of the Ambulance. He was a loyal supporter of local rugby and, as a trout fisherman, he waded many streams with success. Roy loved his bowls, playing in many tournaments. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church, serving for many years on the Session and he was always available for many duties when asked. The Paeroa Historical Society will always remember the hours Roy gave when the Museum was built and his handiwork will always be there. Roy enjoyed bus trips and his knowledge on many trips was helpful to all.

To his wife, Gladys, we extend our sympathy.

OBITUARY: NELL CLIMIE

Mrs Nellie Scott Climie, B.E.M., the Patron of both the Paeroa and Waihi Historical Societies died at Waihi on 7 November 1991.

She was born on 13 August 1897 at Turner's Hill near Paeroa where her parents, William Henry Scott and Harriet (nee Turner) farmed. Nell had two sisters, Mary and Edith. After completing her schooling at Karangahake and Paeroa High School she was, in 1913, appointed as a Pupil Teacher at Waihi East School. Following the grant of a "Licence to Teach" in 1915 she held many and varied relieving positions, mostly in sole charge schools where men teachers had gone to the 1st World War. Applying for the position of infant mistress at Karangahake School she was successful and took up duties there in February 1921. Then in February 1925 she moved to a higher position at the Dannevirke North School and was teaching there at the time of the 1931 Napier Earthquake and her school was involved in catering for many children evacuated from strickened areas.

Later in 1931 she was accepted as an "Exchange Teacher" in London, arriving there in August of that year. In the course of the exchange program she worked in 40 different schools in the London area. Other highlights of her visit were a garden party at Buckingham Palace and meeting the poet, John Masefield, with whom she corresponded until he died in 1967. It was whilst returning to New Zealand in October 1932 that she met Henry Donaldson whom she was later to marry.

After her return to New Zealand she taughtinLower Hutt for eight years. During this time her friendship with Henry Donaldson (known as Don) grew but they were unable to marry because of "economic" reasons. These were the Depression years and a woman teacher who married was dismissed and as Don had been unable to find permanent work, Nell needed to retain her employment. When the Labour Party came to power in 1935 the employment rules were relaxed and Nell and Don married on 25 August 1936. In 1940 they moved to Auckland as Nell had been appointed to a most responsible position as Infant Mistress at the Normal School attached to the Auckland Teachers' Training College. Students from the Training College gained practical experience in the classroom, and twice a week she lectured at the College.

Don became ill during 1946 and died on 29 January 1947. Later that year Nell was asked by the Education Department to be a member of a committee which was to meet in Wellington to revise the Reading Scheme for Infant Departments.

Following her retirement from fulltime teaching in 1948, Nell again went on a visit to England before returning to Turner's Hill to live. In 1952 she had a new house built on the property.

Although "retired" she continued to do relieving teaching, at Paeroa District High School, Turua and Hikutaia (1952-57). She later took part time Remedial Reading at Paeroa College in 1965, 1966 and 1967. In addition to teaching, her career years had included other Educational work. She travelled extensively on educational research, wrote for various journals, was President of the Exchange Teacher's Club and an executive member of the New Zealand Educational Institute.

With more time available after leaving fulltime teaching, she was able to pursue her interests in historical matters. In 1959, 1964, 1969 and 1974 she was on the Karangahake Jubilee Committees and was responsible for publication of the Jubilee books. At the time of the Waihi Borough Council's 60th Anniversary in 1962, she produced the book for them.

On 7 October 1960 Nell married Henry Climie, a friend of many years. Sadly, he died in September 1961.

The interest started in Waihi following the 1962 Jubilee eventually lead to the establishmentofHistorical Societies in both Waihi and Paeroa. A joint Historical Journal was published, at first twice yearly, and Nell was Editor from the first issue in 1964 until 1975. Two of her later publications were "Destination Unknown", the history of the Turner family (1980) and "Karangahake, the Years of the Gold" which she co-edited with Gary Staples (1983). Nell was also well known for her poems which have appeared in various publications.

In 1970 she was awarded the British Empire Medal for services to education and to the Historical Societies. Nell has been honoured by the Historical Societies at special functions to mark various Birthdays, the last such function being for her 90th Birthday.

With the years taking their toll it was with great sadness that in 1989 Nell had to leave her home at Turner's Hill and move to Hetherington House, Waihi, where she resided until shortly before her death at Waihi Hospital. Her funeral service was held at the Presbyterian Church, Paeroa on 11 November 1991. The Eulogy was delivered by a former pupil, Kel Plummer, now Headmaster of Te Aroha Primary School. Nell was interred at the Paeroa Cemetery.

EULOGY

Mr Plummer's tribute to his former teacher and the district's most respected senior citizen was:

Up Turner's Hill the teams would labour And wagon wheels a'creaking turn;

Each horse pulled nobly with his neighbour, His ears a-twitch for orders stern.

Let us return to the Turner's Hill of nearly 90 years ago.

The sound of her father's axe could be heard echoing from the bush on the hillside. Inside the little four roomed cottage nearby there was tremendous excitement. It was February 1902. Holidays were over. Along with her sister, Nellie Scott was to be presented for enrolment at Karangahake School. Mother Scott, dressed in her unfamiliar best, was to accompany her daughters on the long trek to the school.

The two girls stood expectantly in their highly polished boots, one pair fairly new, the other handed down and rather too large. Each clutched a sugar bag kit containing a mystery lunch contributed by grandmother.

The happy group bid farewell to little sister Mary as well as the grandparents and set off down Turner's Hill. The journey to school was not easy and covered several kilometres but eagerness and anticipation ensured that time did not drag nor the journey seem arduous. As they entered Karangahake their now dusty boots clattered on the unaccustomed pavement. Eyes were infatuated by the shop windows yet drawn to that amazing sharp peaked mountain which towered above them.

At last it was time to climb the flights of long steep steps which led to the school. Other beginners and their parents were joined and the air of expectancy intensified. Soon it was the turn of the Scotts to stand before the solemn headmaster who bore the same name as their own.

Edith, aged 7, and having overcome an illness, was allocated a class and then finally it was Nellie's turn. Mother gave the preliminary details. The headmaster appeared very stem. He spoke firmly, "No, you must take her home until she is five. Miss Palmer already has too many children, nearly 80. She cannot take four year olds!" The promise of that beautiful day was shattered for Nellie. Mother made one last plea:

"PleaseMr Scott, could Nellie stay just for today?" The answer was still no.

As Nellie and her mother descended the steps they paused and looked at each. Nellie's eyes were full of tears. "I'm not crying for nothing. These ugly boots, they hurt me." Then she buried her face in her mother's dress and wept. Mrs Scott sat down on the steps and removed the offending boots, well knowing that the unutterable source of sorrow lay deeper than that. Nellie noticed tears on her mother's face and cried, "OhMummy, are your feet hurting too?" Mother smiled and replied, "We'll go to the shoemaker. He will hammer down the nails and then I'll buy you a new hair ribbon." The boots were hammered and dusted, then what a joy to chose a brand new ribbon from the showcase. Life was wonderful again. Nellie could forget about the pain of the things she could not talk about that day.

Nell's mother helped her overcome this first test in the university of life. The daughter of a pioneer and herself an immigrant to New Zealand at eight years of age she knew that there are many tests which one must face throughout life. Pioneer spirit and resourcefulness enables such occasions to be met with strength. Years later Nell reflected on her mother's death and wrote:

It seemed that we had lost our all

But something that you gave

Some essence of your life and love

Remained your children's rod and stave.

Later Nell did go on to take advantage of all the opportunities offered by the Karangahake School and by the age of 15 was selected to become a pupil teacher at Waihi. The day she was to report for duty her grandfather, James Turner, breathed his last. Although the original pioneer had departed, he remained in spirit. Nell put it into words...

To his wise kingship we paid court

Approval was a flag to fly

But only best was good enough

Be a task a lowly one or high

And although he never was unkind

We bowed not knowing why.

In memory I hear him say,

"Aye as you sow you'll reap

Any riches they be in you child

If only you'll dig deep

For those who seek shall surely find

Though ways be long and steep."

Nell lived those words - always giving of her best and constantly drawing on her inner resources in service to others. She never asked what her community could do for her but automatically did what she could do for her community. It was typical of her that she was a relief nurse in the great influenza epidemic and one of the first helpers during the Napier earthquake.

Throughout her life she helped out with many family crises and had to face the tragedy of losing two husbands, Don Donaldson in 1947 and Harry Climie in 1961. On one of these occasions her great friend, Poet Laureate, John Masefield, wrote:

I grieve indeed to hear of your shattered sorrow. What can be said or known, save that Death is part of Life, and Life is a thing of change linked with the Universe that is so vast and eternal and ordered. The greatness of such an order cannot be wrong. It endures in all change and we are of it somehow, and endure too.

Words appropriate for us today.

Denied children of her own, Nell found much joy in her two sister's families and in the students she met throughout her distinguished teaching career. She touched the lives of so many people and was interested in their achievements - no matter how great or small. This interest extended from generation to generation and she followed the progress of their children and their children's children.

Right to the end, Nell retained her enthusiasm for the history of her beloved Ohinemuri district. Without her enthusiasm for research and writing, so much information would have been lost. Many of her own words are being repeated here today.

For her services to education and the community, Nell received the B.E.M. from Her Majesty the Queen. The riches within her that she shared so willingly with others received just recognition. In all her efforts for family, community and education she had never been found wanting, though the way has indeed been long and steep.

It has been my intention today to capture the spirit of a very special person. Although she will be desperately missed, we can take some consolation from our wonderful memories. Whether you knew her as Miss Scott, Mrs Donaldson, Mrs Climie, Nell or Nen, take some inspiration from her honourable life and keep the pioneer spirit alive. In doing so you will pay her the tribute she deserves.

As I pause now I invite you to quietly recall you own personal memories of Ohinemuri's favourite daughter...

Thirty-eight years ago Mrs Donaldson was faced with a particularly shy, withdrawn, undersized little boy in her class. She successfully took up the challenge and on 18 December 1953 the same lad displayed enough courage to make an impromptu farewell speech to his teacher on behalf of the class. Without her input all those years ago I would not be standing here before you today.

Finally, let us return to that ancestral land which displayed [played – E] such a significant part in the life of Nell Scott Climie:

The mining population dwindled,

The busy township now is gone,

And chimneys where fires were kindled,

Have crumbled down like cairns of stone.

But some still love Ohinemuri,

Are faithful to the wild haunt's code,

Waitawheta in flooded fury,

Or peaceful gracious Rahu Road.

The labouring horses toil no longer,

To haul the loads up Turner's Hill;

But pride in pioneers grows stronger,

As phantom teams turn wheels at will.

OBITUARY: CHARLES FINLAY

On 30 November, 1991, Charles Power Finlay, a former Paeroa resident, died at Cambridge. He was born at Okoramio, near Blenheim, on 20 November, 1896 and remained there during his school days until coming to the Chudleigh Estate near Morrinsville in 1912.

He enlisted to serve in the Army where he rose to the rank of Sergeant-Major. He saw active service in Egypt, France, Belgium and Germany during the First World War. He was awarded the Military Medal by King George for bravery in the field. On his return to New Zealand he resided in Elstow where he took up dairy farming as a labourer with Mr Fred Strange.

In 1924 he married Florence Mace of Mangaiti and they purchased 78 acres of manuka and swamp on Cadman Road, Tirohia, which he and the family developed into a dairy farm. While farming this land with his wife they raised seven children.

Mr Finlay was actively involved with the Tirohia School Committee, the Tirohia School Calf Club, the Tirohia Indoor Bowling Club, the Ohinemuri Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the Paeroa Golf Club, a member of the Paeroa Racing Club and the Paeroa Returned Servicemens Association. During the 1939-45 war he was a member of the Home Guard and served on many strategic points in the Coromandel region.

In 1960 the family farm was sold and he and his wife retired to Paeroa. After his wife's death in 1967 he remained in Paeroa until 1984 when he took up residence in a rest home at Cambridge where he remained until his death.

OBITUARY: ALBERT THOMAS

A former mayor of Waihi, Albert Andrew Thomas, who died on July 3,1991 aged 77 years, was a man who devoted a lifetime to community service in his immediate and surrounding districts. Mr Thomas was born and grew up in Waihi. He was educated at the Waihi Primary and District High Schools. Later he became interested in church administration and was a leader of the local Boys Brigade. At the out break of World War II he volunteered and served in the Royal New Zealand Air Force. On his discharge Mr Thomas returned to Waihi and set up the Waihi Timber and Joinery Company, which became a significant employer in the Waihi Borough.

In the early 1950's Waihi experienced a profound disruption to its economic base with the closure of the Martha gold mine. Economic and social patterns, especially employment, were greatly affected and became a continuing concern for the people of the area. It was in this social and economic situation that Mr Thomas contributed greatly to his community. His social concern and business enterprise derived from a belief in and concern for the town and people of Waihi and surrounding districts.

By the mid to late 1950's he was already active in the Chamber of Commerce, school committees, Board of Governors, Waihi Borough Council, the 2C District Roads Council, many service organisations and a number of business associations.

His energy in these areas was characterised by an optimism about the future of the Waihi town and community.

Mr Thomas was active in the establishment of Waihi College and its early management. This work was recognised by the then Minister of Education Mr A E Kinsella, who was instrumental in Mr Thomas' appointment as the Governor General's representative on the Waihi College Board of Governors. As a borough councillor, Mr Thomas was concerned with the need to encourage industry, provide employment and support groups, whose activities built pride and enterprise in the town.

In 1965 he was elected mayor, a position he held with distinction until his retirement in 1971. During his term as mayor Mr Thomas was an eloquent advocate of decentralisation and provided a climate which encouraged employment and industry, while at the same time working for the upgrading of town facilities and social amenities in the borough.

Following his retirement, Mr Thomas served Waihi and parts of the Ohinemuri County as the elected member on the Thames Valley Electric Power Board and at his death was a member of the Thames Valley Electric Power Trust.

Mr Thomas is survived by his wife, Avis and four daughters.

OBITUARY: CYRIL GWILLIAM

Cyril Gwilliam died at Melrose Hospital, Tauranga on 12 April 1992. Cyril was born at Karangahake in 1900 and was the elder son of the late Ben and Mary Gwilliam. He attended school at Karangahake, Waitekauri and Paeroa High School.

He became a school teacher and taught at Karangahake and Te Kuiti before leaving the teaching profession. During the years 1931 - 32 he was managing the General Store at Te Whaiti in the Urewera. It was whilst here that he met his wife to be, Amy, who was school teaching there. They married at St. Paul's Presbyterian Church, Napier on 1 September 1939.

In 1940 Cyril volunteered for overseas war service and was posted to the Medical Corps., first in Egypt at an advance base hospital, where he was in charge and then in Italy.

Cyril was interested in history and over the years has contributed a number of articles to the Historical Society Journal. His other life long interest was his involvement with the Anglican Church. His first involvement with the Church was when St Aidans was built at Karangahake in 1905. At the age of five he became a junior sidesman and his task was to take up the collection from the choir. In 1907 he moved with his family to Waitekauri and became involved with All Saints which was under the Waihi Parish District. By 1913 he was organist for that church.

After moving to Paeroa in 1916 he joined the "staff" of the St Paul's Sunday School and also acted as assistant organist for church services. He was elected to Vestry in 1919 and was appointed Lay Reader. Apart from the periods he was away working elsewhere or on war service he took a full part in the activities of St. Paul's, Paeroa until he moved to Otumoetai in 1963 where he again became fully involved in Church activities. In 1969 he retired from Vestry and became "Recorder" for St John's, Otumoetai, a position he held until 1975. An extra duty was given to him in 1979, that of administering Communion to the sick and disabled.

The year of 1979 was a milestone in Cyril's life as he was able to look back on the 75 years he had held Office in the Church.

Of this, 60 years had been as Lay Reader. Illnesses curbed his activities after 1982 but in 1989 he received the honour of being made Lay Officiant Emeritus.

The Historical Society extends sincere sympathy to Mrs Gwilliam and family members.

OBITUARY: HUHURERE TUKUKINO O.B.E.

Mr Huhurere Tukukino, acknowledged leader of the Hauraki Maori people, died in Upper Hutt on 25 September 1991 at the age of 83 years. "Shu", as he was widely known, spent many years in local government serving on councils and committees across the greater Waikato region.

He has been described as a "true gentleman" who set a great example for his people. In 1985 he was awarded an O.B.E. for community service. Shu was also presented with the Jubilee Medal for his work with the Maori people and the Coronation Medal for his War effort.

Forty years spent surveying for the Ministry of Works also meant that almost every road on the Coromandel Peninsula would have had Shu's special touch. His knowledge of tribal land and Maori heritage was invaluable to the Ministry. He was a humble, sincere and caring man loved and respected by his family, friends and associates, a past chairman of the Hauraki Branch of the New Zealand Historic Places Trust and a member of the Paeroa and District Historical Society.

Shu's tangi was held at the Te Pae-o-Hauraki Marae and was attended by over 3000 mourners. Dignitaries, including the Maori Queen, Dame Te Atairangikaahu and members of the Maori Council were present. The Funeral Service was conducted jointly by Canon Gordon Kaa of the Anglican Church and Trevor Kohu, Hamilton President of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter - Day Saints.

Huhurere Tukukino is survived by 11 children, 50 grandchildren, 45 great grandchildren and 3 great great grandchildren.

We will miss him also.

OBITUARY: DOCTOR HUGH BUDGE

Hugh Budge, well known and respected doctor of Paeroa died on 12 June 1992.

Dr Budge came to New Zealand from Scotland in 1959. For 14 years he had a practice at Wainuiomata, Wellington before coming to Paeroa twenty years ago. The Maori community recognised Dr Budge with the Honour of having him lay on the Te Pai-o-Hauraki Marae from Monday morning until before the funeral service on Tuesday. Over 600 mourners attended the service to pay their last respects. Dr Budge was held in the highest esteem by the community in which he gave unstintingly of his professional services and sound counselling on humanitarian matters.

Earlier in the year the Paeroa Rotary Club made Dr Budge a Paul Harris Fellow - the highest award by the organisation, for exceptional service to the community.

The Historical Society extends sincere sympathy to his wife Rona and their family.

OBITUARY: PHIL LEIGH

Mr Phil Leigh died on 19 May, 1992 at Paeroa Hospital. Mr Leigh was aged 87 years. His funeral was held at the St Pauls Anglican Church, Paeroa. The Society extends sympathy to his family.