William HOWITT (1840-1920)
born in New Pitsligo, a village in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, near Peterhead
- arrived 1861 on the Sir Ralph Abercrombie
he married 1 April 1865 to
Isabella 'Belle' MacKAY (1840-1911)
born 28 Nov 1840 in Inverness, Scottish Highlands
- arrived on the 'Pegasus' into Auckland 29 March 1865

WILLIAM & ISABELLA are buried:
New Plot 4051 & 4050 (Old Plots 5 & 6) Block 12 at Patea General


WILLIAM & ISABELLA had 10 children:
... 1
1866 - 1881 George Sutherland Mackay Howitt
- born 28 January 1866 in Okato, buried 11 September 1881 in Patea
On the 9th September 1881, at Patea, George, son of William Howitt, late of Okato, aged 16 years
Taranaki Herald, 12 September 1881 The late George S. M. Howitt was a lieutenant in the cadets, and a military funeral was accorded him yesterday by the Cadets and Rifle Volunteers, accompanied by the Band. The Rifles fired the salute and the Good Templar body attended in regalia and performed their funeral service, and intend erecting a memorial. The concourse was a very large one

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... 2
1867 - 1917 Isabella Alphina Howitt
- born in Okato
- Isabella married Charles Robert George CHARTERIS (1872-1954) in 1897
Wanganui Chronicle, 13 August 1897 A glorious summer day favoured the wedding of Mr Robert Charteris, son of Mr David Charteris, of Temuka, and nephew of the Rev Dr Charteris, the Queen's senior chaplain in Scotland, to Miss Isabella Howitt, daughter of one of our most respected fellow townsmen. The ceremony was performed on Wednesday (11th) at the residence of the bride's father, only the relatives of the young couple being present. Mr Charteris was attended as best man by Mr George K. Kells. The bride was given away by her father and attended by her sisters, Misses Ada and Nelly, and Misses Isa Paterson, Lois Oldham and Helen Charteris. The bride wore a dress of fancy tweed blue colour, trimmed with cream coloured corded silk and carried a bouquet of hyacinth, snowdrops and maiden hair fern. The bridesmaids were dressed in cream silk lustre, trimmed with green velvet ribbon and wore gold ornaments, the present of the bridegroom. The mother of the bride wore a becoming dress of fancy tweed trimmed with jet. The presents which could be numbered by the score, were of the most varied description and were sent from all parts of New Zealand. The young couple carry with them into their new home the good wishes of a large circle of friends, the bride especially being esteemed on account of the many womanly qualities she possesses
- their known children:
1899 - 1977 Gordon Howitt Charteris
1901 - 1979 Oswald Mackay Charteris
1907 - 1907 Charles Robert Charteris (aged 7 weeks)
Isabella Alphina died 29 March 1917 & buried Plot 4, Block 14 Patea General

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... 3
1869 - 1956 William King Howitt
- born 16 January 1869 in Okato
- he married Jessie Skinner SOUTER in 1897
Taranaki Herald, 11 December 1897 Mr W. K. Howitt, eldest son of Mr William Howitt, formerly of Okato, was united in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Jessie S. Souter, late of Aberdeen, Scotland, last week in the Waverley Presbyterian Church. The ceremony was performed by the Rev C. MacDonald. The wedding was a charmingly pretty one, four nridesmaids being in attendance on the bride, while a large party of the young couple's relations were present; the ladies being exquisitely dressed. The lovely bouquets which were quite a feature were all the gifts of Mrs E. Derrett, of Pine HIll. The bride, who was given away by Mr J. B. Taylor, chairman of the Waverley Town Board, was attired in an electric grey costume, trimmed with Merveilleaux and white Bengaline silk, white straw hat trimmed with chiffon and violets, and wore a massive gold bangle, the present of the bridegroom. The bridesmaids - Misses Ada and Nelly Howitt and the MissES Moir - were attired in cream silk lustre with picture hats trimmed with chiffon and lilies of the valley, and all wore gold brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. The bride's travelling dress was fawn tweed with hat to match. The honeymoon is being spent at Stony River. Mr Howitt, who is known to a good many old Taranakites as a writer, and as one who has travelled about the world a good deal, has now finally settled down with his charming wife for good and all. Good wishes from people all along the coast follow the young couple into their new home
- in 1917 he was made a Justice of the Peace at Devonport, Auckland
Hawera & Normanby Star, 6 December 1900 Owing to ill-health, Mr W. K. Howitt, of Patea, is leaving the colony. Mr Howitt was a borough councillor, and took a generally intelligent interest in the welfare of Patea
Evening Post, 4 April 1902
...Mr W. K. Howitt, who was for thirty years a settler in the Taranaki District, and who was for some years a member of the Patea Borough Council, has taken up his abode at Tarland, in Aberdeenshire, where he holds the position of postmaster. A few evenings ago Mr Howitt delivered a lecture on New Zealand, under the auspices of the Town Council
Evening Post, 1 October 1903 from London - Mr William Clark SOUTER, M.B., Ch.B., has been selected by the Admiralty to act as surgeon on board the Antarctic relief ship Terra Nova, which has been fitted out at Dundee for the expedition, and which will leave this country almost immediately. Dr Souter, who recently graduated with honours at Aberdeen University, is a nephew of Mrs W. K. Howitt, lately of Patea, New Zealand
Patea 1908 Mr William King Howitt, who was elected to the Patea Borough Council in January, 1897, and again in September of the same year, is a son of Mr William Howitt, of Patea, an early military settler. He was born at Okato, Stony River, near New Plymouth, in the year 1869, and was partly educated in the blockhouse then in use as a private school. His education was continued at Patea after the removal of his parents to that town, and there, too, he learned the trade of a baker with his father. Then he took a trip to the Old Country, where he found employment in the office of the Northern Trawling Company, Aberdeen, Scotland, and attended evening classes at the Gordon College. Mr Howitt travelled nearly all over England and Scotland, and on his return to New Zealand wrote and published an account of his travels, of which 4000 copies were printed by Messrs Mills, Dick, and Co., of Dunedin, and the whole issue was promptly sold. While at Home he made known the many advantages of colonial life, and was in this way successful in inducing about thirty emigrants to avail themselves of the opportunities offered by Mr Courtney, the well-known immigration agent for Taranaki. Mr Howitt bought his father's business in 1897, but subsequently disposed of it to his brother. In 1897 he married the daughter of the late Mr. George Souter, farmer, of Kennethmont, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Mr Howitt is further referred to as a general storekeeper at Awatuna East.
- in 1939 the Marquis of Aberdeen, wrote to William's wife, Jessie, from Haddo House, Aberdeen, in regard to the passing of his mother Isabel, marchioness of Aberdeen, who devoted the greater part of her life to Women's causes
- in March 1941, Jessie, of Stanley Bay, left with her niece, Miss Maud Henty, for Tapuhi north Auckland
Auckland Star, 17 April 1944 On April 17, 1944, at the Green Lane Hospital, Jessie S., dearly loved wife of W. K. Howitt, of 49 Glen Road, Stanley Bay. A service will be held at the residence of G. M. Howitt, 3 Ngaroma Road, Greenwood's Corner at 10.30a.m. Private cremation. No flowers
- William King Howitt wrote the books:
A Pioneer Looks Back, Auckland, 1945
A Pioneer Looks Back Again, Auckland, 1947


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... 4
1871 - 1954 Adam 'Ad' Howitt
- born in Okato
Hawera & Normanby Star, 1 August 1899 The illuminated address which was presented to Mr Lowe, late chief engineer of New Zealand railways, who is leaving Wellington to take up mission work in India, was the work of Mr Ad Howitt, formerly of Patea. Mr Howitt, who is now one of the foremost artists in New Zealand, has made rapid strides in his profession; this lates work is described by a Wellington paper to be really a work of genius. A leading idea in the design is sunset in New Zealand and sunrise in India, typifying the close of Mr Lowe's career her and his entry upon a new one abroad. This is suggested by the artist in a couple of scenes, thus described in the New Zealand Times: "The first represents 'Evening in New Zealand' and shows Egmont's magnificent proportions, outlined against a sunset sky, and contrasted with it is 'Morning in India' the rising sun casting a warm glow over a tropical sky and throwing into relief the form of 'that dream in marble', the Taj Mahal, whose beauties are mirrored in the placid depths of the river which stretches in a broad stream to the foreground of the picture".
The material used by this young man when he was quite a lad to draw his crude sketches on was the paper bags in his father's shop that were used for putting confectionery in, and one lady whose sense of propriety was of the strictest kind complained rather severely that a bag her little girl had got had the picture of a horse race on it, the horses coming in to the post neck and neck. There is something of the irony of fate in the fact that the same lady has had cause to congratulate him on some of his later day work
Evening Post, 22 October 1889 Mr Allan Smith, the well-known "Highland Laddie" of Manners-street, has just had built to his order by Mr George Luke, of Taranaki-street, a very handsome grocer's delivery cart with somewhat novel decorations. The side panels are painted in a tartan pattern, with the words "Highland Laddie" in large striking letters running along, and in the centre a shield. on which has been painted by Mr Adam Howitt and excellent picture of a Highlander in full costume. The vehicle altogether us well constructed and cannot fail to excite attention in the streets
Wanganui Chronicle, 10 April 1894 A most interesting event took place at the Borough Chambers to-day in the shape of a gathering of the friends of Mr Webster, Manager of the Bank of Australasia, who is leaving for the Palmerston North branch. His Worship the Mayor, Mr R. A. Adams, read an address which was excellently illuminated by Mr Adam Howitt, and was quite a work of art and the admiration of all ...
- Adam married Clara Louisa MORTON (1871-1948) in 1899. Daughter of Mr Thomas Morton, City Engineer of Wellington & Clara WINSLADE
Wanganui Chronicle, 11 May 1899 A very pretty wedding took place at the residence of Mrs Hurley, St Hill-street, on Wednesday, the 3rd inst., when Mr Adam Howitt, well and favourably known in Patea and surrounding districts (late artist for Christchurch Engraving Company) and second surviving son of Mr W. Howitt, of Patea, and Miss Clara Morton were united in the holy bonds of matrimony. The Rev H. Peters officiated. The bride, who was given away by her brother, Mr W. Morton, was attired becomingly in white, with the orthodox veul and orange blossoms, and was attended by Miss Blythe and the Misses Ada and Nellie Howitt. Bride and bridemaids wore gold brooches, the gifts of the bridegroom. Mr A. M. Howitt acted as best man. The ceremony over, the company was entertained at afternoon tea, at which some 40 friends of the bridal pair were present, after which the happy couple took their departure, amid showers of rice and good wishes, for Palmerston North, en route for Wellington, their future residence
- their known children:
* 1900 - 1959 Donald Mackay Howitt
- March 1925, the engagement is announced of Miss Beatrice May, youngest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Shirtcliffe, of Remuera, Auckland, to Mr Donald Mackay, only son of Mr and Mrs Ad. Howitt, of Lyall Bay, Wellington
* 1905 - Isabel Adaline Howitt
Evening Post, 12 June 1901 The New RAILWAY OFFICES now being built for the accommodation of the Railway Department in Featherston-street, opposite the Telephone Exchange, will be a distinct addition to the architecture of Wellington ... according to the designs the trowel which is to be presented to the Duke of Cornwall on the occasion of laying the foundation stone will be an exceedingly handsome memorial. It is designed by Mr Ad Howitt, of the Railway Department. The principal feature of the design is the border work, representing Maori carvings and rata blooms. The handle is of greenstone, surmounted by a solid Imperial Crown in gold. The inscription is as follows:- Royal Arms. Presented to his Royal Highness the Duke of Cornwall and York to commemorate the occasion of his laying the foundation stone of the New Zealand Railway Departmental Offices, Wellington, June 1901. Here follow the names of the Governor and Ministers and builder. The trowel will be enclosed in a wooden casket ornamented by maori carving, the casket being the work of Mr Heberley of Petone. The trowel is being manufactured by Messrs Littlejohn and Son, and the engraving is the handiwork of Mr W. R. Bock
- in 1928 Ad was described as the 'Chief Draughstman of the Railway Department' in Wellington

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... 5
1873 - 1873 Margaret Howitt
- On the 19th April 1873, at Sunnyside, Okato, Margaret, infant daughter of William and Isabella Howitt, aged 9 days

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... 6
1874 - 1937 Alexander Mackay Howitt
- On the 1st September, at Sunnyside, Okato, Mrs William Howitt of a son
- Alexander married Isa PATERSON (1879-1915) in 1900
Taranaki Herald, 3 October 1900 The first wedding celebrated in the Patea Presbyterian Church took place last week, when Mr A. M. Howitt, fourth son of Mr W. Howitt, was joined in the holy bonds of matrimony to Miss Isie Paterson, second daughter of Mr John Paterson, of Patea. The wedding was one of the prettiest yet seen in Patea. The church had been tastefully decorated by the young friends of the young couple, and when the ceremony began the church was simply packed with people, many being quite unable to gain admission., thereby testifying to the popularity of both parties, who had been brought up from childhood in the town, and who were now to enter upon a new sphere and important page in their life's history. The bride, who was led to the altar by her father, was dressed in a white silk lustre, trimmed with chiffon and lace, and with the customary veil and orange blossoms. She carried a beautiful bouquet and was attended by four diminutive bridesmaids. who were daintily dressed in white and buttercups, two of which carried flower baskets and two shepherd's crooks. All of the little dots wore gold brooches, the gift of the bridegroom. The bridegroom was attended by Mr Gordon Howitt and Mr Gordon as groomsman, The choir, of which both the bride and bridegroom had been prominent members for some time past, assisted by friends, with Mrs J. K. Mitchell as organist, sang a hymn appropriate to the occasion. The Rev A. M. Beattie conducted the ceremony and at the close, following a good old Scotch custom, presented the young couple with a family bible, theirs being the first wedding celebrated in the church. After the ceremony the bride's parents entertained a large party at afternoon tea, the whole being photographed by Mr Ad Howitt. The honeymoon is to be spent in Wellington. As the couple left the station in the afternoon, three hearty cheers were raised in their honour by the large crowd that lined the station platform. Over a hundred presents were received from well-wished and friends, one especially noticeable present being from the Patea band, of which Mr Howitt has been a prominent member for many years
Evening Post, 8 October 1915 On the 4th October 1915, at Mantel-street, Seatoun, Wellington Isa, beloved wife of Alexander Mackay Howitt, late of Patea, aged 36 years. Interred at Karori Cemetery 6th October
- Alexander next married Christina BROWN in 1917
Patea 1908 Alexander Mackay Howitt, General Storekeeper and Tea Merchant. Baker and Confectioner, corner of Egmont and Bedford Streets, Patea. Bankers, Bank of Australasia. Mr Howitt's general store was established in the year 1895 by Mr W. K. Howitt and himself, but two years later, when the success of the undertaking was assured, the senior partner withdrew from the firm, and Mr A. M. Howitt became sole proprietor. Mr Howitt subsequently purchased from his brother, Mr W. K. Howitt, the bakery business which had been founded by their father. The bakehouse is well equipped, the oven being one of the largest on the coast, and lined top and bottom with fire bricks. An improvement, by no means common in the colony, is a patent pyrometer, an instrument for measuring the degrees of heat above those indicated by a mercurial thermometer. The advantages of this kind of oven become apparent, when it is explained that the baking occupies only about half the time required by the old style of oven. As a result, there is a great improvement in the quality of the bread, as well as in the speed with which it can be turned out in large quantities. Mr Howitt's carts traverse the country round for a radius of about ten miles, with prompt delivery in all weathers; and his wedding cakes, and other fancy confections, frequently find their way into Hawera, Waverley and other neighbouring towns. The business is conducted in a fine shop, which is stocked with all the varied goods usually found in a country store. Mr Howitt is a direct importer of crockery and other manufactures, and is agent for the ?Tiger? and ?Golden Heart? teas. He also deals largely in flour from the best mills in the colony. Mr. Howitt was born at Stoney river, Taranaki, in 1875, educated at Pahia, and after gaining two years' experience with the late Mr. R. A. Adams, several five years with Mr John Gibson, the well known storekeeper of Patea. After that he went into business with his brother as a general storekeeper, and subsequently acquired the business on his own account.
- he was on the 1930 Census in East Sydney, New South Wales
Evening Post, 23 March 1937 On March 17 1937, AT Sydney (suddenly), Alexander Mackay Howitt, well-loved brother of W. K. and G. M. Howitt, Auckland and Ad. Howitt, Mrs A. J. Roberts and Miss H. G. Howitt, Wellington; aged 62 years

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... 7
1877 - 1960 Ada Howitt
- born in Okato
- Ada married Alban Joseph ROBERTS in 1903
- Alban was born in Wellington to William Henry ROBERTS & Kate Clara BOWERN. He was the inventor, in 1920, of 'The Kaiser' (an electrically powered automaton suited in sheet metal i.e. a 'TIN-MAN ROBOT') SEE ** BELOW
Taranaki Herald, 9 January 1904 One of the prettiest and most popular weddings that have ever taken place in Patea was that which was celebrated in the Presbyterian Church on Friday afternoon, November 27th, between Mr Alban J. Roberts, electrical engineer and Miss Ada, second daughter of Mr William Howitt, one of our oldest and most esteemed residents. The truth of the old saying 'happy is the bride the sun shines on' was fully exemplified, as not only did the bride look charming, but the weather was as delightful as any bride could wish it to be. The church, which was beautifully decorated for the occasion by the girlfriends of the bride, was filled to overflowing by the friends of the contracting parties, three white bells of artistic design, the work of the Misses Darling, being hung immediately over the spot where the wedding ceremony took place. The bride was attired in a dress of cream corded silk prettily tucked and trimmed with embroidered silk, chiffon and cream satin ribbon, wore the orthodox veil and orange blossoms and a gold bracelet set with pearls, the gift of the bridegroom. She carried a beautiful shower bouquet of white flowers, the gift of Mrs E. Derritt, of Pine Hill. She was given away by her father. The bridesmaids were Miss Helen Gordon Hewitt (sister of the bride), and two pretty little dots namely, Misses Maudie Mitchell and Lynn Edwards. The chief bridesmaid was attired in cream, black hat trimmed with long chiffon strings. She wore a diamond and ruby ring, the gift of the bridegroom. The two little girls mentioned wore pretty quaint, long cream chiffon gowns, cream silk Dutch bonnets with long chiffon ends, also gold pins with heart pendants, the gifts of the bridegroom, and carried baskets of rose leaves, which were strewn as the happy pair left the church. Master Gordon Howitt Charteris, nephew of the bride, was attired as "Little Lord Fauntleroy". Mr Gordon Mackay Howitt, brother of the bride, was best man. The orchestra consisted of Mesdames Mitchell and Edwards, and Misses Jacomb and Dixon, who played the Wedding march with excellent effect as the bridal party entered and left the church. The bride was presented with an artistic horse shoe by Bertha Edwards, a pretty little dot of three summers, as an additional souvenir of the happy occasion. The bride's gift to the bridegroom were gold studs and sleeve links. The wedding party were then driven to the residence of the bride's parents, the coach occupied by the newly wedded couple being artistically decorated. The health of the bride and bridegroom was proposed by the Rev Mr Lewis in a felicitous speech, the bridegroom responding. The health of the bridegroom, and responded to on their behalf by Mr G. Mackay Howitt, The toast "The bride's parents", was proposed by the Rev Mr Lewis, Mr W. H. Howitt responding. Mr W. H. Howitt proposed the toast of "The Press". The bride's travelling dress was grey flaked voile trimmed with satin to match, and white silk, black chiffon hat with pink roses and long chiffon strings. The wedding presents were numerous, costly and useful. There were many pretty dresses worn amongst the guests at the ceremony, but they are too munerous to particularise. The honeymoon will be spent in Wellington

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... 8
1878 - 1878 Donald Howitt
- born 11 November 1878 in Patea, Donald died 16 November 1878 aged 5 days
- he is buried Plot 4048, (Old Plot 2), Block 12 at Patea General Presbyterian

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... 9
1879 - 1963 Helen 'Nellie' Gordon Howitt
- born in Patea, Helen didn't married
Taranaki Herald, 14 January 1890 About three years ago you published an item as to Nellie Howitt, the deaf and dumb daughter of Mr and Mrs Howitt, who were formerly settled at Okato. Nellie had been then two years at the Government Deaf and Dumb Institution at Christchurch, of which Mr Van Asch is principal. She is now ten years old, and has been five years at the Institution. Every year has shown a marked improvement in apprehension and intelligence, as in growth. Her appearance now speaks well for the motherly attention of Mr Van Asch who superintends the domestic arrangements, and the girl's readiness to return, and the hearty goodwill she expresses towards the teachers, as well as the principals of the Institution, is good testimony as to kindly treatment. She has, however, her partialities, and readily says whom she likes best. Little dreaming I should be intelligently answered, I put all sorts of odd questions, and was surprised at the accuracy and comparatively wide range of her knowledge. Finally I asked if she could sum, and right away came the answer, "Up to long division". I enclose samples which she worked out just as fast as she could make the figures, and she writes - and, in fact, is quick in all her movements. She speaks with a foreign accent, but distinctly, and very readily sees the point of any simple joke. What is now chiefly noticeable is the expansion of ideas, showing that the training is not mere rote, but a thorough explanation of the faculties. She brought home samples of school work, including drawing and needlework. The latter was excellent, and embraced on a square of calico, hemming, patching, gusseting and other useful forms. Of this work she is rather proud, being better in her own opinion that the work of an elder sister. She now fully realises the handicap which the deafness imposes as against those who can hear, and on her present holiday visit proved inquisitive as to how and when it was first found out that she could not hear
Hawera & Normanby Star, 16 April 1907 Helen, of Patea and her brother William King Howitt of Awatuna East, were staying at the Falls Mountain House, Stratford

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... 10
1881 - Gordon Mackay Howitt
- born in Patea
- Gordon married Clara Maud PALMER (1885-1983) in 1909. Daughter of Alfred & May Elizabeth PALMER
- they had:
1910 - 1998 Nancy Marjorie Howitt
- in 1911 he was Stationmaster at Mataroa
Auckland Star, 9 February 1927 For sixteen years a private tennis club at One Tree Hill have gratuitously used the tennis court belonging to Mr and Mrs A. J. Palmer, who celebrated their golden wedding on Sunday. Mr Palmer has all these years, supervised the preparation of the court for the Saturday players and, on Saturday last, taking time by the forelock, the members of the club were the first to congratulate the happly couple and a bright little function took place. A large wedding veil had been erected over the seat where Mr and Mrs Palmer invariably sat and watch the play, and the "bride and bridegroom" were smothered with confetti as they made their way to the seat. At an interval, the bride's cake was cut by Mr Gordon Mackay Howitt who proposed the health of the bride and bridegroom. A handsome bouquet of everlasting flowers was presented to Mrs Palmer by Miss Nancy Howitt and a buttonhole by Miss Irene Clark to Mr Palmer. Mr Will Martin then presented the couple on behalf of the club with a Doulton gold and blue fruit bowl. Happy responses being made by Mr Palmer, who was completely taken by surprise. The ladies were toasted at the call of Mr Gormack, and responded to by Miss Winnie Clark
Auckland Star, 8 February 1938 Gordon Mackay Howitt, credit manager of the Farmers' Trading Company, gave evidence ...


TIMELINE
Taranaki Herald, 17 May 1873 OKATO SCHOOL GRANT
... Mrs Catherine Hogarth, Teacher, who received ?4 6s 3d (2012 equivalent of $605) from the Education Board for the quarter ending 31st December 1872, for 9 children to whom the capitation allowance is given. The following are the names of the children receiving such grant:-
* Andrew Gray
* William Gray
* GEORGE HOWITT
* ISABELLA HOWITT
* WILLIAM HOWITT
* Kate Syme
* Margaret Syme
* Nuna Syme
* Stanley Syme

Taranaki Herald, 14 June 1878 William's NEW SHOP
... The Patea Mail of Saturday last announces that the new baker, Mr William Howitt (late of Okato), is ready for business, and solicits a share of the Patea patronage. Mr Howitt has erected a costly baking oven and fitted up premises on the Taranaki Road, opposite Mr Taplin's store, in a manner which indicates confidence in the progressiveness of Carlyle, and intention to make a home there. The shop was opened on Monday, and the first batch of bread is spoken of as being excellent

Wanganui Chronicle, 5 June 1906 ACCIDENT
... On Thursday morning at Patea rather a serious accident happened to Mr William Howitt, one of the oldest and most respected settlers there, He was walking in the back yard of his residence when he slipped on a piece of clay and falling heavily to the ground broke three ribs. It was some time before he was discovered in his helpless condition, and at first it was thought that the accident was worse than it afterwards proved to be. Mr Howitt who is getting well up in years, is progressing as well as can be expected, but lies in a rather serious condition. His many friends up and down the coast hope that the injury may soon heal and that he will soon be about again.

Hawera & Normanby Star, 5 July 1910 William's 70th BIRTHDAY
... Mr William Howitt, of Patea, who celebrates his 70th birthday this week, has spent 47 years in the Taranaki province. As a young man of 23 he joined the military setters in New Plymouth and for three years was engaged at garrison and outpost duty between that town and Opunake, and in 1865 at Warea, fighting under Colonel Warre, he did some hard fighting when that gallant officer was clearing the coast of hostile natives. For 12 years after this at Okato, he farmed a piece of land right on the outskirts of civilisation, and with his wife and young family had some very narrow escapes. In 1898 Mr Howitt shifted to Patea, and has resided there ever since. His one recreation is bowling and he is a well-known figure on the Patea green, the members of which lately did him the honour of making him a life member. He did some very hard pioneering work in the early days, and is well nigh the last of the old hands who, fearing nothing, settled on the borders of Stony River. These men were courageous, resourceful and hopeful above all things. They were one and all pioneers, and to-day others are reaping a fruitful harvest, the result of the early work that was done so well.

Hawera & Normanby Star, 4 May 1911 DEATH of ISABELLA Howitt
... At "Glentui" Patea, on the 3rd May, Isabella, dearly beloved wife of William Howitt; aged 70 years. Funeral on Saturday at 2.30p.m.

Dominion, 6 May 1911 Isabella's OBITUARY
... On Wednesday, at Patea, the death took place of Mrs Isabella Howitt, wife of Mr W. Howitt, one of the oldest and most respected residents of Patea. The deceased lady was born in Inverness in 1840, and arrived in Auckland in the Pegasus in April, 1865 (sic, 28 March). Three days later she was married to Mr Howitt, who had come up from New Plymouth to meet her, having been in the colony three years before. For thirteen years they lived at Stoney River, Okato, right on the borders of civilisation, and there she went through experiences that would have daunted many people. Since 1878 they have lived with their family at Patea, where Mrs Howitt has been noted for her charity and great kindness to those who needed help. She is survived by a family of seven - Mrs R. Charteris, William King Howitt, Adam Howitt, Wellington, Alexander Mackay Howitt, Mrs Alban Roberts, London, Miss Helen Gordon Howitt and Mr Gordon Mackay Howitt, of Mataroa

Hawera & Normanby Star, 20 July 1920 DEATH of William Howitt
... At "Glentui" Bedford Street, Patea, on Monday, July 19th, 1920, William Howitt, in his 81st year; a colonist of sixty years' standing and a Maori War veteran. Funeral on Wednesday, July 21st, 1920, at 2p.m.

Auckland Star, 21 July 1920 William's OBITUARY
... Mr William Howitt, who died at Patea on Monday, was a very old resident of New Zealand, having come to the Dominion 60 years ago, 58 years of that time being spent in the Taranaki province and for 12 years was a pioneer farmer at Okato (Stony River) but for 42 years he had lived at Patea. He was a member of the first Borough Council in Patea, and had previously been a member of the old Carlyle Town board. He came through the Taranaki Maori wars of the "sixties" and was present at the battle of Kaitake, when Major Atkinson was in command, and it was at this battle that he won his Maori war medal. He also served under Colonel Warre when that officer was engaged clearing the coast between Opunake and New Plymouth of hostile natives. He was a noted athlete in his younger days, an excellent rifle shot and a man of untiring vigour. He was a life member of the Patea Bowling Club, and a well-known horticulturist, being judge at the local shows in the early days. He was a pioneer in the finest sense of the word, being sincere and high minded in all his actions - a man whose word was his bond. He was one of the founders of the Presbyterian Church in Patea and for many years was an office-bearer. He farmed for many years right on the outskirts of civilisation in the Okato district, being subject to the attacks of unfriendly natives, who often raided his farm and carried off his stock. For three years he had to leave his homestead at nights and sleep in the blockhouse for safety. He was 81 at the time of his death, his wife having predeceased him by nine years, He leaves a family of four sons and two daughters - Mr William King Howitt and Gordon Mackay Howitt, of Auckland; Mr Adam Howitt of Wellington; Mr Alexander Mackay Howitt of Sydney; and Mrs Roberts and Miss Howitt at present in Patea.
Mr Howitt was born at New Pitsligo, in the North of Scotland

Auckland Star, 9 August 1926 Mr NEWSHAM CURTIS
... Mr George Newsham Curtis, who passed away at New Plymouth last week, was one of the best types of colonial pioneer. He arrived in New Zealand in 1850, and spent most of his life in Taranaki. He fought at the famous Battle of Waireka in 1860, when only sixteen years of age, and was amongst the last of those who fought in that conflict. In the later 'sixties' he established a home for himself on the outskirts of civilisation near Okato, where for some time he was in partnership with the late Mr William Howitt, another pioneer settler, and they did much to develop the country where they lived. Mr George Curtis used to drive a bullock team along the rough, unformed roads and sea beach through hostile Maori country, with produce to New Plymouth and came through the ordeal unscathed, although he had many narrow escapes. Curtis's two-roomed whare, which stood near the main track into New Plymouth was a place where the utmost hospitality was ectended to the wayfarer, never mind to what class he belonged, or what was his social position. He was a man of innate culture, and he was often urged to stand for Parliament, but nothing would induce him to enter the hurly-burly of political strife. He was an exceedingly handsome man, but never married


** a timeline for Alban Joseph Roberts from the site
a history of cybernetic animals and early robots
* 1904 ? Running Municipal Electric Lighting Works ? Patea, N.Z.
* 1905 ? Christchurch, Patented Meat marker. Instructor in Electricity at Kaiapoi
* 1908 ? Early experiments in wireless in 1908 in Sydney, Australia.
* 1909 ? registered new member for Aero Club of the UK
* 1910 ? Wireless motor-launch at Dagenham Lake, Essex, England
* 1913 ? Demononstration of Wireless Dirigible back in New Zealand
* 1914 ? AJR on his way to London via Australia
* 1915 ? April 16, "wireless Dirigible" at the Hippodrome, London
* 1916 ? "Flight" ? "distant control of aircraft by whistling"
* 1918 - WWI Alban Joseph Roberts. RNAS Officers Service
* 1920 ? Automaton walks by sound control, 12 Feb date for "Kaiser" the robot
* 1921 ? (1 August to 13 September) ? St George's Hall appearance.
* 1921 ? Capt Alban J. Roberts performed for Maskelyne at St George's Hall
* 1923 ? (2 to 14th July) Capt Alban J. Roberts performed at St George's Hall
* 1924 ? Dutch/German Circus poster showing female automaton on skates.
* 1925 ? "Argus" Newspaper ? Aerial Torpedo 12 Aug 1925
* 1928 ? (10 September) Roberts returns to St George's Hall for a five week engagement with "The Robot". Most press available is of this event. Robot looks like a shiek ? maybe "Lawrence of Arabia". Probably booked by Noel Maskelyne.
* 1930 ? patents advertising device ? 1,769,311
* 1938 ? Director of Visular Directions Ltd, a new company in London
* 1950 ? Died in England, U.K. aged 70.


PHOTO
View of Mount Taranaki behind Awatuna East
The premises of William King Howitt, storekeeper, baker and post office are visible centre left. See his link above. The store was first opened in June 1878 by his father, William Howitt (featured here)