ngairedith on Family Tree Circles

the following from NZTC was written about 1928

... Dixon Street, Te Aro, extends from The Terrace to Taranaki Street, and is approached by tram via Willis and Cuba Streets.

Named after J. Dixon, Esq., a promoter of the New Zealand Company, and a friend of Captain Mein Smith, who surveyed the road in 1841.

The earliest residents recorded on the Burgess Roll, 1843, are: Messrs.
* Geo. Hunter and E. Catchpool.

In 1845 (?Free Lance,? 12/8/1925), Mr. Geo. Waters advertises the sale of oranges and drapery at his place of business in Dixon Street.

In 1849 the Misses Spinks conducted a school opposite Herbert Street, before they removed to a house (still standing in 1927) behind St. John's Presbyterian Church. This school was in operation from 1849 to 1897. (Some Schools and Schoolmasters, by G. Macmorran.)

A horse infirmary, Michael Quin, appeared in 1852, and the following names are recorded in an almanac for 1863 (spelt Dickson) :?
* G. Turnbull, merchant;
* J. Tully, grazier;
* A. Allen and M. Quin (south side).

From Quin Street (now Sturdee) are:
* N. Stoddart,
* G. Waters,
* C. Luxford,
* S. Parks,
* G. Goldfinch,
* J. Halket.

On the north side are:
* G. Hunter, merchant; to Willis Street,
* T. W. Pilcher, ships agent, to Herbert Street;

and from Herbert Street were:
* P. McCafferty,
* J. R. Williams (surgeon),
* J. Kermore, J. Harris,
* T. McClelland.

A Wesleyan School, conducted by Mr. Stephens, was started in 1873, and Prouse page 223 Bros. timber mills were in full swing in 1874. Dixon's cordial factory, later Ballinger's, occupied the site now partly covered by the Municipal Milk Depot. The principal buildings are St. John's Presbyterian Church, the Y.M.C.A. Hostel, and King's Theatre.

the following taken from NZETC was written about 1928

... Farish Street City, is off Manners and Old Customhouse Streets. The Te Aro portion of Captain Mein Smith's panoramic view of Port Nicholson, 1842, taken from the high ground above the R.C. Church in Boulcott Street, and showing the flagstaff and thatched roofs of three raupo houses in Willis Street, gives one a good idea of what Farish Street was like.

The Customs House and Post Office stood at the corner of Old Customhouse Street, opposite the vacant section, facing the Public Library. The site is now (1928) occupied by H. M. HAYWARD's brick building, (lettered H.M.H. 1892 on stone at the corner). The Ship Hotel, Manners Street, and the Southern Cross Hotel may be seen a short distance away. Captain E. DANIELL is credited with having a sawmill at the foot of the street in 1841.

The Burgess Roll, 1843, discloses the address, in Farish Street, of Mr. William FITZHERBERT, whose building, shown in the 1848 earthquake illustrations was badly damaged.

The almanac for 1852 gives the names of John VARNHAM, merchant, and R. WAITT. The latter had an office in the Customs building. His wharf (quoting Baillie's Early Reclamations) : ?Its present position would be through the vacant section owned, I believe, by Burns, Philp and Co.?
Although sometimes referred to as Customhouse wharf, it was privately owned, and frequently changed its ownership and name. A tramway and crane were on the wharf, which extended about two hundred feet from a platform on which were two iron stores. Mr. W. Waring TAYLOR purchased it in 1860 for ?800.

Farish Street terminated at Customhouse Street. The almanac for 1863 adds Mr. G. Crawford's name to the business places, and that of 1866 the names of Sidey and Co.

The Customs officers associated with this locality in 1845 were Messrs:
* P. D. Hogg, sub-collector and landing surveyor;
* J. Macarthy, landing waiter, searcher and tide surveyor;
* ? Renney, clerk and warehouse keeper; and
* Moses Yule, locker.

The moneys received by Mr. Hogg from the 6th of April to 3rd July, 1846, were:?

? s. d.
Spirits, 2717 gall., at 5/- ?679 9 2
Cigars and Snuffs, 257lbs., at 2/- ?25 14 0
Tobacco, manufactured, 3890lbs., at 1/- ?194 10 0
Ad valorem duty ?321 19 9
?1221 12 1 [gap ? reason: illegible]

The officers in 1848 were Messrs
* P. D. Hogg, collector;
* Captain C. Sharp, acting-harbourmaster;
* A. W. Shand, acting-landing waiter; and
* E. Catchpool, acting-clerk and warehouse keeper.

In 1856 they were: Messrs.
* S. Carkeek, collector;
* E. Catchpool, first landing waiter;
* Captain Sharp, tide surveyor and harbourmaster;
* S. E. Grimstone, collector's clerk and accountant;
* R. E. Bannister, first clerk and warehouse keeper;
* F. Meier, second ditto;
* T. W., third ditto;
* Charles Ward, first locker;
* C. H. Stulfield, second ditto; and
* G. Hawkins, weigher and gauger.

The Wellington Directory for 1866 gives the names as follows:? Messrs.
* W. Seed, collector, registrar of shipping and licensing officer under the Arms Act:
* Charles Ward, chief clerk and cashier;
* F. Meier, second clerk and cashier:
* A. Cheeseman, third ditto;
* J. Plimmer (junr.), extra do., do.;
* T. Hill, landing surveying and emigration officer;
* G. Hawkins, first landing waiter;
* E. Ball, second ditto;
* J. Chittey, third ditto;
* P. N. Cole, export and boarding officer;
* W. B. Burgess, first locker;
* W. Bromley, second ditto;
( James Plimmer, third ditto;; and
* David Hogan, messenger.

The postmaster was Mr. J. F. Hoggard. His clerks were: Messrs.
* R. Kirton,
* E. Cooke,
* J. Hoggard, and
* L. Buck.
The messengers were
* A. Phelps and
* ? Wallington.

The Biscuit and Confectionery Company were established in Farish Street in 1875, and R. Hudson and Co. in 1895.

The origin of the name of Farish Street, is shrouded in mystery; though it is said to have originated from a remark passed between the surveyor and a friend who were standing at the corner of Manners Street (Clarendon Hotel) and looking towards the sea, that it was a ?Fairish Street.?

Possibly it was named after a Mr. Farish, whose name was on a fly leaf of a book once owned by Mr. T. L. Buick.

the following from NZETC was written about 1916

... Fitchett Town *Brooklyn, approached by Ohiro Road, and by tram via Brooklyn Road, is named after Mr. A. B. Fitchett, the former owner.

The township of Fitchett comprised the land owned by Messrs. Ashton B. FITCHETT and R. B. TODMAN, who offered for private sale 208 lots of the well known Fitchett's farm, adjoining Brooklyn. A magnificent view of the city and harbour, with Kai-wharawhara and Nga-uranga, and the distant ranges forming the back ground, may be obtained from this locality. The property, comprising lots 16 to 169 of sections 11 and 13, was sub-divided in 1899. The principal roads formed were Mitchell and Todman Streets. These were intersected by Laura, Bruce, Charlotte and Reuben Avenues, Tanera Crescent, Apuka Street, and Sugar Loaf Road. The latter gives access to the Reserve (No. 135) of 1a. 1r. 19p. known as the Sugar Loaf Hill (Brooklyn Soldiers' Memorial). An extension of Fitchett Town was made in 1902, when 37 lots in Section 11 were sold privately by Mr. Fitchett. The main street was called Karepa Street, and Apuka Street was extended. The names given by Mr. Fitchett to the streets, perpetuate family names and those who were employed by him.


* Brooklyn, 3km south of Wellington CBD, takes its name from the borough in New York City, which in turn recalls the Dutch city Breukelen. When a syndicate led by J.F.E. Wright (a Wellington Provincial Councillor between 1861 and 1863 and then for Karori and Makara between 1873 and 1876) subdivided Brooklyn, it named a number of its streets after former US Presidents


a descendant of Ashton B. Fitchett - Ashton FITCHETT (1926-2008) OBE, a Brooklyn GP for 32 years

the following from NZETC was written about 1926

... Fitzherbert Terrace, Thorndon, between Hobson Street and Murphy Street, via Molesworth Street tram route, is named after
Sir William Fitzherbert,KCMG MLC (15 August 1810 ? 6 February 1891) Province of Wellington, and Speaker of the House of Representatives.

A big military encampment, relic of the Maori wars, occupied this locality. Cottages built as married quarters for non-commissioned officers wives were built.

?Tinakori,? writing to the ?Evening Post? on the 12th April, 1927, states, with reference to the gully: ?It was my pleasure many years ago to meet an old whaler, Johnston by name, but known as Scotch Jock, who in the early days was well acquainted with this particular locality before, and following the date of settlement. He gave the name of the stream as ?Takawai,? and said that a pa by that name was situated on the crest of the hill above the old junction brewery and Esplanade Hotel. He stated that the gully was used as a natural defence work by the Maori, and afterwards by the first soldiers and settlers. A few yards further back, inside the hedged fence at the corner of Fitzherbert Terrace and Hobson Street, the old redoubts and trenches can still be seen. Within recent times a portion was filled in and turned into a tennis court. The thick hedge has hidden these early defence works for many years.?

The former residence of Sir Harold BEAUCHAMP, which is about fifty years old, has been turned into a hostel for railway cadets. This large two-storied house was donated by Sir Harold for realisation to render possible the idea of an adequate art gallery for the city, and sold to the New Zealand Government Railways for ?6250. (2011 value of about $570,000)

Two portions of the Marsden School, and Queen Maragaret's College, are shown on the map issued by the Lands and Survey Department, 1926.

the following from NZETC was written aout 1926

... Golders Hill, off Hill Street, Thorndon.
This hill, with Dr. Evans' residence on it, is shown on the extreme left of the panoramic map of Wellington appearing in Brees' ?Pictorial New Zealand,? 1847.
In its origin the name emanated from Dr. EVANS, who named it after his old English home, Golders Hill, Hampstead. Dr. Evans occupied the house in 1840 and until his departure for London.
* Mr. J. COUTTS Crawford then tenanted it until 1852.

A reference to Golders Hill appears in the ?Independent? of the 21st January, 1857, viz.: ? ?To Be Let, immediately, Golders Hill ? that house and ground on Golders Hill, lately occupied by Mr. Justice STEPHEN, with stable attached. For terms apply, R. R. Strang.?

When Dr. Evans returned to Wellington in 1864 he again lived on Golders Hill until his death (September 23, 1868). Major Chas. HEAPHY, V.C., then occupied the house, and a later occupant was
* Henry BUNNY Esq., M.H.R. for Wairarapa.

The house, which stood about where Dr. MORICE's garden is laid out, was demolished many years ago.

Other residents about 1866 were Messrs.
* W. W. Martin,
* J. Wright,
* C. Duncan and
* Mrs. H. Lewis.

* Sir Frederick R. Chapman now (1929) resides near the site of Dr. Evans' house on Golders Hill.

the following list from NZETC was written about 1926

... Glenbervie Terrace, Thorndon, off Tinakori Road, near Hill Street, was spelt ?Glenburvie? on a survey map of 1848.

This name is thought to have originated from the ship ** ?Glenbervie,? which arrived 7th March, 1840, and has generally been accepted as such.

Residents of this locality in 1866 were: Messrs
* W. Cooper,
* A. G. Swanson,
* F. Bright and
* C. Johnston.

The name of Glenbervie Road was changed to Sydney Street in 1926.

** the Glenbervie, Barque: 387 tons
Captain: William Black
Sailed London October 2nd 1839 - arrived Wellington March 7th 1840

A fast, well built craft of 382 tons, she was armed with eight guns and small arms for the ship's company, and filled with ample stores and provisions, and goods for barter with the Maoris. She was manned with a picked crew, and in the forecastle there were, oddly enough, a Maori and a native of the Marquesas Islands. Captain E M Chaffers, R N, a skilful navigator, was in command, and the total number of people on board was thirty-five.

the passengers were:

Cabin Passengers
* Heaver Mr R
* I Inglis Mr R
* Northwood Mr T
* & Mrs
* Smith John
* Watt Mr
* & Lady

Steerage Passengers

* Clark Mr David
* Wallace William E
* McDonald Mr W H - Manager/Accountant first bank in NZ - Union Bank of Australia - now ANZ

the known MESSANA marriages in New Zealand 1903 - 1929

the MESSANA GROOMS

Clifford Vincent William Messana
- married Frances Margaret LEHRKE n 1929

William Messana
- married Rhoda MATHESON in 1903



the MESSANA BRIDES

Gladsome Messana (1905-1978)
- married George Albert Washington HAYTER (1898-1977) in 1926
- (he had been previously married to Madeleine BENNETT in 1922)
- George was a son of George Albert & Georgina WASHINGTON

Hilda Victoria Messana
- married Norman Maunsell SMYTH in 1924

this article from NZETC was written about 1926

... Ghuznee Street, Te Aro, extends from The Terrace to Taranaki Street, and is approached from Willis and Cuba Streets by tram.

Named in 1840 in memory of the storming and fall of Fort Ghuznee, an Afghan stronghold, by the British in 1839.

* St. Peter's School was conducted by Mr. W. H. Holmes in 1854, and in 1863 the names appearing in the Almanac for that year comprised the following:

On the north side were Messrs -
* J. Sedcole,
* Mrs. Askin,
* P. Branigan,
* W. Corner, and
* Carter's brick yard (Willis Street intersects).
* St. Peter's Church and School,
* A. E. Burden,
* S. Furness,
* S. S. Jacka,
* J. Inglis,
* E. N. Baker (Maori interpreter),
* J. Pattinson,
* Mrs. Ferras,
* Mrs. Murphy,
* J. Phillips,
* W. Payne,
* Valentine's Foresters' Arms Hotel.
* Mrs. Leek;

on the south side were
* Major Bell,
* T. W. McKenzie,
* Mrs. Rudman,
* Mrs. Dougherty,
* R. Weatherhead,
* J. and D. Wilson,
* J. Muir,
* T. J. Mountain,
* ? Messana.
* J. Linklater,
* J. Martin,
* H. Douglas,
* ? McLean, boat builder, and
* J. Davis.

The public places are:
* St. Peter's Church (Sec. 169) and
* Te Aro P. and T. Office (Sec. 181).

taken from NZETC which has a photo of Edmund ...
- written about 1895
Councillor Edmund Edinburgh Chamberlain has held a sent on the Borough Council of Masterton continuously, with the exception of a single year, since 1883. Born in 1843 in Wellington, when but few facilities existed for education, Mr. Chamberlain at the age of ten commenced work cutting firewood and milking cows. His father, the late Mr. Thomas Chamberlain, trained his sons in farming and agricultural pursuits, and settled them in the Wairarapa in 1857. Councillor Chamberlain has been a prominent settler in the district, which he has materially assisted in developing.

A section of forty acres at the Upper Plain was given to him by his father nearly forty years ago. This was subsequently sold, and together with his brother, the late Mr. W. F. Chamberlain, he purchased 1000 acres at Upper Taueru. After effecting considerable improvements this property was realized. In 1869 the subject of this notice purchased forty acres at the Upper Pain, which he has since increased to 107 acres. The property, which is known as ?Rosswood,? is fully cultivated, and here Mr. Chamberlain resides.
At Miki-Miki he holds 1180 acres of freehold and 210 acres of leasehold, the estate carrying 2300 sheep and 100 head of cattle. Besides giving up a large portion of his time to his public duties as a borough councillor, Mr. Chamberlain has served as a member of the Trust Lands Trust for about three years, and on the committees of the Masterton Agricultural and Pastoral Association the Caledonian Society, and the local jockey club. He is ever ready to do all he can for the district in which he has lived so long.

Mr. Chamberlain, who has declined to be nominated for the mayoralty of the borough, is an economist, but will support any proposal which he considers for the good of the town, if it does not involve excessive rating. He was married in 1869 to a daughter of the late Mr. Colin McKenzie, of Glasgow, and has four daughters and two sons, having lost a son by accidental poisoning.

* Edmund married Catherine 'Kitty' McKENZIE
- a daughter of Colin McKenzie (1812-1850) & Isabella (1813-1904) nee McKenzie of Scotland, buried Maserton

- the known children of Edmund & Catherine were:

1870 - 1950 Sarah Isabella Chamberlain
- Srah married James Gordon SMITH (1875-1942) in 1903

1871 - 1874 Roderick Augustus Chamberlian
- died aged 3 from accidental poisoning

1873 - 1941 Catherine Susannah Chamberlain
- nothing known

1875 - 1963 Florence Gertrude Chamberlain
- Florence married David John GRAHAM (1881-1961) in 1910

1876 - 1959 Alfred Edmund Chamberlain
- Alfred married Charlotte Ada CAMPBELL (1878-1969) in 1900

1884 - 1964 Rosa Adeline Chamberlain
- nothing known

1886 - William Edinborough Chamberlain
- William married Flora McGREGOR in 1909


other Chamberlains