Mr. Taylor came to Auckland with his father, the late General Taylor, H.E.I.C.S., of West Tamaki, over 40 years ago, and was the fourth son of the General. His brother, Mr. William Innes Taylor, died somewhat suddenly a few weeks ago. Mr. A. K. Taylor was formerly member of the Provincial Council, and also of the General Assembly. He was also at one time a director of the Bank of New Zealand, and the Loan and Mercantile Company, and interested in many of our mercantile institutions. Last year he was president of the Auckland Racing Club, and although he did not run horses, took considerable interest in sporting matters. He was at the Ellerslie races on Easter Monday. The deceased gentleman was greatly respected for his personal integrity and for his genial and unassuming disposition, and his sudden death will be deeply regretted by a wide circle of acquaintances. He had lived for a quarter of a century at Mount Albert. Deceased leaves a widow and eight children—four sons and four daughters —to mourn their loss. •The funeral will leave his late residence at four o’clock tomorrow afternoon. Paperspast

OUTSTRIPPING GUY FAWKES. MT. ALBERTS PERFORMANCE.

[November 6, 1924 – Auckland Star] Mount Albert surpassed all the other suburbs of the city in its celebration of Guy Fawkes’ plot by having several unforeseen fires. No less than four times was the local brigade summoned. The first call was a false alarm, the second produced something material in the nature of a burning shed, but it was not until after a further diversion at a gorse fire that the brigade got its real opportunity. It was a six-roomed house fully enveloped in flames to which it was hurried just after one o’clock when the celebrants of the notorious plot had abandoned their play. It was quite a spectacular fire, the glare being discernable for miles around, while it was a complete success in that it burnt the building to the ground.

The brigade was given its fourth alarm by a motorist who passed the station, and when it arrived at the house, situated on the Mount Albert-Onehunga road, more than two miles away, the fire was assured of victory. The roof went before the brigade arrived and it was impossible to effect a save, though the shell of an adjoining shed was saved. The cause of the fire is not known. Paperspast

COMMUNITY LIGHTING.

[November 28, 1936 – Auckland Star ] Seventy-eight lights were switched on last night at the Mt. Albert tram terminus as a result of a community lighting scheme being brought into operation by the business men of the district. The idea originated with the Mt. Albert Business Men’s Association, which arranged a scheme similar to that recently established in Newmarket. The lights have been installed in the main shopping area, and shopkeepers are well pleased with the result, which has turned the street into a splendidly lighted thoroughfare. Paperspast

MT. ALBERT WELFARE WORK.

[May 2, 1934 – Auckland Star] The annual meeting of the Mount Albert Welfare Committee was held on Monday, the Mayor, Mr. R. E. Ferner, presiding. The committee reported that 250 homes had been visited, and that there was great need for firing, groceries, clothing, boots, shoes and blankets. In all 668 sacks of coal had been distributed, also several tons of firewood. Groceries had been sent to the homes of nearly 200 people. Clothing also had been given. A “drive” held in May last resulted in a good collection of clothing, footwear and general goods. Toys were distributed to children in the district at Christmas. Paperspast

BABY FOUND BURIED. DISCOVERY AT MT. ALBERT.

[August 16, 1926 – Auckland Star] Another discovery under tragic circumstances was made at Mount Albert on Saturday, when it was found that a baby girl, born on Thursday morning, had been buried in the garden of a house. Today an inquest was opened before Mr. F. K. Hunt, S.M., a post-mortem examination was ordered to be made, and the inquiry was adjourned sine die. Detective Nalder gave evidence of the discovery of the child. The mother of the child is a girl about 20 years of age and was employed as a domestic. Paperspast

EXPENSIVE LOAD OF SOIL.

[April 13, 1916 – Auckland Star] S. I. Grin admitted that he permitted a cartload of soil to be placed on the road at Mt. Albert without having previously obtained the permission of the Borough Council. It was stated that defendant had had a load of soil left in front of his house and had taken only half of it in before nightfall. Later a man was riding along the road and his horse stumbled on the soil and was somewhat injured. Defendant then placed a light out to mark the obstruction. Counsel for the local body stated that the leaving of obstructions on the street was becoming too common at Mt. Albert, and it was intended to prosecute offenders. Defendant was fined 10/-, and 38/- costs. Paperspast

TO SAVE THE CHILDREN.

[December 7, 1918 – Auckland Star] A girl of twelve years, who was physically over-developed and mentally underdeveloped, was charged with being a child not under proper control. The application had been made because the girl had made serious complaints about a man which the police had found to be wholly imaginary, and investigation had revealed that her influence on other children of the same age in the neighbourhood was not wholesome. The girl was committed to the Mt. Albert Industrial School, where she would be subject to restrictive training. Two girls and a boy of ages ranging from seven to eleven years, came up as children having no means of subsistence. It was stated that the mother of the children had died of influenza, and that their stepfather was away at the front. The three youngsters were committed to Mt. Albert Industrial School. Paperspast

PROPERTY SALES.

[April 16, 1915 – New Zealand Herald] Messrs. Samuel Vaile and Sons, Ltd., will hold an auction sale at their land sale rooms, 87, Queen Street, at 2 p.m. today, when they will offer 170 sections in the Euston Estate, Mount Albert. This estate is a subdivision of a portion of the property held for many years by the Kerr-Taylor family, and has frontages to the Mount Albert-Onehunga Road, Fowlds Avenue, Taumata Road, and other roads. Paperspast

OLD BOYS’ REUNION. MT. ALBERT GRAMMAR SCHOOL

[November 16, 1923 – New Zealand Herald] The first reunion of old boys of the Mount Albert Grammar School was held in the school building last evening.

The headmaster, Mr. F. Gamble, complimented the masters. He had been in many famous New Zealand schools during his career as a master, and had known many weak links in the staffs, but he could safely say that no such link existed in the staff of the Mount Albert Grammar School. Mr. McBride proposed that an association should be formed, so that the old boys should keep together during the coming years. The motion was carried, the association to be called the Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys’ Association. Mr. C. C. Lamb said the old boys could greatly help the school. He also mentioned the school magazine, the Albertian, which was one of the best magazines ever published by a secondary school in the Dominion. Musical items were given by several of the masters. Paperspast

DANGEROUS CATTLE. (To the Editor)

[February 27, 1890 – Auckland Star] Sir,- Notwithstanding the serious accident which lately occurred to a lady through being gored by a cow in this district, the butchers’ cattle continue to be driven through the populous districts during ordinary working hours. This practice is so very dangerous that the safety of the public imperatively demands its discontinuance. Of course, we know that the abattoirs are in the wrong place, but they are there, and cannot be removed except by great loss to the owners; so the owners and those who use them should be compelled to either drive very early in the morning, if by the Mount Eden route, or else take the Epsom, Three Kings and Mount Albert roads.

I might point out a very direct road, and avoiding the thickly populated parts, viz., from either of the saleyards to Mr Paton’s, thence straight down the Epsom Road to Kingsland Road, thence (by arrangement with Mr Taylor) across his land already laid out in streets, coming out either by the Mt. Albert Church or at Morningside by the station, thence to the abattoirs. This would be a much straighter and more comfortable road for the cattle and drivers than the tortuous Mt. Eden Road with all its turnings. I commend the matter to those interested.—l am, sir, A RESIDENT of Mt. Eden. P.S.—ln any case the cattle should be driven before or after the children are going or returning from school. Paperspast

RIFLE SHOOTING. MT. ALBERT QUARRY. HOME GUARD APPLICATION

[August 13, 1941 – Auckland Star] “There are plenty of other places in the borough where shooting could be carried out,” declared Mr. H. L. Kayes at the Mount Albert Borough Council meeting last night when commenting on an application from the 6th Battalion of the Home Guard for permission to carry out rifle-firing practice in the old scoria pit on Mount Albert.

It was pointed out in the application that it was proposed to use .303 ammunition made for 25-yard ranges. Practices would be held on Sunday mornings and duty men would be posted to ensure that no unauthorised persons entered the danger area. “The most likely source of danger would be the possibility of bullets ricocheting off stone.” said the engineer, Mr. W. E. Begbie, who added that this could possibly be prevented by arranging sandbags at the back of the targets. Mr. B. Brigham mentioned that shooting on Sunday mornings might cause annoyance to sick and aged people. It was stated by Mr. E. O. Faber that the Mount Roskill guardsmen were using a quarry at Three Kings and the Kohimarama unit carried out shooting in its area. In his opinion the possibility of ricochets was remote. Subject to police approval, it was decided to grant the request during the pleasure of the council. Paperspast

RAILWAY DANGER AT MOUNT ALBERT.

[June 7, 1912 – Auckland Star] Sir, —The train from Auckland arriving at Mt. Albert at 4.15 pm. is not taken alongside the platform, but stops upon a loop-siding in the middle of the station yard, where a score or two of passengers (mostly women and children at that hour) are dumped down, to make their way across the main line in front of the incoming  new Kaipara express, which does not stop here, but crosses the train from Auckland, passing between it and the platform, which the passengers have to reach and climb at the peril of their lives. The risk to infirm, nervous, or elderly people, or to ladies with children, is undoubtedly great, and whilst I admit that the local officials do their utmost to avoid an accident, yet the arrangement is so bad that it is only a question of time (probably not a long time) before something serious happens.—l am, etc., J. M. SMITH, Domain-road, Mt. Albert. June 6, 1912.  Paperspast

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This was strongly opposed by Mr. A. A. Buckley. “The bridge is of vital importance,” he declared. “Not only will it be the centre of our town planning scheme, but North Auckland is one of the richest district in New Zealand, and the bridge will increase its trade with the city. A little borough like Newmarket has already contributed, and we are the largest in New Zealand.” Mr. Buckley moved that the council subscribe £5.

“I do not agree,” said Mr. J. H. Langley. “Mount Albert is certainly the largest borough in New Zealand, “but it is also the most expensive in which to do anything for the ratepayers. We should not spend any money outside the borough. We have a loan, but when that is done, this borough will be the hardest in New Zealand to live in.”

“You tell us how much we will get out of the bridge, but you do not tell us how much the landed proprietors on the other side will get,” remarked another member.

Mr. B. Brigham also opposed the donation.

Another supporter of the bridge was Mr W. G. Russell. “When the bridge is built,” he declared, “a stream of motor lorries will bring the wool and butter and cheese from the North to be shipped at this port. Yet, though we are willing to be taxed at the rate of £500 per year for the museum, we squabble over £5 for the bridge.” Mr. Russell further explained that the ratepayers would not have to pay anything unless a poll were taken.

“I am sorry to think that this borough is going to be known as the meanest in New Zealand,” said Mr. Carr. “The council is taking a very narrow, parochial view of a great national endowment.”

The Mayor explained that his attitude did not signify opposition to the building of a bridge across the harbour. On that point he refused to give an opinion. His care, he said, was to safeguard the ratepayers, and if the council committed itself by subscribing to the fund, the ratepayers might be called upon to pay a big share of the cost of a commission of inquiry.

On the vote, Mr. Buckley’s amendment was defeated by a majority of one, and the Mayor’s motion was carried.

During a discussion on town planning later in the evening, the subject of the harbour bridge again came up. After a short debate, Mr. Russell handed in his resignation as the council’s delegate to the Bridge Association’s meetings.

Paperspast

The post DONATION REFUSED. TOWARDS HARBOUR BRIDGE. appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

Despite strong criticism from a number of town planning specialists, the local body is persisting in its idea of running a 16ft road around the northern face of the hill. It means that a steep inner wall of raw scoria will be left to be seen from a distance, and the throwing of the material down the hill will present an ugly appearance for a long time until it heals over.

The result of heavy rain may mean that a good deal of the soft material will be precipitated into the back sections of those residents living below. Many ratepayers are of the opinion that this scheme is very ill-advised and a waste of money which should be otherwise spent on laying out the inside of the extensive old quarry, and it is an unnecessary disfigurement of a once beautiful hill.

Another thing is that the first proposal was to use the inside of the quarry as a children’s playground. But if that is still in mind then is it wise to direct motor cars along the road where small children will have to go to enter the base of the quarry? A number of experts from the Playground Association considered the site unsuitable because of its height and distance from the centre of population, and also on account of the heat inside the walls in the summer. It has been questioned whether there was any great need for a road at all, and if provision had been made for cars to be parked up near the present football ground it would have been adequate.

It is not expected that all the members of a borough council should have a knowledge of landscape gardening, but there are a number of bodies and individuals from whom good advice can readily be got.

So it is a pity to rush ahead with a project before it has been well studied by the ratepayers. Many of those who have looked closely into the scheme on the ground consider that the best idea would have been to make a six foot pathway around the face and lay out the quarry as a football and cricket ground, and give up the suggestion to use it for a playground for small children.

Those who love the hills are very concerned at the lack of consideration shown by the very body which is entrusted with the care of one of the unique features of Auckland’s skyline.

MT. ALBERT RATEPAYER.

Paperspast

The post SPOILING MOUNT ALBERT. appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

The inquest was held at the Avondale Hotel yesterday afternoon, before Dr. McArthur and a jury, of whom Mr W. A. Bollard was chosen foreman. Constable Crean represented the police.

W. H. Chatwin, lithographer, a brother of deceased, said his brother was a butcher by trade, but had been working for his father as a carter and general hand. Witness last saw his brother about three weeks ago in Queen Street. His brother was then in good health, and he was very strong and hardy. He was 24 years old, and born in New Zealand.

Henry Miller, storeman in the employ of Henry Miller and Co., residing at Mt. Albert, said he had known deceased for about three or four years. Deceased took part in the football match at Mt. Albert between the players of Mt. Albert and those of Kingsland. Deceased played with the latter team. The game began about 3.20, and was played in the usual manner.

The first incident was a rush. After that the teams lined out, and the deceased was found lying on the ground. The whistle was blown owing to the fact that a player was hurt. All went over and saw that deceased was hurt. One of the players got a little brandy and the rest applied the usual remedies of rubbing. As the rubbing process did not revive deceased, some brandy was got from Mr M. McLean’s, but no one succeeded in administering it.  Chatwin complained of having received a bump on his neck and shoulder. About five to ten minutes previous to deceased’s being laid out he came into collision with witness, but no complaint was made about it. They both suffered, but continued the game.

Deceased was wing threequarter, and witness was playing five-eighths. Witness met him and came into collision with him, witness’ shoulder coming into collision with deceased’s chest. It was after this that deceased was laid out. Play was resumed, and both took up their positions. There was then a forward rush from the Mount Albert side, in which the deceased was laid out. He did not know with whom deceased came into contact on that occasion.

Every attention was paid to deceased when he was hurt. The game was stopped, and Dr. Parkes was sent for. He arrived little over an hour afterwards. The deceased was then dead. There was no reason to suspect any foul play, as the game was played in the best possible spirit on both sides. There was no personal feeling on either side.

Joseph Clarke, bootmaker, residing at Kingsland, who played in the game, deposed to deceased receiving two severe bumps from Miller playing on behalf of Mt. Albert. On the second occasion he was not in a position to say who came in contact with deceased. He saw the rush, and was of opinion there was no foul or rough play. He knew of no one having a grudge against deceased, or any member of the opposite team. In witness’ opinion as a member of deceased’s team, no blame was attachable to any one.

S. T. Astley, carrier, referee in the game, living at Avondale, said the game was fast, but there was no unnecessarily rough play. He saw the two incidents in which deceased suffered, and in his opinion there was not in the slightest any blame attachable to any one.

To a Juryman: Deceased had a peculiar method of throwing his head about when attacked.

Dr. Parkes, who made a post mortem, said he found a hemorrhage on the base of the brain, due to laceration of the brain tissue. He considered this sufficient to account for the cause of death.

The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence.

Paperspast

The post FOOTBALL FATALITY. THE INQUEST. appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

Those availing themselves of the invitation were afforded the opportunity of meeting the members of the Young Maori Party, in whose honour the reception was given. In the absence of the Hon. G. Fowlds, who was compelled to return to Wellington on Monday to attend the continued sitting of Parliament, the guests were received by Mrs. Fowlds and Mr. G. Fowlds, jun.

The beautiful and secluded grounds of “Greystone Knowe” presented an animated appearance, thronged with people, and an excellent orchestra discoursed sweet music on the lawn throughout the afternoon. Afternoon tea was dispensed in a large marquee, and the function was in every way a most enjoyable success.

During the afternoon the president of the Young Maori Party, Mr. A. Wilson, headmaster of St. Stephen’s Maori Boys’ College, was invited to address those present in regard to the aims of the party in question. Having given expression to the general regret felt at the Minister’s absence, Mr. Wilson went on to outline the aims and objects of the Young Maori Party. These, he said, were simplicity itself, though frequently misunderstood and sometimes misrepresented. The greatest aim of all was to raise the Maori to the highest possible plane, and to bring out in him all that was truest and best. The rate of progress had been slow, and they sometimes felt discouraged. But they were going to persevere until the Maori had reached the summit they had in view. The party had no political side. They simply believed the Maori race was to form an integral part of this Dominion, and if New Zealand was to rank amongst the nations of the world, it would be because its people had dealt out to the Maoris that consideration, sympathy and assistance which was necessary to bring about the result they were aiming to achieve.

The secretary of the Young Maori Party, Dr. Buck, M.P. (Te Rangihiroa), also briefly addressed those present. He commenced with an incantation in the soft-tongued language of the Maori, as follows: —

Piki mai; heke mai

Homai te waiora kia au

T tu tehua aria

Te moe a te; kina ite po

He ao! he ao! He awatea!

Which, translated into English, means:

Come hither, draw nigh.

Bring unto me the living waters of life.

Ah! Weary has been the rest of the aged at night.

But now it is dawn! It Is dawn! It is light!

The incantation, explained Dr. Buck, was used by the Maoris in expressing joy, and on such an occasion as this it could be well used.

The Young Maori Party, which they were representing, was endeavouring to help the Maoris to reach the highest and best positions in life. It had to be remembered that to compare the natives of this country with themselves they would have to go back to the Stone Age. The Maoris of two generations back were on about the same level as their European brethren were 2000 or 3000 years ago. They were happy enough before the white man came, but since the advent of the European the natives of New Zealand had had to assimilate, in the course of two generations, what the pakehas had taken 3000 years to come through.

The Young Maori Party had had much to do, and if they could see some glimmering of success ahead they must be satisfied. What was most needed to bring about the desired end was education—broad, wide, liberal education. So they found the young Maoris who had received some education coming forward to help the aims and objects of this party. They looked to the European for sympathy, that they might go on hand in hand, working out a mutual destiny in the young country. The party realised that in the avenues of education lay their greatest hope: education in matters of industry, public health, and religion.

The movement had its genesis in the Te Aute College, and had now developed into a party, with two working sections in the North and South. Dr. Buck concluded by thanking the Hon. Mr. Fowlds and Mrs. Fowlds, and, with the aid of the Maori visitors present, gave the ringing Maori tribute of appreciation:-

Ka mate, ka mate! Ka ora, ka ora!

Ka mate, ka mate! Ka ora, ka ora!

Tenei te tangata, puhuruhuru nana

Nei i tiki mai i whakawhiti te ra

Hupane, kaupane! Hupane, kaupane!

Whiti te ra.

Paperspast

The post GARDEN PARTY AT MT. ALBERT. YOUNG MAORI PARTY ENTERTAINED. appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

Adjoining as it does the site of the proposed new Post Office, the new hall occupies a commanding position, and is in every way well fitted for meetings, concerts, dances, etc. Further, it is an architectural ornament to the main road of this progressive borough.

A RED LETTER EVENT.

In welcoming Lord Islington, the Mayor of Mount Albert (Mr. M. J. Coyle) said that the official opening of the building, which had been erected as a Coronation memorial, and was to be known henceforth as King George’s Hall, was certainly a red letter day in the history of the borough. (Applause.) The people of Mount Albert appreciated the Governor’s kindness in attending to open the hall and it was the united and heartfelt wish of all present that in the new sphere of life to which he was being called he would have every possible success. (Applause.)

“The erection of King George’s Hall,” continued the Mayor, “arose in the first place through the action of the late Ward Government, which granted to local bodies complying with certain conditions a £ for £ subsidy up to £250 for Coronation memorials. They had also,” he said, “to acknowledge the help given by Mr. A. M. Myers, M.P., who as Minister of Finance arranged an extension of time for securing the subsidy.

The building committee included Mr. Tonson Garlick (the enthusiastic hon. secretary), Messrs. Brookes, Bollard, Caughey, and others, while the architect was Mr. A. H. White. The contract for erection of the hall was let to Mr. H. C. Small, of Rocky Nook, the amount of his tender being £1235. The trustees were the Ho. Geo. Fowlds, Messrs. A. C. Caughey, Wm. Winstone, A. W. Page, John Astley and the Mayor and Councillor T. B. Clay. The Management Committee consist of: Messrs. B. Bollard (chairman) A. T. Garlick (hon. secretary), J. W. Brookes, (treasurer), G. M. Fowlds, and A. E. Wilcox.

For financial reasons, the Mayor said, the original proposals had to be modified, but when funds permitted it was hoped to make an extension in the direction indicated. At present a debt of about £400 remained on the Hall, but the Trustees expected that this would be considerably reduced in the near future, and with a view to helping in this direction intend to circulate subscription cards, which would provide for the spreading of donations over a definite period, thus enabling those who have already given to supplement their donations at their convenience.

The site was leasehold, having been secured from the Railway Department at a peppercorn rental, Messrs Nicholson and Gribbin has acted as honorary solicitors. Thanks were due to them and also to Mr. John Bollard, M.P. for Eden, and to the Hon. George Fowlds. In conclusion, the Mayor thanked the many kind helpers who had so ably assisted the project.

THE OPENING CEREMONY.

Lord Islington thanked the Mayor for the expression of good wishes for his future welfare. He was pleased to have been able to go to Mount Albert, prior to his departure, for the purpose of declaring the fine new hall open, and he hoped that it would serve a purpose of extensive usefulness. His Excellency was very warmly received, and at the conclusion of his speech was heartily applauded.

A LITERARY HOME.

In proposing a vote of thanks to his Excellency, the Hon. George Fowlds remarked that the ceremony meant the realisation of an ideal which he had entertained for many years, namely, the securing of a home for the Young People’s Literary and Debating Society of Mt.Albert. This society had the longest uninterrupted record of successful work in the Auckland district, and its influence was evidenced by the large number of men now occupying public positions who had derived benefit from it in years gone by. He felt sure that as a result of the facilities which the new hall would offer to the society that body would do increasingly useful work.

Paperspast

The post PROGRESSIVE MOUNT ALBERT. NEW PUBLIC HALL OPENED. appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

Your reporter is perfectly correct in saying that this abominable nuisance is a tender spot with the residents and ratepayers of the Mt. Albert district. The depot that was the subject of my remarks is situated a few chains from the main road, about half a mile on the Avondale side of the railway station. The formation of the country is scoria and broken volcanic rocks covered with a thin coating of soil. The underlying strata is composed of a great number of caverns, caves, and probably underground waterways. At a distance of about threequarters of a mile in a direct line from this depot is the source of the borough water supply, flowing out from between fissures in these volcanic rocks. The supply no doubt comes from probably as far as the Three Kings, in the Mt. Roskill district, for the same strata is met with for the entire distance.

Now, I ask any sane man if there is not a danger of contaminating the local supply of the district when hundreds of tons of this filth is dumped on almost bare rocks, full of fissures and crevices, leading right on the line of water supply. Dr. Makgill admits that he is entirelv responsible for establishing this depot. Notwithstanding that Mr. Bollard, the member for the district, informed me that he wrote to the Minister of Health protesting against this menace, in reply the Minister stated that the Department had the full consent of the local body concerned. I think, to say the least of this statement, that it ought to be explained.

Just before my meeting I was informed that another depot of the same kind was to be made at the back of Western Springs Road, and while speaking on the dangers of the present depot in operation my attention was again drawn to the possibility of this other depot. I admitted that I had no knowledge of it, but if such was the case the residents should rise in a body in protest. Now, it appears that the Department and the local bodies have very quietly joined together and are establishing a dump to send the night soil into the main sewers, tapping the latter for the purpose in the vicinity mentioned. This method cannot be as objectionable to the residents except to those in the immediate neighbourhood, as the present dangerous method.

Dr. Makgill has gone out of his way in accusing me of making political capital out of this very objectionable question. This, I think, is inexcusable in a gentleman of the standing in the community of Dr. Makgill and is entirely contrary to fact, which he could easily have ascertained from anyone who was at the meeting, or the report of your morning contemporary in which I repeatedly stated that I entirely exonerated the local body. I knew that they were helpless and that Dr. Makgill was entirely responsible. I have been repeatedly spoken to about the matter by residents, and I was expressly desired to enter a solid protest against the watershed of the Mt. Albert water supply being made a dumping ground for all the filth of the neighbouring  boroughs.

His remarks which no doubt he thinks very clever re taking the stuff out to sea are just on par with his other statements.

If the nightsoil were so disposed of we would not be by any means the first to adopt that system and any means of disposing of it is better than dumping it at the back doors of the residents.

If Dr. Makgill is the gentleman I take him to be he will apologise for his unwarranted attack.  _ I am etc.

MURDOCH McLEAN

Paperspast

NIGHTSOIL DEPOT AT WESTERN SPRINGS.

[May 5, 1916 – Auckand Star] (To the Editor.) Sir,—At a time like the present, when all the local bodies are straining their resources to the utmost to render sanitation as perfect as possible, it will come as a shock to your readers to know that the City Council has commenced the erection of a nightsoil depot near the pumping station at Western Springs, within a few feet of the residences of the waterworks officials, and less than 150 paces from the Great North Road. It seems incredible that while the Water Department, by means of large unproductive reserves, is endeavouring to ensure the purity of our water supply, another department is creating a menace, not only to a rapidly increasing local population, but possibly to all water consumers. It is useless to pretend that no odours are perceptible from these dumps, nor germs broadcasted.

Anyone can test this by a visit to that abomination, the Mt. Albert depot. Surrounding this place, especially in foggy weather, is an odour comparable only to a decomposing corpse, and at night when the floats are being emptied it is still worse. But the condition of things round this new dump will be still more intolerable, as the sealed pan system is in vogue in the city, and each pan has to be emptied and washed separately. Germs must escape and will naturally be attracted to the water the first thing. I have only touched on the sanitary side of the question, but the depot is on the area that the City Council is trying to lease for building purposes, and what it means to the residents and increasing traffic on the Great North Road can be well conjectured. In company with Mr. Jas. Mackey l have inspected the site, and the foregoing is absolutely correct.—l am, etc.,

G. J. HOWES

Paperspast

The post NIGHTSOIL DISPOSAL AT MT. ALBERT appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

First a dairy cow died suddenly under mysterious circumstances, but no suspicion of anthrax was apparently aroused. Immediately afterwards another animal on the same place died, when the matter came to the knowledge of the local Stock Department, and a stock inspector, accompanied by a Government veterinary surgeon, went at once to investigate the circumstances.

A post-mortem examination was made of the second beast that had died, and specimens taken and sent to Wellington for bacteriological examination. The result is that the experts of the Agricultural Department have pronounced the case one of anthrax. Since the case has come under the cognizance of the Stock Department here every available precaution has been taken to minimise the risk of the spread of the disease from the infected centre. The carcase of second victim has been deeply buried in lime, and the place, with the animals which have been in contact with those that have died, have been quarantined.

The local officials are fully alive to the necessities of the case as regards preventive measures, and there is no cause for serious alarm. At the same time it is well to draw the attention of stock owners to the great importance of notifying the Stock Department without delay in the case of the sudden death of any animal. To do this is a clear public duty, so that so far as possible, under the present inadequate powers of the Agricultural Department, measures may be taken to stamp out this virulent disease before it becomes at all widespread.

Paperspast

The post ANTHRAX AT MT. ALBERT appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

One of the questions that presented itself was a request to give Mt. Eden and Mt. Roskill a Sunday bus service, stating that the residents of those districts were put to great inconvenience, and that we, who got their weekly support, should also meet the requirements of Sunday.

We may state at this stage that although we are prepared to meet the public requirements in these districts, we would much rather not introduce a Sunday bus service. But to find out the true state of the feeling of the residents of these districts we decided to duly advertise a Sunday time-table and to run it, and the result would be accepted as a proof of the desires of the residents; and we are pleased to find that the buses were not patronised, and that we are not expected to meet this objectionable and unpleasant duty, for which we take this opportunity of thanking our clients and also those who came to our assistance with their valuable letters, both privately and through the press. —

We are, etc.,

ANDREW, SONS & CO,

[We have received two other letters against Sunday buses, but the announcement made above by Messrs Andrew of the discontinuance of the Sunday service renders further correspondence on this subject unneccessary. We have no doubt that the ready compliance of the firm with what they believe to be the wishes of a majority of the residents in the Mount Eden and Mount Roskill districts will be cordially appreciated.-* Ed. E.S.]

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The post SUNDAY ‘BUSES. (To the Editor.) appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

The primary cause of the accident was the fire on New North Road, in front of Mr Page’s grocery store. Mr and Mrs Battley were being driven home between three and four o’clock, and when the buggy reached the scene of the fire the horse, usually a quiet one, became frightened, and as people were throwing furniture into the roadway from the upper windows of adjacent buildings the driver turned round with the intention of reaching Mount Albert via the Kingsland and Cabbage Tree Swamp roads.

This entailed going over the railway crossing just below the Kingsland station. Down here the grade is steep, and it is impossible to see any train approaching Mount Eden from the Helensville side as the line is hidden by a spur of McElwain’s hill which is scarped by Kingsland Road.

Before the crossing was reached Kelly heard the engine whistle and he at once got down and seized his horse’s head. Almost immediately the train came over the crossing. It was a special goods train heavily loaded with bricks, and according to Kelly’s statement was not going quickly. This is also borne out by the fact that the train was a heavy one, and the rise up to Kingsland station is somewhat steep. As soon as the train came on to the crossing the horse, which had been stopped about half a chain away began to rear and plunge, with the result that the driver was struck on the head and thrown down, the wheels of the buggy passing over him, but fortunately without causing any serious injury.

The horse, now thoroughly excited, made down the road straight toward the crossing and then swerved towards the cattle guards towards Mount Albert. The result was that the hood and wheels on one side of the buggy came in contact with the train moving in an opposite direction, and this immediately wrenched off the wheels, causing the vehicle to tilt over towards the line. Mrs Battley being on that side was at once thrown out on the roadway so close to the line that her clothing was caught and she was dragged under the wheels. The unfortunate lady was so seriously injured that death was instantaneous, her body being dragged for about 60 feet along the line. Mr Battley, who was sitting on the side furthest from the train, was thrown into the seat lately occupied by his wife and received some injuries to his head owing to striking the trucks towards the end of the train.

As soon as possible the train was stopped at the Kingsland station, and the body of Mrs Battley was removed from the line and covered over. Mr Battley, who was almost unconscious from his injuries and grief combined, was taken to the residence of Mr Page, and medical assistance was at once telephoned for, and Drs Somerville, Challinor, Purchas, McDowell and Roberton, were shortly in attendance.

Mr Battley’s injuries were not of a serious character if sustained by man in good health, but to an invalid the general shock both mental and physical may have serious results. Dr. McDowell is attending Mr Battley, and it is thought that the effusion of blood resulting from scalp wounds may have a beneficial effect, but it is impossible to give any definite opinion for at least 24 hours. The tidings of the sad occurrence were sent to Mrs Battley’s children, who were quickly on the scene. The deceased lady was a Miss Ward, and her parents were amongst the earliest settlers in Auckland. The sad news of her death under such shocking circumstances caused grief to her many friends, for the deceased lady was highly esteemed by all who had the privilege of her acquaintance. She had been associated with the Baptist Church of Auckland for over a quarter of a century, and in her earlier years was a most energetic worker.

THE ENGINE-DRIVER’S STORY

Charles Smith, the driver of the engine, states that he blew the whistle when about 100 yards from the Kingsland crossing where the accident occurred, and when the train reached the crossing the driver of the buggy was on the ground, standing at his horse’s lead, apparently waiting for the train to pass. As the engine passed over, the horse reared up, struck out with his fore-feet, knocking the man down, and then bolted towards the train, at the same time slewing around, and thereby throwing the lady out of the buggy underneath the waggons. Apparently the horse was excited by the fire and got out of control. There is a mark on one of the waggons (sixth from the engine) where the buggy struck it. The train was moving dead slow at the time, as the load was a very heavy one, taxing the power of the engine to the utmost, and it was pulled up at once, the van being just clear of crossing and over the cattleguards when the train was stopped. It only moved six or eight waggon lengths after the accident occurred.

THE GUARD’S STATEMENT.

William Archibald Tate states that as the van came in sight he saw the horse and buggy. As the engine reached the crossing the animal became somewhat restive. He at once sprang to the brake and put it hard on. When he looked out again he saw that the lady had been thrown from the buggy and was rolling under the platform. The train was going dead slow before the brake was put on owing to the stiffness of the grade and the extremely heavy load of bricks. The engine driver, Smith, blew the usual whistle on approaching the crossing.

This particular train comprised the engine, 14 waggons, and the van. Where the accident occurred the grade is stiff being one in 40. As each truck was carrying about seven tons, it was impossible for the train to be going very fast. It is estimated the speed at the did not exceed five miles an hour.

THE INQUEST.

At 11 o clock this morning an inquiry as commenced by the Coroner, Dr. Philson, at the residence of Mr Battley, into the facts connected with the accident. Mr Thomas Cotter appeared on behalf of the Mount Albert Road Board and Mr Theo. Cooper watched the proceedings on behalf of the Railway Department. Mr Grant, District  Manager, and Mr A. V. McDonald, Locomotive Engineer, also being present. Sergeant Lyons attended on behalf of the police in company with Constable Hodson. A jury of six was empannelled of which Mr John Wilken was chosen foreman.

MEDICAL EVIDENCE.

Dr Joseph Sommerville was the first called, and deposed he had known the deceased for the past six months, but had not attended her professionally. He was called in at 4.30 o’clock yesterday, and saw deceased lying on the side of the railway crossing at Kingsland. She was quite dead and appeared to have been so about an hour. Dr. McDowell was with him at the time. Witness described the nature of the injuries sustained by deceased, which he said were undoubtedly the cause of death. Besides scalp wounds an arm and a leg had been severed. He was informed that Mrs Battley had been injured by a train.

THE DRIVER’S STATEMENT.

James Kelly deposed: I am gardener and coachman, and have been so employed by Mr Battley for the past four years. I was driving Mr and Mrs Battley from town yesterday afternoon. We left town about 4 p.m. As we came near Mr Page’s store, Kingsland, I saw the fire, and also that there was no room to get by, as people were getting away their furniture and things. I then turned round to go down Kingsland Road. Just as the buggy was getting near the crossing a train was coming up the line towards Auckland. I got out and took the horse by the head. The train was not coming very fast. It was going at a reduced rate of speed, as it had a very heavy load of bricks on. The horse had not taken fright when I took it by the head. I got out and took a rein in each hand as a matter of precaution. When the train came in front the horse started plunging, struck me on the head and brought me under his front feet. He reared and struck me on the head coming down. I was dragged under the horse’s feet and the buggy passed across me. The horse then ran down the side of the trucks as they were coming up. The trucks were on the eve of stopping as quick as the driver could do it, but he could not stop them at once. The buggy then got foul of one of the trucks, which struck the hood of the buggy on the side and the back wheel. It tore away the hind wheel, throwing Mrs Battley out between the line and the buggy. She was not thrown on the line. As near as I could gauge it, she was free at first, but some of the flanges of the wheel caught her dress and she was dragged on to the line. I could not say for certain whether the wheel or part of the truck struck Mrs Battley, but something carried her on to the crossing. Seeing I could not do anything for Mrs Battley I went back to the horse, which was still attached to part of the buggy. I held the horse again, and asked some bystanders to help Mr Battley out, as he’ was an invalid. I do not know what happened after that, as I had to go away in a cab. I first saw that Mrs Battley was quite dead.

By Mr Cooper: I did not hear the engine whistle until it was very close to me, but owing to the crackling of the fire and the noise, it might have whistled earlier, and I not have heard it. I was about half a chain from the crossing when I first stopped the horse, but when the animal took fright and was plunging it carried us nearer to the crossing. As a rule the horse was not frightened by passing trains. It was accustomed to trains. I think it was the fire first alarmed the horse. It was very quiet and obedient at other times, but on this occasion it took charge of me. There was a lot of noise as people were throwing furniture from the windows of the houses. I do not think the engine driver or the men in charge of the train were to blame in any way. The crossing is a very bad one, as the bank hides the line on the side from which the train was approaching, so that you cannot see the engine until it is upon you.

Coroner: The train did not run over the carriage, but the buggy ran into the train.

Witness:  They both struck each other while moving.

By Mr. Cotter: A train coming into Auckland cannot be seen until it is right upon you at that crossing. You have to depend entirely upon the whistle to know when the train is coming. The road down to the crossing is very steep, and I had the brake on. The mare was a favourite of Mrs Battley’s and I got out to take its head because Mrs Battley told me to do so. From the time I first heard the whistle I had no chance to get over the crossing before the train arrived. I do not think it would be much safer if the crossing was made the width of the road, as it is a nasty corner. If the live fence was removed it might be better, but I have not noticed it much. I am sure the train was not going very fast. I thought it was going at a very slack speed. As far as I can remember the engine was whistling all the way over the crossing.

Evidence was also given by William Archibald Tate, guard on the train, and Charles Smith, engine driver, confirming the statements already made.

The jury returned a verdict of “Accidental death; no blame attachable to any one.”

The remains of Mrs Battley were interred at Waikomiti Cemetery this afternoon. Many beautiful wreaths were sent by mourning friends.

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The post FATAL RAILWAY ACCIDENT. MRS. F. BATTLEY KILLED appeared first on Mt Albert Inc.

Mr J. C. Martin appeared for the prosecution, and Mr J. R. Lundon for the defence.

Henry Charles Hazleden, clerk of the Mt. Albert Road Board, deposed that he visited defendant’s premises in company with the Board’s sanitary inspector on November 1st. He found in the cowshed a heap of miscellaneous rubbish, and in the stable a quantity of decaying manure. Next the stable was a place for cutting up pigs. This was covered with a heavy deposit of fowl manure. Near this was a tub for scalding pigs, and in it was some very foul water and a quantity of hair and entrails. On the floor were small portions of entrails and a quantity of slush. Throughout there was a bad smell.

Another yard on the premises contained a quantity of slushy filth. In the pig paddocks were quantities of decaying vegetable matter, from which a very offensive smell arose. There were 15 or 16 pigs about the place rooting about among the refuse. He visited the place again on the 8th and found it in much the same condition, and again yesterday, when he found a very considerable improvement.

Dr. Makgill, district health officer, said he visited the premises on September 9th and found them in a filthy condition. He visited the premises again and found no abatement of the nuisance. He considered that the pigs fed on the rotten fruit would be dangerous to eat.

Mr Lundon, in outlining the case for the defence, said that the defendant had been residing on the property, which was his own, for some years, and that when an opportunity arose he accepted refuse from the city. This he used to fill up holes in a rocky scoria paddock. The defendant kept a number of cattle, on his premises, which were never in a filthy condition. The farmyard was in thorough order, and its condition was equal to any in the suburban localities. There existed often pools of rain water on and near defendant’s premises, which were occasioned by inadequate drainage, for which the Road Board was responsible. His client admitted that there was an unpleasant smell from the pools at different times. It was denied that pigs were allowed to feed from out of these pools, nor were they even permitted to wander in the water.

Dr. King, health officer, said that he had visited the defendant’s premises on several occasions. He found remnants of dried oranges and other refuse about the place, but no offensive smell arose from the rubbish. He had advised the defendant on one occasion to clean up refuse on his premises, and when he visited the premises a few days ago, he found that his instructions had been carried out.

A neighbour of the defendant’s also gave similar evidence, stating that no offensive smell or nuisance of any kind existed on the premises.

At half-past five o’clock the case was adjourned till Saturday next.

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PUBLIC HEALTH PROSECUTIONS.

[December 6, 1901 – Auckland Star] At the Magistrate’s Court today Mr. H. W. Brabant, S.M., gave his decisions in several cases brought before him recently, under the Public Health Act. Alexander Leith, of Kingsland Road, charged with allowing an accumulation of rubbish to remain on his premises, was convicted and fined £5, with costs £2 13/.

In a second case, Haselden (clerk to the Mount Albert Road Board) v. Alexander Leith, the defendant was convicted of having kept pigs on his premises, so as to be an injury to public health. His Worship said the case was a gross one; the defendant appeared to have defied the local authority and to have broken his promise not to keep pigs. An order was made prohibiting the defendant from keeping pigs so as to be injurious to health.

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Here pussie doubled, returning over her course, then passing over the Mt. Albert and Onehunga Road into Mr Sewell’s property with a circle back to the mission. Another hare was immediately on foot, which ran towards Mt. Roskill, passing near Mr Tutt’s residence and away towards Three Kings Maori school, then back again through Messrs Ash’s and Taylor’s, Mrs Bycroft’s, Mr Moody’s slaughter house property, Mr Sewell’s, to the mission, with stone wall jumping en galore, away again pussie led them through Mr Moody’s at Mt. Roskill. Here pussie took refuge in a drain pipe on the Mt. Albert and Onehunga Road, when the services of a small terrior were required to send the poor unfortunate hare from her place of security.

Again the quarry was pursued by the anxious pack, which resulted in a kill in some gorze near a by road. At the same time another hare was chopped. During this run Mr J. Kinloch had a very serious accident through his pony falling on him over a stiff railed fence.

Mr and Mrs Moody with their usual hospitality invited the followers to partake of substantial refreshments. Mr Moody’s property was then drawn over, but it was very late in the afternoon before a hare was found, which gave one of the smartest runs of the season, taking the followers through Mr Moody’s straight as a crow flies towards Three Kings, passing the Maori school, through Mr Conollys to the top of Three Kings, where pussie, fortunately for herself, made her escape, and as it was getting dark the followers dispersed, being perfectly satisfied with their day’s sport.

Amongst those present were:—

Driving: Mrs J. G. Ralph, Miss Percival, Mrs A. Myers, Miss Myers and party, Messrs P. Dawson, Alexander (2), Mr and Mrs J. Buchanan and family, Mr Caldwell and family, Mr Bagnall and Miss (William) Gorrie and party, Mr H. Gorrie and Miss Gwen Gorrie, Mr McCosh Clark and Mr and Miss Stevenson. Mrs Thomas Morrin and party, Mis; Markham, Mrs Thorne George and party, Mrs Pittar, Mr and Miss Jordain, Messrs G. Reid. Somers and party, Mr Lloydd and Miss Claire Smith, Mr Pickering and Miss Hesketh. Mr Booth, Mrs Moore and party, Mrs Martin, Mr H. Dyer, etc.

Riding were:—Mrs Cox, Mrs Moody (Mike), Mrs Kelly (Steeltrap), Mrs Schnackenberg (Tim), Mrs Crowe (Dick), Misses Thorne-George, Buddie, Horton, Moody, Eae (Carbine), Abbott (Tuirne), Gorrie (Jimmy), N. Gorrie (Starlight), Rachel Gorrie (Dolly), Grey, Davies, Kerr-Taylor (Nimrod), Stribley (Awakina), Roberts (Molly Hawke). 0. Buckland, Stribley, etc., Messrs J. G. Ralph (Peter Simple), E. P. Kinloch (Tarrigon), H. Kinloch (bay), J. Kinloch (pony), Crowe (Ptarmigan). Canniner (Ingorangi), McLaughlin (Dad), Brown (Maxime), Myers (Rally), Dalton (La Grippe), Seccombe (Puriri), Ellytt (Miss Drury), — Ellytt (Jim), Tonks (Shepperton), Lewis (Tip), H. Crowther (Skipper), Cotter (Blazers), Pittar (Marine), C. Wood, Wallace, J. M. Walker (Game Boy), Norgrove (Polo), Niell, Waller (Cragsman), Rae, E. Burns (Squire). V. Kerr-Taylor (Woodbine), Morrin (Rona), Tom Schnackenberg (Dandy Dick), Evans (Monk), Miller (Kaiser), Adams, Moody (Brown Bess), C. Purchas (pony), Bloomfield (M’Liss), Lockhart. P. Harrison (grey pony), O’Dowd, Hickson, W. Ralph, Drake, Todd, Boyle, Stewart, Clark, Davis, Neale, etc.

On bicycles were Messrs Myers and Miss Ettie Myers.

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