THE WELLINGTON CARILLON

                             

          Ring out the old, ring in the new

                             Ring out the false, ring in the true.

                             Ring out the grief that saps the mind,

                             Ring in redress to all mankind.

                             Ring out the thousand wars of old,

                             Ring in the thousand years of peace.

Inscription from Tennyson’s ‘In Memoriam’ inscribed on the bell ‘Grace’, known as ‘Aroha’

 

The Wellington carillon is housed in a 50 metre campanile. It is an integral part of the National War Memorial, located in Buckle Street, in the suburb of Mt. Cook. This elevated site was chosen so that the structure would be visible from most parts of the city, and also from ships entering the harbour.

The suggestion for a carillon to be built as part of the War Memorial came from a Wellington jeweller P.N. Denton in about 1919, but his idea was postponed due to Government financial restraints.

In 1926, the Wellington War Memorial Carillon Society raised £9600 for the purpose of purchasing 49 bells. The original design was for 69 bells, but funding only allowed for the 49 eventually cast. Subscribers could pay between £30 and £1440 for a bell which would be engraved with a dedication bearing the name of a World War one casualty, the name of a military battle, or a military unit. All bells were fully subscribed within one week and were offered to the Government for inclusion in a new War Memorial.

The Auckland Architects Gummer & Ford won the 1929 competition for the design of the carillon, the National Museum, and the National Art Gallery. The tower and campanile was to be built in the then fashionable Art Deco style.

Delays due to the shortfall in funding in those depression years meant that Work on the memorial was only started in 1931. The Christchurch builders P. Graham & Sons won the tender.

The first bells were cast in December 1927 by the British firm Gillett & Johnston of Croyden. The author and Evening Post correspondent Nelle Scanlon was present. Her emotional witness report read...

 

‘Wellington’s sturdy fight to have a memorial carillon ringing out across the harbour and hills was this day crowned in triumph. As the bell metal in the great cauldron was swung high to be poured into the prepared mould I borrowed a sixpence which I tossed into the mould where the stream of flowing metal, like a river of flame, swept it along in its tide. This was the first bell of the Wellington Memorial Carillon, number 38, Sari Bair.

Silently, almost reverentially, we watched at the birth of the first six bells. It was after sunset when they were cast. At noon the next day the outer covers would be removed, gradually, for fear the sudden fierce cold might crack the bell. In less than 20 hours the metal would be set, though not cold... In fancy we could hear those bells ring out and echo among the hills.’

The bells were tested by the makers in 1931, with the spokesman for the company saying

‘I think that it’s the most perfectly toned carillon we have made.’ 

The dedication and opening ceremony took place on Anzac Day 25 April 1932 by the Governor General Lord Bledisloe, witnessed by an estimated 50,000 citizens. The lamp of remembrance, placed on the top of the tower, was lit, and the Carillon bells sounded for the first time.

The first recital was played by the English Carillonist Clifford Ball, and the European trained Gladys Watkins of Wellington.

 Since 1984 the Carillon has been considerably rebuilt and enlarged, with 20 mid-range bells replaced, and 21 smaller treble bells added. In 1995 the Government donated four large bells Grace (Aroha), Hope (Tummanako), Remembrance (Whakamaharatanga) and Peace (Rangimarie). The current National Carillonist Timothy Hurd donated 5 smaller bells. These additions brought the total number of bells to 74, ranging in weight from 10kg to 12.5 tonnes. The combined weight of the bells is 70.5 tonnes, making it the 3^rd largest carillon in the world. The Peace Bell is the largest in the Southern Hemisphere

Timothy Hurd has held a number of master classes, attracting performers from both within New Zealand and overseas. A Carillon Festival was held in Wellington in 1990, with twelve performers from seven countries taking part

In 1955 the Hall of Memories was added, constructed by the same builder who was responsible for Carillon tower 24 years earlier. The campanile was strengthened to withstand the frequent Wellington earthquakes, and then re-clad in Canaan marble from Nelson. The original cladding of Putaruru Stone had been seriously corroded.

The National War Memorial, Hall of Memories, Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and the Carillon are all being incorporated into a Memorial Park, currently under construction.

PLAYING THE CARILLON

The carillon is played by a keyboard (clavier) consisting of rows of wooden keys which the carillonist plays with hands and feet. The bells themselves do not move as they are bolted to a frame. Under each bell there is an iron clapper, more like an arm, that is attached by a system of levers and wires to the carillonist’s clavier. The sound produced is controlled by the amount of energy used. The National War Memorial clavier is one of the most modern in the world, designed and built by the current carillonist Timothy Hurd, who explains-

 ‘The carillon is a highly gestural instrument. The dexterity required is more one of limbs than of finger skills. It is like dancing to your own music.’

WELLINGTON CARILLONISTS PAST AND PRESENT.

Gladys Watkins 1932-1936

John Randal 1937-1950 and 1954-1983

Selwyn Baker 1950-1954

Timothy Hurd QSM from 1984

 

Sources.

 

Ministry for Culture and Heritage website.

Sound bite

http://www.mch.govt.nz/files/tvlake1..mp3

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                BICYCLES IN WELLINGTON

 

Our transport planners are endeavouring the impossible, making our narrow streets efficient and safe for Cars, taxis, bikes, scooters, public transport, goods delivery, emergency vehicles, and pedestrians while also allowing for parking and bus stops. The efficiency theory of commuting by bicycle is flawed. Very little can be carried on a bicycle, the elderly, handicapped, and young children cannot realistically be expected to use them. Walking is, by far, a better option for short journeys, slower but safer. You don’t need to wear a safety helmet, or find somewhere to leave your bike, and can enjoy the landscape, shops, and gardens without having to concentrate on traffic hazards.

The citizen’s preference is plain. In the CBD the ratio of pedestrians to cycles, or cars to cycles, would be approximately 30/1.

Commuting by bicycle reduces the economic viability of public transport, something that even cycle owners need on a bad weather day. It is foolish to plan a traffic system which includes a form of transport that only operates in good weather, for a minority of its citizens. Cycling is a wonderful leisure exercise but should take place on dedicated tracks and mountain biking routes.

Published  Dominion Post  June 2022

Nga Manu Nature Reserve

NGA MANU NATURE RESERVE

This thirteen hectares of outdoor education reserve was established in 1974.  The Nga Manu Trust founder trustees Professor John Salmon, Peter McKenzie, and David Mudge had been informed of a site on Ngarara Road Waikanae that was ideal for the purpose of preserving the largest remnants of Kapiti lowland swamp forest, providing also, the opportunity to encourage the preservation and recovery of native flora and fauna. Nga Manu translates to ‘The Birds’.

Peter McKenzie was the son of Sir Roy McKenzie 1922-2007, and grandson of Sir John Robert McKenzie who in 1938 established the J.R. McKenzie Youth Fund, and in 1940 the J.R. McKenzie Trust.

The reserve now contains about 700 different plant species, many of which are on the ‘endangered species’ list, along with a diverse range of native animals, birds, and fish, being nurtured in their wild habitat, and where applicable, in enclosures.

A nocturnal house was opened in 2010 in the presence of the Governor General Sir Paul Reeves, giving the public an opportunity to view the Kiwi in as close to its natural environment as possible.  The wild-life ponds with their vast range of water-fowl add to the reserve’s ability to encourage interest in our natural heritage.

 The daily bird feeding by the staff is enjoyed by visitors as is the feeding of the Native long-finned eels. Bush and fern walks are all accessible by wheelchair. The lookout tower provides views over the sanctuary, and beyond, to Kapiti Island in the West, and the Tararua Ranges in the East.

Picnic sites with gas bar-b-q add to the attractiveness of the reserve to families.

Educational visits are encouraged, and are assisted where required with lectures and organised programmes. A one bedroom cottage on the premises is made available for the use of research scholars.

The Nga Manu Reserve is administered by the registered charitable trust Nga Manu Trust, with the following objectives:

To preserve our unique native flora and fauna.

To provide an outdoor education resource based on conservation and preservation.

To support recovery programmes for our native flora and fauna.

To promote public awareness of our native flora and fauna.

The Nga Manu Trust supports scholarships with Victoria University Wellington and Massey University Palmerston North.


                                          

                                                                                                   

Mahara House

   MAHARA

                               A WAIKANAE HOUSE, MALL, AND GALLERY.

Mahara House was built in 1902 by A.A. Brown for Hemi Matenga Waipunahau, brother of the paramount Chief Wi Parata Te Kakakura of the Ngati Awa & Ngati Toa. It provided luxury accommodation for guests that included Admiral Jellicoe, Richard Seddon, Lord Plunket,   Herbert Kitchener (First Lord Kitchener), and Alexander Turnbull.  The name Mahara, meaning remembrance, was chosen possibly out of respect for victims of the Boer War. The house was frequently used for hunting and fishing groups, and the frequent New Year parties were memorable.

Waikanae was originally called Parata Township having been established formally by the Native Township Act of 1895, but Waikanae became the preferred name through common usage

 Mahara House was located on the Main Highway, the front entrance being next to the large Pohutukawa tree on the south border of the present service station. Next door, on the Ngaio Road corner, was the Parata homestead where Hira Parata the son of Wi Parata and his son Tohuroa (Tom) resided. Hira managed Mahara House for a short period after its official opening.

Hemi Matenga and Wi Parata were both born on Kapiti Island, the sons of Waipunahau of Ngati Awa and Ngati Toa descent. Their father was George Stubbs, an Australian whaler who in 1838 was drowned off Kapiti

Hemi Matenga died in May 1912, just six years after the death of his brother Wi Parata who had been residing in a house next to the Whakarongotai Marae. This house was demolished to make way for the Waikanae Hotel bottle store and car park.

Hemi Matenga had built another house at 48 Winara Avenue which is still standing. Known as ‘Kildoon House’  its stables can be seen from the Road, unfortunately Hemi never lived to see its completion.

Hemi Matenga sometimes used an anglicised form of his name, James Martin, when on official business not connected to Tribal interests. His wife Huria aka Julia Martin was known as ‘The Grace Darling of New Zealand’, for an heroic rescue of the crew of the brigantine Delaware which had been wrecked close to the Pa at Wakapuaka near Nelson.

In 1907 the land to the south of Winara House was auctioned off by Hira Parata in 100 quarter acre sections. These sections were opposite the railway line facing the Main Road and would have included much of the existing Main Road shops; the sections were later further subdivided to better suit the purpose of small shops.

In the early hours of 19^th January 1937, the daughter of the absent proprietor of Mahara House, sleeping in her upstairs bedroom, was awakened by the noise of the crackling of flames; on investigating she found smoke pouring up the stairwell; the electric lights would not function.  Keeping her head, she managed to alert the few guests and staff, who escaped in their night clothes, just as the entire staircase exploded in flames and collapsed. The flames soon reached 50 feet in the air and the glow could be seen up to 20 miles away. There was a 500 gallon water tank at the rear of the building but its supports were alight, causing it to overturn, spilling the water. There were no fire brigades at the time and nothing could be done to prevent the total loss of Mahara House.

In more recent times, on the area behind the shops facing the road, town planners agreed to incorporate a square, accessed by a pedestrian mall. In recognition of the history of the site it was named Mahara Place. Paved in a red shade of tile it became known affectionately as ‘Red Square’.  In the last few years the paving had lifted in places and was not considered safe. It was re-laid in a different shade of brick that made the nickname obsolete.

A small art gallery run by local artists was established in the square, which has over the years, with the help of private benefactors and the local council, been developed into a professional gallery respected by artists and public for its exhibitions and presentations of the works of local and nationally recognised artists. It maintains a strong commitment to the promotion of many highly regarded Maori artists.  The Mahara Gallery’s reputation is about to be further enhanced by plans for an extension that will enable it to have a permanent display of the works of Frances Hodgkins and her sister Isabel Field, who had family associations with the Kapiti area.

SOURCES

1.      

2.      The Kapiti Coast by W.C. Carkeek. A.H. & A.W. Reed 1978

3.      The Kapiti Museum, Waikanae.

4.      Wai Cook (G.Granddaughter of Wi Parata)

5.      The Evening Post (Papers Past)

6.      The Colonist (Papers Past)

Richard Mason

 RICHARD MASON....PRINCE OF TRAINERS

Richard John Mason (‘Dick’) was born in Wellington on the 29th May 1853, the 3rd son of English migrants Sidney Mason and his wife Ann Parker. Ann was an accomplished horsewoman whose passion for riding was passed on to her son, culminating in his becoming the most successful race horse trainer in New Zealand turf history. Richard Mason started his career as a jockey.  As a nineteen year old he was employed by Henry Redwood of Nelson; ‘The Father of New Zealand Turf’. In the 1850’s Redwood imported many fine horses from Australia including the valuable sire ‘Sir Hercules’. In 1868 Redwood moved from Nelson and established the Chokebore Lodge stud in Riccarton.
The late 19th century was a boon time for racing in the lower South Island where gold mining was creating wealth from breeding, importing, and training horses. In 1876 there were 60 days of racing at thirty venues south of the Waitaki River, with Dick Mason often given the responsibility of transporting horses from Riccarton to the gold fields meetings. Between these venues which were often spaced up to 400 miles apart, he had to locate flat areas of land suitable for his  sprinters to have two or three furlong workouts.
In 1875 Redwood sold half his business to George Gatenby Stead (his initials GG were appropriate). Richard Mason, tall and too heavy to contemplate a long term career as a jockey, did succeed in winning the 1874 inaugural Dunedin Cup on Redwood’s mare Lurline.
George Stead saw the potential of Mason as a trainer, and on the death of David Jones, Richard Mason was given full control of training at the Redwood/Stead Yaldhurst property.  At 29 years of age Richard Mason married Sarah Franks at Riccarton; their only child Percy was born the following year.  Percy became a gifted athlete, swimmer, and rifle shot while in his father’s later years he became a valued assistant and trainer in his own right.
 By the late 1880’s Stead had bought out Redwood, taking full ownership of Yaldhurst. Henry Redwood died in 1907.
Money would not always give George Stead the horses he wanted. The unattractive Carbine had been bought by the colourful character Dan O’Brien. This horse was several inches shorter than desirable, bad forelegs, and other features that did not mark him out as being a champion. Carbine did however have something that a physical examination could not detect; courage and a great heart. After winning five races in a row Dick Mason recognised Carbine as a unique colt that would be an asset to any owner’s stable.  George Stead asked Mason to make an offer for the two year old, but when asked to name his price, the wily Australian refused to negotiate. Two and a half years later Carbine retired with lifetime earnings of 29,626 pounds, an Australasian record that he held for 30 years.
A great season for the Stead/Mason partnership occurred in 1901/2 when their charges won ten races at the Canterbury Jockey Club meeting. Two years on at the Sydney Spring Carnival talk was all about the Mason trained filly Cruciform. He had been pitted against the brilliant mare Wakeful in the Spring Stakes. Wakeful was considered at the time the best mare ever bred in Australia. Richard Mason was particularly proud that day as Cruciform, the horse he had been training from his earliest ventures on the track, ran down Wakeful to win. The Australian press were now taking notice of Mason trained horses.
In 1903 the Sydney racing journalist known as ‘Milroy’  regarded George Stead as the most successful living race horse owner in the southern hemisphere.  Through his racing column, he informed the Australian public that since Dick Mason had taken charge of training, George Stead had New Zealand winnings of about £85000, while capturing almost every important race in that country. ‘Milroy’ noted that since 1887 Mason had trained nine New Zealand Derby winners with Scots Grey, Medallion, Stepniak, Bluefire, Uniform, Altair, Menschikoff and Orloff.  The Stead/Mason team had won the Canterbury Cup six times, the CJC Champagne Stakes twelve times (including a run of ten successive seasons), the New Zealand Oaks seven times, the CJC Welcome Stakes six times, the CJC Middle Park Plate eleven times, and the Challenge Stakes eight times
 Stead’s last annual trek to Sydney was in 1907, he died two years later. The Yaldhurst stud and racing team were put up for sale. The pick of Stead’s stable went to the wealthy sheep owner G.D. Greenwood who completed the coup by securing the services of Richard John Mason.
 The Mason/Greenwood stables at Teviotdale succeeded in winning eleven Derbies, the Jackson Plate ten times, nine CJC Challenge Stakes, six ARC Royal Stakes, six Middle Park Stakes, six Hawera Stakes, three St Legers, four AJC Derbies, four AJC Craven Plates, and the WRC Champion Plate five times. Richard Mason is credited with having trained 30 Derby winners in New Zealand and Australia. This is probably a world record that still stands today. His success was put down to an uncanny ability to judge a horse’s capability. He instinctively knew both his own and the opposition horses advising Greenwood on their chances of victory, withdrawing if he was in doubt.
In 1917 a Brisbane sports journalist gave the following description of Richard Mason. “Tall and erect, a man apparently in his middle sixties, Richard Mason, the trainer of Biplane, does not in appearance give any idea of his profession. He might be taken for a man of business in the city, a lawyer, a bank inspector-anything, in fact, but what he is. There is nothing horsey looking about him, if the term may be used. It is only when one converses with Mason on racing matters that one realises that he knows the subject, but even then he is not given to airing his knowledge of his own particular calling. Mason is a quiet, intelligent man devoted to his horses, but is careful not to become boastful; though in good truth there is much he might be pardonably proud of.”
The most noteworthy of Mason trained horses from the Greenwood stable was Gloaming. At the ages of four, five and six years Gloaming equalled Desert Gold’s record winning sequence of nineteen races, a record held until this year, and now overtaken by Black Caviar. Gloaming’s last race was incredibly as a ten year old, with victory in the J.D. Ormond Memorial Gold Cup. Of his 68 starts he had 57 wins, and 9 seconds.
Gloaming died at Greenwood’s Teviotdale stud in 1932 at seventeen years of age.  A week later Dick Mason died followed a few months later by George Greenwood; the end of a remarkable era in Australasian turf history. In 2010 Mason was inducted into the ‘Racing Hall of Fame’.