12 | Mahurangimatters 1 November 2012
Renovations uncover newspaper fragments Builders renovating a 112-year-old Edwardian kauri villa in Wright Road, Matakana, made an unexpected discovery last month. While re-gibbing some interior walls, carpenters Cameron Bradburn and Tim Henry, of McKergow Builders, discovered fragments of a NZ Herald dated 30 October 1895. The house also yielded a thruppence, two timber matchboxes made in Belgium, and a tin of Ostrich brand boot polish. Although in poor condition, parts of the newspaper were still readable including a Smith & Caughey advertisement for footwear, metal polish, stove polish and double starch. Money lenders were advertising loans of up to £600, and goldmining interests and auctioneers were also promoting their services. The house, owned by Rick Horst and Cushla Clark, was moved to its present location from Kingsview Avenue, in Mt Eden, in June. The couple are in From left, builders Tim Henry, Cameron Bradburn and home owner Rick Horst the process of completely renovating examine the fragile remains of the NZ Herald found in the walls of the old house. the four-bedroomed villa, salvaging timber and architectural features from demolition yards around the North Island. The dining room floor is utilising timber removed from the Auckland Art Gallery during its recent transformation. Rick says the house is positioned on the site of the original Wright homestead and some of the original family’s fruit trees are still in the grounds, including a pear tree estimated to be in excess of Out with the old and in with the new – 100 years old. Cushla Clark replaces the 112-year-old Cushla says she plans to preserve the NZ Herald with the most recent copy of old paper as an interesting piece of the Mahurangi Matters; a small time capsule for the next time the house is renovated. home’s history.
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Cheryl Clague
Searching for your pedigree Warkworth genealogist Cheryl Clague was the speaker at Warkworth Mens Probus meeting last month. Cheryl gave an interesting and amusing talk on genealogy, which she described as “a study of your pedigree” that establishes your family relations – who, what and where. She said six generations of a person’s family tree will show around 1024 ancestors, with 20 generations you will have half a million. She said family Bibles, newspapers and relatives are a good way to begin researching. Other resources include the internet and census forms. For more information about Probus, phone Bill Speed 425 8414.
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SHOP HOSPICE HURRY! 3 DAYS LEFT to buy tickets for the Mahurangi West Homes Tour. Phone 425 9535. 2 stores open Mon-Fri 9am-4pm; Sat 9am-1pm Warkworth Argyll Angle, Queen St behind Gaby’s Wellsford 181 Rodney Street PLUS Garage Sale every Wed 7-11am Hospice House 51 Woodcocks Rd, Warkworth
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p. 425 9535