FROM ERIN’S ISLE TO PAPANUI.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12572, 8 March 1919, Page 8

FROM ERIN’S ISLE TO PAPANUI.

MB. JOHR JOYCE COWES HIS STORY. RAMBLE ROUND THE OLD TOWNSHIPS. EARLY INHABITANTS AND LANDMARKS.

(Specially Written for the “Star.”)

And the summer days wore pleasant When the garden flowers were cay, And “ Springfield ” looked more lovely As the sen son vroro away. There wa-s always ioy and happiness. Andl the sun shone ever bright, ■ Ami overythingi looked cheerful. And every heart was light. Tho sun shines now as it did of yore. But Time, nlns! moves on, And tho dear old home is now no more. And tho dear old folks are gone. Farewell to dear old Springfield, A memory of the past. There’s never a good thing in tho world. But comes to an end at last. —John Joyce. Mr .John Joyce, of Bligh’s Road, Papanui, lias the poetic inclination, as well as tho gardening instinct. Much verse has ho written concerning noted places, such ns /‘Springfield” and “ Elmwood.” whor'd ho formerly laboured in clo-signing scenes of beauty. Ho loves to recite memories of tlioso places, ho told the “Star” reminiscence man—“ Those wore tho happy days of yore.” “You know',” ho went on, “I’ve never been a day idle in my life, or a dav sick, or spent an hour in ‘chokey’—that’s a good record; isn’t it?” “ Now where did wc finish up our stroll through Papanui last’ week?” he asked. The newspaper man replied that tho point reached was Mansfield AvenueA HORSE-BREAKER OF YORE. “On tho left, then, opposite Mansfield Avenue,” Air Joyce resumed, “is Aikman’s Road, named after a very old colonist, Mr C C. Aikman, a well-known auctioneer in tho old days of Christchurch. His house was lately demolished, and a new house takes its place facing the road called Rossall Street. The land on tho left of Aikmnn’s Road was a vacant section full of flax, nigger-heads and tussocks. It was the feeding ground for all stray cattle and horses belonging to owners who possessed no feeding paddocks in those days. It is now a thickly populated locality. On the corner of Aikman’s Road, on the right, lived n horse-trainer named David Thow. He used to break in his young stock by yoking them to a long pole with a wheel on oho end and the horse on tho other, going round the ring until tho horse-was weary of his job, and then became resigned to his fate. All the rest of the land fronting on the Papauni Road was a bare paddock, and remained so for very many years. A fine lot of residences are now built on it. SPRINGFIELD. “ We are now at Leinster Road,, hut will leave it for the present and Juivo a look at the opposite side, and take a glance at that beautiful property called ‘ Springfield.’ This was a very fine estate, planted with a fine plantation of trees forming a belt all round it w'ith a very fine avenue leading up to the house, which stood away back a long way from tho road, surrounded by beautiful gardens and plantations. There was ample paddock room (twentyfive acres) for horses and cattle, with up-to-date stables and_ other outhouses. It was certainly aii i ideal homo ior a man of means to enjoy. > A Mr lnnes was in possession of this magnificenjt property. I cannot say bow many years he enjoyed it. Afterwards tho Count do la Pasture occupied it for some years. His Countess died here, and ho did not remain here long afterwards. She now sleeps in Barbadoes Street Cemetery. He married again, and wont home, to live in England. Tho next on the scene was a Air Hill, a bank manager. Afterwards it became the property of the late Mr J. T. Matson, the once-popular auctioneer of Christchurch, father of the present members of H. Matson and Co.—Leicester and David Matson. ‘Springfield’ was a very interesting place in Air Matson’s time. He was a great lover of strange animals and birds. Everyone passing by used to gaze in on the front paddock at a flock of ostriches which Air Alatson took a great pride in, also emus and alpacas (South American sheep). A flock of Australian magpies used to sing _ and whistle amongst the plantations. All this is now a thing of tha past, and ‘ Springfield ’ has completely disappeared. After Air Alatson’s death the placo was cut up and sold up iuiHt* building plots, and the once beautiful ‘Springfield’ is now a thickly populated suburb of Christchurch with a fine collection of well-built residences, and where one family lived before there are a hundred now. WHY LEINSTER ROAD. “Coming hack again to Leinster Road, or Fcpperell’s Lane, as it was originally called, I might here relate why the name was changed from Pepporell’s Lane to Leinster Road. There was an old lady named Airs Strangman, who had some aristocratic blood running in her veins derived from some scion of tho Duke of Leinster’s family. She thought it was humbling her dignity to live in a lane, so sho got a sign and put it up in the corner with the name ‘Leinster Road’ printed thereon, and that is how it got the present name. Well, all that parcel of land from Leinster Road to tho boundary of Elmwood Estate belonged to a Air Sydney Smith, and formerly belonged to a Air Thompson. There was a very old building on the property, where Air Smith and his family lived for years, until ho cut it up in sections and sold it. Air Smith was a very tall, old gentleman, and had n. family of sons and daughters pretty well as tall and thin ns himself. _ One of the sons was Captain Smith (wellknown in the Volunteers), who commanded one of the contingents which went to the Transvaal. All this

property is now built on. Mr George Humphreys bought the old home ;md added considerably to it. Ho sold it to Air Thompson, dentist; a few years ago it, got burnt down and now a'small bungalow lias taken tlie place of the old identity. It was one of tho. oldest residences on tho Papanui Road. I also bought part of tho property and luul *i nursery garden there for several years, until I sold out and Air Tyroo bought, tho property, and T came to my present property on Bligh’s Road. ELMWOOD. “ And now as wo proceed on onr journey wc arrive at that very fine estate of “ Elmwood,” belonging to tho Rhodes family. Here is a very fine mansion built by the late R. H. Rhodes, father of Air Heaton Rhodes. Here the family lived for many years. Mr Rhodes died hero many years ago. Tho house now stands empty most, of its time. It is to be hoped that some day it will become a permanent residence for tho Governor when he visits this part of tho Dominion. It would he a very appropriate residence as it is so convenient to Christchurch. The gardens and surroundings are very beautiful, no doubt the finest in the suburbs of Christchurch. The front part of the property is now being cut up into building sections, and some roads are made through it, so that soon “Elmwood ” will be a thine of the past. No doubt there wall be ample grounds kept _to maintain the dignity of tho mansion. It would bo a pity to cut up and destroy the fmo gardens, but 1 don’t think Air Rhodes has any intention of doing so. ■ ' “ Opposite Elmwood from Innes Road to Alay’s Road was Church property, but lately it has been sold and some fiiie streets nro made through it, and a very fine class of house has been built there. t It was once n very dilapidated' locality with small shabby cottages. It is now one of tho finest suburbs in Christchurch. A retired old gentleman lived on ono of tho sections—once a well known auctioneer named Mr Preece, one of tho principals of the once well known firm of Preece, Ick and Company, who kept a saleyard where Kincaid’s fine buildings in Colombo Street now stand. Tho property next to “ Elmwood ” is “ Strowa.n,” onco the residence of Air T. G. Duncan who was Crown Prosecutor in tho early days; tho name of his firm was Duncan and Cotterlll, solicitors. Air Duncan died hero, afterwards tho Hon Parker, once manager of Dalgety and Company, lived there for a tew years. Then the late Air G- G. Stead purchased the property and added considerably to the buildings, so that now it is a very fino residence. Air Stead died here a few years ago. This building is now used as a Presbyterian College. As you go along the drive leading towards tho house there is a pretty little mud cottage. It is still in good repair. lam sure it must be over 50 years standing there. This is whore the gardener lived. I think ho must have been residing there close on 40 years, as he was gardener to Air Duncan. No matter who occupied the mansion during that time he kept possession of the cottage and is still the occupier. He retired early. NORMAN’S ROAD. “ We have now come to Norman’s Road, called after Mr W. Norman, who lived on the corner. Air Norman was a very old colonist. He was a well-known figure driving along the Papanui Road, usually in a high-wheel-ed gig. Air Norman was a retired farmer. I think, originally, he must have been a gardener, as he kept one of the most up-to-date gardens and was one of the principal prize takers at the horticultural shows at Christchurch. He was also a very energetic member of tho Agricultural Society in Christchurch all his lifetime. He died hero a good few years ago. Colonel Snow lived here afterwards, he having married a daughter of Air Norman. She died in England wdiilst on a visit there. Then the property was sold and cut up into building plots. Air Nicholls, of Belfast, bought the old home and had it taken down, and now a nice house is built where the old one stood, and is occupied by Air Nicholls, jun. AIAY’S ROAD. “Opposite here is Alay’s Road, called after an old resident, Air Alay. He was to be seen for many years, morning and evening, driving along the Papanui Road—he was a carrier. He died some time ago. The late Air Greenstreet lived on the corner of Alay’s Road and Papanui Road. From Alay’s Road to Tomes’s Road was the property of a Air Tomes. It has been cut up, streets have been formed, and many houses have been built on it. Opposite this property on the Papanui Road is the residence of Air Frostick. Originally it was built by Air Carl, once proprietor of the Empire Hotel, Christchurch. Tho next is Air Belcher’s house. This was built by Air Ick, auctioneer of the firm, late Preece, Ick and Co. Passing along, the next place wo meet 'is tho house and fine grounds of the late Air Palmer, once manager of tho Union Bank of Australia. Airs Palmer resides there still. It was originally tho property of Air Kayo, of Kaye and Carter, Christchurch, he having disposed of it to Air Palmer. The next house to Air Palmer’s was built by a Air Briggs, one time of tlie 1 Press ’ newspaper, of which he was manager. Tho property opposite here was ono time the residence of Air T. I. Joynt, once a very prominent solicitor of Christchurch. A Mr Thompson was the original owner. Here stood the entrance gate and a fine drive leading up to the house. The house is now owned by Air Quane, merchant, of Christchurch. It was a fine estate in Air Joynt’s time, but after he disposed of

THE LATE ME AND MRS R. HEATON RHODES.

Mr and Mrs Rhodes were the original owners of Elmwood, which is at present occupied hy the Governor-General. Mr Joyce was for many years gardener on the estate.

it, it was cut up into building plots and Paparoa Street made through it. It is now quite changed from its original appearance. HAWTHORNE ROAD. “ Now wo nro at Hawthorne Road. On tho near corner iis a small house built by the late Mr Dunnage, and on the right is a pretty old residence and garden. This used to be the residence of a Mr Schmidt, one time proprietor of Barrett’s Hotel. Ho built the New Zealander Hotel on tho corner of St Asaph Street. After retiring from tho hotel business lie built hero and lived here for many years. Next to Air Schmidt’s was the house of Mr Jack Gresson, son of tho lato Judge Grcsson. Ho was killed on the train going to Rangiora a number of years ago. The property now belongs to Mr Greenwood. late Official Assignee of Christchurch. Adjoining Mr. Greenwood’s property is a very fine house and grounds built lately and occupied by Air John Hall, merchant. The next wo meet is Air David Matson’s. This house was built by Air Henderson, one time a sharebroker of Christchurch. This is where Air Bligh used to have a vegetable garden. Air Bligh was a well known restaurant-keeper qnito forty years ago or more in Victoria Street, where VVildcy’s printing office now stands. Bligh’s Road was called after him. There is a grocer’s shop over in the corner. After Air Bligli disposed of bis property on tho Papanui Road ho speculated in a considerable amount of land in New Brighton and spent, a lot of capital in improving and planting his section, known as BWgh’s Gardens, which used to he much patronised at one time for picnics and other amusements. He thought to make a fortune out of those gardens, hut he did not realise these hones- They were before tho times, and lie did not live to reap the benefit of his labours. He was a very successful restaurant-keeper, but a bad speculator in property. The land on the opposite side of Papanui Road in those days and for many years after was used as a milk run by a man named Grant. There was a large house standing in off tho road which was a landmark for a considerablo number of years on account of its unfinished appearance. During the course of erection I believe the man died who, was tho proprietor (I have not heard his name), and on that account it was never finished. It was only a shell. The roof was simply lined and never had any iron or shingles on, and it stood there without paint or a tree or, shrub to relieve the monotony for quite half a century. A few years ago it fell to tiicces and disappeared completely. The and has been cut up lately and sold as building plots, several good roads being formed through the property, so that it has been transformed completely from its former appearance. _ “ Further on towards Papanui was a nice garden and a- two storey residence owned and occupied by a. Dr Lilly many years ago. Since then it has had many occupants and is still to ho seen there, but not the garden, ns it has been reduced and sold for building purposes—one or two houses are now on the property. The late Atr Alfred Cox lived there afterwards for many years. Air J. T. Alatson also lived there for some time, then it fell into the hands of Air Horner, a well-known resident of Papanui in the good eld days. Mr Horner and family occupied it for a long time. After Air Horner’s death it passed into other hands _ and has changed owners several times since. The land opposite has several small cottages, and Mrs Blair's bakery establishment is carried on here. Tho whole property now belongs to Airs Blair. On the opposite side of the street was once the property of Air Alorgan. He was a member and chairman of the Avon Road Board for several years. He d'ed whilst on a visit to Australia some years ago. There is now a chemist’s shop on ihe corner. The next place we come to is a largo corrugated iron building built by a Mr At’Lcan several years ago ns an implement factory, but it was not as success. On the opposite side of the road is Honshaw’s sawmills and timber yards. It has changed hands lately and is now in the occupation of Mr Banks. " Looking across to the opposite .rifle of tlie road is the Papanui Post Office. It is not a very elaborate building for a post office, hut there have been rumours lately that the Government intends to build more up-to-date premises. but there is no certainty as to the time. As wo pass the Post Office down tho next street is the residence of Dr Brittain, who ministered to the ills of Papanui for quite half a century. Dr Brittain died lately in Sydney. Ho was a very popular man and took a great interest in Papanui. spending a great deal of his time in advocating improvements. THE HORNERS. "The next establishment we meet is the Papanui Stores. On this corner was once the Town Hall,-but unfortunately for Papanui it was burnt down a few years ago and was never replaced, which was a great inconvenience to tlie people of Papanui as they had no building large enough to hold their public meetings in. On the opposite side are the remains of a once flourishing business carried on at one time by tho late Air Horner as a grain store and steam chaff-cutting establishment, but now defunct. One or two small shops now represent the former busy industry which was carried on there. On the corner of the same section is the Papanui forge and blacksmith’s shop. Here was once a business of no small importance in the wheelwright and blacksmith business, hut of late years it has declined considerably. Part of Ihe building which now comprises the blacksmith’s shop was once part of the Panama Church of England; many years ago it became too old and dilapidated for the good people of Papanui, so they decided to build a new church, and the consequence was that the old building was bought by Air Horner and converted into a smithy, and there.it stands as a monument of the good old times lamenting its downfall. OLD LANDMARKS. “Well, leaving the forge to work out its own destiny, wo will go across the street, and here wo meet with the Seven Oaks butcher’s shop, built by Mr Jackson and carried on by him for many years until he retired from business and disposed of it to his sons, hut they were not as successful as the father, so they sold out to Air Patrick, who had tlie business for a considerable number of years end sold out to Air Appleton, wlio in turn sold out again. Leaving tlie butcher’s shop, we come to Air ITron’s bootmaker’s establishment. This is a fine two-storey building erected a few years ago by the present proprietor, Air Uren. There was once a blacksmith’s shop here carried on by a Air Findlay. Further along aro several smaller shops, then Mr Ford’s butchery premises. Air Ford carried on a. successful business here for many years. Alp Ford died quite recently. As we proceed further along the North Road_ we meet several small cottages still in their primitive state, until we come to Mr Sisson’s large orchard, which was laid out and planted bv his father. The old building has given place to an up-to-date two-storcy building, and a. garden which is tlie' beauty spot of Papanui. Hero were some very old bhiegums, pretty well a hundred feet in height, a connecting link of the good old times, which are now fast disappearing. These gums have been taken down and given place to more modern plantings- " Now turning back we glance at the opposite side of tho road- Wo catch a view of the Pbcenix Hotel, once the Sawyers' Arms. It was owned by tho Into Air Wild for many years, and afterwards by Afr Cooper. This old hotel was burnt down a few years ago, and the present two-storey building took its place under tho name of the Phoenix Hotel, which is now in, the charge of Air Pawson. ' “Turning back wo come across the Papanui salcyards, once a flourishing institution, but now tlie auctioneer and Ids hammer are never seen or beard of. These promises are now used as a pound for the stra-v cattle of the district who

hare the good fortune of forcing the gates or slip rails of their careless owners, and who have the misfortune of meeting the keen eye of the Papanui raingcr, who is a very old identity- a fine old Highland specimen. I believe ho got his appointment, on account of his height, for he stands over 6ft high, so that ho can see quite a mile square. Ho can gaze with perfect ease over all the hedges and ditches within that area, so that tho erring cattle stand a podr chance of a sweet nito along any ol fcbo long paddocks in tho Papanui districtWo will leave the ranger to enjoy his view, and tho next place of interest is a very lino two-storey building lately erected h.v the Waimairi County Council for oAides’, etc., to carry on their business. Referring hack to the poundkeeper, I might say that he represents (ho historic Al’Donalds of Glencoe. Now wo pass several cottages still in their primitive state until wo come to tho shoeing forgo once owned and worked by tho late Mr Duncan. Tho next building is a very old establishment once owned and carried on as a ladies’ school by Mrs Jennings and family. Mr Jennings died several years ago, and Mrs Jennings removed to AshburtonSince then it has been occupied ns a, private dwelling. Then there are some empty sections still standing idle, once owned by the late Mr Haskins, once town clerk of Christchurch, and lately purchased by Mr Nicholls. Mr Haskins owned a lot of property in Papanui, but never made much improvement. Hero stood an old landmark years ago known as Postle’s Store. Mr Postlo carried on a general store hero for many years, then retired and built a residence off Bligh’s Hoad, where ho died some years ago. A REMNANT OF THE OLD DAYS. “ Now we como to tho corner of Langdon's Road, called after an old resident, where there iis a very old building occupied by Al* Lee, a contractor. This is a remnant of the old days or_ Papanui. On tho opposite side u S P‘" n^er 8 E kop owned and occupied by Mr Samuels. The next lot of premises we meet is another old remnant of tho old days of Papanui, a large twostorey shop, once occupied by the late Mr,lutton, who carried on a butchery business for many years, until he established tlie business of Tutton and Grimmer on Victoria Street. He afterwards went in for sheep farming on the Horsley Downs, where ho was very successful. He died a few years ago and is buried in the Papanui churcnyard. Ihe premises are now owned and occupied by Mrs Adams, who carries on a general drapery store. There are also a. couple of other shops built here by Mrs Adams. “ The nest building is another old landmark of Papanui, It once did business as a police station, and is now occupied by Mr Fletcher, the late Papanui sexton,, The next is a vacant section, and in the next corner is a cottage once owned by a Mrs Morgan, who was proprietress of the Papanui H°tri. This cottage was occupied by Mr Richards for many years. He diea there a short time ago. Mr Richards colonist who came out to New Zealand in the very early days of tho colony. The late Mr Norman came along with him as his servant, but the,servant died a much richer man than 1m master. This Mr Richards was the father of the present'W. D. Richards, land agent, of Christchurch. THE AGE OF PROGRESS. V we come in view of tho Papanui Hotel, owned and occupied by Mr I. Johnson. Papanui Hotel has seen many changes in its time and a good many proprietors also. It was built a Meddings and has been added to and improved several times. The old building is at the back, a new frontage having been added. At the corner of North and Harewood Roads there was a very old. building. once a butcher’s shftp, where Mr JacKson established his business, and later it was a school carried on by two ladies. The next occupier was Sirs Adams, who carried on for many years a general drapery store until she removed to her present premises on the North Road. Then it aid duty as a land agent’s office under the direction of Mr George Baillie for a few years l and lately it has disappeared from view, Having fought tho good fight, and is aow no more, as a better and more substantial row of shops has taken its place, in the form of a two-storey brick building, comprising some five shop frontages. ■ GOD’S ACRE. “On the opposite side going along the Harewood Road we get a view of the Papanui cemetery where stands the pretty Church of England. Here the visitor can occupy a very interesting hour or two as ho proceeds on his journey, by reading the inscriptions on the many tombstones which meet his gaze, especially if he is a pioneer of Papanui. Many of the old familiar names of the good old days of long ago will bring to memory the familiar faces of those who once journeyed to and fro on the different walks of’ life to the old historic township of Papanui. Leaving the cemetery and journeying along the Harewood Road we come to the railway crossing. Looking to the right we see the very pretty up-to-date railway station with its spacious verandah and offices and goods sheds, which are usually well stocked with the produce of Papanui. Jkist by the station is tho constabulary buildings, for many years in charge of a very effidient officer, Mr Poole, whose presence was sufficient to guarantee the lives and property of the inhabitants in perfect order ’ and safety. MATSON’S ROAD. “ As we leave the railway behind and proceed on our journey we meet with the Papanui Sanatorium. This building was once the property of Mr George Harper, who resided there for many years, and where most of the younger generation of the Harpers were born. On the opposite side was once the residence of a very old settler, a Mr Triggs, who now sleeps in the Papanui Cemetery. This property has been cut up into building allotments, with a very fine street—St James—running right through to Bligh’s Road. There is a very fine collection of villas built on either side. The next street we come to—Matson’s Road—is also a well laid out street, built with a good class of up-to-date residences. This street also runs into Bligh’s Road. This property was owned bv Mr Henry Matson He was the grandfather of the present Matson Brothers. The dwelling house which stood off the Harewood Road was burnt down a few years ago, and afterwards the property was cut up into building sections. Mr Matson now rests in the Papanui Cemetery, having died many years ago. Looking across to the right used to be the old Wesleyan, Church, not a very pretentious building, which has now given place to a very fine brick and stone church erected on the section. , “Opposite the church, on the other side of the street, is a fine residence and large pleasure ground. This was once tho residence of two old Irish ladies—the Misses Abbott. They were sisters-in-law to the late Mr T. I. Joynt, the once prominent lawyer of Christchurch. It is now used as a Mesleyan Orphanage. THE JOURNEY’S END, “Now I think we have finished our journey along Papanui Road proper, and it would bo too monotonous to take you along the Harewood Road district, describing the people and places we meet, as it is a farming distinct, and the homesteads are rather scattered; nevertheless, if any interested party wishes to take a motor drive through the district they will find it a very interesting study as they view the different homesteads. Hero they will find the fruit industry carried on in a most up-to-date system, the district being tho home of the fruit-grow-ing industry. Having now got to the end of my journey I must express regret that not a single individual thait wo met on onr journey close on fifty years ago is to he seen on tho road to-day-—most of them have gone to their rest,” Ibis thorough tour concluded, Mr

Joyce said that he had received many communications concerning his reminiscences the previous week. “I am sorry, though, that I missed out some of my shipmates on the Monarch, who are still living,” ho said. “They are Mr Stevens, conchbuilder, Ferry Road, Mr Glnokin, lately retired from the railway, and Mrs Bruereton, of Christchurch. One correspondent wants me to give my impressions of Southhridgc fifty years ago, and we can do that another day.” The pioneer of gardening then harnessed “ Tommy ” to drive tho “ Star ” man down towards town. “ You know,” was the next remark, “that horse and I. have been chums for over twenty years, aud ho knows everything I say to him, and just where I want to go/’ The events of the drive proved the correctness of this statement, and also provided many note-book jottings. It was with a sincere appreciation of tho many couortesies he had received that the "Star ” man bade adieu to a trueborn Irish gentleman.