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As Howick and districts count down to its 175th anniversary, the Times continues its series by Alan La Roche giving readers a glimpse of life as it used to be. The countdown began at the 170th in 2017.

In 1864, aged 19-years-old, Albert Gerring joined the flood of emigrants leaving the overcrowded, shabby squalor of London with its thick, choking smog which hung over the city for months, for the clean air of Auckland, New Zealand.

He soon found work on a schooner bringing cattle from Northland to Kohimarama where they were marshalled for the Auckland markets.

Like many others, he tried his luck in the Thames goldfields and then found a more secure teaching position available once he had passed his Certificate of Competency in 1887 — it was a good occupation.

In 1909, aged 64 years, he was appointed the Town Clerk of the Howick Road Board.

In June 1914 his salary was increased to $16 a year which was subsequently increased to $28 per year as his responsibilities increased as secretary, treasurer, collector of rates and fees such as dog licenses, motor car licenses and fees for using the Howick wharf.

He collected funds for relief of Belgium and Serbia in World War I.

When the Howick Town Board Albert Gerring was Howick’s Town Clerk from 1909-1928. Photo supplied

was established in 1922, he was appointed Town Clerk with an annual salary of $104. From 1910 to 1920 he was the secretary and treasurer of the Howick Bowling and Croquet Club as well as being President from 1922 to 1926.

The bowling and croquet greens were where the Howick Library is now placed which can be viewed from the pathway from Uxbridge to Selwyn Road today. In February 1927 Albert’s house in Uxbridge Road, opposite today’s library, was destroyed by fire. Unfortunately, nine months after moving into the hotel, this large building caught fire.

A lady guest left an electric iron on, not realising that now electricity had arrived in Howick in 1927 you had to turn the electricity off when you have completed your ironing.

He then left Howick to stay with his daughter at Ngaruawahia. The hotel was rebuilt using bricks to prevent another fire in 1930.

Aged 83 years in 1928 he decided to retire from the Howick Town Board as Howick Town Clerk, one of New Zealand’s longest-serving local body town clerks.

He was also superintendent of All Saints Sunday School.

Albert Gerring died at Ngaruawahia aged 87 years and his wife Ellen Charlotte Gerring died in 1911 and was buried in All Saints Anglican Churchyard in Howick.

He was one of Howick’s notable citizens who served our community well.

Alan La Roche, Howick Historian

We welcome your visit at Karaka Lifestyle Estate Retirement Village

Come along to experience our beautiful Country Club, view plans of our village, and learn more about Karaka Lifestyle Estate. Come see our choice of apartments available.

Choice of ground floor and first floor apartments, Two and three bedrooms available.Car parking for each apartment, master bedroom has an ensuite and full bathroom for guests.

Entertaining and outdoor living is a breeze – select from ground floor living with patios and access to lawns and gardens or opt for one story up with large terraces .

All of our apartments have spacious living areas and generous storage spaces. Creating a day to day lifestyle to be celebrated and enjoyed.

With a waterfront location and superb Country Club set in the new Auranga township and everything for a great lifetsyle is at your finger tips.

We also offer full sale price of your home,including the capital gain.

For further information please contact Linda.

Open Hours: Monday to Friday - 10am to 2pm Weekends - by appointment only

Where: Karaka Lifestyle Estate, 329 Bremner Rd, Drury Construction is occurring on the site, so for your safety please contact our salesperson Linda Wilson to book a visiting time.