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Impressive school entries for 175 comp

The 175th Trust has been impressed with the number of entries from local primary schools for a competition which required pupils to either draw or write (in 500 words) a story, poem, diary or letter telling how life may have been in Howick 175 years ago.

The broad parameters provided a broad range of entries that delighted, amused and excited the judging panel. Convenor of the judging panel, Judy Parr, said “the imaginative approach taken by teachers allowed the curiosity of their pupils to lead the project resulting in a high standard of carefully considered entries.

From letters ‘home’, horrifi ed diary entries concerning the long days at sea, the excitement of discovering a new place to live and concerns the Fencibles lived without ‘Nike shoes – only gumboots’, the entries showed an active interest in history.”

Students from year 1 through to year 12 took part with the majority of entries from years 4, 5 and 6. The topic was relevant to the Aotearoa/ New Zealand History Curriculum which is due for full implementation in 2023 and provided wide scope for young minds.

One of the most creative entries came from Bucklands Beach Primary students who chose to colour in the numerals 1, 7 and 5 as the past, present and future, an exercise designed to make the children think of what was not available to the Fencibles, what we have today and where we may go tomorrow. Interestingly enough, most of the future seemed to involve heavy traffi c.

Merit awards and a family pass to Howick Historical Village will be awarded.

Entries will be on display in the Howick Information Centre on Saturday October 8, 9am to 12 noon. Some of the wonderful entries from local school students.

Photo suuplied

Three months’ sail for family from Cork

As part of the Howick 175 events and celebrations, we have asked Howick/Pakuranga residents to share some of their memories. Today we hear from Adele White.

My dad’s great, greatgrandfather, and great grandfather, arrived in Howick, from Cork in Ireland, on October 11, 1847, after sailing for 90 days on the Sir Robert Sale.

I guess that makes me a true Howickian!

As a pensioner of the British army and marines, Fencible Matthew Finlay with his young son John was given a Crown Land Grant in Gibraltar Street in the Howick Village, for the purpose of building a cottage.

In 1861, John married his wife Ann and went on to have 10 children, one of whom was my great grandfather Matthew. Matthew Finlay/Findlay married Isobel Gillard in 1897 and had four children including my grandfather Roderick George (Roy) Findlay.

Dad – Roderick Basil Findlay – and his sister were born to Roy and Myrtle Findlay, in the 1920s.

The family remained in Howick. I grew up living near Howick Beach, in close proximity to Shamrock Cottage – formerly the wet canteen – and later The Royal Hotel, and All Saints Anglican Church – Howick’s fi rst building.

Whilst recently looking through some of my late father’s documents, I came across pages from the New Zealand Herald published on November 1, 1947, featuring the celebration of the town’s centenary. It speaks of 5000 people lining the streets to enjoy (in the language of the era) “a re-enactment in gay pageantry!”.

Photos show locals wearing the clothing of 100 years prior – including my dad in a long fl owing skirt – and massive bonnet!

Over the following few years Howick held Queen Carnivals – which were apparently a fashionable way to raise money for local projects. Funds were raised for projects like improvements to the Howick Domain and the Howick Community Centre which was, at that time, located in Picton Street, and for extensions to the Howick Fire Station. My aunt – Joyce Kirkham was Howick Carnival Queen in 1949.

And here’s an interesting coincidence – my aunt worked for the Howick Town Board, located inside the front of the old Howick Town Hall.  Adele White

Chairperson, Howick Local Board

Adele White. Photo Wayne Martin

TO CELEBRATE THE HOWICK 175 COMMEMORATION JOIN US FOR A FAMILY FRIENDLY Picnic at the beach

HOWICK BEACH - FROM 9AM SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 2022

Have a go at sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking in the bay! There will be other activities including bouncy castles, COASTGUARD, the Howick Sailing Club, with East FM providing the music. Bring your own picnic & there will be a variety of food & drink vendors there too!

Weekend Events

SATURDAY, 12 NOVEMBER 9am: Picnic at Howick Beach. 2:30pm: e Howick 175th plaque is unveiled at Fencible Walk Park - 110 Picton St. 3:30 - 4:30pm: Civic Church Service, All Saints Anglican Church, Howick. Public is welcome. Special music and tours available for people who want to view the historic 1847 church. SUNDAY, 13 NOVEMBER Live day at the Howick Historical Village, 75 Bells Rd, Pakuranga