A group of people watching the eruption of Mount Ngauruhoe. Taken by an unidentified photographer in 1926.

New ticket office under construction at the Wellington Railway Station - 1957
View Before-After

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Naenae Post Office 4 Dec 1959

Naenae Post Office opening with unidentified adults and children sitting in the front grass area, Lower Hutt, Wellington Region.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2019 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library. 

BUY THIS PRINT

Bristol Freighter G-AIMC 'Merchant Venturer' New Zealand tour 1947

Wolseley 46 being unloaded/loaded from a B170 Bristol Freighter named 'Merchant Venturer' during a NZ tour. Photographed in Christchurch by Whites Aviation - Canterbury Aero Club field day Jul 1947.

The first B170 to be seen in NZ was G-AIMC 'Merchant Venturer' which arrived at Whenuapai in July 1947 on a Bristol sales drive. This aircraft was demonstrated to local operators and potential buyers during its visit, and carried the first Bristol freight operations across Cook Strait later that month.

Departing to Australia via Norfolk Island in August, G-AIMC was destroyed when its parking brake failed while on a steep strip in New Guinea in November 1947. Peter Lewis rnzaf.proboards,com

Portrait of aviator Jean Batten taken by Leo White on the 16th of October 1936.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2019 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Lower Hutt Clock Tower 1956

Unidentified men peer out of the clock tower above Lower Hutt's new Civic Centre 

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Evening Post Collection Photographer: Unidentified

VIEW BEFORE-AFTER
VIEW IN STORE

Looking along Karangahape Road, Auckland, with the top of Queen Street on the right. The business of McCabe's Radios can be seen in the centre. Taken in the 1930s.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Fishermen Frank Dellabarca and Jimmy Imlach at Island Bay, Wellington

Fishermen Frank Dellabarca and Jimmy Imlach at Island Bay, photographed in July 1957 by an Evening Post staff photographer. Original newspaper caption reads: "unloading the dinghies on the eastern side of Island Bay. The two fishermen facing the camera have a groper in each hand and are carrying them to the truck. The time is about 4.30pm and they have been out for about 12 hours" (Evening Post, 27 July 1957).

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Evening Post Collection Photographer: Unidentified

Entrance to the cable car terminal at Cable Car Lane off Lambton Quay, Wellington, taken ca 22 March 1957 by an unidentified Evening Post staff photographer. Shows three women entering and exiting the terminal and a group of people standing beside a sign that points towards Life Photography.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2019 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Fishermen Frank Dellabarca and Jimmy Imlach

Fishermen Frank Dellabarca and Jimmy Imlach at Island Bay, photographed in July 1957 by an Evening Post staff photographer. Original newspaper caption reads: "unloading the dinghies on the eastern side of Island Bay. The two fishermen facing the camera have a groper in each hand and are carrying them to the truck. The time is about 4.30pm and they have been out for about 12 hours" (Evening Post, 27 July 1957).

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Evening Post Collection Photographer: Unidentified

Fishermen Frank Dellabarca and Jimmy Imlach

Fishermen Frank Dellabarca and Jimmy Imlach at Island Bay, photographed in July 1957 by an Evening Post staff photographer. Original newspaper caption reads: "unloading the dinghies on the eastern side of Island Bay. The two fishermen facing the camera have a groper in each hand and are carrying them to the truck. The time is about 4.30pm and they have been out for about 12 hours" (Evening Post, 27 July 1957).

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Evening Post Collection Photographer: Unidentified

Tram enthusiasts, Wellington. 20 Jun 1960

Tram driver with passengers standing outside a tram hired for sightseeing, on Hutt Road Thorndon. Wool Store New Zealand Farmers Co-op building behind.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Evening Post Collection Photographer: Unidentified

Cars parked in Mercer Street, Wellington
23 Apr 1960

Photograph taken for the Evening Post newspaper of Wellington by an unidentified staff photographer .

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library. 

BNZ Wellington. ca1927
Busy intersection of Customhouse and Lambton Quay, showing the Bank of New Zealand. An officer directs traffic in the foreground.

Tram 103 to the left looks to be on route to Island Bay and has two posters displayed below the window: ‘Give books this Xmas’ and ‘Plunket Shield Cricket Welly vs Otago - Xmas and Boxing day - Basin Reserve’ Tram to right en-route to Aro Street. The last tram to travel the Wellington Streets was 37 years later, on 2nd May 1964.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Willis Street after a downpour. 7 Jul 1960

View of a manhole storm water drain flooding on Willis Street after a downpour, Wellington City.
Photographer: Unidentified

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

DSIR glass blower 12 Nov 1959
View of an unidentified glass blowers in action at the DSIR Dominion Physical Laboratories, Gracefield, Lower Hutt, Wellington Region

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Unidentified group sitting on the prow of a Waka

Unidentified group sitting on the prow of a canoe, probably in the Wanganui region. The group consists of a Maori woman holding a baby and smoking a pipe surrounded by older children. Photograph taken between 1900 and 1910 by Frank J Denton.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Keith Patterson, Officer Commanding, Territorial Air Force, with an Harvard aeroplane, possibly located at Whenuapai, Auckland

VIEW BEFORE-AFTER

Photograph taken by Whites Aviation 21 Dec 1948

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

High Street, Lower Hutt. ca1948

BUY THIS PRINT

Shows a car travelling along the street, with pedestrians crossing the road and other cars parked nearby.

At the time this image was taken (1948), the building on the corner of High Street and Laings Road stood as the Council chambers. The building originally served as the Post Office and was opened in 1906. In 1943 a new Post Office was opened on the corner of Andrews Ave and High St.
The former Post Office became the Council Chambers until it was demolished in 1957, after the erection of new Council Chambers and Town Hall further along Laings Road.

Photograph taken 1948 by Sydney Charles Smith

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Woman modelling for New Zealand KnitWear 1940s

Full length portrait of an unidentified woman, modelling for New Zealand Knitted Wear, seated, wearing a striped bathing suit, a wide brimmed straw hat

Photographer: Clifton Firth

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Sir George Grey Special Collections Via Auckland Libraries

Picturesque view of Lyall Bay beach Wellington- 1925

VIEW BEFORE-AFTER

Shows two women with three children playing on the beach at Lyall Bay, Wellington. In the background, at the water's-edge, some people are paddling. Photograph taken by Sydney Charles Smith in 1925.

The road, and the suburb that shares its name, honour Dr David Lyall, a Royal Navy medical officer and naturalist who took part in a survey cruise of the area in 1847.

Lyall, a Scot, was an inveterate traveller who visited both the Arctic and Antarctic - adventurous stuff for the 1800s.

Before Lyall lent his name to the area, it was known as False Bay, after several shipwrecks had occurred when sea skippers misjudged the rocky outlets and the tides.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Toheroa hunters at Waitarere Beach, Levin

View Before-After

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Men inspecting the horse Phar Lap

4 November 1930 Phar Lap wins the Melbourne Cup

Ridden by Jimmy Pike, the New Zealand-bred (but Australian-owned) wonder-horse beat Second Wind by two lengths to claim one of his greatest victories.

The Melbourne Cup is the pinnacle of thoroughbred racing in Australasia. It is widely regarded as the most prestigious two-mile (3200-m) handicap in the world. Having finished third in 1929, Phar Lap started as the shortest-priced favourite in the history of the race at odds of 8–11 (a return of approximately £7 for each £4 bet). Amazingly, he won on all four days of the Flemington Spring Carnival. He followed up his 1930 victory by running eighth in the Cup in 1931 under a crushing 68 kg, the heaviest weight ever carried in the race. rown Studios Ltd of Wellington

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Petone Railway Station 1920s-1930s

Some time in the late afternoon (possibly winter) with the sun off to the right, A man runs to catch the train on the left side of the platform.

The third station
The new station was opened by Sir Joseph Ward, Minister of Railways, on 26 July 1905, the railways workshops closing at 3.20pm and the school being given a half holiday in honor of the occasion. This building, was designed by Sir G A Troup, chief design engineer for the Railways Department. It originally closely resembled the Lower Hutt station but was drastically modernised and shorn of its distinctive cupola in 1956.

Info from
PETONE A HISTORY (Susan Butterworth)

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Lola ca1920s

VIEW BEFORE-AFTER

A woman identified as Lola, posing in a bathing costume, probably in Auckland. Shows Lola standing in a studio, wearing a one piece bathing suit, and a spotted cap. She has her hands behind her head. Taken by Herman John Schmidt, probably in his studio, circa 1920.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Beautiful Wahine ca1904
Unidentified young Wahine photographed by Frank J Denton, circa 6 April 1904, probably in the Wanganui region.

VIEW BEFORE-AFTER

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Private Cecil Theobald Coate, service number 44447

VIEW BEFORE-AFTER

This is a portrait of Private Cecil Theobald Coate, service number 44447, of the 24th Reinforcements, NZEF.

Cecil was born in Wellington on 15 December 1889. As a young man he was a keen cricket and soccer player for the Karori clubs, and worked as a Clerk for the Wellington Harbour Board. He married Nora Maud Furness on 15 March 1916.

He had volunteered for military service in 1915, but was rejected for having varicose veins. In December 1916, after conscription was introduced, his name was drawn in the second ballot, and he attested for service on 28 December.

He was posted to train with the 25th Reinforcements on 8 January 1917. On 2 February he was transferred to the 24th Reinforcements.

Cecil sailed from Wellington on 5 April 1917. Cecil probably had this portrait taken shortly before sailing. In England, he underwent further training at Sling Camp with the 4th Reserve Battalion, Auckland-Wellington Regiment from 11 June to 6 July, when he was sent to France. On 24 July he joined the 7th Company of the 3rd Battalion, Wellington Infantry Regiment.

On 4 October, during the Battalion's attack on Gravenstafel, Cecil was hit in his face by an enemy bullet. He was admitted the same day to No. 3 NZ Field Ambulance, then to No. 3 Australian Casualty Clearing Station and on 5 October he was sent far behind the lines to hospital at Le Treport, on the French coast. Cecil was very lucky, although a medical report noted in March 1918 that the wound had caused him 'periodic attacks of frontal neuralgia.'

On 23 December Cecil was posted to the 3rd Reserve Battalion of the Wellington Infantry Regiment and except for one week's leave in September, served with them until he embarked for New Zealand on 7 February 1919.

On the 23 April 1919 he was discharged from service as 'No longer Physically fit for War service on account of Wounds received in action.'

Cecil lived in Wellington for the rest of his life where continued to work for the Harbour Board. He died on the 14 November 1950 aged 60.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of Te Papa (B.046296)

The Queen in Blenheim, 4th of March 1977
Silver Jubilee tour In February and March 1977 New Zealand

Queen Elizabeth standing at the edge of a wet roadway holding an umberella. Children, adults and a policeman are lined up on her left. Photographed by an Evening Post staff photographer on the 4th of March 1977.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Richard Weir Battersby, service number 63539

This  portrait shows Corporal Richard Weir Battersby, service number 63539. He is wearing his World War One military uniform, a 'lemon-squeezer' hat with the badge of  the First New Zealand Expeditionary Force and a woollen greatcoat with Corporal's chevrons on the left sleeve. 

The portrait was taken at the Cuba Street studio of  Berry & Co. in Wellington, a well-known photographic firm established in 1897 by William Berry. Many servicemen had their portraits taken there while on leave or before they left for the war.

Richard's name was drawn in the Fourth Ballot for compulsory military service on 13 February 1917 and he entered the training camp at Trentham in late August as part of the 'local quota' for the 33rd Reinforcements. 

Richard Battersby transferred to the 37th Reinforcements and promoted to Probationary Corporal on 26 September. He reverted to Private at his own request on 15 March 1918, but was promoted Temporary Corporal on 13 May. These periods enable us to date the portrait sitting to either late September 1917 to mid -March 1918, or to some time between mid-May and his embarkation from Wellington on 2 October 1918.

Born on 27  June 1893, Richard was almost 24 years old when he attested for service. He married Gladys Frances Maud Williamson on 31 August 1915. The couple was living in Pitt Street, Wadestown and Richard was employed as a clerk in Wellington. He embarked from Wellington with the 43rd Reinforcements on 2 October 1918 on the troopship 'Matatua', arriving in London three weeks after the Armistice on 5 December 1918.

Richard remained in England until September 1919, when he left for New Zealand with 'Returning Draft No. 288' on the troopship Ionic and disembarked at Wellington on 25 October.

Richard  lived for most of his life in Wadestown, with many of his immediate family living nearby. He was involved in the Wadestown Chess Club and the Wadestown & Highland Park Mens' Club. The family was also involved in the Wadestown Horticultural Society - earlier named the Wadestown Cottage Garden and Beautifying Society. Richard and Gladys lived a long life together, until their deaths in 1980. Richard was 86 years old when he died.

A soldier holding a rabbit in front of the rabbit hutch of the rabbitry at the New Zealand Convalescent Camp in Hornchurch, Essex, during World War I. A number of rabbits are in the hutch. Photograph taken by Thomas Frederick Scales.

VIEW BEFORE-AFTER

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Image of a photographer and his assistant with a camera and tripod. Shows them on rocks by the sea. Taken by Isaac Henry Bowen Jeffares, probably between 1902 and 1922.

Isaac Henry Bowen Jeffares (b. 1868, d. 02 August 1936)

Son of Richard Jeffares and Mary Eliza Worrall
Was born 1868 in Clive, New Zealand and died 02 August 1936 in Mount Albert, Auckland, New Zealand. He married Winifred Alexia Ashley on 18 February 1914 in Addington, Christchurch, New Zealand, daughter of James Ashley II and Mary Eliza Andrews.

Colourised by Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

World War II New Zealand infantry silhouette against the evening sky as they set out for manoeuvres in the Western Desert.

Taken by an unidentified photographer in November 1941.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

HMV (His Masters Voice) record factory

The pressing plant opened in 1948 in Kilbirnie, moved to Wakefield Street in 1950 and then to Lower Hutt in 1974.

Man operating pressing machine and processing vinyl sound recordings, photographed at His Masters Voice New Zealand Ltd factory, Wakefield Street, Wellington, in May 1957 by Morrie Hill.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Amateur boxing at Petone
25 July 1951
Amateur boxing at Petone photographed by an Evening Post photographer. 

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Portrait of Private George Robert Burch, service  number 80736.

George Burch was a master plumber by trade, born in Wellington in 1880 to English-born parents. He married Elizabeth Maude Norris on 11 April 1903.

Poor teeth delayed George's military service.  He attested first in June 1915, but was rejected on account of the condition of his teeth, which was deemed 'not sufficient', and requiring a lower plate.

A second attestation in January 1918 was successful; George entered camp on 23 May.  He trained with the 41st and 42nd Reinforcements and on 31 July was promoted to temporary lance corporal. He embarked for England on 2 August and on 4 October marched into Brocton Camp, Staffordshire. He was posted to the New Zealand Rifle Brigade's reserve unit as a Rifleman.

After the Armistice of 11 November, George, like many other New Zealanders, would have to wait for repatriation. Soldiers who had been overseas longer were given priority for the return to New Zealand.  George eventually returned home on 20 August 1919.

In 1925, George and Elizabeth divorced. Later that year he remarried; his new bride was Alice Rose Dow.  George died in Masterton on 15 May 1970.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of Te Papa (B.044398)

Percy Dowse, Mayor of Lower Hutt from 1950 to 1970
(1898 – 9 December 1970) 

"The Dowse is named for Mayor Percy and Mayoress Mary Dowse. Sadly neither of them lived to see the doors open. Percy Dowse was elected Mayor in 1950 and served until his death in 1970. He believed that a modern city should have a range of physical, social and cultural facilities and under his leadership, but it was Mary Dowse, however, who had a particular interest in the arts and championed the art gallery"

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Corner of Manners and Boulcott Street, Wellington, circa 1885

Looking down Manners Street to the corner of Willis and Boulcott Street. It's late in the day and the sun is just about to set off to the left of the photo.

To the right a store has bird cages hanging up with (hopefully) stuffed birds on display. Two buildings down you can see the word 'arcade', possibly Dukes Arcade.

Tepapa collections
Harbour Production Burton Brothers (photography studio), circa 1885, New Zealand Unknown (photographer), circa 1885, Wellington

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Tepapa collections.

Lulu 1944 
Lulu the Pet hen and mascot of the 6 NZ Field
Lulu, the much travelled pet hen and mascot of the 6 NZ Field Ambulance Dressing Station with her owner M Batistich (Avondale, Auckland). Photograph taken in the Cassino area on 28 March 1944 by George Kaye.

Photographer: Kaye, George Frederick

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Cable Car Lane, Lambton Quay, Wellington 7 June 1956

The Cable Car line opened to the public on 22 February 1902. Demand was high, with thousands of people travelling each day.

In 1903, a number of old horse-drawn Wellington trams were converted into cable car trailers, increasing capacity. By 1912, the annual number of passengers had reached one million. In 1933, the steam-powered winding gear was replaced by an electric motor, improving control and reducing operating costs. 

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Brothers Edgar Richard and Owen William Williams
Brothers Edgar Richard (left) and Owen William Williams seated at piano playing duet, Williams' Royal Terrace house, Kew, Dunedin, Otago Region. Photograph taken by their father William Williams between 1898-1902

Photographer: William Williams

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Johnsonville, Wellington 1958
Shopping area Broderick Road, Johnsonville, Wellington 1958

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Portrait of Company Quarter-Master Sergeant Frederick Lars John Beu.

VIEW BEFORE-AFTER

Frederick Lars John Beu was born in Wellington on 13 March 1884. His father, John Charles Frederick Beu was a German who had come to New Zealand with his Swedish wife Matilda some time prior to Frederick's birth.

It seems likely that Johann came from Stralsund, a town on the Baltic coast of Prussia which had strong trading links with Sweden as the Beu's gave the name "Stralsund Villa" to their home at 515 Adelaide Road, Wellington.

Frederick was the oldest and the last to enlist of John and Matilda's four sons who served with the New Zealand Army during the First World War. Otto and Gustav fought with the Rifle Brigade, and Reinhold with the Auckland Infantry Regiment and the Machine Gun Company. They all survived the war.

Frederick was 33 years old when he was balloted for military service in early November 1917. He was working as an engineer for Blundell Brothers, proprietors and printers of the 'Evening Post' newspaper, and was living at "Stralsund Villa" with his wife Barbara, whom he had married in Christchurch on 3 June 1914. He entered training camp on 2 May 1918 and was posted initially to 'B' Company of the 40th Reinforcements. During May and July he was transferred twice between the 44th and 45th Reinforcements at Trentham, confirmed in rank as Temporary Corporal on 16 May and sent to Featherston Camp on 31 July. On 2 August he was transferred yet again to 'B' Company of the C1 camp at Tauheranikau. This was the camp for men who had been medically graded as 'C1' (likely to become fit for active service after special training), and Frederick was promoted to the rank of Company Quarter-Master Sergeant on 19 September. On 1 November he was transferred to 'D' Company of the 50th Reinforcements and on 26 November, after the Armistice, was placed on unpaid leave awaiting his demobilisation, which took place on 27 March 1919.

Frederick died at Wellington on 29 June 1953, aged sixty-nine.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2018 from an original black and white Image courtesy of Te Papa (B.044398)

Wainuiomata, Lower Hutt
Ruth Thornton (left) and Colleen Boon pushing prams past workmen painting a new shopping block on Queen Street, Wainuiomata. 

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2017 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Jackson Street, Petone 1924

"In 1929 if you motored through Petone, the speed limit there was 15 miles per hour (25km). Pedestrian crossings didn't appear until about the late 20's. Most long-time residents of Lower Hutt will recall that in the 20's - and even the early 30's - they could walk at a leisurely pace across Main street (High Street), or hold a conversation in the middle of the street without fear of hindrance from motorists, horses and fellow pedestrians."
Kaye ,G.(1999) Pages from our past. Lower Hutt: The Hutt City Council.

Alexander Turnbull Library Description:
Looking down Jackson Street, Petone. Businesses line both sides of the street with Bonthorne & Wilson, ironmongers, on the left. A car and a horse with a cart are in the centre. A small boy pokes his tongue out at the camera on the left. Taken by Sydney Charles Smith in 1924.

If you're a big fan of Jackson street don't forget to like our friends over at I love Petone - Jackson Street & Around
Photographer: Sydney Charles Smith

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

The street to the right being Bunny Street and to the left is what was part of Queens grove (Now been swallowed up by the current mall) This photo was most likely taken for the completion of the building.

New Zealand Railways Road Services Bus arriving in Lower Hutt, Wellington Region, including shopping centre and parked cars 25 Mar 1959

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Ford factory, Petone, Lower Hutt. During the Royal Tour, 1954
People rush to see the Queen as she exits the Ford building.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Grown in NZ (Silverstream) ca1942-1939 

Albert Percy Godber's grandsons, Colin (top) and Norman Hartwig, sitting surrounded by huge marrows and pumpkins. Taken by Albert Percy Godber in Siverstream.

Dates given by Godber differ: he gives 1942 in his album (Vol 100, p 83) PA1-o-194, and 1939 in his index filed at TL 6.1.15 (1/4 plate. H. Hartwig Bros. 1939. With pumpkins).

Albert Percy Godber

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Stingray caught at Petone 1951

Two men with a stingray caught at Petone photographed circa 28 November 1951 by an Evening Post photographer.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Lambton Quay, Wellington 30 April 1905

Lambton Quay, Wellington, 30 April 1905. Shows Lambton Quay, taken from the corner of Willis Street. The Exchange building is to the left, and part of the Bank of New Zealand building can be seen on the right. Two trams, one with the destination of Oriental Bay, are travelling along the road. Men can be seen crossing the street, and a horse and cart is in the distance. Photograph taken by the firm Muir and Moodie.

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2016 from an original black and white Image courtesy of the Alexander Turnbull Library.

Moran's and Clarke's shops, Main Street, Upper Hutt

Moran's and Clarke's shops, Main Street, Upper Hutt, showing advertisements for Clarke's ice cream, soft drinks and confectionary. A car is parked outside. A man, two children and a bicycle are on the right. Taken circa 1950. 

Ref: 1/2-107613-F. ATL
Photographer: Unknown
Colourised by Brendan Graham 2016

High Street, Lower Hutt 1920s

High Street, Lower Hutt, with the Post Office of the left of the image followed by a The Hutt Fish Supply, The Hutt Cabinet Co, The Lounge, Motor Garage Frank Mulders, James. Mr J.C Scott Dentist, Wallace James Chemist-Optician , Evening Post Agency “Parkin’s Bazaar Hutt News Agency” , Hannah’s Footwear & city prices then the Family Hotel just around the corner

Smith, Sydney Charles, 1888-1972
Ref: 1/2-046961-G ATL
Colourised by Brendan Graham

Martin and Jones general store, Muritai, Eastbourne, Lower Hutt

Photograph of Martin and Jones general store, Muritai, Eastbourne. Shows a group outside a one storey building with verandah. Includes a boy on a horse, and a horse and cart. A woman sits with an infant on her lap. Photograph taken circa 1910s by an unidentified photographer.

Ref: PAColl-9474. 
Unidentified photographer
Colourising by Brendan Graham

Bond Street, Wellington, formerly known as Old Customhouse Street between 1956 and 1961

Bond Street, Wellington, formerly known as Old Customhouse Street. Shows a narrow city lane. Includes a Morris Minor car, and a sign advertising the "Alex McMilla [n ?], expert saw and edge tool repairs".


Ref: 1/2-037223-F.
Photographer: Gordon Burt
Colourising by Brendan Graham 2016

Jackson Street, Petone 1948
So many of these buildings are still standing today!

Looking down Jackson Street, Petone, with Scholes Lane on the left. Businesses line both sides of the street with R W Short & Co on the left and the Quality Cake Kitchen, Davidson's chemist and Macduff's Ltd on the right. A van advertising the Madeline Cake Kitchen is parked on the left. Cars are parked on both sides of the street.

Ref: 1/2-046948-G ATL
Sydney Charles Smith
Colourising by Brendan Graham 2016

Nelson Street, Petone, 1911.

Nelson Street, Petone and showing various wooden buildings, including what appears to be Petone Methodist Church on the right. A horse and gig is being driven down the road. Likely taken in early 1900's.

Upper Hutt City Library
Photographer: Aldersley, David
Colourising by Brendan Graham 2016

Anniversary day at Wellington: view of the Miramar seaside carnival, held at Worser bay, January 22, 1908,

The Miramar Seaside Carnival. Successful Gathering
The fifth annual Seaside Carnival promoted by the presidents of Miramar, which was held at Worser Bay yesterday, attracted between five and six thousand visitors. Owing to the prevalence of a stiff northerly breeze, one of the dinghy sailing races and the open boat handicap had to be abandoned.

Papers past Dominion, Volume 1, Issue 102, 23 January 1908, Page 11

Ref: 1/1-020188-G.
Sydney Charles Smith
Colourising by Brendan Graham

Opening of the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial, Petone
(Petone Settlers Museum) 22 January 1940

Has anyone visited the newly re-opened Petone Settlers Museum?

Crowd is gathered in front of the building to listen to speeches.
The memorial was built to commemorate the arrival of the first New Zealand Company Settlers on Pito-one’s shores on 22nd January 1840. Serving also as a bathing pavilion, the Wellington Provincial Centennial Memorial became the heart of Petone’s thriving beach scene.

Ref: 1/2-049193-G
Sydney Charles Smith
Colourising by Brendan Graham

A view of Main Street, Upper Hutt

Brian Pearce dates this image between 1906 to 1908 he says "The two-storey building in the right distance (a little hard to see) was the first brick building built in Upper Hutt and dates from 1906.
1906 to 1908 as the Post Office - built in 1909 opposite the Provincial Hotel - has not yet been built."
Four children standing in the middle of the street and a horse-drawn vehicle outside a store. On the right side (lower end) is the general blacksmith's shop of W J Carter.

Ref: 1/2-129712-F
Colourising by Brendan Graham
 

Empire Hotel. ca 1889-1890.

Corner Richmond and Jackson Streets. One of the earliest photos of this part of Jackson Street. Notice the building to the right of the Empire, with the Statue on the roof. The statue is of Sir Robert Peel. The building is The Temperance Building, which was also The first home of the Petone workingmen’s Club. (Johnston 70)

Info
Johnston, Warwick. The Life of Jackson Street, Lower Hut. 2015. Print. 

Ref: PAColl-5927-45. ATL
Colourising by Brendan Graham

Petone Beach (Pito-One) 1931

Children play on the beach and splash in the surf. Flappers bathe in the sun while ladies and gentlemen stroll the sidewalk.

The 1930s and 1940s, disastrous though they were, represented the apogee of "old Petone". Development of large-scale industry reached its fullest extent and the old-established concerns were still essentially healthy despite the severe economic conditions.
PETONE - A HISTORY Susan Butterworth page - 194

Ref: 1/2-047511-G
Sydney Charles Smith
Colourising by Brendan Graham

Upper Hutt, Fergusson Drive by Woolworths Late 1960s, looking west

Does anyone remember Fergusson Drive looking like this?

An artist's sketch of the supermarket was printed on February 2, 1966.Woolworths

At this date, the road visible was the Martin Street extension, connecting Russell Street to King Street. On the right, the car park between Russell and Wakefield streets looks unfinished.

The gap between this rectangular building and Fergusson Drive was closed during 1973, enlarging Woolworths by around 50%.

The building first opened on February 24, 1966.

Ref:P1-4872-7262
Revelle Jackson

Colourising by Brendan Graham

CC BY-NC 3.0 NZ

Upper Hutt Railway Station building circa 1890-1900.

Two uniformed railway employees, and two other men, stand on the platform in front of Upper Hutt Railway Station. 

In the mid 1870’s George Brown, son of first Upper Hutt settler James Brown, presented nearly 30 acres of land to the Government for the siting of a Railway depot at Upper Hutt. 
This Railway Station building was officially opened on 1st February 1876, and from 1880 until 1909 the postal services were also operated from this station by the Railways staff. A small open seating lobby in the centre of the building accommodated some 20 people whilst a ladies’ waiting room was adjacent. Gents were provided for in a detached building to the rear.

The station was extended and a verandah added early 1900.
A new station was opened in 1955, the old building being demolished in 1958.

Photo Ref: 1/2-107603-F.
Colourising by Brendan Graham

Lower Hutt, High Street ca1958

Car parked in entrance of Vance Vivian's store menswear store, Lower Hutt, High Street ca1958

Can anyone pinpoint the year? Do you remember this store, or any of the other branches? Maybe you remember it in the 1970’s being called “The Vault”?

“George Vance started Vance Vivian in partnership with Harold
Vivian back in late October 1924. The first set of doors opened on the corner of Cuba and Manners streets in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand.
Their approach to quality and service distinguished them immediately from their competitors. Success was inevitable. By the late 1930’s another city store had opened in Lambton Quay, with Lower Hutt opening a few years later.
Over the next three decades, stores in Auckland, Christchurch, Upper Hutt and Masterton cemented Vance Vivian’s status as the destination store for the well-dressed gentleman and the aspiring young man.” –http://www.vancevivian.co.nz/heritage/

Car parked in entrance of Vance Vivian store, Lower Hutt. K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives. Ref: 1/2-211283-F

Service station close to the waterfront in Petone, Lower Hutt, 

Can anyone pinpoint its exact location?

Photographed circa 1930 by John Dickie. Shows the forecourt, petrol pumps, and a shop. A billboard behind advertises Three Castles cigarettes. Union Motor Spirit is also advertised

Ref: 1/2-003916-G. 

Group at Upper Hutt railway yards, circa 1920s

Shows William Howe (far left) and George Jones by a truck stacked with hay bales. (Roley?) Butler rides a horse drawn cart loaded with timber. Photographer unidentified

Kenneally, J :Photographs of the Wellington region, mainly of Upper Hutt, Whitemans Valley, Khandallah and Karori. 

Ref: 1/2-111427-F.

Waitangi House (1952)

Waitangi, Bay of Islands, Northland, New Zealand

View of the meeting house called Waitangi House, Waitangi, Bay of islands, Northland, New Zealand. Photographed by Whites Aviation in January 1952

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: WA-30105-F. 

Upper Hutt’s first bakehouse ca 1900

Three bakers take a break outside their bakehouse in Upper Hutt in the 1890s. The main bread preference established by this time was for light, white bread made from wheat. Brown bread carried a stigma of poverty. Rye breads and other types of breads brought to New Zealand by German and Scandinavian settlers were lost to the British preference for white wheat bread.

Alexander Turnbull Library
Reference: 1/2-106501; F

United States troops, Oriental Bay, Wellington 1943

United States troops resting during a route march, Oriental Bay, Wellington, 1943. 
At any one time between June 1942 and mid-1944 there were between 15,000 and 45,000 American servicemen in camp in New Zealand. For both visitors and hosts this was an intriguing experience with much of the quality of a Hollywood fantasy.

The American soldier found himself ‘deep in the heart of the South Seas’, in the words of his army-issue pocket guide. He usually came here either before or immediately after experiencing the horror of war on a Pacific island, and he found a land of milk and honey (literally), of caring mothers and ‘pretty girls’. Little wonder that in later years Leon Uris would write a novel about the experience (Battle cry) and that Hollywood would make a film (Until they sail) with Paul Newman as the heart-throb.

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: PAColl-5936-42.

Main Street, Upper Hutt, early 50s

Looking along Main Street, Upper Hutt, circa 1950s. Taken from the side of the road, showing motor vehicles, shops and other businesses. A utility vehicle is parked in the right foreground. Signs advertise the Majestic News Agency, Baigent Motors and garage, DDC Duncans Drapery, Ivan Bird suits, Clarke's Ice Cream, and Hazelwoods. Photograph taken by Sydney Charles Smith.

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: 1/2-047857-G. 

Milkman, Karori, Wellington 191-?

In the days of horses and carts, milkmen carried big vats of milk on a horse float and filled the household billy. In some places horse delivery continued on into the 1960s, when trucks took over completely. Milkmen bought a ‘milk run’, and often worked in the very early morning before other vehicles were on the road.

The switch from vats to glass bottles came in the 1950s. People left money in one of the bottles or, later, used tokens, usually bought at the local dairy. The shift from the pint bottle to cartons came in the late 1980s.

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: 1/2-107552-F

Wellington Harbour 1908 (Point since reclaimed)

Scene on Wellington Harbour from the wharf at Pipitea Point, 1908. Shows wharf buildings and a variety of ships, boats etc. 
A man is rowing in the foreground.

Photograph taken by Harold Stevens Hislop.

Inscriptions: Inscribed beneath image: 
Wgton Harbour 1908 Port since reclaimed.

Original caption reads: "...point since reclaimed"

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: PA1-o-229-36-1

Waiwhetu flock mill 1909

View of the old mill at Waiwhetu showing sheds and the mill-wheel, with the bank of the Waiwhetu Stream visible lower right. Photograph taken by Albert Percy Godber, in 1909.

The previous Waiwhetu flock mill image I had coloured states about 1910 but from the looks of this image its more likely to be much older.

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: APG-0550-1/2-G. 

Processing bottles at a Coca Cola factory

9 Oct 1959, Lower Hutt

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: EP/1959/3396-F.

A Sketch by William Swainson (Our cows Hawkshead) - 1847

Two cows, one drinking from a stream at Swainson estate . A young cabbage tree is on the left, and toitoi is on the right at the water's edge

SWAINSON, William, 1789–1855

William Swainson was born at Newington Butts, London, on 8 October 1789

In 1839 Swainson became a member of the committee of the New Zealand Company and of the Church of England committee for the appointment of a bishop to New Zealand, bought land in Wellington, and gave up scientific literary work.
Together with second wife and four of Swainson's five children by the first marriage, they sailed for New Zealand in the Jane, reaching Wellington, after a trying voyage, in June 1841. Swainson took up 300 acres at the Hutt and established his estate of “Hawkshead”.

After a few months this land was claimed by Taringakuri, a Wellington chief, and for several years he was in constant dread of interference and violence. During the operations against the Maoris in 1846, he was an officer in the militia in charge of a body of friendly natives. In 1852, in partnership with his son-in-law, Major J. W. Marshall, Swainson took up a considerable area of pastoral land in the Rangitikei, but it yielded little return during his lifetime, and he was largely dependent on his half pay.

Read more at teara.govt.nz

Young cabbage tree - Our cows Hawkshead 1847

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: A-187-049. 

Petone vs Wellington - 1956

1956 Rugby match, taken for the Evening Post
Petone vs Wellington at Petone

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: EP/1956/0872-F

Flock mill at Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt circa 1910

Scene at Waiwhetu, Lower Hutt, showing the flock mill of Hutt Flock Mills Ltd. The group to the left are possibly the Mason children. Photograph taken circa 1910 by an unidentified photographer.

The mill stands on the site of what later became 7-9 Woodville Grove.

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: 1/2-082492-F

New Zealand actress Ngaire Porter 1958
Holding a sign censorship, recommended as suitable for adults only at new Regent Theatre, Naenae, Lower Hutt City

Regent Theater, Naenae was owned by Lifelong film fan Cyril Townsend

"The Manager was Mr Harrison and Mrs Harrison ran the Nibble Nook. Their daughter Maureen was a tray girl, selling the lollies etc at half time."

The theatre was Opened 1958, closed 1985. 

"After the theatre closed it was stripped out and used as a TV studio for local productions and commercials."

Regent Theatre was located 11 Hillary Court Naenae Lower Hutt

Nyree Dawn Porter was born in New Zealand. She left New Zealand in the late 50s to seek her fortune. She is the star of The Forsyte Saga.

"Ngaire changed her name to Nyree Dawn Porter when she went to the UK as the Brits didn't know how to pronounce it."

A diver from the Hutt Valley Drainage Board at
Naenae Pool, Lower Hutt 1958

Naenae Olympic Pool was officially opened on 10 November 1956 by Mayor Percy Dowse. The pool was built at a cost of £150,000 part of which was levied through a special rate on residents of Epuni, Taita and Naenae.

At the time of the opening it was the first deck level pool in the Southern Hemisphere. The 1956 Souvenir Brochure states that the pool is based on modern standards, 165 feet x 55 feet, suitable for the biggest sporting events such as Empire or Olympic Games.

Alexander Turnbull Library
Ref: EP/1958/1081-F. 

Wainuiomata Scouts - Graeme Martin, Ian Smyth and Brian Barrow at the Scout hall, Peel Place, Wainuiomata Date: 1958

If you look close on the right is The Scout Promise and on the left their best knots on display.

The Scout Promise, which dates from the foundation of the movement in 1907, requires that new members declare: 'On my honour, I promise that I will do my best, to do my duty to God and to the Queen, to help other people and to keep the Scout Law.'

Photograph taken for the Evening Post newspaper of Wellington by an unidentified staff photographer.

Ref: EP/1958/1572-F

A very Surreal Looking Image of the home of Hapi Love
This Beautiful house still stands today,

'Taumata', at Korokoro, the home of Hapi Love, photographed ca 1920 by Albert Percy Godber.

Inscriptions: Inscribed - Album page - beneath image: A modern Maori residence. Hapi Love. Koro Koro.

Victoria Hotel, Featherston
Circa 1880

I had coloured this image mid last year but felt I hadn't really finished it

So here it is! 

This large-size negative has recorded a wealth of detail that can be seen in close up. Note the murder notice on the corner and patches of dog urine below it. The ramp leading to the doorway at left would have been used for rolling barrels of beer to the cellar. The rings on the centre two pillars are hitching rings for horses.

Tepapa collections

Credit line Purchased 1955
Registration number D.000032

Brave Soldiers of the Pioneer Battalion awaiting departure during World War I, (wearing pith helmets known as Sola Topi)
Wellington, 1914-1918

Seconded from the left is Rikihana Carkeek 

"Rikihana (Bunny) Carkeek was a prominent Ngāti Raukawa leader from Ōtaki who served, first with the Native Contingent and then with the Māori Pioneer Battalion, during the First World War. He kept a detailed diary throughout the war which provides great insights into the experience of Māori soldiers. At Gallipoli his machine gun crew were almost all killed or wounded during the attack on Chunuk Bair. Carkeek survived both Gallipoli and the Western Front, and returned home an officer."

"The Main Body left Wellington in one great fleet early in the morning of 16 October 1914. Along the city’s hilltops, lines of hardy Wellingtonians stood and watched as the convoy formed up at the harbour entrance."

Reference Number: 1/2-011079-F
Taken by an unidentified photographer during World War I. (1914-1918).

Jackson's from Petone enjoying a picnic at Days Bay. about 1917 - 1919

This is one of the first photos I had ever coloured the original image was sent to me by the lovely Pat my 1st cousin 2x removed

From left to right

Alexander Forbes Nares Jackson (Zan), Fredrick James Allan Jackson (Fred), Jane Hellen Jackson (Jeannie), Mildred Margaret Lyall Jackson (Mildred), Unknown man, Rangiatea Norman Jackson (Rangi), Jane Hellen (nee) Robertson (Jane), Jane’s mother, ---- Mrs Robertson, Annie Kear Jackson (Annie).

Putney, 1919. By Herbert Green.

"Green’s soldier photographs are a cut above the average. This is not surprising, as he was a photographer for the Lyttelton Times before enlisting. When the war ended he was appointed to the War Records Section in London. I’m not clear if he was employed in the photographic department there,"

Tepapa collections
Athol McCredie, Tepapa Curator of Photography
Purchased 1999 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds. Te Papa.

Lower Hutt railway station (Western Hutt Railway Station) taken by Muir and Moodie, circa 1900.

The building is now leased to various shops and businesses, and is called The Station Village Complex

The station used to be on the Hutt Valley Line section of the Wairarapa Line until 1 March 1954, when the Melling-Belmont section of the line on the western side of the Hutt Valley was closed and the through line to Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa rerouted through the centre of the valley. The truncated line to Melling via the Western Hutt Station was then electrified.

In the 19th century, the line from Wellington to the Hutt and the Lower Hutt Station were opened on 14 April 1874.

A new station building was erected in 1892, containing a ladies as well as a general waiting room.

Ref: PAColl-9047

Truck and driver of the carrier firm McEwen Carter & Co Ltd

Date: ca 1916
Truck and driver of the carrier firm McEwen Carter & Co Ltd, stopped on the Days Bay road, Eastbourne, circa 1916. Photograph taken by Albert Percy Godber. Dated from other images in the Godber album (Vol 109, p 54) at PA1-q-102.

Inscriptions: Inscribed - Album page - On the Days Bay Road..

Ref: APG-0591-1/2-G

Sir Ernest Rutherford

Ernest Rutherford, 1st Baron Rutherford of Nelson, OM, FRS was a New Zealand-born British physicist who became known as the father of nuclear physics. Encyclopædia Britannica considers him to be the greatest experimentalist since Michael Faraday 

A portrait of Sir Ernest Rutherford taken by a photographer from Herbert photograph studios

Portrait of Eric Marchant

This studio portrait shows Eric Edward Marchant, service number unknown.

Eric had been part of the New Zealand Garrison Artillery in Wellington for 8 months before enlisting for the New Zealand Expeditionary Force on 1st February 1918 at the age of 20. Medical examination judged him to be under-size and underweight, and therefore unfit for active service, but he was judged fit for Samoa. He was 5 feet and 3 inches tall but weighed only 97 pounds. His service was completed and he was discharged on the 13th March 1919.

Eric was born to parents Henry Edward Marchant and Henrietta Laura Marchant (nee Freeman), both of Wellington, on 30th January 1898. The family was still in Wellington in 1905 – Eric was enrolled at the Te Aro School at that time but in 1906 the family moved to Sydney and three of Eric's siblings are recorded as being were born there.

The family’s connection to Wellington continued and is very interesting. Eric’s paternal grandfather was Nicholas Marchant, a civil engineer in Wellington and his grandmother was Margaret McGowan (nee Blundell). Margaret was the 2nd daughter of Henry Blundell, the founder of the Evening Post who came to New Zealand from Ireland in about 1861. Margaret's brother John was the grandfather of Sir Denis Blundell the first New Zealand born Governor General, 1972-77.

After the war Eric lived in Australia. It appears he had a relationship with a woman recorded on the electoral roles as 'Charlotte Marchant' but there is no record of their marriage. He married Margaret Doreen Ledran in Sydney 1940 but the pair didn’t have any children. Eric mainly worked in hotels as a steward or porter.

Eric died in Nottingham England on the 29 March 1957, he was 59 years old.

circa 1918, Wellington 

Credit line Purchased 1998 with New Zealand Lottery Grants Board funds Registration number B.043969 Eric Edward Marchant

Colourised By Brendan Graham 2015 from an original black and white Image courtesy of Te Papa.