Person Index

Mason, Thomas

Thomas Mason
b:
d: 11 JUN 1903
Biography
...
It is related that Mrs. T. Mason, wife of "Quaker" Mason, was so indignant at the audacity of a Maori who tried to force his way into her home at Taita, that she smacked his face—without repercussions, which was further proof of the Maori''s admiration of "spirit."
...
Lower Hutt Past and Present (1941)
page 71
from web site http://mebooks.co.nz/clients/library.huttcity/text/LowHutt/t1-body-d15.html

Listed under Taita
NZPO 1880 - 81 Mason T. farmer
NZPO 1885 - 86 Mason Thomas, farmer
NZPO 1890 - 91 Mason Thomas, farmer


Hutt City Library Online Database
- also have photos of Mason Gardens and family

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: The family of Thomas and Jane Mason of Taita / compiled by Rex and Adriene Evans.
Author: Evans, Rex
Evans, Adriene
Imprint: Auckland : Evagean Publishing, c1994.
Collation: 307 p. : ill.
ISBN: 0909032033
Language: English
Subject: Mason family
Lower Hutt (N.Z.) -- Genealogy
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: An account of the plants growing at "the Gums" Taita
Imprint: 1896
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: Thomas Mason''s own botanical inventory and account of his Taita property "The Gums" as delivered to the Wellington Philosophical Society 11 November 1896.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Mason, Thomas
The Gums
Gardens -- Mason''s Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Appendix Trees 1
Imprint: 1995
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: Historic trees in the city of Lower Hutt cited as significant on the (proposed) District Plan. Following submissions, the operative plan is expected to be released in the year 2000.
Language: English
Subject: Hutt City Council
Thomas Mason
Laing
Joseph Heenan
Riddiford
Ludlam
Trees, Historic
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Avalon
Imprint: 1990?
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: History of Avalon area
Language: English
Subject: Avalon
Thomas Mason
Naenae College
Avalon
Lower Hutt History
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Avalon Park Estate (late Mason Gardens)
Imprint: 1922
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: Description and sale notice for Avalon Park Estate - formerly Mason Gardens.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Gardens -- Mason''s Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Gardening stories with a difference
Imprint: 1958
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: One of a series of articles giving the story of famous gardens which have been lost in the path of progress.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Gardens
Gardens -- Mason''s Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: The Gums
Imprint: 1983
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: The story of the family and garden of Quaker Mason, arrived 1841 on board "Olympus". 100 acre Hutt Country Section number 52 was chosen by Thomas Mason in June 1841. Mason family farm 1841-1906.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Gardens -- Mason''s Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Researching why Mason''s Gardens were destroyed
Imprint: 1992
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: The great, great grandson of Thomas Mason is looking into why the famous Mason Gardens were all but destroyed in 1922.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Gardens -- Mason''s Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: When Mason''s Gardens were known across the Tasman Sea
Imprint: 1971
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: Early history of Mason''s gardens as told by a Hutt News reader from "Quaker campaigns in peace and war" by William Jones, 1899. Includes description of the trees planted and a proposal for a plaque. Ill.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Gardens -- Mason''s Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: A photograph of the homestead
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: A photograph of the homestead and grounds at Taita," over 12 acres of which were the finest gardens in the Southern Hemisphere".
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Gardens -- Mason''s Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Quaker Mason''s Gardens
Imprint: 1958
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: Account of the famous gardens of Thomas Mason in Taita. Also note on Plaques proposed for old trees (in Avalon Crescent) appended.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Margaret Robinson
Thomas Mason
Gardens -- Mason''s Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Mason''s garden
Imprint: c1906
Notes: 1708
Indexes: Outsize Photographs
Summary: Written on back of photo: "Road in front of big nursery. Mason''s gardens, Taita." Also Display copy: E04b.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Gardens
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Thomas ''Quaker'' Mason''s house
Imprint: c1890
Notes: 636
Indexes: E8
Summary: Taita. Shows Mason''s 1853 house. Second unmounted copy: E24
Language: English
Subject: Houses
Heritage resources
- photo in scrapbook attached to Thomas Mason (RIN 438)

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Title unknown
Imprint: 1840 trees lose protected status
Notes: Avalon Crescent
Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: Two historic trees in Avalon are deemed dangerous and are set to be felled after Council decided to remove their District Plan protection status Planted between 1841-50 the trees are at 7 (Weeping Ash) and 5 Avalon Crescent.The former owners wish to save the Weeping Ash if possible. [Trees planted c1853 (as The Gums were a front garden of the 3rd homestead) and probably before August 1845 when Mason went to Hobart until 1850]
Language: English
Subject: Hutt News 6.5.97, p18
Trees, Historic
Heritage resources

Hutt City Library Online Database
Main Title: Trim for old tree
Imprint: 1974
Notes: Indexes: Filing Cabinet
Summary: Listed Cork tree (Quercus Suber) in Avalon Crescent dating back to Thomas Mason''s gardens is to be pruned by Council staff. Ill.
Language: English
Subject: Mason Gardens
Trees, Historic
Heritage resources




Evening Post 13 November 1939
OBITUARY
MR. A. SEARLE
Mr. A. Searle, who has been in the employ of the Hutt River Board for the past eighteen years and foreman for fifteen years, died yesterday morning at his home, Tennyson Street, Taita.
Mr. Searle was born in Probus, Cornwall, seventy-five years ago. As a young man he joined the British Army, with which he served in India for nine years. He came to New Zealand 48 years ago and was for many years in the employ of the well-known Welch family at Taita, leaving there to serve as manager of one of the family''s sheep farms in Wairarapa. When members of the family were old enough to take over the management, Mr. Searle returned to Lower Hutt, and was employed in Mason''s Gardens on which, after the estate was cut up, he made his home.
During the whole period of the Great War Mr. Searle served as Camp Quartermaster-Sergeant at Trentham, and was responsible for the designing and erection of the camp incinerators, which were so successful that he was transferred to Featherston for a similar duty.
After the camp closed Mr. Searle was employed by the Hutt River Board and was foreman of the section which controlled the upper reaches of the board''s area. Mr. Searle had a thorough knowledge of the vagaries of the river and could give the Engineer helpful advice-on its control.
His son, Mr. James Searle, who was trained by his father, will take his place on the staff.
Mr. Searle is survived by his wife, three sons, Messrs. Francis, James, and Leonard, and one daughter, Mrs. R. August, all of Taita. There are ten grandchildren.
At the funeral today members of the stiver Board were the pallbearers


Olympus
Barque: 500 Tons
Captain: John Whyte
Surgeon Superintendent: Isaac Earl Featherston
Sailed London 9th December 1840 - arrived Port Nicholson 20th April 1841
Names as on Pasenger List
Cabin Passengers
Mason, Thomas, 22
Mason, Jane, 22


Wellington Independent 13 January 1860
WANTED,
Two Female Servants.
T. MASON,
Taita, Hutt
January 13, 1860

Wellington Independent 9 April 1864
HAWTHORN QUICKS
100,000 two years old, Hawthorn Quicks.
THOMAS MASON,
Taita.
Hutt, April 7th 1864

Wellington Independent 3 August 1865
WANTED, a Housemaid and also a Cook. Apply to Mrs Mason, Taita.

Wellington Independent 11 November 1865
WANTED A HOUSEMAID. Apply to Mrs. Mason, Taita
-
similar ads for 1866, 1867, 1868, 1872 and 1873

Wellington Independent 5 March 1868
FOR SALE
A few superior Leicester RAM LAMBS.
THOMAS MASON,
Taita
March 4, 1868

Wellington Independent 26 March 1868
MIDDLE WAIWETU (sic) ROAD
THE Annual Meeting of the Ratepayers of the Middle Waiwetu Road District will be held at T. Mason''s barn on Tuesday, the 28th of April, 1868, at noon.
THOMAS MASON,
Chairman.
March 23, 1868

Wellington Independent 31 October 1868
Sheep Inspector''s Report (Wellington.)
RETURN of Sheep in May, 1868, all over six months, with amount of Assessment due thereon in the month of August, at the rate of one half- penny per head per annum for the Wellington district.
Name. Residence. Sheep. Assessment. Condition of Flock. Remarks.
...
Allen, George. Waiwetu. 150. 0 6 3. Clean.
...
Buck, George. Taita. 295. 0 12 3 1.2. Clean.
Brathwaite, A. Waiwetu. 300. 0 12 6. Clean.
...
Death, J. Waiwetu. No return.
...
Death, R. RationPoint. No return.
Ellerm, H. & W. Belmont. 200. 0 8 4. Clean.
...
Fraser, T.& A. Taita, No. 1. 500. 1 0 10. Clean.
Fraser, T & A. Taita, No. 2. 300. 0 12 6. Clean.
...
Freathy. Lower Hutt. 32. 0 1 9. Clean.
...
Gower, John. Ohau. 1400. 2 18 4. Clean.
Golder, J. Belmont. 28. 0 1 2. Clean.
...
Hadfield, Rev. Octavuis. Otaki. 1000. 2 1 8. Clean.
Hayward, Thomas. Hutt. 111. 0 4 7 1/2. Clean.
Hughey, David. Taita. 208. 0 8 8. Clean.
...
Harris, J. Nai Nai. 340. 0 14 2. Clean.
...
Judd, Stephen. Upper Hutt. 80. 0 3 4. Clean.
Judd, William. Upper Hutt. 90. 0 3 9. Clean.
Judd, Wm, Junr. Waiwetu. 10. 0 0 5. Clean.
Knight, J. & J. Waiwetu. 100. 0 4 2. Clean.
Kilminster (sic), J. & H. Karori. 170. 0 7 1. Clean.
...
Liverton, John. Hutt. 500. 1 0 10. Clean.
Ludlam, Alfred. Hutt. 1222. 2 10 11. Clean.
...
Mason, Thos. Taita. 100. 0 4 2. Clean.
...
Mabey, J. & T. Upper Hutt. 500. 1 0 10. Clean.
...
Peck, Richard. Stokes'' Valley. Sold.
Pringle, Alexander. Lower Hutt. 80. 0 3 4. Clean.
...
Percy, Henry J. Petoni. 50. 0 2 1. Clean.
...

Wellington Independent 10 June 1869
TO LET, the STORES in Willis street lately in the occupation of W. M. Bannatyne & Co. Apply to THOMAS MASON, Taita.
June 10, 1869

Wellington Independent 3 March 1870
TENDERS will be received for the lease of the house and land (about seven acres) now occupied by Mrs Bridges, with or without right of purchase.
The house is pleasantly situated near the Hutt Bridge, contains twenty rooms, and is well and substantially built, principally of totara.
For further particulars, apply to
THOMAS MASON,
Taita
March 2, 1870

Wellington Independent 8 July 1872
HUTT LAND FOR SALE
About One Hundred Acres Superior LAND, section 33, not affected by floods. Apply to
THOMAS MASON,
Taita

Evening Post 4 January 1873
Wanted, a good General Servant. Apply to

Mrs. Mason, Taita

Wellington Independent 16 June 1873
QUICKS
For sale, good Strong Quicks. Apply to
T. MASON,
Taita, Hutt


Evening Post 13 July 1874
A popular entertainment was given at the Masonic Hall, Lower Hutt, on Thursday evening, the proceeds going to St James'' Church Building Fund. The programme consisted of readings, songs, glees, and solos and duets on the piano. Miss R. Riddiford, Miss Julia Buck, Miss Julia Pyke (sic) and the Misses Riddiford gave the solos and duets, Mrs Major Clifford, Mrs Fancourt, Miss R. Riddiford, and Mrs Mudgway played the accompaniments. Mrs Major Clifford, Mr George Beetham, and Mr George Williams, of Sandon, gave several fine song; and Mr Beetham, sen, Mr Thomas Mason, Mr Horsfall, and Mr George Hedges some very select readings. The Rev Thomas Fancourt occupied the chair.


Evening Post 31 March 1877
LAND AT WAIWHETU, HUTT
TO LET, on building leases, the adjoining the Hutt Race Course, now in the occupation of A. Braithwaite. For further particular, apply to Thomas Mason, Taita

Evening Post 11 November 1881
Meesrs T.Mason and D. Speedy have been re-elected members of the Hutt County Council for the Epuni riding without opposition.
...

Evening Post 27 October 1886
PETONE AND HUTT BUILDING AND INVESTMENT CO., LD.
CAPITAL, £50,000, in 5000 shares of 10 each, of which it is intended to call up £5 per share by monthly instalments of 2s 6d.
Directors: Thomas Mason, Taita, Chairman
Edward Barber, Petone
Chas. E. Beatson, architect, Hutt
George Carter, builder, Petone
S. R. Johnson, storekeeper, Petone
James Hector, M.D., C.M.G., Petone
W. J. Kirk, Chairman Town Board, Petone.
Temporary Offices: South British Insurance Company''s Buildings, Lambton-quay.
Suitable regulations for the management of this Company having been adopted, the shares are now offered to the public for a limited period.
It is confidently believed that the undertaking will afford a safe and profitable investment, and will be a great help to the Petone and Hutt Districts, where the want of such an institution has hitherto been much felt.
Prospectuses may be obtained from, and applications for shares made to the Secretary at Wellington and Petone, either directly or through the Brokers of the Company, viz.:—
Messrs. A. Warburton & Co.
Deacon & Co.
D. T. Stuart
Macdougall & Co.
Geo. H. Scales (Hutt).
R. CLEMENT KIRK,
Acting-Secretary.

Evening Post 19 December 1887
TAITA SCHOOL.
The annual prize distribution and breaking-up tea in connection with this school took place on Friday. The prizes were distributed by Mr. T. Mason, who addressed the children in kindly words of encouragement and advice, telling them to bear in mind that now they were on but the thress hold of life, and that what they would be in the future was in their own hands. They should never do anything of which they were ashamed, and should remember that, althongh unseen by mortal eyes, there was one above who saw everything. The master, Mr Mahood, having addressed those assembled expressing his especial approbation of true attendance prizes. Mr. Mason handed the books to the happy recipients as follows:-
Stardard V.- Ilma Russ, William Meager.
Standard IV. - Kate Russell, Ester Russell, Agnes Russell, Ellen Mabey, Marjory Duck, Mabel Adams, Mary Boulcott, william Mellow, Horace Meager, Chas. Fisk, Alfred Edwards, Charles Drummond, Norman Bodmin.
Standard III.- Margaret Ross, Alfrid (sic) Petterson (sic), Constance Mellow, Edith Mellow, Alice James, Amy Hancock, Amy Death, Louis Adams, John Tilbury, Thomas Death, Adolph (sic) Brown.
Standard II.- Lena Petterson (sic), Georgina Peck, Eliza Elliott, Maud Adams, Henry Walters, George Pilcher, Wm. McLennan, John Hooper, Karl Boulcott.
Standard I. - Rachel Wright, Lizzie Peck, Lily Mellow, Polly Johnson, Hetty (sic) Haywood, Kate Gibson, Emily Edwards, Lily Avery, Constance Avery, Charlotte Avery, Harold Mahood.
Teacher''s (Miss Boulcott''s) prizes for neatest exercise books - Geo. Russell, Amy Death, Wm. McLennan, Charlotte Avery.
Mr. Mason''s prizes for regular attendance - John Tilbury, Adolph Brown, John Hooper, Henry Walters, Ilma Ross, Ada Welch.
In addition to the above, each child in the infant classes received a pretty little gift book, which appeared to give them great pleasure.
Sports and games were then merrily indulged in in Mrs. Pyke''s paddock, kindly granted for the purpose, and a bountiful tea disposed of by the throng of delighted children. After tea the school children sang songs - "The brave oomrade" and "Up in the morning''s cheerful light," by the senior scholars; "Action Song" and "The Cobbler" by Miss Meager''s preparatory class. Where all in the district did so much, it would be invidious to select a few names for special mention; but we should not close without saying that the tea was ably managed and superintended by Mrs. Welch and Mrs. Meager.

Death Details
1900/4378, Jane Mason, Aged: 83Y - Date of Death 9/9/1900 from Death Registration

Hutt Valley Cemetery Record Jane Mason, Date: 9 Sep 1900, Taita Old Monumental, Lower Hutt, Monumental Inscriptions, Reference: 6227

Hutt Valley Cemetery Record Thomas Mason, Date: 11 Jun 1903, Taita Old Monumental, Lower Hutt, Monumental Inscriptions, Reference: 6227
-
Burial Records Vol 1

Poverty Bay Herald 18 March 1903
The Wellington Post says that Mr Thomas Mason many years ago planted several cork trees in his grounds at The Taita. Some of them are now about 18in in diameter, and have attained a height of about 30ft. The Government is anxious to introduce cork trees into the State nurseries, and on Friday afternoon the Minister for Lands and the State Forester went out to Mr Mason''s gardens to ascertain whether any seeds were available. The trees were found to have nearly 2in of bark but only a few seeds, and the Minister finds that he will have to obtain some young trees elsewhere.

Evening Post 11 June 1903
MASON.- On the 11th June, 1903, at his residence, Taita, Thomas Mason, in his 85th year.
-
DEATH OF MR. THOS. MASON.
One of the best-known and most respected residents of the Hutt Valley passed away calmly at an early hour this morning in the person, of Mr. Thomas Mason. The deceased gentleman, who was within a month of his eighty-fifth birthday, was a member of the Society of Friends, and led a life consistent with the beliefs of those peace-loving people, and was greatly respected by all with whom he had dealings. A native of England, Mr. Mason was attracted by the new lands across the seas in 1840, and took passage by the Olympus for Wellington in that year. One of his fellow-passengers was Dr. Featherston, who afterwards became Superintendent of the province. The ship arrived in Port Nicholson in 1841, and Mr. Mason immediately settled in the Hutt Valley, where he resided almost continuously until his death. The only break in his residence was a brief trip made to Tasmania with his Wife during the time of the troubles with the Maoris. The golden wedding of Mr. and Mrs. Mason was celebrated in 1890. And three years ago Mrs. Mason passed away in her eighty-third year. Their family consisted of seven sons and three daughters, all but one (a son) being resident in the colony. There are a number of grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.
Mr. Mason was always interested in the local affairs of his place of residence, and for a time occupied the position of Chairman of the Hutt County Council. General politics also interested him. He was a supporter of Sir Harry Atkinson''s'' party, and in the early eighties sat in the House of Representatives for three years as the member for the Hutt. Mr. Mason had a more than local reputation as a horticulturist, his enthusiasm for his garden being unbounded. He did not keep the pleasure of his fine gardans at the Taita to himself, but readily admitted the public to them. He had the finest private botanical collection in the colony, and his collection of bulbs was unrivalled. Mr. Mason''s active interest in the garden, in which he spent much time dally in personal attention to his favourite flowers and plants, was maintained until a few weeks ago, when he became confined indoors. He is to be buried to-morrow afternoon, the funeral leaving his late residence at 3 o''clock for the Taite cemetery.

Evening Post 12 June 1903
The burial of Mr. Thos. Mason took place at the Taita Cemetery this afternoon.

New Zealand Free Lance 20 June 1903
MR Thomas Mason who died at his residence at the Taita last week, was known throughout the Valley of the Hutt as "Quaker" Mason. The old man — for he was in his eighty-fifth year when he passed away — was the best-known member of the Society of Friends in New Zealand, and no Quaker came to Wellington from England without an introduction to Mr. Mason. There is an interesting reminiscence of how "Quaker" Mason was able to maintain himself as a non-combatant ��� for the Friends are essentially of the Peace-at-any-Price Party — during the currency of the Maori invasion of the Hutt, away back in the early days of settlement
-
Mr. Mason had a gun and, feeling that the temptation to use it in defence of his hearth and home might prove too strong for him. he took the implement of war to pieces, sending the stock into Wellington, and keeping the barrel in the rack in his house at Taita. But Mrs. Mason adopted the most effective means of preventing her Quaker husband from taking part in the hostilities, for she prevailed upon him to take her to Tasmania — and they did not return until the native troubles had left the Valley. This visit to Tasmania was the only break in Mr. Mason''s residence in the Hutt from the day of his arrival there in 1841 until he died.
-
Three years ago, Mrs. Mason died, in her eighty-third year. In 1890 the aged couple had had the pleasure of celebrating their golden wedding. They had a family of seven sons and three daughters all of whom are married, and all but one �� a son who has been residing in America for the past thirty years — still reside in New Zealand. Mr. Moore clerk of bills in the Upper House is a son-in-law, and Mr. Tom Wilford is a grandson of "Quaker" Mason. A remarkable coincidence is that just about twenty years ago Grandfather Mason represented the seat (the Hutt) which to-day is represented bv Grandson Wilford in the House of Representatives.

Evening Post 8 July 1903
TUESDAY, 14th JULY, 1903
At 12 noon
PRELIMINARY ANNOUNCEMENT
Of
CLEARING SALE OF FURNITURE, DAIRY COWS, LIVE STOCK, FARMING IMPLEMENTS, ETC., AT THE FARM TAITA.
-
By order of the Executors in the Estate of Thomas Mason, deceased.
-
MESSRS. HARCOURT AND CO. have received instructions to sell as above, on Tuesday, 14th July, 1903, at the residence of the late Thomas Mason, Esq., Taita, commencing at noon.
Full particulars in later issue.
HARCOURT AND CO.,
Auctioneers.

Evening Post 13 July 1903
TUESDAY, 14th JULY, 1903
Commencing at 11 a.m.
-
CLEARING SALE OF FURNITURE, DAIRY COWS, LIVE STOCK, AND FARMING IMPLEMENTS, AT THE FARM TAITA.
-
By order of the Executors in the Estate of Thomas Mason, deceased.
-
MESSRS. HARCOURT AND CO. have received instructions to sell on Tuesday, 14th July, 1903, at the residence of the late Thomas Mason, Esq., Taita, commencing at 11 a.m., the following goods -
5 cows in milk (Ayreshires)
5 cows (springers)
Yearlings, calves, pigs, large quantity of farming implements, dairy utensils, and furniture, etc., too varied and numerous to mention.
-
WITHOUT RESERVE
-
Full particulars from
HARCOURT AND CO.,
Auctioneers.

Evening Post 30 October 1905
MASON''S GARDENS
THESE magnificent Gardens, at the Taita, will be thrown open to the public from 9th NOVEMBER NEXT.
A unique opportunity of viewing the finest collection of Trees and Flowers in the Southern Hemisphere.
Park-like Paddocks for Picnic Parties.
Tea and Refreshmants provided.
RYRIE AND NAISH, Proprietors.

Evening Post 27 December 1905
WANTED Known — Mason''s Gardens. These magnificent Gardens, at the Taita, are open to the public. A unique opportunity of viewing the finest collection of Trees and Flowers in the Southern Hemisphere. Park-like Paddocks for Picnic Parties. Tea and Refreshments provided, price 6d. Admission, 6d. Carriages meet all trains. Ryrie and Naish. Proprietors.

Hawera & Normanby Star 3 November 1910
FIRE.
TEA ROOMS DESTROYED.
BY TELEGRAPH — PRESS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, Nov. 2.
A large residence at Mason''s Gardens, Taita, built some forty years ago, was destroyed by fire to-night. The building was owned by R. Keene, of Wellington, and occupied by two families named Harris and Gelding, who ran the place as tea rooms. Harris had his effects insured for £200, and Gelding his for £75 in the South British. Keene''s insurances are not yet ascertainable.

Poverty Bay Herald 3 November 1910
Mason''s Gardens'' buildings, destroyed by fire at Taita last night were insured by the owner. A. (sic) Keene, for 1000 pounds in the State office. He estimates his loss at 1000 pounds more.

Evening Post 11 June 1920
"Act in Time" writes to The Post regarding a report the Mason''s Gardens, Taita, were to be cut up and sold, and the trees destroyed. "Is not this wonderful spot, with its magnificanet old trees, as much entitled to protection as any of our scenic reserves?" Inquires failed to elicit either confirmation or contradiction of the report, but many hopes were expressed that if any sub-division of the gardens were comtemplated, the public authorities would axt at once to save this this resort from destruction.

EP 17/8/1927
Keene - On the 16th August, 1927, at Auckland (suddenly), Richard, beloved husband of Emily Susan (late of Island Bay, Wellington) Deeply regretted
-
The death took place at his residence at Mount Eden yesterday of Mr. Richard Keene, formerly of Wellington, telegraphs "The Post''s" Auckland correspondent. He was well known throughout the Dominion, having been a large landowner. He was interested in properties in Invercargill, North Cape, Wellington, Waikato, Tauranga, and other places. At one time he held 150,000 acres. He settled in Wellington about 45 years ago, and erected over 200 houses in the city. The deceased owned a fine residence at Island Bay, which was recently sold, besides Mason''s Gardens, Lower Hutt, and at the time of his death possessed 42,000 acres at Parenga, North Cape. Not long ago he sold the Tauranga gas property to the company. He is survived by his wife and seven sons, four of whom served in the war.
Facts
  • 11 JUN 1903 - Death -
Ancestors
   
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Thomas Mason
- 11 JUN 1903
  
 
  
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Family Group Sheet - Child
PARENT (U) ?
Birth
Death
Father?
Mother?
PARENT (U) ?
Birth
Death
Father?
Mother?
CHILDREN
MThomas Mason
Birth
Death11 JUN 1903
Marriageto ?
Family Group Sheet - Spouse
PARENT (M) Thomas Mason
Birth
Death11 JUN 1903
Marriageto ?
Father?
Mother?
PARENT (U) ?
Birth
Death
Father?
Mother?
CHILDREN
FEliza Ellen Mason
Birth1851
Death21 JAN 1933
Marriage25 MAR 1868to Robert Charles Earle at Christ Church, Taita
FElizabeth Catherine Mason
Birth1849
Death27 FEB 1941
Marriage24 JUN 1868to John George Frederick Dr Wilford at St James Anglican Church, Lower Hutt
MRobert Henry Mason
Birth1859
Death
Marriage1882to Florence Charlotte Jackson
Descendancy Chart
Thomas Mason d: 11 JUN 1903
?
Eliza Ellen Mason b: 1851 d: 21 JAN 1933
Robert Charles Earle b: 1843 d: 8 JAN 1916
Elizabeth Catherine Mason b: 1849 d: 27 FEB 1941
Georgia Constance McLean d: 24 JUN 1952
Lillian Wilford b: 1876
Constance Jane Harriet Wilford b: 1869 d: 20 AUG 1899
Child Speeding b: AUG 1899 d: AUG 1899
Bartholomew Wilford b: 1872 d: 17 SEP 1890
Walter Mason d: 30 NOV 1918
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