The history of the Howick Marine Hotel
The large wooden Howick Marine Hotel was accidentally burned down when a guest did not realise that you had to turn-off the electrical appliance when the ironing was finished. Electricity had just arrived in Howick in 1925. The bell at All Saints Church was rung as an alarm to arouse residents to help man the […]
Life for the Fencibles
Queueing for the bath Soap was expensive, partly due to Customs duties, so some used “lye water”, which is made from wood-ash in water. Water from the well was always very cold even if a kettle of hot water was added. Showers were unknown. Father was traditionally first into the big bath, then all the […]
Settling in
Industrious priest The first resident priest in Owairoa-Howick, Father Marie Antoine Garin, arrived on January 2, 1848, to an empty section in Picton Street. He immediately built a raupo cottage that could be used for himself and two Māori assistants. By mid-1848, he had a horse and cart and grazed a cow as well as […]
The early days
Grey summoned enforcements After the wars in Northland, in 1845 Governor George Grey wanted protection for the capital of New Zealand and European settlers in Auckland. He asked Earl Grey, the Minister for the Colonies in the British Parliament, for 2500 troops. To avoid the expense, he sent army pensioners who had served for about […]