The lane is named for korimako, the bellbird. A native bird of Aotearoa New Zealand, December 2022.
The aerial map is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The lane is named for piwakawaka, the fantail. A native bird of Aotearoa New Zealand, December 2022.
The aerial map is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The name Greenwich acknowledges the importance of the Greenwich meridian which was used for worldwide time keeping and navigation from 1884 to 1974. This geographic reference line (0° longitude) passes through the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, London.
Greenwich Lane, for the Palmerston North community, suggests a base or grounding in time, December 2022.
The aerial map is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The close is named for kōtare, the kingfisher. A native bird of Aotearoa New Zealand, seen often on their elevated perches in this area, April 2023.
The aerial map is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
Oakley Street is named in honour of Mrs Sarah Oakley (1854-1938), nee Hanlon, one of the town's earliest residents and land owners.
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
Mrs S Oakley's parents, Sarah and John Hanlon, emigrated from Warwickshire, England in 1874 with their children Caroline, Sarah (then around 20 years old), Lawrence, Agnes and William; on the ship Euterpe. Mr John Hanlon is listed as a mason on the passenger list. The family settled in Terrace End Palmerston North and Mr Hanlon took up work as a builder and mason.
Here their daughter, Miss Sarah Hanlon, met Mr Frederick Oakley, one of the first carpenters in Palmerston North. Mr F Oakley was born May 6 1846, in Walsall, England. He arrived in New Zealand with his parents in 1857 aboard the Indian Queen. He apprenticed into the building trade in Wellington, working for Mr Lockie. After seven years’ experience he went to Foxton and built the first post office with Mr John Edmund Perrin. On moving to Palmerston North in May of 1871, he and Mr JE Perrin built the first store in the township – belonging to Mr George Mathew Snelson.
Later they partnered with undertaker Mr Meyrick. Advertising as carpenters, builders and undertakers, the firm Meyrick, Perrin and Oakley built most of the early houses in Palmerston North.
A letter Mr J Hanlon wrote to the Manawatū Times was referenced January 6th 1877:
“… his daughter laid the “foundation brick” of the first brick cottage ever erected in Palmerston, on 28th December last.”
Mr Hanlon didn't actually specify which daughter.
Miss S Hanlon married Mr F Oakley on the 13th of June 1877, at Saint Patrick’s Church. In doing so they joined two of the earliest building families in Palmerston North.
The Oakley’s had nine children: Helen Agnes b.1878, Rachel Sarah b.1880, Mary Elizabeth Josephina b.1882, Frederick William John b.1884, Mabel Gertrude b.1886, Harold Sylvester b.1888, Francis Claud b.1891, Joseph Mary Francis Xavier b.1898, and Raymond Reginald Louis b.1895. They were predeceased by their youngest son, Raymond, in 1925.
The couple moved to 169 Church Street (later renumbered 457) in 1904, and remained there the rest of their lives. Mr Oakley died 21st of December 1930, aged 84 years, and Mrs Oakley died 28th of July 1938, also aged 84 years.
Oakley Street, then unnamed, was drawn into James Mitchell’s plan of 1866. It was surveyed all the way through to Cuba Street. However, the location of the Palmerston North Showgrounds, decided in 1886, altered the earlier plan. Once Oakley Street was formed, it ran from Featherston Street and ended a short way into, and adjoining, sections 295 and 296 of the Showgrounds.
Around 1896 the Manawatu and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association rented land from Mr Christensen on, what was then, allotments 1 and 2 of section 295. This property, described as a sort of island territory in the A&P grounds, was successfully claimed by Mrs Catherine C Peters. The Supreme Court allowed that she was the widow of the original grantee, Mr Carl Peters. She was an absentee owner and the land was used intermittently for grazing. The A&P repeatedly tried to purchase or lease the land from Mrs Peters.
In 1920 the government authorised taking possession of the land for public purposes, under the Public Works Amendment Act, 1910, and clause 50 of the Reserves and Other Lands Disposal and Public Bodies Empowering Act, 1919. As a result, the A&P publicly gazetted their intention to acquire the land and made payment based on government valuation. In 1922 this move was nationally criticised and became known as the "Peters Case" when Mrs Peter's son protested the actions – over twelve months after the fact. A detailed overview was provided in the Dominion, volume 16, issue 62, 6 December 1922, page 7.
The sale was finalised in April of 1921 and the A&P asked the council to close that portion of Oakley Street – 800 links lots 2, 3, 4 and 5 of section 295 southwest Oakley, and 100 links on the northwest. A meeting of local electors was called to make the decision in March of 1922. The citizens voted in favour of increasing the A&P grounds via this method. A special order was passed by the council in April 1922 and that portion of Oakley Street was closed. By 1929 a cattle pavilion had been erected there.
Mr Herbert Rowlands lived in Palmerston North for many years. He died at his Oakley Street residence in September of 1911. His brother, Mr David Rowlands, was an old settler of Tiakitahuna (also known as Jackey Town).
Oakley was predominantly a residential street with some small businesses operating from homes. Mrs Leigh of 4 Oakley Street sold dairy livestock, for example, or Mr J Hansen of 12 Oakley Street sold gravel. There was also a poultry farm at 6 Oakley Street.
There was a steady trade in the let and sale of property and renting of rooms. In 1905, Mr Ludolph Georg West designed two cottages for Mrs McCartney on the street.
The origin of the name Palermes is unknown.
Geographically, Palermes is the French spelling of Palermo, the capital of the Sicily, Italy. Parlemes is also found in the Nord-Ouest region of Haiti.
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923. Please note: the 's' in Palermes has been omitted on the map.
Brothers, Mr Louis M Pascal and Mr Claude Mario Pascal emigrated to New Zealand from Loire, France, in 1878 and were early settlers in the Manawatū. Mr Jean Baptiste Pascal also emigrated and joined his older brothers in 1884. Palermes Street, D.P.3617, section 311, was owned by either Mr CM Pascal or Mr LM Pascal, of Messrs Pascal Bros, from 1890 onwards.
At a Borough Council meeting in June 1914, a letter was acknowledged from Mr L Pascal, and referred to the Public Works Committee. He wished to name a new street running from Cuba Street extension to Main Street west, Palermes Street. The street, comprised of a mixture of residential and business sites, was ready to be taken over. Mr Pascal reminded the council, that they were to add a culvert. This was also referred to Public Works.
Auctioneers, Abrahams and Williams Ltd., on behalf of Mr Pascal, advertised seventeen sections for sale in July 1914. Some of the sites had already been built on.
In April of 1917, Mr JB Wither on behalf of Pascal Bros., asked the Borough Council for permission to construct a continuation of Palermes Street to Chelwood Street. This was agreed and a time extension allowed in January 1918.
Sewers were laid in March 1919 and improvements to footpaths made in 1924.
In February of 1926, the Borough Council proposed renaming streets where a continuation had been made to an existing street. The resolution was passed in March. Town clerk, Mr James Robert Hardie, gave public notice throughout March and April that Palermes would become Bryant. From July 1926 the street was known as Bryant Street.
By 1917, Mr Edward and Mrs Elizabeth Fisher had taken up residence at 5 Palermes Street. There, they provided “On the Farm” produce opposite the Railway Station engine shed. Mr Fisher unsuccessfully sought election to the Dairy Control Board in 1923. The couple gave up dairying in 1925.
In the late 1920s Mr Fisher, a former engineer of the River Board, was the New Zealand patentee of several types of groynes for mitigating river erosion. By then their address had become 180 Bryant Street and was renumbered to 80 Bryant Street in the 1930s.
The origin is unknown. It is assumed to be named after Cuba Street in Wellington, which was named after the ship, "Cuba."
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
The Cuba was a barque of 270-273 tons captained by John Newcombe. The New Zealand Company sent her ahead of immigrant ships from England in July 1839, carrying a survey team of 23 people. The team was led by surveyor-general, Captain William Mein Smith. He had three assistant surveyors, Mr Robert Park, Mr Wellington Carrington and Mr Robert A Stokes. Their job was to meet principal of the company, Colonel Edward Gibbon Wakefield who had set out on the Tory two months earlier, make purchases of land and survey it for the colonists to follow.
Other passengers included Mr (Sir) Richard Davies Hanson, Commissioner for the Purchase of Land, and his Assistant Commissioner and native interpreter, Mr William Bath.
During the voyage, the barque called at Porto Praya, Cape Verde Islands, and a party went ashore. A storm made it necessary for Cuba to ride it out at sea for four days. When they regained port to pick up those ashore, yellow fever came aboard. One of the survey team, Mr William Matthews, and Mr William Bath the Assistant Commissioner, died at sea and were committed to the deep.
In September 1839 the larger 500 to 550-ton vessels, Oriental and Aurora, left England carrying 145 and 148 immigrants respectively.
On arrival in New Zealand, Cuba missed meeting Wakefield on the Tory, at Kaipara. The Cuba made its way to the whaling station on Kapiti Island where whaler, Captain George “Jordy” Young, boarded. He then navigated Cuba to Port Nicholson, where a trader named Smith had been deputised by Wakefield to instruct Captain Smith where to proceed surveying. Cuba cast anchor off Pito-one (Petone) foreshore in early January 1840.
Although the Oriental had left England first, Aurora arrived in Port Nicholson a week earlier – docking on 22 January 1840. Both landed immigrants on Pito-one (Petone) beach, where the surveying team had built a small jetty for this purpose.
Cuba Street was one of the city's original streets. It first ended at Short Street (now known as Cook Street) and was extended out to Burns Avenue at a much later date. To learn more about the original planning and design of Cuba Street, take a look at this Back Issues article by Lesley Courtney.
In 1871, Palmerston’s first public cemetery was established on the site of the present Palmerston North Showgrounds. By 1875, a decision was made to move the cemetery to Napier Road, due to the Cuba Street site being too wet. The bodies were exhumed and reinterred at Terrace End Cemetery.
At the November 1878 Palmerston Borough Council meeting, councillor Coleman proposed that tenders be called for forming and metalling Cuba Street. Though it was one of the first streets of the town, it now needed significant attention. A fair amount of the work was expected to be funded in debentures.
At the December 1878 Palmerston Borough Council meeting, the council accepted the tender of Messrs Collins and McCarthy, £148 15s 6d; plus footpaths and kerbing at £2 7s 3d per chain.
In September of 1880 the lowering of the culvert at the junction of George and Cuba Streets, deepened the water table to drain towards the bush. After further lowering of the water table the following month, gravel was spread.
In 1981, Cuba Street was the scene of barbed wire, police lines and protesters; when anti-Apartheid activists opposed the Springbok Tour. Take a look at this Back Issues article by Stephen Berg to find out more.
Mr Alexander McMinn, the founder of the Manawatū Daily Standard, lived at 92 Cuba Street (corner of Bourke Street) from 1885. The first issue of what was to become the Manawatū Standard was published on the 29th of November 1880. He sold the paper to Frederick Pirani in 1891. Mr McMinn was an accomplished piano player and he and his orchestra regularly provided the musical entertainment for dances at Oddfellows’ Hall. Architect LG West planned alterations to the McMinn’s house in 1904 and they lived in their refurburbished home until 1912, when they moved to Auckland. Tina White covers a 1909 interview with Mr McMinn in this Memory Lane article.
From 1881 WT Wood Blacksmith, Wheelwright, and Veterinary Shoeing Smith, ran his business on the corner of Rangitikei and Cuba Streets (between the Royal and Clarendon Hotels). When the building was destroyed by fire in September of 1894, it was rebuilt next door in Cuba Street, besides the Clarendon Hotel. William Thomas Wood was mayor of Palmerston North from 1895-1899 and 1901-1903. After over 30 years of business and community service, the Wood’s left Palmerston North in 1913. Mr E Walders, Veterinary Shoer & General Blacksmith took over Mr Wood’s business.
In 1885, the English and American Coach Factory, Robert Parr proprietor, adjoined WT Woods. This was taken over by Browning and Tory Coachbuilders. Like its neighbour it was destroyed by fire. It reopened in 1896 as WA Browning Coachbuilder. By 1914, adjusting to changing times and technology, the business became WA Browning Carriage and Motor Works, with Mr CH Mundy as the motor engineer. In 1919 the business was sold to Messrs GP Adler and Co.
In 1886 the Borough Council determined that the old cemetery plot in Cuba Street would become a showground. Established by the Manawatū and West Coast Agricultural and Pastoral Association, the first A&P Show was hosted that same year. By 1893 the popular and anticipated annual event had come to be known as ‘show week’ and local businesses enjoyed extra patronage over that time. Here is a panorama of the A&P Show in 1915.
The showgrounds also hosted: sports clubs and events, military troops, celebrations, relief and transit camps, parades and more. For a brief history, read Palmerston North Showgrounds History, by Leanne Croon Hickman.
The military history of Palmerston North intersects significantly with the Awapuni Racecourse and Palmerston North Showgrounds. Listen to this presentation (PowerPoint slides link available) by Leanne Croon Hickman to find out more.
In 1960 the Palmerston North Industries Fair at the Showgrounds attracted 93,000 visitors, you can read more in this Back Issues article by Ralph Body.
Methodist services began in Palmerston North in 1871, with the first church built in Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue) in 1872. Due to congregational growth, a second church was established in Cuba Street (corner of Domain Street) in 1890, with services commencing in 1891. The church was identified by several names, Wesleyan Church, Methodist Church, and Cuba Street Church. It underwent renovations in 1903, and in 1910, bursting at the seams, a kindergarten was built at the rear of the church to accommodate a roll of 120 infants.
With their building fund containing enough money in 1922, planning began for a new church on the site of the present structure. The architect, Mr Oscar Albert Jorgensen, designed a building that would seat 430 people. In 1924 the old church was completely remodelled and the new brick church built. The foundation stone of, the Trinity Methodist Church was laid in March and the opening was celebrated in July.
From 1895 the Oddfellows’ Hall operated at 188 Cuba Street, between David and Andrew Young Streets. The Manchester Unity Order of Oddfellows was a mutual aid organisation. Their lodge rooms were used by various Manawatū groups such as: Oroua Lodge, UAOD; Palmerston Dramatic Society; Loyal Manawatū Lodge IOOF, MU; and Lodge of Druids. Alterations and additions were made in 1905 and dances began occurring regularly in the hall. Further alterations were made five years later. This was the interior in the 1920s.
In 1889 the Miller's opened the Post Office Store on the corner of Cuba and Taonui Streets, it was to become a family endeavour. Mrs George Miller was the first proprietor – general storekeeper and produce dealer, house and land agent, and trader of grains. In 1901 Mr George Miller sold the business lease to Mr Joshua Cull, a Bunnythorpe settler. He continued the grocery business with Mr George H Miller Jr., who had worked in the store since childhood. In 1903, Hawera businessman, Mr J Butler took over the lease. Mr G Miller Sr. died in 1906.
In 1907 the Post Office Store became Messrs Miller and Vinall, grocers and provision merchants, until Mr Holbrook purchased Mr Vinall’s interest. With Mr George H Miller the senior partner, they changed the name to Miller & Holbrook Family Grocers & Provision Merchants. The partnership was dissolved in 1911 and the business was carried on by Mr GH Miller as GH Miller Grocer and Provision Merchant, before returning to the original moniker, the Post Office Store. Mr Miller continued in the business, also called Miller’s, until 1937. It finally passed out of the Miller family when sold to Mr EJ Westwood.
It was in September of 1884 that working men of Palmerston North first met with the intention of forming a Working Men’s Club. The clubs had spread from the industrial areas of England since the mid-1800s. They were aimed at the self-improvement of working men, through education and recreation. One of the attractions was that this was an alternative to the heavy drinking pub environment.
It was almost four years later that the Colonial Secretary officially granted a charter to Palmerston Working Men’s Club. Mr HT Akers formerly of Club Hotel Church Street east, was made manager. The club officially opened in August, with subscribers of the Public Library donating seven hundred books to the endeavour. By the end of August, the club had a roll of 160 members.
This first premises on Rangitikei Street was sold in February of 1889. In March it reopened as the Christchurch Boarding House, Miss McCarthy proprietess. The Working Men’s Club moved to a two-storey building on Cuba Street. In 1900 additions and alterations were made to the building. Mr Robert Edwards, former Mayor of Palmerston North (1892-1893), was the architect.
By December 1902, club members agreed on purchasing a new site in Cuba Street, almost directly opposite their current clubrooms for a new purpose-built structure. In October of 1904 the new Working Men’s Club was completed, based on plans by architect, Mr E Larcomb.
In March of 1905 Mr TP Holland, of Bunnythorpe, purchased the lease of the old Working Men’s Club in Cuba Street from Mr E Stevenson. Just five months later, in August of 1905, the building was almost completely destroyed by fire.
By 1912 the club had a roll of almost 1,000 members and was seeking sites for addition accommodation. The solution came in purchasing the land immediately adjoining the club buildings, sections belonging to Mrs Jones. That then allowed frontages on Cuba and Taonui Streets, the address being 233-239 Cuba Street. Mr OA Jorgensen, architect, designed a brick building three times as large as the present accommodations. However, the war period intervened, and the new building was delayed.
In 1927 building commenced based on the design of Mr Ernst Vilhelm West. His father, Mr Ludolph Georg West, had been a member of the club. In August of 1928, the new club, now renamed the Cosmopolitan Club, was officially opened by Mr James Alfred Nash MP. Built by Mr DP Tortonson, the two-storied brick building included a frontage of four shops on Cuba Street.
The club moved from the building in 1989 and it was sold the following year.
In 1901 Buick & Young, Printers, commenced business from the Elizabeth Buildings, Cuba Street. In February of 1905 they started a stationers’ shop in connection with their business, also on Cuba Street. By August of 1905 Messrs Buick and Young further extended, in opening a law and commercial stationers’ shop in the Bett and Monrad buildings. In 1912 Mr TL Buick left the business. Mr Henry Llewellyn Young disposed of the stationery business, concentrating on printing and book-binding at the original plant, which had seen considerable additions. New premises were built in Broadway Avenue in 1920.
In 1904, Mr Herbert John Woodfield, purchased and built on a site in Cuba Street to extend his George Street livery business. This new venue wasn’t without problems. In January 1908, he was fined for driving 26 horses loosely along Cuba Street. Just two months later he was further charged with allowing nine horses to stray without guidance. These were the types of incidences you would expect to come to the attention of the Inspector of Public Nuisances. To find out more, read this Back Issues article by Margaret Tennant. By 1922 the livery had evolved into Woodfields Motor Garage. The garage moved to Beresford Street in 1928.
A bucket brigade started as Palmerston North’s first fire-fighters in 1883. In 1887, a volunteer fire brigade was formed and housed in a wooden building in Coleman Place. In 1888, a Fire Brigade Station, opened in Terrace End at 224 Main Street east. The Terrace End brigade ran until 1936.
Meanwhile the Coleman Place station remained until 1910 when the Central Fire Station opened in Cuba Street, next to the Woodfield Stables. The foundation stone had been laid in March of that year by Mr Edward John Armstrong, chairman of the Fire Board. By August the Fire Brigade was in possession of the building designed by Mr LG West and erected by Mr CW Blackbourn. Comprised of two storeys, the ground floor housed the enquiry office, engine room, horse stalls (until horses were superseded by motor engines in 1913), a kitchen and two bedrooms for single men. Upstairs was the superintendent and foreman’s quarters, as well as the married men’s quarters and a social hall. In 1914 tenders were invited for additions and alterations to the station.
By 1925, running out of space, a tender was accepted for a new fire station to be built in Cuba Street on a vacant section more-or-less opposite the end of Campbell Street. Messrs Trevor Bros., were the builders and Messrs LG West & Sons, the architects. The new Central Fire Station opened 19th July, 1926. Additions to the living quarters were made in 1938. It remained in Cuba Street until 1977 when a new station opened in Cook Street.
In 1940, the 28th Māori Battalion trained at the Palmerston North Showgrounds. In 1964, Te Rau O Te Aroha Māori Battalion Hall was opened at 138 Cuba Street, as a national memorial to the men of the 28th Māori Battalion who lost their lives in the Second World War. The hall became a Poppy Place in 2018.
The addresses on Cuba Street were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.79 to p.83 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The street is named for Andrew Young (1833-1895), the owner-driver of the first coach service between Foxton and Palmerston North. At a Palmerston Borough Council Meeting on 20 August 1884 the Mayor read a letter from Mr Young’s agent. It advised that Mr Young wished to have a street laid facing the Masonic Hall, Main Street, running through to Cuba Street. Money to carry out the forming and metalling of said street was available at any time. The matter of Andrew Young Street was referred to the Public Works Committee and a call for tenders made in November 1884.
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
Andrew Young, was born in Dungannon, County Tyrone, Ireland in 1833. He emigrated to Victoria in the early 1850s on the ship, South Carolina. Mr A Young first tried his luck as a gold digger at Castlemaine and Bendigo. The Victorian goldrushes also saw the arrival of four Americans – Freeman Cobb, John Murray Peck, James Swanton and John B. Lamber, who established the original Cobb & Company line of coaches in Melbourne in 1853. In May 1856 the partners sold-up and the business passed through a number of owners.
It was Cobb and Co., under Messrs Highett and Co., who employed Mr Young on his return to Melbourne. He drove coaches between Geelong and Ballarat, until the Ballarat to Melbourne railway was complete. It was here that Mr Young met and married his wife Elizabeth Nott in 1860. She gave birth to their eldest daughter, Selina, in Geelong, in 1862.
In 1861 it was once again the discovery of gold, this time, at Gabriel’s Gully, Otago, that attracted the coaching business. Now under proprietor Charles Carlos Cole, Cobb and Co service and plant (including a stagecoach, wagons, buggies, horses and saddles) travelled aboard the SS India from Melbourne to Dunedin. Operations commenced October 1861. Cole formed a partnership with brothers Charles and Henry Hoyt, the following year, and the company sent for Mr Young around 1863. He was whip on the Tokomairiro line, travelling between Dunedin and Tokomairiro.
The successful coaching venture on Tokomairiro line enabled Mr Young to save money and start a staging line between Christchurch and Hokitika as the agent for Cobb and Co. He achieved this in partnership with fellow driver, Mr WH Shepard (also known as WH Shepperd). In time, they extended to the Wellington province.
In 1869, at the conclusion of the Titokowaru’s War, the partners started a bi-weekly service between Wellington and Wanganui. Mr Young ran the Wellington to Foxton Line, and Mr Shepard the Foxton to Wanganui Line. The partnership dissolved in March of 1871 by mutual consent, with Mr Young retaining the line between Wellington and Wanganui and Mr Shepard taking the line from Wanganui to New Plymouth.
Mr and Mrs Young rented Flagstaff Cottage in Willis Street, Wellington, and moved in with their children: Selina Wilmot b.1862, William Andrew b.1865, James Frederick Robert b.1867 and John Henry b.1869. Albert Edward was born in February of 1872. In September of that year, architect, Ben Smith, sought tenders for the building of a two storey dwelling for Mr Andrew Young in upper Willis Street, opposite Union Bank. After moving into their home, the Young’s had three more children; Victoria May b.1875, Frank Wellington b.1877, and Ruby May b.1880. They moved to Ellice Street in 1893.
In October of 1871 Mr Shepard had a coaching accident while travelling along a beach near Patea. He was pulled from the cab box when a portion of harness broke, subsequently run over by the coach, and caught in the surf. Mrs Shepard, who was the sole passenger, managed to jump out of the coach and drag her husband from the sea. He died a few days later from his injuries. Mr Young continued the business over the whole line until able to purchase the interest of the late Mr Shepherd in 1872.
The Patea Mail, in December 1885, recounted that it was somewhere in the wilds of Otago, in 1872, that Mr Young and his coach famously faced off with visiting author, Mr Anthony Trollope and his carriage. With a cutting too narrow to pass, the author demanded that Mr Young cede the way. On refusal, Mr Trollope said:
“Sir, do you know who I am?”Mr Young stated his ignorance and the author set him straight. Mr Young responded:
“Yes, I knew it was some fool or other like that. Well Mr Trollope, my name is Andrew Young, and I give you just one second more, and if you don’t start to back out of this cutting we’ll see your name on a tombstone as soon as your relations take the trouble to put it there.”
Mr Trollope backed out and, interestingly, did not include the incident in his book of travels.
Coaching in those days meant traversing incredibly tough terrain including unformed roads, beaches, and making river crossings by ferry. You can read more on ferry life in this Back Issues article by Val Burr. Sometimes passengers had to get out and push the coach!
Mr Young continued to expand his lines into the North Island. In 1877, knowing that trains would inevitably rise as the main mode of transport, Mr Young made arrangements with the Railways Department to offer trips with a combination of train and coach connections. Customers found they could now travel between Wellington and Napier in a day. In 1877 Mr Young sold his business to Messrs Hall and Henry. He then took overseas trips in 1878 and again in 1884, visiting the UK and US. Mr Young was a shrewd businessman. Besides the coaching business, he purchased land in early Palmerston North and had holdings in Wanganui and Wellington. As a result, he retired comfortably.
He was prominent in Wellington municipal affairs as a councillor for both the Te Aro and Lambton Wards between 1880 and 1890. He was a mayoral candidate in 1881 and 1882, missing out in the vote. Mr Young was also involved in a number of community groups. He was First Lieutenant of the Wellington Guards, Vestryman of St. Peter’s parish, and a shareholder in the Te Aro Theatre and Opera House Company. As a keen sportsman and steward of the Wellington Racing Club, he owned and raced several horses. Mr Young was a member of Pacific Lodge of Freemasons until his death.
In 1882 he re-entered the business world, however this time it was unsuccessful. He lost a great deal of money on a line of coaches between Tauranga and Thames when a road washed out. He unsuccessfully petitioned the Public Petitions Committee for compensation for loss of the mail contract in 1883. Within a decade this particular line was to flourish with the rising mining industry. In 1888 he backed his son, William, in an omnibus business (in opposition to the trams) in Wellington. This failed within two years. Mr A Young narrowly escaped bankruptcy due to negotiating an annulment in 1894.
In 1895 Mr Andrew Young became ill and was diagnosed with cancer of the gullet. He died on the 17th of September 1895, surrounded by his wife and children at their home in Ellice Street. He was interred in the Karori Cemetery.
In September of 1884, councillor Sutton motioned, and councillor George seconded, that plans be made for the construction of Andrew Young Street. The resolution passed. By November 1884, RN Keeling, Town Clerk, was calling for contractor tenders. D.P.451, sections 327, 328, 333 and 334 were consequently subdivided in 1889.
Sing Kee & Company Laundry; William Arthur Browning Coach Builder (later, Browning and Tory Coachbuilders, corner of Cuba and Rangitikei streets); and Fearnley’s Coffee Palace, established 1900, Ernest Albert Fearnley, proprietor. Fearnley's later became a private hotel, rebuilt and refurbished in 1924. It was extensively fire damaged in 1943, however that was not the end of its story.
In 1989, George Ionas purchased the building from the Palmerston North Power Board, who had used it as a training facility. In 2002, 21-25 Andrew Street was leased to Shepherd's Rest a non-profit charitable trust, as a home for the homeless. It could accommodate up to 58 people. Shepherd’s Rest represented multiple churches of multiple denominations and helped people overcome drug and alcohol addiction. In January of 2012 the trust had to give up the home due to financial constraints. The building that was once Fearnley's Hotel was demolished in March of 2012.
The Palmerston North branch of the Young Mens’ Christian Association (YMCA) acquired a property in Andrew Young Street in 1905 for a gymnasium. In collaboration with the YMCA, the Manawatū Camera Club attached a darkroom to the building. The gymnasium was the venue of a public debate in 1906 between The Palmerston North Young Men's Debating Society and the YMCA. The motion being, "war is a better method of settling international disputes than arbitration."
Mouldey’s Variety Store (later known as Variety Hall) was a second-hand dealership and variety store at 3 Andrew Young Street. Mr Henry W Mouldey, proprietor, advertised its wares from 1908 until his death in 1919. It was situated near Central Hotel.
In November of 1909 a fire broke out at Dustin’s Bakehouse on Andrew Young Street. Fortunately, they were insured and the business continued. Here is the frontage of Dustin’s circa. 1914-1918, on Main Street.
Herbalist, Mr J Hepworth, was advertising his business on the corner of Main Street and Andrew Young from 1912.
In 1913 there was talk, initiated by a special committee appointed by the Borough Council, of changing the name from Andrew Young Street to Young Street. This never eventuated.
In 1914, one of Palmerston North’s first motorised taxi cab businesses was established by John Jarvie Gillies at 13 Andrew Young Street. Mr Gillies had worked in the Manawatū saw-milling and dairy industries previously. He originally drove a cab that could accommodate five passengers, and by 1924 JJ Gillies had a 7-seater Buick Limousine on offer. He lived in Andrew Young Street at several different addresses during this time and died at his wife, Elizabeth’s, boarding house at 22 Andrew Young Street on Christmas day of 1940, aged 74 years.
From 1917, Plumbers, Beattie and Proctor Ltd., were located on the corner Andrew Young and Cuba Streets. By 1930 their business had grown significantly, and a new business premises was built in Cuba Street.
Fritz Holland a well-known pugilist, opened Fritz Holland’s Boxing school in the Variety Hall (formerly Mouldey's) opposite Fearnley’s Coffee Palace in July 1920. Thirty students originally signed up and by August the roll numbered fifty-seven. However, the school was short-lived. In time, Mr Fritz Holland was to return to Palmerston North. In 1930 he opened a gymnasium for his boxing classes in the old Central Fire Station in Cuba Street.
Fortunately for boxing enthusiasts, Jim “Kid” Harris, bantam-weight ex-champion of England, under the patronage of the Manawatū Boxing Association, re-opened the school of boxing, physical culture and massage in January 1921. By March, “Kid” Harris had indicated he was settling in Palmerston North permanently. He and his students feature frequently in the local sports news until 1926. In 1925 the boxing gymnasium re-opened in the Produce Hall of the Palmerston North Showgrounds.
The addresses on Andrew Young were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.16 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
This street is believed to be named after Mr David Joseph Nathan (1858-1920), sometimes described as the father of the dairying industry. Mr DJ Nathan may have also been the road contractor who put it through in 1875. At the time he was working for his father, Mr Joseph Edward Nathan, who certainly responded to tenders for town road works in the 1870s. Mr JE Nathan, was one of the largest landowners in the Manawatū. In February of 1883, a letter from Joseph Nathan and Co., the family business, was read at the Palmerston Borough Council meeting, requesting the forming of David Street, with a cheque for £25.
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
Mr David Joseph Nathan was born in Wellington on 30th of August, 1858, where he spent his school years and attended Wellington College. The eldest son, he then joined his father’s business, Joseph Nathan and Company Ltd., managing The Ready Money Store in the Square, Palmerston North. By 1883 Mr D Nathan was supervising the management of various branches of the family firm in the Manawatū district. He would eventually become managing director of the company and remain so until his death.
He married in 1886 to Miss Miriam ‘Minnie’ Jonas, daughter of Mr Hyam Jonas of London. They had four children together, Hilda Rebecca b.1888, Joseph Edward b.1889, Kathleen Madge b.1891 and Aileen Ida b.1895.
The first successful shipment of frozen meat from New Zealand to Britain was made aboard the sailing ship Dunedin in 1882. In the 1890s, advances in technology meant that ocean-going steamers had been fitted with refrigerating machinery. Mr Nathan could see the possibilities for trade. He contacted owners of dairy cows in the region proposing they establish creameries and gave farmers a price to encourage production. Those who started creameries quickly gained success, but questioned Mr Nathan’s earnings in the enterprise. Mr Nathan offered to sell creameries at a reasonable rate of commission, his firm acting as the London agent, if the farmers would form co-operative companies. This was acceptable and The Ready Money Store became The United Farmers’ Co-operative Association Ltd in 1892. The co-operative dairy company movement spread throughout New Zealand.
Mrs Nathan died suddenly of peritonitis in May of 1897. The funeral was carried out in both Hebrew and English, as the Nathan’s were of Jewish faith. Mr Nathan was president of the congregation and president of the Jewish Socal Club.
In 1899 Mr Nathan re-married. His wife was Miss Cora Jonas, daughter of Mr Jonah Jonas of London. Together they had one child, Nell b.1904, and lived on a large estate in Wellington.
In 1903 in Wellington, Mr Nathan proposed a scheme for the consolidation of the frozen meat trade. He attended farmer’s meetings to discuss freight and generally encourage interest. Mr Nathan was passionate about the country’s commerce, and how New Zealand could capitalise on opportunities – especially in regard to flax, dairy and meat.
Mr Nathan also paid attention to local body matters in his home, the capital, and was a city councillor for three years. He was a member of the Harbour Board, steward of the Wellington Racing Club and director of the old Wellington-Manawatū Railway Company. Mr Nathan continued to speak publicly on world trade. As the president of the Wellington Chamber of Commerce, he advocated for preferential trade with Great Britain. He was also a one-time director of the Bank of New Zealand and directed or served on the boards of many other companies.
His links with Palmerston North and the Manawatū continued. As President of the Bowling Association in Wellington, he attended the Palmerston North Bowling Club’s opening ceremony in 1903 and was elected vice-president of the Manawatu and West Coast A&P Association in 1904.
It was also in the early 1900s that Mr Nathan submitted proposals to Manawatū dairy farmers for the establishment of factories to produce dried milk. Cheltenham, Makino, and Bunnythorpe responded with sufficient support to induce him to either purchase or establish plant and start the venture. Glaxo was to become the brand name for their baby milk and eventually evolved into the name of this business. Mr D Nathan was the first head of the Glaxo Manufacturing Company.
On 20th Mar 1920, Mr Nathan died suddenly from an aneurism at a private hospital in Wellington. He was 62 years old. Mr Nathan is interred at the Karori cemetery.
His younger brother, Mr Frederick Joseph Nathan, became Managing Director and Chairman of Joseph Nathan & Co. Ltd. Mr FJ Nathan had settled in Palmerston North and was a borough councillor, 1911-1915, and mayor of the city 1923-1927.
David Street was put through in 1875. D.P. 26, and formed in 1883. It was listed as a private street in 1885. After 1900 it appears to have been regarded as public, with the council laying service pipes and maintaining the road and footways.
Early settlers, Julius Emil Magnusson and Jacobine Marie Magnusson, made 9 David Street their home in 1878 and remained until their deaths in 1935 and 1940, respectively. These Swedish settlers began life in Palmerston as farmers at Fitzherbert and then Stoney Creek (now Whakarongo) and entered the carrying business on moving into the township.
Mr Axel Frederick Anderson came to New Zealand from Norway with his parents Mr and Mrs Nils Anderson in 1872. He made his home in Palmerston North in 1895, establishing the Anderson Private Hotel in David Street, which was taken over by Duncan Anderson in 1907. He also owned the Central Hotel in the Square, prior to its relocation to Main Street. In 1908 he left the Manawatū, returning to Palmerston North c. 1942. Married twice, he died at his home, 109 Te Awe Awe Street on March 31, 1945.
The New Zealand Express Company Ltd, a cartage business, started its life in Palmerston North on the corner of Main and David Streets in the late-1880s. It moved to George Street in 1906.
The Railway Hotel, later known as the Old Railway Hotel, was built opposite the Railway Station on the corner of Main and David Street in 1892. Its proprietor was Mr Timothy O’Leary and the hotel had 24 guestrooms, besides those used exclusively by the owner’s family. He leased the hotel in 1897 to Mr Michael Hogan who, in turn, sold his interest to Mr Henry Border. Mr T Young became the owner in 1901 (after Mr O'Leary's death) and on-sold the hotel to Mr David Roux Bouisson in 1902. On changing hands in 1903, the Railway Hotel was condemned as old, rotten and full of vermin. Its license was not regranted until the new owners took measures to cleanse the building. It is unsurprising therefore that the owners, Staples and Co., of Wellington, made plans to re-erect the hotel. The first Railway Hotel was replaced by this building in 1904-1905.
Anderson’s Private Hotel, on the left of this image, was established on David Street some time between 1895 and 1897. Mr Axel Frederick Anderson, the proprietor, was active in seeking improvements in the street from the borough council. The hotel was taken over by Duncan Anderson in 1907. In January of 1908 local newspapers reported on an inmate of the hotel preparing a bath, only to find a 12-inch eel, the thickness of a finger, coming out of the water tap. In 1916 the hotel was taken over by Mrs A Trepo.
Other accommodation in the street between 1900 and the 1940s included JK Christensen Private Hotel, Wentworth Boarding House, and the Goldfern Boarding House. There were also a couple of billiard rooms.
David Street Stables at 8 David Street, this livery was operated by Mr John Jones from c. 1901 to 1908 when it was sold to Mr N Paulsen. He ran the business as a livery, general carrier and forwarding agent until 1917. Over that period its name changed from David Street Stables to Paulsen Stables to Railway Stables. Caleb Penman took over the Railway Stables in September 1917 and by 1921 the stables had passed into the hands of Messrs Peterson and Low. In April of 1930 they were the only remaining livery stables in Palmerston North.
In 1913 Frank Harris and Co. Ltd., moved their monumental yard to 12 David Street while in voluntary liquidation. The business was taken over by Messrs JW Fisher and Co., Sculptors and Monumental Masons in 1914. Here is an image of their business at 17 David Street (due to street renumbering) in 1997.
The addresses on David Street were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.85 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
George Street is named after the landowner and building contractor who put the street through, Mr George Frederick Roe (1837-1902).
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
Mr GF Roe was an early settler in the district. He arrived in Wellington as a child, in 1841, on the ship Gertrude. As an adult he served throughout the NZ Wars. Arriving in Fielding c. 1872, one of his first contracts was building 40 houses for immigrants to Manchester Block. In those early years he was a local storeowner and agent for the Wanganui Chronicle. In late 1875 he commenced building a hotel, on property he owned in Feilding township. The Denbigh Hotel opened on 12th May 1876, with his brother, Charles Roe, his successor in the endeavour.
George moved with his wife, Mary, to Palmerston North, where a year earlier he had sold the Clarendon Hotel to Mrs Atkinson for £1,400. He was a Palmerston North borough councillor from 1877 to 1880. Within that time he owned the Palmerston Hotel (1877-1879) and was a general storekeeper in partnership, Messrs Roe and Green. The partnership dissolved by mutual consent and Mr Roe was left to settle all debts. Unfortunately he became bankrupt in 1880.
He soon started a new enterprise, Roe's Private Hotel (1881-1883). In 1883, the Roe's sold-up with the intention of moving to the new settlement of Kawhia. However, in 1884, a local newspaper reports Mr Roe suffering a protracted illness in Palmerston North.
It appears that Mr Roe continued in the hotel business and was briefly the proprietor of the Post Office Hotel on Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue), in the 1892-93 rates year. His bankruptcy was announced in 1893.
In September of 1900 the Roe's were living in Taonui Street, Palmerston North, when their daughter Nina May died. Mrs Mary Roe died in April two years later. Mr George Roe followed his wife and daughter in May of 1902, at 66 years of age.
In 1875 the road was put through at the Main Street end and D.P.27 subdivided. An extension was made through to the Cuba Street end in 1879 under D.P.155.
In September of 1878 The Public Works Committee of the Borough Council accepted the tender of Mr Joseph Nathan, £147, for works in George Street. This was Joseph Edward Nathan, of Joseph Nathan and Co., owners of the agricultural supply firm that evolved into Glaxo. By the end of October 1878 the street was gravelled and had a pathway. With Mr GM Snelson having sold sections for some months prior, shops and houses became established rapidly, and land values soared.
Mr George Mathew Snelson (the first mayor of Palmerston North) and Mrs Louisa Matilda Snelson arrived in Palmerston in December of 1870. They built a general store on the western side of the Square in partnership with Mr EW Mills, Mr Snelson's former employer, an ironmonger in Wellington. Opening in 1871, this was the first store in the township. By 1877, when the George Street sections came on the market, Mr Snelson was an auctioneer and appraiser with auction rooms in the Square.
On October 6 1880, at a Palmerston Borough Council meeting, councillor Ferguson recommended purchase of a right-of-way from Broad Street (later Broadway Avenue) to George Street. Landowners, Mr Hoskings and Mr Darwick, were agreeable to selling ten feet each and councillor Ferguson thought it better to purchase now, than wait some years when prices had risen. The Chairman opposed the proposition, as George Street was initially a private street, not on the map and built on speculation. Furthermore, the developer had ignored suggestions on appropriate street width, and now there was an expectation of public funding to enhance the neighbourhood. Discussion ensued around this and the additional land required to fully open the way, being forty-six feet. According to the Municipal Corporations Act, 1876, the Council was prevented from making any street less than sixty-six feet wide. The proposal was rejected.
In the years following, there were constant issues and complaints about the narrowness of George Street in regard to parking.
The way through was revisited in January of 1883, when councillor Snelson presented a plan to the council of a proposed connection between George Street and the now established Coleman Place. The proposal was carried and the Reserves Committee commenced arrangements in September 1884, advising the Council to draft a clause into The Special Powers Bill giving local authority.
Palmerston North Borough Council Rate Books show that the Snelson’s owned an allotment and house on section 331, (George Street) from 1878. By 1879 they also owned a house and blacksmith shop on section 332. This was recorded as a house and stable the following year. In November 1883 it was reported in the Manawatū Times:
“Mr G. M. Snelson is having substantial additions made to the front of his residence in George street, which will greatly improve the appearance… .”
It was also that year, that section 847 (Fitzherbert Street), first appears listed under George Snelson in the rate books. It is likely that the couple moved to their Fitzherbert Street (later Fitzherbert Avenue) residence around that time and purchased the adjoining section, 848. In 1885 they’d also acquired section 300 (George Street) with house. The Snelson’s kept property in George Street until around 1892. Due to their extensive work in the community, the Snelson’s were later known as the “Father and Mother of Palmerston North.”
A second mayoral couple lived on George Street at the turn of the 20th century. James (Jimmy) Alfred Nash and Elizabeth Lily Grater, nee Keogh, married on Valentine’s Day in 1895. Rate books show that Mr JA Nash purchased allotments on sections 331 and 332 (George Street) that same year. Already operating a store in the Square, Mr Nash established two shops in George Street next to Woodfield’s stables in 1901.
The Nash’s private residence on George Street was advertised to let in June 1906. The couple moved to their newly built house, later named Waimarama, on Alfred Street. Rate books show Mrs Nash as the ratepayer on an allotment of section 169, from 1904-05. In June 1907, Mr Nash sold his shop in the Square to Messrs Paget and Barron and advised he could be contacted at his new business next to the Fire Bell Tower, Coleman Place. In September of the following year, Mr Nash, in partnership with DJ Lovelock, commenced business as Messrs JA Nash and Co., from George Street offices. They were produce, land, estate and general commissioner agents. It was also 1908 that he became mayor of Palmerston North, remaining in office until 1923.
The Nash Buildings, 42-48 George Street, were constructed in 1925 for Mrs Nash. She had purchased the property in 1894, before her marriage to James, with the building remaining in her family until 1978. The building plan was created by Herbert Leslie Hickson, registered architect. The Nash Buildings housed fours shops on the ground floor including confectionary, millinery and clothing; with living spaces upstairs. Additions were made to the Cuba Street end in 1929 to the design of Oscar Albert Jorgensen. This comprised a fifth shop and upstairs residence at 50 George Street. (See also, Built Heritage Inventory, below).
The Woodfield Stables, also known as Manawatū Stables were established at 23 George Street in 1901. They were owned by Mr Herbert John Woodfield and operated as a livery stable with conveyances for hire. The local fire brigade housed their horses there, with the horse(s) harnessed to a fire cart overnight in case of emergency. The stables hosted experts, including Mr Walter J Bullock equine dentist and GE Owen Veterinary Surgeon. Woodfield’s also offered services, such as horse clipping, on site. In 1904 Mr Woodfield extended his livery business to a second site on Cuba Street. Considerable fire damage occurred to the George Street stables in January of 1911, fortunately no horses were harmed. The remaining wood building was pulled down in 1915. Mr Woodfield had fully established his business on Cuba Street.
Handily located next to the Woodfield Stables at 21 George Street, in 1907, was Mr Wallace John Bruce Jolly, saddler and harness maker. By the early 1920s Mr WJB Jolly expanded into sports goods and restringing of tennis racquets. His store was sold in 1926 after his unexpected death. Next to WJB Jolly, at number 19, were Messrs Swift and Co., land estate agents (established 1905). They were still advertising their business at its George Street location in 1920. In 1908, HJ Lauridsen Blacksmith & Farriers commenced business in a leased shop directly opposite Coleman Place. Hans Jorgen Lauridsen’s family had moved to Palmerston North from Denmark in 1907.
In January of 1904 Messrs Joe Lee & Co., started a laundry in George Street. It remained in George Street for 17 years, with a move within the street when the original structure was demolished for new builds in 1912. In March of 1921 the company moved to Main Street West.
In 1883 the Bon Marche, a general market, drapery and clothing store on the west side of the Square changed hands. Formerly owned by Mr John Coulson Fowler, the new proprietors were CM Ross & Co., and they took over in September of that year. In 1905, extensive additions and improvements were made to the store, including an arcade from the Square to George Street. Fronting George Street were large display windows. The first display was furnishings, as George Street housed the furniture department and, in 1909, the factory. At that stage customers could only access the George Street side via the Square.
This changed in 1916 with the completion of a steel framed concrete building comprised of two storeys on the Square, and three storeys on the Coleman Place and George Street sections. With display windows on Coleman Place, entry was made from the Square and George Street. The latter housing the showroom of the firm.
During 1927 and 1928 CM Ross and Co., built a completely new department store, replacing three of the former buildings. It was called Rosco, and, as previous, could be accessed from the Square and George Street. After Roscos discontinued operations in 1959, the store went through several owners including DIC. In 1991 it was purchased by the Palmerston North City Council and converted into the City Library – opening in 1996.
While George Street catered to shoppers looking for goods and services, it was also home to various national organisations, such as:
New Zealand Express Company, moved from the corner of Main and David Streets to George Street in 1906. The company worked from several locations within George Street over the years. In 1935 NZ Express sold their cartage, forwarding and sample rooms at 6 George Street to Child Bros., who made it their head office. In the 1940s the Child Bros. head office moved to 85 George Street.
Department of Labour, from 1908 on the corner of Main Street West and George Street. In the 1920s the Department of Labour moved into the Hopwood’s Buildings in Main Street.
Returned Services Association, from 1917 the Soldier’s Club was situated on the corner of George and Cuba Streets. (See also, Built Heritage Inventory, below).
YMCA, 1936 to 1942. Maintained rooms on the 2nd floor of the Manawatū Building.
George Street was a hub of community entertainment in the form of picture theatres, skate rinks, dance halls and billiard saloons. The later included T Bill’s Billard Saloon, Crown Billiard Saloon, West’s Billiard Saloon and the Commercial Billiard Saloon.
In 1910, some old shops were removed to make way for an indoor skating rink. Building commenced in September of 1910 by Mr TJ Rodgers for Messrs J Fuller & Sons. The finished product would be a hall (the rink especially constructed from heart of matai), dressing rooms, attendant’s rooms and offices. The hall would be used to show pictures out-of-season. There were two entrances from George Street and one from Main Street. Further, three shops would form the frontage in George Street.
For a taste of yesteryear George Street on a Saturday night, read this Back Issues article by Steve Stannard.
This skate rink and picture hall, His Majesty’s Theatre (here in its building stage), was consequently opened in February of 1911 with a 1,750-person capacity. It was referred to by various names, including Fuller’s Hall and Fuller’s Pictures. In 1916 the theatre was leased by Mr W Downey with the intention of converting it to a modern skate rink. His Majesty’s Rink, otherwise known as The Rink, reopened March of 1917.
In 1921 Fuller’s Hall was acquired by Kairanga Auctioneering Co., for storage, display and sale of goods. Stock pens for livestock were built alongside. They also leased part of their space to Mr AC Crossan for his billiards saloon in 1922. Unfortunately, in 1924, the Kairanga Auctioneering Company went into liquidation. In September of that year a tender was accepted from The Palmerston Paramount Pictures Ltd., Company and on the 30th of October 1924, the new Paramount Theatre opened in George Street.
By 1927 this became the De Luxe Theatre. The Skating Rink De Luxe was opened in July 1931. It was also known as the De Luxe Hall, and many dances were held there. In July of 1937 the hall reopened as The Coconut Grove ballroom. From 1942 to 1945 the hall was known as the ANA Dance Hall (Airforce, Navy, Army) housing a club, lounge and patriotic shop. It was then renamed the George Street Dance Hall. It became the Ballroom Astoria around 1948 and remained so until closing in 1984.
A second picture theatre was built in George Street in 1915 on the site previously occupied by Woodfield Stables. The Palace Theatre opened in November 1915 and remained until gutted by fire in 1935. A newly refurbished theatre opened on the same site in 1936, as the Mayfair (you can see the corner of it here), and ran until 1965. As Pauline Knuckey explains in this Back Issues article, the most successful screening was in 1950. Closed for extensive modernisation, the theatre re-opened in December of 1965 and was now called the Odeon. The Mayfair had become part of the Kerridge Odeon Corporation in 1946. The Odeon stayed until its demolition in 1992.
The addresses on George Street were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.124 and p.125 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003 and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
The Television Production Centre (TVPC) produced content to support extramural teaching at Massey University. They also contracted out to Television stations nationally and produced work for local organisations like the Palmerston North City Council until it was closed by Massey in 1997.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003 and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
The Television Production Centre (TVPC) produced content to support extramural teaching at Massey University. They also contracted out to Television stations nationally and produced work for local organisations like the Palmerston North City Council until it was closed by Massey in 1997.
In the 19th century, Sir James Prendergast owned a large holding directly across the Manawatū River from Palmerston North. The lane is named for the three paddocks, that comprised the homestead block of this Turitea estate. Three Paddock Lane is a private right-of-way accessed off Springdale Grove, April 2019.
The aerial map is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
In January 1900 Sir James Prendergast sold his Fitzherbert property at public auction. The autioneers were Messrs Abraham and Williams. This plan of the property was released to the public prior to sale. The orginal homestead block was on sections 186 and 209, and the auction information reads,
“Sections 209 & 186.–Together containing 129 acres 3 roods 25 perches, and fenced on three sides ; fronts a good metalled road, and contains the Manager’s cottage, stable, whare, and dip out-houses, with three small home paddocks, also shearers’ whare on the Southerh [sic] boundary, a small clump of shelter bush, and watered by the Turitea Stream.”
At the time of development in 2019, it was noted that the homestead garden was surrounded by an established macrocarpa hedge. Adjacent to the garden was the 'first paddock’, containing the outline of a barn. Next, was the enclosed ‘second paddock’, with the outline of a structure believed to be a whare for farm staff. Beyond the second paddock was the ‘third paddock’, which extended to, what is now, Springdale Grove.
Three Paddock Lane therefore runs from Springdale Grove to Barber’s Bush Reserve and is situated in the ‘third paddock’.
Taonui Street is named from Taonui Swamp. While the literal meaning is "big spear" or "big catch," it is a metaphor for an abundance of food and resources.
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
Taonui Street was the first subdivision in the town, with the northern end (Featherston Street end) D.P.1, surveyed in 1872. The owner of this section (301) was WHW Haines. Through an oversight it was not dedicated until 1951. The southern end (Cuba Street end) D.P.16, was surveyed in 1874, being section 302, owner not stated.
Taonui Street is one of the first streets to have a continuous row of dwellings. By 1878 there were seven houses at the northern end and six at the southern.
In the early 1880s the area around Taonui Street was known as the 'fashionable quarter' and had the nickname, "New Chum Town." Taonui Street later acquired the name "Soapsuds Alley" because of all the clothslines strung up there.
In 1913 there was talk, initiated by a special committee appointed by the Borough Council, of changing the name from Taonui Street to Nelson Street. There was discussion in the Manawatū Standard on preservation of local Māori names, versus honouring the overseas hero of Trafalger.
For a comprehensive history of the street's development, businesses, and who lived there, take a look at the lecture notes of Brian Mather and supplementary material from the Palmerston North Historical Society, circa.
2006.
The addresses on Taonui Street were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.258 and p.259 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The origin of the name, Campbell, is unknown. The street went through in two sections at the same time as Bourke Street, 1875. There is speculation that Campbell may have been a partner of Bourke, a roading contractor. This is not yet substantiated.
There was a Wellington based partnership, Messrs. Alexander Campbell and Daniel Burke, builders, joiners and contractors who worked around the lower North Island from the early 1900s. However, the timing does not match.
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
The Cuba Street end of Campbell Street, section 304 (a third of the street) was put through in 1875. The Featherston Street end, section 299, followed in 1890. Both sections appear to have been purchased by Arthur William Follett Halcombe, an early settler of Feilding. By 1877-78 John James Waldegrave owned one property on section 299, while there were seven houses and a stable on the Cuba Street end. By 1883-84 the Featherston Street end, section 299, was owned by Benjamin Manson.
October 23, 1880, a special meeting of the Palmerston Borough Council was held to consider reports from the Reserves Committee and sub-committee. The latter presented a “Report of the Division of the Town.” This was a recommendation of general allocation of costs for street clearing and formation, based on the town map.
Councillor Coleman said he would have preferred a breakdown by street in which outlay was expected. His Worship, Mayor James Linton, could not see the necessity, as per the report all the town streets would either be cleared or formed. Councillor Coleman pointed out that there may be streets the sub-committee members were unaware of – Bourke and Campbell Streets for example. The sub-committee affirmed it was unaware of Bourke Street and hadn’t counted Campbell Street, a private street on a piece of land cut up by Mr Halcombe, leading to a large paddock. Councillor Coleman asserted that the latter was on the map and residents on both contributed revenue to the town.
There was discussion around the concern that if the council were to take over and spend money on private streets, they would be springing up all over the place. Councillor Ferguson stated that if Campbell Street was on the map as a public street, then its development was in fact covered by the report. If not, the Council would not be justified in spending money on the street. The report was received and adopted.
For a comprehensive history of the street's development, businesses, and who lived there, plus the Community Housing Improvement Scheme of the early 1980s, take a look at the lecture notes of Brian Mather and supplementary material from the Palmerston North Historical Society, circa. 2006.
The notes include a history of Campbell Street School, 1890-1922.
The Church of Christ was first established in Palmerston North in 1905. Meetings were originally held in private residences. In 1913, they established a central meeting place at 100 Campbell Street. Congregation members commenced work on the site of a new church in Botanical Road in 1959.
The former Church of Christ became home to the Savage Club. Beginning as a London gentlemen’s club in 1857, the Savage Club spread throughout the colonies. The Manawatū chapter was founded in 1908 as a literary society and entertainment club. In 2020, it was rebranded as OnStage Manawatū.
The addresses on Campbell Street were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.45 and p.46 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
Bourke Street, interchangeably called Burke Street, is named after roading contractor, Mr Bourke, who put the street through in 1875. Papers Past show that there was a Mr D Burke operating as a roading contractor in the Manawatū in the 1880s and 1890s.
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
Deposited 24 March 1875, D.P.22 (the Cuba Street end) was subdivided in 1875. The sections were owned by Arthur William Follett Halcombe, an early settler of Feilding, and the surveyor was Thomas McKay Drummond. D.P.1195 was subdivided in 1901 and the sections owned by Charles E Waldegrave.
In 1876, the Clausen brothers, Christian Nicolai and Johan Frederick, first laid eyes on Palmerston as children of early Scandinavian settlers. They recalled the Bourke and Waldegrave street blocks being great paddocks of oat crops.
October 23, 1880, a special meeting of the Palmerston Borough Council was held to consider reports from the Reserves Committee and sub-committee. The latter presented a “Report of the Division of the Town.” This was a recommendation of general allocation of costs for street clearing and formation, based on the town map.
Councillor Coleman said he would have preferred a breakdown by street in which outlay was expected. His Worship, Mayor James Linton, could not see the necessity, as per the report all the town streets would either be cleared or formed. Councillor Coleman pointed out that there may be streets the sub-committee members were unaware of – Bourke and Campbell Streets for example. The sub-committee affirmed it was unaware of Bourke Street and hadn’t counted Campbell Street, a private street on a piece of land cut up by Mr Halcombe, leading to a large paddock. Councillor Coleman asserted that the latter was on the map and residents on both contributed revenue to the town.
There was discussion around the concern that if the council were to take over and spend money on private streets, they would be springing up all over the place. Councillor Ferguson stated that if Campbell Street was on the map as a public street, then its development was in fact covered by the report. If not, the Council would not be justified in spending money on the street. The report was received and adopted.
In October of 1902, Mr Arthur Giorgi went into partnership with Mr Maurice Millar, to establish the menswear firm of Millar & Giorgi in the Square. They opened a Hastings branch of the same in December of 1905. Mr Arthur Giorgi married Miss Beatrice Humphreys in 1904 and the Giorgi’s lived at 7b Bourke Street (owning the properties at no. 7) until 1918, when they moved to the Hawkes Bay to manage the Hastings branch. Arthur’s brother, Mr Louis Giorgi, Hairdresser & Tobacconist, plus fishing tackle supplier, lived at 24 Bourke Street. His store was also in the Square.
Many short-term businesses, such as chimney sweeping, clairvoyant healing, eye specialist, landau cabs, and dressmaking, were operated from residents' homes. There was also a healthy trade in poultry.
Ward Bros., Painters and Paperhangers, operated from 22 Bourke Street from 1911 to 1919. At that stage the business had outgrown the site and they moved to a new premises in Cuba Street.
The Carow Ladies’ College, also known as Carow Girls Collegiate School, moved a number of times from its inception in 1891. From 1912 to 1914 the Carow School of music and painting ran at 47 Bourke Street. This was the residence of principal, Mrs Elizabeth Von Blaramberg, and her husband Mr Cecil Augustus Victor Hortezzi de Cortando von Blaramberg.
From 1924 to 1928, Miss Ulu Hancock, provided tuition in elocution and dramatic art, from her parents’ house at 7b Bourke street. Her father, Allen, was a motorcycle dealer. The property was sold in 1936. Miss Ulu Hancock then recommenced tuition in 1938 from 72 Bourke Street.
In 1929, the Boniface brothers, John and Amos, modernised their bakery and confectionery business (established 1916) with a purpose-built bakehouse near the corner of Cuba and Bourke Street. It had a frontage of 66 feet. Circa. 1936, the Boniface Brothers Bakery extended their business into Bourke Street, 70 feet, with the establishment of a small goods manufacturing department.
The addresses on Bourke Street were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.34 and p.35 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The origin of the name, Lombard, is unknown.
The map is a derivative of this Palmerston North Borough map from 1923.
As one of the city’s oldest, Lombard Street was constructed in two parts. The southern Cuba Street end, D.P.35, section 300, was surveyed in 1875 (although there may have been dwellings there as early as 1872). The northern Featherston Street end, D.P.206, section 303, was surveyed in in 1881. The latter section was owned by Joseph Edward Nathan, of Joseph Nathan and Co., owners of the agricultural supply firm that evolved into Glaxo. Each section was of equal length and the Borough Council commenced subdivision in 1883.
On January 22, 1881, the first official horse race meeting was held. The course ran from Lombard Street, along Featherston Street, through the Showgrounds, and then Cuba Street. At that stage it was all open ground. Boxing Day race meetings had been occurring in the general area since 1871, on barely cleared land.
In 1930, pioneer WM Anderson, wrote a letter to the editor of Manawatū Standard including past reflections of his time as a tenant on Lombard Street, circa. 1883-5. With the street belonging to two parties there was some tension between the subdivisions. A high fence was built, blocking those with houses at the northern end from entering town. As a result, delivery services from butchers, bakers and milkmen, also had to forgo the more direct southern route (from Cuba Street) and access their northern customers via Featherston Street. When a hole was struck through the fence, yet another barrier was raised, a padlocked gate. The padlock was leased to a man who asked sixpence a week from each householder for the privilege of its use. Eventually the fence was cut down on the condition that northern end owners buy a quarter acre section on the southern end as well.
Orange Lodge Trustees (a Protestant organisation) purchased property in Lombard Street in 1883-4. The Orange Hall was constructed and became a meeting hub for many groups, organisations, and clubs thereafter. Here is an image of the Promoters and First Officers of Loyal Orange Lodge No. 65, Star of Freedom. The hall was gutted by a fire in 1915 and rebuilt as the Orange Lodge Hall. In 1931 Orange Lodge temporarily housed 54 students from Central School.
A bowling club was established in Palmerston North in 1890. The Lombard Street site was purchased in 1890 by Mr J Walkley and the green established. Play began the following year and Mr Walkley reigned as club president for 12 years. With the club owning property in Lombard and Taonui Streets. The Taonui Street side was developed into a bowling green from 1907. Combined with Lombard Street it amounted to two full sized greens. Mr JA Nash (here bowling with his wife, Elizabeth), was president of the club from 1910 to 1912. By 1925, due to financial restraints, the Lombard Street frontage was sold and a new pavilion built on the Taonui Street side.
For a comprehensive history of the street's development, businesses, and who lived there, take a look at the lecture notes of Brian Mather and supplementary material from the Palmerston North Historical Society, circa. 2006.
The addresses on Lombard Street were renumbered between 1936 and 1939. See p.159 and p.160 of the Rates Register of Street Numbers - Old and New.
The lane is named for a grove of magnolia trees that graced this area, prior to development, February 2020.
The aerial map is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
The drive is named to acknowledge and highlight the view of the Tararua Ranges from the development, February 2020.
The aerial map is a derivative of the Palmerston North City Council online mapping Geographic Information System (GIS).
Winners of Jubilee Cup and joint winners of Easter Tournament
Back Row: H. D Harkness (Coach), P. Coombes, M. Walker, R. Brownlee, W. Cherrie, D. Woods,
G. Darby (Manager)
Middle Row: I. Metcalfe, J. Young, G. Brougham, G. Jenkins, R. McDonnell, P. Arlidge
Front Row: W. E. Norris (President), K. Wing, J. Wenham (Vice Captain), V. Ashworth (Captain),
G. Northcott, F. Graham, R. Darby (Club Captain)
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.
Madge Allsop - the fictional character created as the 'straight-woman' to Barry Humphries' outrageous female impersonation act Dame Edna Everage - was embodied by English Actress Patricia 'Emily' Perry.
In 1994 while on tour with Humphries, Perry accepted an offer to return to her fictional hometown. A staple of the television celebrity talk show in the 1980s and 1990s, Viewers of the Dame Edna Everage show (and its variants) all knew about her 'sad, po-faced bridesmaid, 'Madge from Palmerston North'.
Emily remained in character for her seven-hour visit, where a 'Madge' company bus acted as her chauffer between the children’s ward at the hospital and a public reception outside Downtown in Broadway. The Rescue Helicopter then took her out to Linton Military Camp where she christened and Armoured Personnel Carrier (APC) bound for Bosnia with the name ‘Madge’. Finally, a visit to the residence of Brightwater Home was capped off with Emily pressing her hands into a square of concrete which was to go on display in Broadway.
Emily Perry retired as 'Madge' in 2003, and died in England in 2008 aged 100.