Contents:

p. 3 Editorial / Margaret Tennant

p. 5 To bridge or not to bridge...? / Jill White

p. 17 Money for my boy: the story of Katherine Wilson's will / Dorothy Pilkington

p. 25 The final battle / Simon Johnson

p. 35 An indeterminate sentence: the Shannon objector camps 1942-1946 / Margaret Tate

p. 48 'Young maids in England never behaved thus!' life at the Craven School for Girls (1892-1929) / Heather Glasgow

p. 52 Platinum fever in the Fitzherbert hills / Russel Poole

p. 64 The end of the road: the early years of the Awapuni home / Margaret Tennant

Book reviews:-

p. 74 "Horses 'n' wagons: adventures of Oroua Teamsters 1997-2004" by Maurice Watt / reviewed by Lucy Marsden

p. 76 "War stories: memories of the residents of Feilding" edited by Bobbie Nicholls and Ruth Dalzell / reviewed by Russel Poole

Notes:-

p. 77 A new history of Palmerston North / Margaret Tennant

Obituary:-

p. 78 Mervyn Wilkinson ('Merv') Hancock 1926-2016 / Margaret Tennant

Correction:-

p.80 Dorothy Pilkington

The Manawatu Journal of History contains articles on the history of the wider Manawatu area, written by a variety of contributors. The Journal is published annually. Conditions of use: This journal is made available for personal use, study and research and all articles remain copyrighted to their original authors. For permission to reuse or publish please contact: The Editor, Manawatu Journal Associates, PO Box 1702, Palmerston North 4440.

Looking from the river walk in the Esplanade gardens, to the Fitzherbert Bridge across the Manawatu River, built 1877. The original donated cards are postmarked 1906, with one sent to Miss Kathleen Thompson, Kaueka, Castlemain, Victoria [Australia] and the other to Miss Newman, 'on a hill', Napier.

The photographer of this image was Albert John Stockman (1881-1906), who was born in New Plymouth and moved to Palmerston North around 1903. He joined the Manawatū Camera Club and in November 1905 was awarded first prize for a pair of scenes of the A & P Show. Stockman began part-time work as a porter at the Palmerston North Railway Station in January 1906. Tragically, he was killed in a shunting accident on 16 March 1906, aged 25 years old.

A film believed to have been taken by Rod Matheson depicting areas visited by plane and car in Zealand during the 1960's

The index with the film says it includes ""Greenmeadows Kiwi, Flight to Auckland via New Plymouth, Return by car, floods at Rangiriri, Oroua floods, Turakina, Manawatu floods"" It also shows a person walking over the arches of the Fitzherbert Bridge."

Film has no sound.

Local historians weekly "Back Issues" article in the Manawatū Standard. In January 1997, members of the 'Save the Avenue' protest group, led by Mark Bell-Booth, occupied the green tunnel of large plane trees which lined Fitzherbert Avenue. The action consisted of people huddling around trees and climbing the trees in an effort to save them from being felled by the Palmerston North City Council. Council wanted to fell the trees to widen the main route between Massey University and the city. The trees needed to be felled to make room for additional lanes, which would fix traffic congestion.

Less dominant plane trees were later planted on the sides of a widened Fitzherbert Avenue. Mark Bell-Booth was elected mayor of Palmerston North in 2001.

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 16 June 1961 "Traffic was held up temporarily yesterday while a power shovel was utilised to lift into position a small main water pipe on the Massey College end of the Fitzherbert Bridge. the pipes known as the small main will serve as an auxiliary main when the main city water main is shut off for maintenance work."

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 11 February, 1958, page 6: "An unusual view of a landmark well known to Palmerstonians, the Fitzherbert Bridge as seen from the water's edge to the north of the bridge."

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 24 December 1962, "B. Fletcher prior to departing from the Fitzherbert Bridge on the first leg of the Palmerston North Canoe Club's race which ended at Foxton Beach yesterday. Fletcher was forced to retire from the race yesterday."

This image was taken for a story that ran in The Manawatu Evening Standard on 15th February 1963. "Engineers from the Post and Telegraph Department were busy this morning installing a new duct cable on the Fitzherbert Bridge. The cable, when fully laid, will supply the new Linton exchange which is expected to be finished by June, 1963. Mr H. Whiteman (right) and Mr. S. Russell are seen preparing to pull the new cable through the duct ready for joining."

For more than 140 years, the Fitzherbert Bridge across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. These two engineering plans depict the original Fitzherbert Bridge and the second structure being proposed as a replacement. The first Fitzhebert Bridge was completed in August 1877 and remained in use until 1935. It was constructed from totara wood and was 251 meters in length with a four-meter-wide carriageway.

During the 1920s the deterioration of the timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.

These engineering plans depict the tie bolts used in the construction of the second Fitzberbert Bridge. Since the 1870s, the vehicle across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. During the 1920s the deterioration of the original timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.

These engineering plans show the location and structure of the second Fitzherbert Bridge. Since the 1870s, the vehicle across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. During the 1920s the deterioration of the original timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.

These engineering plans depict the lighting fixtures included as part of the second Fitzherbert Bridge. Since the 1870s, the vehicle across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. During the 1920s the deterioration of the original timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.

This hand-coloured engineering plan documents the progress made in constructing the second Fitzherbert Bridge. It features a general elevation of the bridge and colour-coded chart documenting the construction of the piers, casting and driving of piles and progress of the superstructure. Since the 1870s, the vehicle across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. During the 1920s the deterioration of the original timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.

This engineering plan on linen depicts one of the test piles employed in the construction of the second Fitzherbert Bridge. For more than 140 years, the Fitzherbert Bridge across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. During the 1920s the deterioration of the original timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.

These engineering plans document the progress made in driving metal piles into the riverbed, to stabalise the concrete piers of the second Fitzherbert Bridge. Since the 1870s, the vehicle across the Manawatū River has been a vital piece of infrastructure, helping to connect Palmerston North with the surrounding argicultural hinterland. During the 1920s the deterioration of the original timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer. The contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd., which constructed the bridge between 1933 and 1935. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.

These four blueprints depict elements of the second Fitzherbert Bridge, which was constructed between 1933 and 1935. During the 1920s the deterioration of the first timber structure and an increase in motor traffic led to calls for a new bridge. In 1929 the Government Main Highways Board offered to pay two thirds of the cost, with the Palmerston North Borough Council and the Kairanga County Council jointly funding the remaining third. Plans and specifications were prepared by the Municipalities Engineering staff under the supervision of John R. Hughes, the City Engineer and the contract was awarded to Fletcher Construction Company Ltd. The new concrete bridge was 256 meters in length with a 6.7 meters wide carriageway and 1.5 meters wide footpath. The structure’s most distinctive feature were the four pairs of bowstring arches, each 34.1 meters wide and 9.2 meters high. The total cost of construction was £34,074. It was demolished in 1987, following the construction of the current Fitzherbert Bridge.

The second Fitzherbert Bridge across the Manawatu River, was completed in 1935. It replaced the original one built in 1877. The second bridge in turn was demolished in 1988, after a new bridge was completed.

One of the concrete arches under construction during the building of the Fitzherbert Bridge, Palmerston North.

The Square Circular was Palmerston North City Council's monthly community publication, informing Palmerstonians of PNCC initiatives, activites, and events. This month's issue includes: The Square; Regent theatre; Lido; Destination Manawatu; White Water Park; Awapuni landfill; composting; Arena Board; community employment initiatives fund; website; by-election; ward committees; masters games; Destination Manawatu; Relay for Life; ideal homes exhibition; road safety education; strategic plan; long term financial plan; annual plan; Whakarongo hall; Missoula sister city; neo natal unit; Oline Ball; 125th celebrations; Fitzherbert bridge; Ian Matheson book.

The new Fitzherbert Bridge opened in 1935, to replace the original bridge over the Manwatu River, built in 1877.

This illustrated notice acknowledges the Palmerston North City Council and the Kairanga County Council, who constructed the bridge. It was opened by Viscount Galway, Governor General of New Zealand at the time.

A City Council bus coming over the Manawatu bridge into Fitzherbert Avenue. A Municipal bus service was established in Palmerston North in 1921.

The boxing at the base of one of the arches during the construction of the second Fitzherbert Bridge 1933-1935. This bridge replaced the original one across the Manawatu River built 1877, and was in turn replaced in 1988.

Showing the remains of the old Fitzherbert bridge alongside the current bridge 1987.

Looking across the Fitzherbert Bridge from what is now Anzac Park. To the immediate left, across the bridge, is the Victoria Esplanade. From postcard postmarked 1906

A view of the Fitzherbert Bridge over the Manawatū River from the Victoria Esplanade gardens. One of a set of images of Palmerston North, produced for sale.

This photograph shows the three southern most arches of the second Fitzherbert Bridge, opened in 1935. The signature on the back reads "Pitch".

This was the second bridge over the Manawatu River in Palmerston North, replacing the original structure built in 1877. It was constructed by Fletcher Construction and remained until 1986 when it proved too small for the volume of traffic, particularly as it serves the main route to Massey University. Cr Trevor de Cleen is in the foreground.

This was the second bridge over the Manawatu River in Palmerston North, replacing the original structure built in 1877. It was constructed by Fletcher Construction and remained until 1986 when it proved too small for the volume of traffic, particularly as it serves the main route to Massey University. the photograph, looking eastward, shows the steel reinforcing for the concrete decking. to the left can be seen the wooden sides of the first Fitzherbert Bridge.

Taken by the Manawatu River on the Bridle Track near the Victoria Esplanade. 

This was the second bridge over the Manawatu River in Palmerston North, replacing the original structure built in 1877. It was constructed by Fletcher Construction and remained until 1986 when it proved too small for the volume of traffic, particularly as it serves the main route to Massey University. This photograph shows a view of the reinforcing steel used in the construction of Fitzherbert Bridge.

The Fitzherbert Bridge at sunset.

The Manawatu River appears to be in flood in this photograph. Scaffolding is still in evidence so presumably the photographs were taken just prior to the official opening in July 1935. This replaced the original structure built in 1877. It was constructed by Fletcher Construction and remained until 1986 when it proved too small for the volume of traffic, particularly as it serves the main route to Massey University.

The second Fitzherbert Bridge replaced the original, built in 1877. Begun in 1933 it was opened 20 July 1935. It consisted of seven 55-foot beam span and four 112 ft bowstring arch spans and was approximately 911 feet long and 40 feet at its widest. It cost ₤36,000 to construct, of which the City Council paid ₤6,000. The bridge was demolished in 1988, after completion of the third bridge across the Manawatu River.

This was the second bridge over the Manawatu River in Palmerston North, replacing the original structure built in 1877. It was constructed by Fletcher Construction and remained until 1986 when it proved too small for the volume of traffic, particularly as it serves the main route to Massey University. This photograph shows the supports and underneath of the Fitzherbert Bridge during construction.

Members of the public crossing the Manawatū River on a bailey bridge constructed by the New Zealand Army.

The Fitzherbert Bridge during a flood.

The Fitzherbert Bridge during a flood.

The Fitzherbert Bridge was constructed between 1933 and 1935. It replaced the original bridge across the Manawatū River, to Fitzherbert, built in 1877. This bridge was replaced by a new bridge in 1987.

This was the second bridge over the Manawatu River in Palmerston North, replacing the original structure built in 1877. It was constructed by Fletcher Construction and remained until 1986 when it proved too small for the volume of traffic, particularly as it serves the main route to Massey University. This photograph shows a view of the two-thirds completed Fitzherbert Bridge.

This was the second bridge over the Manawatu River in Palmerston North, replacing the original structure built in 1877. It was constructed by Fletcher Construction and remained until 1986 when it proved too small for the volume of traffic, particularly as it serves the main route to Massey University. This photograph shows the construction of the southern end of the Fitzherbert Bridge.

This was the second bridge over the Manawatu River in Palmerston North, replacing the original structure built in 1877. It was constructed by Fletcher Construction and remained until 1986 when it proved too small for the volume of traffic, particularly as it serves the main route to Massey University. Beyond can be seen the wooden sides of the first Fitzherbert Bridge.

The flood peaked at 11pm on Sunday 4th May 1941 when a reading of 18ft, 9” above normal was registered at the Fitzherbert Bridge.

Workmen watching piles being driven during the construction.

The steel reinforcing used in the construction of the northern span of the Fitzherbert Bridge, Palmerston North.

The first arch is under construction beside the first, wooden Fitzherbert Bridge, Palmerston North during a flood, 25 May 1935.

The second Fitzherbert Bridge across the Manawatū River, was completed in 1935. It replaced the original one built in 1877. The second bridge in turn was demolished by the New Zealand Army, after a new bridge was completed.

New Zealand Army personnel assembling a bailey bridge, most likely during the demolition of the Fitzherbert Bridge.

The second Fitzherbert Bridge across the Manawatū River, was completed in 1935. It replaced the original one built in 1877. The second bridge in turn was demolished by the New Zealand Army, after a new bridge was completed.

A bridge was first built across the Manawatū River in 1877, linking Palmerston North with the Fitzherbert area. The second bridge was constructed between 1933 - 1935 and remained in place until 1986 when it was replaced by the bridge being constructed in this series of photographs.

A Selection of Views of Palmerston North. Printed and Published by Spencer & Stevenson, Auckland for WM Park [William Park], Palmerston North.

This photograph shows the construction of the second Fitzherbert Bridge. It is nearing completion in this image. A third bridge was built in 1987 due to mounting traffic constraints. Beyond can be seen the Anzac Park area and what is now the beginning of Summerhill Drive

A plaque on the Fitzherbert Bridge commemorating 125 years since the construction of the first bridge.

A plaque acknowledging the construction of the second Fitzherbert Bridge built in 1933-1935. This bridge replaced the original one across the Manawatu River built 1877, and was in turn replaced in 1988.

The Fitzherbert Bridge was constructed between 1933 and 1935. It replaced the original bridge across the Manawatū River, to Fitzherbert, built in 1877. This bridge was replaced by a new bridge in 1987.

The Fitzherbert Bridge was constructed between 1933 and 1935. It replaced the original bridge across the Manawatū River, to Fitzherbert, built in 1877. This bridge was replaced by a new bridge in 1987.

The Fitzherbert Bridge was constructed between 1933 and 1935. It replaced the original bridge across the Manawatū River, to Fitzherbert, built in 1877. This bridge was replaced by a new bridge in 1987.

Eight small prints of various locations around Palmerston North contained in a paper envelope that reads, "Real Photographs For Your Snapshot Album - Souvenir of Palmerston North, New Zealand. Published by Woolworths Ltd. Palmerston North".

The newly completed Fitzherbert Bridge, built 1933 - 1935. It replaced the original bridge across the Manawatu River, to Fitzherbert, built in 1877. This bridge was replaced by a new bridge in 1987.

The Fitzherbert Bridge was constructed between 1933 and 1935. It replaced the original bridge across the Manawatū River, to Fitzherbert, built in 1877. This bridge was replaced by a new bridge in 1987.

A bridge was first built across the Manawatu River in 1877, linking Palmerston North with the Fitzherbert area. This second concrete bridge was constructed between 1933 - 1935. This view looks from the Palmerston North side towards what is now the Summerhill Drive area, while the Manawatu River is in flood.