Joseph Wakeling.......
Joseph Wakeling was born in 1841 and lived in Suffolk, England. He left school at 12 and worked on the land when he decided to come to New Zealand for a better life. He arrived in 1875 and met and married Mary Anne Wright They settled in Ryal Bush and had five children, Horace, Gertrude, William, Eddy and Ally. Gertrude their second child married John McCulloch and they also settled at Ryal Bush initially before Gertrude bought land at Spar Bush for her three sons. Her only daughter, Elizabeth married Edmund Mortimer and they settled at 1 Flora Road West, Makarewa. They had three girls, Ethel, Vera (Denny), Melva and eleven years later a son, Edmund McCulloch Mortimer (Ted). Gertrude and John's sons William (Bill) and Gilbert (Bert) never married and were looked after by their housekeeper, Esme Shepherd. Their third son Ernest married Sissy Fisher from Colac Bay, where they lived for a short time and at one stage leased the Colac Bay Pavillon. They had three children, William, Trudy and Gilbert. Later in life Ernie went to Spar Bush to spend the last of his years with his two brothers.
JOSEPH WAKELING (1841-1931)
MARY ANNE Wright .....................GERTRUDE LAURA
(1845-1926) m JOHN MCCULLOCH........WILLIAM WAKELING MCCULLOCH
(1882)
ELIZABETH GERTRUDE MCCULLOCH.. ......ETHEL MORTIMER (1920-1953).................JAN
(9/1/1897 - m BILL CUNDALL (1918-1990)
m EDMUND MORTIMER
VERA MORTIMER (DENNY)........................ELIZABETH
m WATTIE MUIR PHILIPPA
EDMUND MCCULLOCH MORTIMER.......ANGELA
m HILARY ARCHER KAREN SCOT
YVETTE
WATSON
ERNEST CLARK MCCULLOCH (1900)....... WILLIAM JOHN ............................................RAEWYN
m SARAH WAIHOKA FISHER m ANN BLAIR DUNCAN NIKI
DEBBIE
GILBERT THOMAS........................................MARAMA m VAILA GRIMWOOD JOHN
GERTRUDE ELIZABETH.............................LIANA
m JAMES WAITIRI ELIZABETH
REO
JAMES
OBITUARY OF Mr Joseph Wakeling (May 22 1931)
It was a feeling of great regret that the residents of Ryal Bush learned of the passing of Mr Joseph Wakeling. The deceased arrived in New Zealand in the year 1875 in the barque "Adamant" settled for a short period in Riverton and afterwards for a few months in Invercargill. His next move was to Ryal Bush where he resided ever since. He joined the railway service in 1877 and retired on superannuation in 1903. During his lengthy residence at Ryal Bush Mr Wakeling gained the widespread respect and esteem of the community. For many years he closely identified himself with fruit culture and possessed a full knowledge of everything related to the garden. He also took a great interest in foreign and colonial politics and his friends found his discourse on these subjects most instructive and interesting. He was a deep reader and bought into social intercourse the allusion and quotation which made conversation delightful. In cases of sickness and sorrow he was always to the fore and in his younger days spent much time at the bedside of a sufferer. In all his labours, his friendly fellowships and his broadminded tolerance he had by his side a loyal help mate who predeceased him some four and a half years ago. He rarely went away from home and often said that it was his earthly paradise. No outside attraction being strong enough to induce him to leave it for any length of time. His was a full and useful life and though its even tenor was not marked by any notable events or changes.
Many a young man starting out on life's highway sought and profited by his sound advice. Of him it was often said with fullest meaning and will often be repeated when his memory is recalled that a better friend and neighbour could not be found. Since the death of his wife his three daughters have taken turns residing with him and caring for him. Thus he was able to spend the evening of his life in the old home, every stick and stone which was dear to him and to end his days surrounded by his loved ones.
It was a feeling of great regret that the residents of Ryal Bush learned of the passing of Mr Joseph Wakeling. The deceased arrived in New Zealand in the year 1875 in the barque "Adamant" settled for a short period in Riverton and afterwards for a few months in Invercargill. His next move was to Ryal Bush where he resided ever since. He joined the railway service in 1877 and retired on superannuation in 1903. During his lengthy residence at Ryal Bush Mr Wakeling gained the widespread respect and esteem of the community. For many years he closely identified himself with fruit culture and possessed a full knowledge of everything related to the garden. He also took a great interest in foreign and colonial politics and his friends found his discourse on these subjects most instructive and interesting. He was a deep reader and bought into social intercourse the allusion and quotation which made conversation delightful. In cases of sickness and sorrow he was always to the fore and in his younger days spent much time at the bedside of a sufferer. In all his labours, his friendly fellowships and his broadminded tolerance he had by his side a loyal help mate who predeceased him some four and a half years ago. He rarely went away from home and often said that it was his earthly paradise. No outside attraction being strong enough to induce him to leave it for any length of time. His was a full and useful life and though its even tenor was not marked by any notable events or changes.
Many a young man starting out on life's highway sought and profited by his sound advice. Of him it was often said with fullest meaning and will often be repeated when his memory is recalled that a better friend and neighbour could not be found. Since the death of his wife his three daughters have taken turns residing with him and caring for him. Thus he was able to spend the evening of his life in the old home, every stick and stone which was dear to him and to end his days surrounded by his loved ones.
Wakelings Diamond Wedding (The Southern Cross Saturday October 18th 1924)
A Unique experience befell the Rev, Mr Fisher Vicar of the Anglican Church, Winton on Wednesday in the forenoon he journeyed to South Hillend to marry a young couple and then, as he put it, he nearly broke the speed limit to get to Ryal Bush to preside at the Diamond Wedding of Mrs and Mrs Wakeling in the Ryal Bush section of the Parish. He added that it was the first Diamond Wedding he had had the privilege of attending.
John McCulloch voted on school committee
As reported in the Southland Times on 01 May 1903, John was elected on the school committe along with Alfred Baldey, James Blakie, Walter Blakie, A. W. Clark, John Pert and David Wishard.
John McCulloch witness to an accident.
It was remembered that John McCulloch and his best friend Walter Blakie were witnesses to an accident at Branxholme. James Dillon a carpenter was returning from Fairfax where he had finished a job to Winton. He has his lamp attended to at the shop of Messrs Woods & Co, lit it and set off. He came across a car without any lights and saw it at the last moment and swerved hard left but the car hit the back wheel of his bike. He was thrown to the ground and injured. The driver of the car, Henry Louis Gallien took him to the Branxholme railway where they were met by a man named Gray who told them that a goods train would be along shortly. A short time later Messrs Blakie and McCulloch appeared on the scene and Gallien admitted to them that he had no lights and that Dillon's lamp was lit. The evidence from Alex Branks, the manager of Woods & Co said that Dillon did stop and have his lights attended to and they were lit at 5.30pm when he left for Winton. Dr Ritchie Crawford confirmed the injuries would take 4 to 5 weeks to recover from.
John McCullough (Obituary)
Mr John McCullough died at his home in Spar Bush after a short illness and the community is sad with his passing as he was well known in Southland having lived here most of his life. Mr McCullough was born in Ireland in 1859 and came to Oamaru, New Zealand at the age of 15 as a cadet under his great uncle the late Hon. Matthew Holmes. From there he went to Castlerock in the time of the late Mr T. Burshill and then to the Five Rivers estate under the management of Mr P. A. Vyner and the owner Mr T.C. Ellis. When Mr Vyner moved to Ryal Bush, John McCulloch followed him and there he met and married the eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs J. Wakeling. Mr McCullough accompanied by his wife moved back to Ireland for a couple of years, then coming back to New Zealand made their home at Ryal Bush. He joined the Railways and worked at various other various jobs over Southland. In 1920 he bought a farm at Spar Bush which was managed by his wife and sons where in the course of his duties was transferred to Mid-Canterbury and then the West Coast. He retired from the railways in 1928 where he went back to the farm at Spar Bush until his death. Mr McCullough was a man of sterling character where his word was his bond. He was a generous supporter and always gave a hand to those in need. The high regard he was held by family and friends was shown by approx. 100 people gathering and following the cartage to the Ryal Bush cemetery. Many telegrams and letters were received from all over New Zealand showing the sympathy they felt for his widow and four children,
William McCullough and Gilbert McCullough (Spar Bush), Ernest McCullough (Colac) and Elizabeth Mortimer (Makarewa).
Mrs J. McCulloch (Aunt Gerty)
This article was reported in the Southland Times on 26 March 1920:
The Ryal Bush was the scene of a large gathering when the residents of the district met to say goodbye to Mrs J. McCulloch, who is leaving to take up farming in Spar Bush. Dancing was the order of the evening and Mr J. Jenkins made a capable M.C. Excellent music was provided by Messrs Myron, McDowall and McKay and Misses Myron and Jenkins. Musical instruments were rendered by Miss Pert, and Messrs Jenkins and Ballantyne. After an excellent supper, Mr Walter Blakie asked Mrs McCulloch to accept a handsome Morris Chair He remarked that he had known her since she was 8 years old during her long resident in Ryal Bush she had proved herself a worth citizen, a liberal giver towards any given cause and a helpful and obliging neighbour. He was sure he voiced the feeling of all that were present and said her leaving would be a distinct loss to the community.
Mr Thomas Murray said he had known Mrs McCulloch since she and her sister, Mrs Creeden were little children going to school. She had been a neighbour of his ever since and he could not have asked for a better one. She was a worth daughter of worthy parents, Mr and Mrs John Wakeling who were still in the midst. She had always identified herself with everything that would benefit the district and she and indeed the whole Wakeling family had proved themselves capable and willing nurses and were always willing to give their services in time of need.
Mr J. A. Gilmour said although he had not known Mrs McCulloch as well as the previous speakers, he had known her long enough to realise her sterling worth and he, with others, regretted her departure from the district. However, she was not going very far and hoped she would come back regularly to visit the friends with whom she had spent the best part of her life. The opportunity was taken by Mrs H. Buxton, president of the Ryal Bush Red Cross Committe, to present a Doulton Vase. She said Mrs McCulloch had been a member ever since the outbreak of the war.
Everone then sang "For shes a jolly good fellow". Mr William McCulloch then thanked everyone for the kind words about his mother and they welcome all their old friends to their new home accross the river.
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The obituary of Mrs J. Wakeling, who died on 12th October 1926.
She was the grandmother of Ernie, Bert and Bill McCulloch and Elizabeth Mortimer. |
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Welcome to Spar Bush
On Saturday night a large number of the residents of Spar Bush congregated at the newly-erected and commodious dwelling of the McCulloch family in order to welcome them into the district as neighbours. An adjournment was made to the barn, and between 40 and 50 people took the floor for dancing, excellent music being supplied by Messrs Cole and Miss Cole and Mrs E. Mortimer.
At intervals during the evening musical items were rendered by Mesdames Jewitt, H. Gilmour and D. Johnstone, Messrs McCaw, Ryan, Mortimer and McCulloch. Dancing was kept going with vigour till midnight, Mr A. Miles making an efficient M.C. Light refreshments were handed round by the ladies, and the evening concluded by the singing of "They are Jolly Good Fellows. Mr Wm McCulloch, on behalf of his parents, thanked the company for the right royal manner in which they
had been welcomed into the district.
Welcome to Spar Bush
On Saturday night a large number of the residents of Spar Bush congregated at the newly-erected and commodious dwelling of the McCulloch family in order to welcome them into the district as neighbours. An adjournment was made to the barn, and between 40 and 50 people took the floor for dancing, excellent music being supplied by Messrs Cole and Miss Cole and Mrs E. Mortimer.
At intervals during the evening musical items were rendered by Mesdames Jewitt, H. Gilmour and D. Johnstone, Messrs McCaw, Ryan, Mortimer and McCulloch. Dancing was kept going with vigour till midnight, Mr A. Miles making an efficient M.C. Light refreshments were handed round by the ladies, and the evening concluded by the singing of "They are Jolly Good Fellows. Mr Wm McCulloch, on behalf of his parents, thanked the company for the right royal manner in which they
had been welcomed into the district.
NAME CHANGE - Is it McCulloch or McCullough??
You will notice that the spelling of their name changed to McCullough from time to time and this is apparently because someone had a disagreement, and the story goes that it was Bill McCulloch, the eldest child of William and Gertrude McCulloch. It seemed to be written to whatever took their mood so we have stuck to McCulloch. In the photo above, of Esme and Bert, this was taken on their engagement but they never ended up marrying. The photo on the left is of Aunt Alley (Elizabeth Mortimer's mother) and it was her that bought the land at Spar Bush and moved her three sons onto it. She was a strict protestant and it was written in her will that if Bert ever married Esme, a strict catholic, he would never be left the farm. Esme stayed on the farm as the housekeeper looking after the two brothers, Bill and Bert McCulloch and there was also Sam Driver, who happened to appear after the war and never left, and then later on Ernie who had lost his wife.
You will notice that the spelling of their name changed to McCullough from time to time and this is apparently because someone had a disagreement, and the story goes that it was Bill McCulloch, the eldest child of William and Gertrude McCulloch. It seemed to be written to whatever took their mood so we have stuck to McCulloch. In the photo above, of Esme and Bert, this was taken on their engagement but they never ended up marrying. The photo on the left is of Aunt Alley (Elizabeth Mortimer's mother) and it was her that bought the land at Spar Bush and moved her three sons onto it. She was a strict protestant and it was written in her will that if Bert ever married Esme, a strict catholic, he would never be left the farm. Esme stayed on the farm as the housekeeper looking after the two brothers, Bill and Bert McCulloch and there was also Sam Driver, who happened to appear after the war and never left, and then later on Ernie who had lost his wife.
Sissy McCulloch at Colac Bay School 1920
Samuel Driver
Had neighbouring farm at Spar Bush and although he was a very hard worker, was no good with finances, and went bankrupt. Aunt Gerty bought his farm and gave him the job of running it and from then on lived at Spar Bush with Esme Shepard, William McCulloch, Ernest McCulloch and Bert McCulloch.
Sam looked after Aunt Gerty with great love and affection. Sam use to drive to Makarewa to visit the Mortimers with Aunt Gerty in the back, rug over her knees, like a queen.
When Aunt Gerty died, everyone was informed and went round to the Mortimers. Somehow everyone forgot to tell Sam and Ted remembers very sadly how Sam arrived, and how devastated he was with the news.
Sam stayed on at Spar Bush with Esmae and Bert in later years and still worked as hard as ever on the farm. When Ted was a boy visiting Spar Bush, he always slept in his room.
Bert McCulloch
When you stayed at Spar bush you would go out and milk cows at 5am and then go in Berts truck with the milk to take to the dairy factory. Bert would pick up everyone elses milk on the way. When you arrived at the diary factory the cheesemaker would give you a slice of freshly made cheese.
Back home again and Aunt Gerty would have bacon and eggs ready for breakfast. -
Bert was engaged to Esmae Shepherd for many years and the story goes that they never married because Aunt Gerty left a clause in her will that if he married a catholic, his inheritance of the farm would be annulled.
Hilary said when she was pregnant with Karen, Ted had hepatitis and was off work for weeks and did not get paid. Mum went out to the mail box one day and Bill had left a couple of hundreds pounds in a window envelope in the mail box.
Bill McCulloch
Bought a farm himself, and when Ted used to visit, would take him for a drive around the farm. He used to get Ted to pull up the water troughs where he would have a dozen of beer in each trough for a cool drink.
Bill McCulloch bought a fishing boat for Bill McCulloch (Ernie and Sissy's son) called "The Duncan" and the two Bills went to Tasmania and bought it back.
Bill was a very frequent visitor to the Greenroofs Hotel in Wallacetown, and always managing to somehow make it home with a skinful of liquor. One night he drove of the road in his Austin and a policeman later stopped to check, finding Bill sound asleep in the front with 3 dogs and a ram in the back.
Bill never married but in later years was a great friend of old Mrs Drain and her son, Harry Drain bought Uncle Bills farm.
Had his 6oth birthday soon after Ted and Hilary got married at the Spar Bush Hall, only to find out when he went in to get his pension, he was only 59.
Ernest McCulloch
Married Sissy Fisher of Colac Bay and lived there for a while. They had three children, William, Trudy and Gilbert.
The Colac Bay book reports "3 November 1932 - Mr McCulloch's bus is hired to take the Girl Guides and committe ladies to a Riverton boys scout party. Arrangements will be made to hold own birthday party, Riverton Scouts to be invited."
It was also reported that on 24 July 1937 a fire broke out in the kitchen of the Colac Bay Hotel. The proprietor Tommy Hanning was listening to a football match broadcast.
The locals went in, with one wearing a bed chamber on his head. Ernest McCulloch ran in amongst flames and smoke and rolled out two kegs of beer.
Aunt Alley and Horace Gilmore ( Aunt Gerty's Sister and Brother in law)
Ted reckons Horace was the nicest bloke you could ever have met. He would spend his weekends up at the Ryal Bush Cemetery mowing lawns and cutting hedges.
He went to work for Bill Hazlett, as a gardener and after a while, ended up helping out with the horses. The horses even loved him - even ones that were uncontrollable for other people would fall asleep on his shoulder when he walked them around.
Dad remembers Horace died not long after Ted turned 18. Ted had been given an electric shaver (a new mod-con) for his birthday, and Uncle Wattie Muir used it to shave Uncle Horace after he died. Ted never ever used the razor again.
Hilary remembers: When she first met Aunt Alley she lived in Avenal Street. She went on to Hilary about her being a 'narrow minded presbyterian. Hilary said she was that tight that she always served you stale biscuits that you could hardly eat. Denny stayed with her for a week and she always had Monday - Roast, Tuesday - mince, Wednesday - Shepherds pie. Horace was her husband and was a lovely man.
Jan Karatiana (nee Cundall) remembers: I always remember the first kitten I ever had was born under the hedge at Makarewa.....it was pretty wild in the beginning but soon tamed down. We left Nanna & tedos in the pouring rain, & it used to flood out the front.....I was only 3/4....carrying the cat called Tussa out to the car.....slipped over....flat on my back...soaking wet, but didnt let the cat go. it was a beautiful cat & very friendly. When Mum died & couldnt take it with me to live at Nanna Cundalls, so Nanna & Tedo took it back to Makarewa. You may remember him.
Reply: I only remember one cat that Nana and Tedo had and that was a tabby cat called "Tom" - who was actually a tom cat. I would have been about 7/8 at the time. But think maybe this was not the cat?
Also remembers: when I was about 10, I pinched one of Nannas half smoked cigarette.....went out to the toilet with packet of wax matches. Struck the match.....the top flew off & landed on my upper leg. Man was it sore, turned poisonous, & still have the scar today
