The title of this blog post is the title of a new book written by Christine Clement and Ellen McCormack which is being launched this Sunday at the Tauranga Library
From the Tauranga.kete.net.nz website I quote:
“Local authors and historians Christine Clement and Ellen McCormack (QSM) have co-authored a comprehensive history of early Katikati settlers.
The book covers the early years of the settlement from 1870 to 1910, containing the histories of over 125 pioneer families from Athenree to Apata. Many previously unpublished photographs, letters and testimonials’ are included within the book which had its impetus from Ellen McCormack's over forty years of research into Katikati's history. In 2002 Ellen was awarded a Queen's Service Medal for her endeavours.
The book details the triumphs and tragedies that befell the settlers. From the story of George Alley who established the Homewood Trust to assist returning soldiers from World War II; Reverend Katterns and his Ostrich farm; publican Barney MacDonnell the six-foot two big-bearded twenty stone Irishman who dealt out his own form of justice; Joseph Shaw who had his cow bails varnished; at least two men who had wives back in England as well as one in Katikati; World Champion axeman George McCauley; the honourable Charles Macmillan who was both mayor and MP for Tauranga; photographer Albert Diggelmann who experimented with trick photography and the honourable Randolph Thomas Rowley.
Katikati is important to my branch of the Middlebrook Family. Samuel was instrumental in leading George Vessey Stewart into the area which was then purchased for the worlds only planned Irish Settlement.”
I have met Ellen McCormack who is a font of knowledge in regards to the KatiKati Middlebrook/ Rea branch of the family, and I will be doing my best to get down to Tauranga for the book launch.
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