RootsChat.Com

Hello from New Zealand.

Today the STUFF group of mastheads, is giving coverage to a lady who's family is in possession of an 18th century tenancy agreement, on parchment.

It was found down the back of an old couch by her late father, when she was only a child.

Today she feels that it should probably be returned to the UK for safe keeping, by descendants, but who and where.

Thinking someone on RootsChat might like to follow this story up, I will post a link to the article.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/nz-news/350226847/300-year-old-document-found-down-back-couch

The publisher can be reached via; newstips  at  stuff.co.nz

By private message I can probably give a direct link to the named author of of the article. STUFF publishes a number of regional newspapers throughout New Zealand.

Alan.

Western Māori Electoral Roll 1908.

Hello.

Five years ago, by pre-booking time slots at a Waikato District library, I was able to access and make note of, 21 enrolled voters in the 1908 roll. I have always intended to arrange for some more, back to back bookings, to check my prepared list, for E. & O E. (see attachment)

But have not yet managed to do so.

If anyone has access, from their home, and time to spare, a check of the attached list would be very much appreciated.

Ideally, I wanted the details of the 53 local Māori, who the press of the day, reported block voted for Mr Henare KAIHAU, in the 1899 election. [Inc., WAIKATO ARGUS 20/12/1899 p3.]

All being TRIBE - Waikato; HAPU - Hukanui.

As the WOODLANDS ESTATE was the largest employer in the area, most males would have had employment opportunities on the Estate, either directly, or by contractor’s to the Estate, but by 1908 the Estate had been surveyed up, and sold off.

Unfortunately extensive enquiries, with recognised National and Tainui archives, have failed to find any evidence of a surviving copy of the 1899 roll.

Should any KAIHAU descent have inherited a copy, that would be a taonga (treasure) of national significance.

Alan.

Alfred Churchill LOCKYER

Died in a aeroplane crash in East Yorkshire on March 17th 1945.

Locals seeking contact with his NZ relatives. Preparing memorial.

Searching for relatives of unlucky Kiwi WWII pilot shot down over England | Stuff.co.nz

Contact details for the STUFF reporter covering the request are in the above article.

A member may have info that could help, but is yet to see the publicity.

Alan.

https://www.stuff.co.nz/national/130934120/searching-for-relatives-of-unlucky-kiwi-wwii-pilot-shot-down-over-england

2nd attempt at attaching a link.

Today I find on the NZNA site this advisory re their Auckland branch.

"The Auckland reading room will be closed for 4 weeks from 7th February to 7th March. During this time you won't be able to visit us, send research enquiries or make digitisation requests."

As advised to several threads where I have offered to photograph files, my voluntary service of paying it forward, is on hold.  I plan upon returning at some future date, once they are accepting bookings, and I am happy that I will not, unnecessarily, be exposing myself to COVID risk.

Therefore I am still happy to register an interest, but have no idea when, or if I can fulfill it.

Unfortunately rapid COVID spread through the unvaccinated, and children, in the Waikato, is putting considerable pressure on our primary export producers, and our ability to care for our livestock.

Alan.