Hi Alan,
Sorry for the tardy response; I've been away from the computer for a few days.
Thanks so much for the information
I note there is a Henry John Hawker who turns up on the digitsed electoral rolls as an engine driver at Taihape in 1905/6. Last entry is 1914 so might be him. It's a big drop from engine driver to labourer though. Its possible he was driving for a private company that operated "bush railways" in forests etc before he joined the Government Railways.
Alan
Afterthought, he might even have run a stationary engine.
There was another Henry John Hawker, retired farmer who died in 1930, so some of the electoral roll entries will be his. Which ones, though? I think 1911 Franklin district, Auckland, farmer of Patumahoe is my Harry. The others, I'm not so sure.
thanks for your input.
I had a similar inquiry to this some time ago with my family in a period before WW1.
For what it is worth try contacting the New Zealand Railway and Locomotive Society at
http://railsoc.org.nz/
They can also be easily found on the internet.
I had excellent service and a good result.
Alex G
Thanks Alex, I'll give them a try.
Cheer to you both,
Alison
