Wellington Archives Visit

[Lucy2]

... thought I'd already sent you the (Archives) information ??     

Should still have a copy of it ... will re-send.

    ~  Lu

[DownUnder70]

No you haven't yet Lu that would be appreciated.

Thanks,
Karen.

[DownUnder70]

Hi Lu,

Did you send to my inbox? Still not getting anything?

[Lucy2]

Hello,

I have been tracking down my mysterious g g grandfather John Lane from Dunedin who deserted his wife and children in Melbourne. I have found a file held by the Wellington Archives which is 4 pages. Here is a link:

https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=24464817

I am told by the researchers that this document states how John came to be in Dunedin. I wasn't sure if she meant originally around 1870 (when he first came to Dunedin from the UK), or after he went back to Dunedin after deserting his wife in Melbourne in 1890 - which we knew about.

Apparently this report also states John's employer whilst in Dunedin as well.

The lady at the archives centre said that the police report identified John's employer.

Did you have the name of his employer in NZ?

Hi Karen ... adding transcription from file shortly. 

Just wanted to comment on above firstly though.

*   This file was 4 pages (including cover page).

*    ... am told by the researchers that this document states how John came to be in Dunedin".   ??    Did you mean the "archivist" ??

[Lucy2]

Apparently this report also states John's employer whilst in Dunedin as well.

The lady at the archives centre said that the police report identified John's employer.

Did you have the name of his employer in NZ?

 ... oops ... pressed "send" prematurely      ... continuing >

*  No, the employer's name is NOT given in the file.

*  Surprised the lady at Archives gave out so much info  .   
No, the file does not actually contain the name of John's employer.   

It does though give a reasonable clue as to
>   Who his employer might have been (at time he arrived in NZ)
>   and ... a time frame in which he arrived in the country.

    ~  Lu

[DownUnder70]

Yes I meant Archivist sorry Lu

No idea of employer. Just know he was a brickmaker.

[Lucy2]

https://www.archway.archives.govt.nz/ViewFullItem.do?code=24464817

Transcription of info obtained from above file :

Page 1
1890/988 -- From:  Inspector MOORE ... etc.  [my note - this is just the same as reference given in the Archives listing above  ^ .]

next page >  is a Memo headed  NEW ZEALAND CONSTABULARY
1718/90
Station :  McLaggan Street 
Date:    26 May 1890
To :    Inspector MOORE
Address :   Dunedin
Subject :   
Re: John LANE charged with deserting his wife Eliza LANE and nine children at No. 12 Carlesberg Road, South Yarra, on 8 January 1890 - vide Victoria Police Gazette 1890 p. 142.
-------------------------------------------
[my note - the following (in italics) is the statement of John BEVIN (Sgt. Major ) to Inspector MOORE.]

I beg to report that the abovenamed offender is at present in Dunedin.   I was speaking to him today and he stated that he went from Melbourne to Sydney and from Sydney came back to new Zealand.

He is now anxious to be sent to Melbourne to his wife and family.

I beg to state that I have known LANE and his wife for many years - they came out from England to Dunedin under the Public Works and Emigration Scheme and LANE was principally employed on railway works.

They resided at Caversham before going to Victoria.    At the time he resided in Caversham he used to work at the wharf at Dunedin.

A warrant was issued for his arrest in Victoria.
                               
                             ( Signed )   John BEVIN - Sergt. Major

Forwarded for the Commissioner's information.
                                    S. MOORE
                                    Inspector of Police
                                    28 - 5 - 90
-----------

More to follow - next post >

   

[Lucy2]

... continuation of transcription (John LANE file) :

Page 3

Memoranda from the Commissioner of Police, Victoria.

Dated :   31 / 5 / 90     [notation on file to show- received on 16 / 6 ]

To :  The Commissioner of Police , Wellington

Wife desertion is not an offence punishable by Victorian Law, consequently LANE cannot legally be arrested in another colony.

I, however caused the particulars contained in this file and in Mr GUDGEON's telegram of the 11th instant to be communicated to Mrs LANE.

                                                                       H. CONNELLY*     [*looks like ?]
                                                                       Commissioner of Police
------------------

More to follow - refer next post >

[Lucy2]

... continuation of transcription (John LANE file) :

Page 4

                   NEW  ZEALAND  POST  OFFICE  TELEGRAM

TO :    The Chief Commissioner of Police, Melbourne
DATE :    11 - 6  - 90
                                          ____________

John LANE referred to in my memo 31st ult. passenger by TeKapo this day Sydney under name
Geo. LANE.    Sydney Police informed.

                            Signed    GUDGEON. 
                                          Commissioner
_______________________________________________________ end of file ___________

[Notes:   * During the term of this correspondence, Major GUDGEON was replaced as Police Commissioner by Col. HUME.

*   The vessel "Tekapo" - (spelled as TeKapo in telegram) - from Wellington  to Sydney
- 18 June 1980.   Passenger list (ex FindMyPast) shows " Mr LANE - in steerage" :

*  LANE returned to Sydney apparently using name "Geo. (George)" though this is not noted on the passenger list.

*  I've numbered pages in the order they appeared on file. ]
---------

Have some more info to add re: arrival in Dunedin under Emigration scheme.

    ~  Lu