Mary Humphreys (née Henderson) (1865-1946)

Widowed at the age of 32, Mary Humphreys had to earn a living to keep herself, her young children, and her widowed aunt. She took in boarders at Westcliffe, her home at 107 Wharf Street, Tauranga, and advertised her services as a professional photographer. The thoughtful composition of her photographs and the range of subject matter captured by this talented photographic pioneer have left an important visual legacy that is much treasured today. Story researched, written and published by Debbie McCauley.

Mary Henderson was born in June of 1865 at Croydon in the historic county of Surrey, now south London in England. Her parents were railway clerk Thomas Henderson (1839-1916) and Mary Henderson (née Woodward) (1843-<1886) who had married at Croydon on 20 July 1863. Her father’s twin brother was John who died in 1870, and their sister was Mary Adair (née Henderson) (1831-1913) who seems to have taken Mary under her wing after her mother died. Mary Adair had married John Henry Adair at Pimlico in Middlesex, England on 1 May 1866, but John had died just four years later, on 7 February 1870.

Cameron Road, Tauranga by Mary Humphreys, c. 1909. On the left is the Domain Hotel (originally the Bellevue Temperance Hotel) at the west end of Wharf Street. The two-storey building opposite (to the right) is likely James Bodell’s auction house (Lot 129/130). Image: Tauranga City Libraries Image 99-1184.

Mary Adair and niece Mary Henderson arrived in New Zealand together in around 1888, both perhaps looking for a fresh start after their losses. They stayed at Northcote on the North Shore of Auckland for a time where Mary met divorced Scottish-born barrister and solicitor Thomas James Mace Humphreys.

Mary and Thomas married at St. Johns Church in Northcote on 5 June 1889 when Mary was 24 years of age. Their first child, Mary Adair Humphreys, was born at Whitianga in the Coromandel on 1 September 1890, but survived for just 53 hours before dying on 3 September 1890. Son Arthur was born on 26 August 1891.

Sailing ship on Tauranga harbour by Mary Humphreys, c. 1905. Visible buildings include Guinness Brothers and the Police Station on Cliff Road. Stamps on reverse read “Greeting from Tauranga.” “Mary Humphreys Photo Tauranga”. Image: Tauranga Heritage Collection (0146/09).

Born Thomas James Mace and christened on 31 October 1851 at Elton in Huntingdonshire, England, Thomas was 14 years older than Mary. At some stage he started using Humphreys as his surname. He had arrived in New Zealand on board the Hermione in 1883 with his first wife Rosina. When Rosina returned to England for a visit in 1885, she chose not to return, and Thomas divorced her in 1887.

Thomas was in difficulties in January 1890, suing the Observer for criminal libel. Then by March, there were applications to the Court asking Thomas to be adjudged a bankrupt and in December 1891 the Humphreys sued for trespass. Being a lawyer seemed to mean representing yourself in court more than the average person, and perhaps a fresh start in the Bay of Plenty was required.

A lawyer coming to Tauranga. AUCKLAND, Saturday. – Mr Thos Mace Humphreys B.A., a well-known barrister and solicitor, is about to commence the practice of his profession in Tauranga. Mr Humphreys was originally a clergyman and the author of various works on faith, prayer, sanctification, salvation and other subjects of this nature, but has left the church and studied the law and has had considerable practise in the civil and criminal courts of Auckland

Bay of Plenty Times (1892, February 8, p. 2).

Thomas was already resident in the town when Mary, Arthur and her aunt arrived in Tauranga from Auckland on board the Farquhar on 21 March 1892. They purchased Westcliffe [aka Westcliff | West Cliff | West Cliffe] at 107 Wharf Street. Designed by architect Benjamin Stott Corlett (1840-1925), and built in 1880 from native timbers, their home was impressively tall with a gabled front wall, two stories and four fireplaces. Corlett himself lived at Westcliffe for around 15 years. Situated at the west end of Wharf Street where it meets Selwyn Street, Westcliffe overlooked Waikareao estuary towards Ōtūmoetai where historic houses Maungawhare (est. 1878) and later Woodhill (est. 1885) could both be seen.

Mary and Thomas had two more children in Tauranga, Mary on 2 September 1893 and Constance on 12 March 1895. Thomas established his office in Wharf Street, next to the Bank of New Zealand, and by 1897 was seeing clients in his office in the morning, and then in the afternoons at Westcliffe. The game of cricket had petered out in Tauranga, but Thomas was determined to stir the citizens of Tauranga to ‘resuscitate cricketing,’ and by the newspaper reports eventually managed to get a team of players together.

“This is a photograph taken from the front gate with Hilda, Con & Sissie about to start out for a game of golf. Love from Mother,” c. 1912. Photograph by Mary Humphreys from her property ‘Westcliffe’ at 107 Wharf Street in Tauranga. The view is over the Waikareao estuary with Motuopae Island (Peach Island) in the background. Tauranga City Libraries Image 99-717.

Thomas suffered a paralytic stroke but recovered, only to suffer another stroke on 31 June 1898, dying at the age of 47. Mary was a widow as the age of 32, with her widowed aunt and three small children, Arthur, aged seven, Mary aged five, and Constance aged 3, to care for.

HUMPHREYS We regret to announce the death of Mr Thomas Mace Humphreys, solicitor, which took place early yesterday morning, as the result of the second seizure which occurred on Sunday last. He leaves a widow and three young children for whom much sympathy is felt in their sudden bereavement.

Bay of Plenty Times (1898, June 1, p. 2)

The stress on Mary must have been enormous, and this might be why she suffered a traumatic accident at home. The Bay of Plenty Times reported on 1 March 1899 that Mary was taking down a bottle of carbolic acid from a shelf when it slipped and the contents were poured over one arm almost from shoulder to hand, burning off the skin completely (p. 2). Just two months later, on 12 May, Mary held a clearing sale with furniture, ornaments, etc. as advertised by R. Seddon, Auctioneer.

Helped by her aunt, Mary turned Westcliffe into a boarding house for young professional men, and on 18 October 1899 began offering ‘Photographic Christmas Cards’ for sale through the Bay of Plenty Times. She also advertised that her studio would open next to the Tauranga Hotel on The Strand on 15 November 1899.

Photographic Christmas Cards. First advertisement by Mary Humphreys for her new photographic venture. Source: Bay of Plenty Times (18 October 1899, p. 2).

Mary’s postcards and portrait photographs proved very popular. Some of the events that Mary is reported in the Bay of Plenty Times as photographing include;

  • 1899, September 13: Tauranga Hunt Club. Mrs Humphreys then took another photograph of the pack and those present and also several shots of the jumping that was being indulged in.
  • 1899, November 3: Bowling Club. Mrs Humphreys took several photographs during the afternoon, of the players and assembled guests.
  • 1899 November 13: Maori Pataka. On Thursday morning last Mrs Humphreys secured a photograph of the carved front of an ancient Maori pataka, or food store house, the property of Mr James King, curio dealer. The carvings are still clear and distinct though executed a number of years ago, in the days before metal tools of any sort were known here and are fine examples of the old style of Maori workmanship.
  • 1906, April 11: Weddings. After the ceremony, the wedding group and guests were photographed by Mrs Humphreys.
  • 1906, October 29: Sale of Work. Before the opening Mrs Humphreys took some photographs of the front stalls and groups of workers as a memento.
  • 1909, July 19: Mission Cemetery. Mrs Humphreys secured a nice series of photographs of the recent ceremony of unveiling the monument in the Military Cemetery, and the pictures are now available in post card and other forms.
  • 1909, October 11: Advertising. Photographic Christmas Cards for Home and absent friends. Mrs Humphreys is prepared to execute the above.
  • 1909, October 18: Horatio Gordon Robley (1840-1930). In response to a note enclosing photos of the recent memorial services in the Military Cemetery, Mrs Humphreys has received a nice letter from Major-General Robley, dated London, Sept. 3. The writer states that he was quite touched by the photographs and was much interested in reading the report of the proceedings in the Bay of Plenty Times.
Mounted Rifles Camp by Mary Humphreys, c. 1905. Mauao and The Spit are in the background. The handwriting on reverse reads “Mounted Rifles Camp at High School Reserve.” Stamped on reverse “‘Mary Humphreys, Photo, Tauranga.” Image: Tauranga Heritage Collection (0169/09).

Mary once visited Te Puia o Whakaari (White Island), an active marine volcano off the coast of the Bay of Plenty. There to to take photographs, she found that the sleeves of her blouse disintegrated due to the acidic atmosphere. In 1901 Mary and Euphemia Maxwell of The Elms worked on a special photograph album as a gift for the visiting Duchess of Cornwall, Mary of Teck (1867-1953), which was presented on behalf of the ladies of Tauranga.

A very handsome album from the ladies of Tauranga was presented privately to the Duchess of Cornwall by Lady Ranfurly at Government House on June 11. In recognition of this Mrs. Maxwell, The Elms, Tauranga, received the following telegram: — “Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cornwall and York desires me to express her grateful thanks to you and the ladies of Tauranga for their very handsome book, containing photographs of your town and district, which she will greatly value. She very much admires the beautiful woodwork and design of the book. LADY MARY LYGON, Lady-in-Waiting.” The cover of the album was of inlaid New Zealand woods with silver shield and clasp, very artistically designed and engraved. The binding was in blue morocco. The 24 photographs contained in the album were the work of Mrs. Mary Humphreys, Tauranga.

New Zealand Herald (26 July 1901, p. 2, supplement).
First Avenue, Tauranga looking Eastward from Cameron Road by Mary Humphreys, c. 1905. Gravel carriageway with wide grass berm on either side and row of willow trees. Image: Tauranga Heritage Collection (0604/08).

The photograph album saw Mary’s photographs gain wider acclaim and, just three months later, in October 1901, the Press of Christchurch published 40 of her photographs in a special supplement;

A special Tauranga Supplement, containing nearly forty views in and around the town, taken by Mrs Mary Humphreys and a short descriptive article by Mr Gr. Arnold Ward. Advance sheets have been sent to us for review and we may say at once that the excellent manner in which the photographs have been reproduced will ensure the number a ready sale, as serving to convey to friends elsewhere a comprehensive idea of what Tauranga is like, as well as its surroundings. There are not only general views of the town, the harbour, the Mount, Wairoa river, etc., but others of more special interest, such as the various churches, Government buildings, wharves, Halfway house, Gate Pa Monument, and a score more. Te Puke also is not forgotten, as besides a picture of its pretty little church, there is one of the Te Puke division of the T.M.R. on parade, if not as ‘large as life’ at any rate quite as ‘handsome,’ every man being easily recognisable. The descriptive article gives a brief sketch of the Tauranga district, past and present, which will save the trouble of an explanatory letter to those sending the number to distant friends and evidently flows from the pen of a writer who loves his subject. Orders for this capital number should be sent in at once to the local news agents, and we feel sure none who gets copies will regret the cost.

Bay of Plenty Times (1901, october 9, p. 2).
Government Buildings & Post Office Tauranga, 1880-1890s by Mary Humphreys. Mr Herries M.H.R. on steps. Tauranga acquired this official building in a unique manner about 1882 the plans were prepared for Gisborne, which was much more in need than Tauranga. The two towns were then in the same electorate which was represented by a Tauranga man. He got the government to alter the destination. ‘Thank you’ says Tauranga ‘Too bad’ says Gisborne”. Handwritten on reverse “Mary Humphries photo”. Source: Tauranga Heritage Collection (0318/08).

The following year, Mary gave a statement at the enquiry into the fire that burnt Tauranga’s Government Buildings to the ground on the night of 16-17 November 1902;

Mary Humphreys, sworn, said she was residing in Willow street, Tauranga, remembered Sunday night 16th, about ten past eleven was aroused by dogs barking and tin rattling, the noise continued and she went out to see what it was and saw a small light at the back of the buildings, which commenced to blaze and on arriving at the public door of the court house she heard an explosion.

Bay of Plenty Times (1902, December 5, p. 2).
Government Buildings in Tauranga after the fire by Mary Humphreys, 29 November 1902. Source: NZ Graphic, 29 November 1902, p. 1383, Auckland Libraries Heritage Collections (NZG-19021129-1383-2).

On 30 December 1904 Mary was listed in the Business Directory printed by the Bay of Plenty Times under Photographers: Mrs Humphreys, Wharf Street (p, 1). Three years later, on 3 December 1907, she sued George Wrigley and Georgina Mabel Wrigley for the recovery of damaged caused by being bitten by their dog. Having called at their residence on business on 11 November, she was severely bitten on the leg. As a consequence, she found it difficult to stand for any length of time and carry out her business. The court awarded Mary damages of £8 11s, court costs £1 4s, Dr. Frazer-Hurst £1, and solicitor’s fee £1 11s (Bay of Plenty Times, 4 December 1907, p.2).

Mary took an active part in the social activities of Tauranga. She was a keen supporter of the Church of England, the Mission to Seamen and the Barnard Home. She also became well known for her artistic work and needlework, sewing for the poor and needy as well as crafting exquisite tapestry and crochet work. In 1910 she was amongst the prize-winners at the Auckland Winter Show for her the impressive items she crafted from flour bags;

The Auckland Star, in referring to the exhibit, says; “Whether it is also the intention of the management of the Northern Roller Mills to go into the clothing trade has not yet transpired, but certain it is that housewives will see samples of the various uses to which the calico bags can be put. There is really a fine display of domestic articles made by Mrs Humphreys of Tauranga, from flour bags, which is, no doubt, intended to denote that Champion will feed and clothe the people. Mrs Humphrey’s exhibit receives the Champion prize of £2 2s. It includes drawn-thread work, bibs, babies’ frocks, a small boy’s suit and many fancy articles”

Bay of Plenty Times (1910, August 22).

Sadly, Mary’s aunt and the source of much support, passed away in 1913. Her death notice appeared in the Bay of Plenty Times on 16 July 1913; ADAIR – At Westcliffe, Tauranga, on July 15th, Mary Adair, widow of the late John Henry Adair, London, in her 83rd year (p. 4).

First bridge over the Wairoa River by Mary Humphreys, c. 1910. Image: Tauranga City Libraries Image 03-048.

The following year, World War I was declared. Mary’s son Arthur, who was as master mariner, enlisted on 11 October 1915 and went overseas with the 3rd Battalion, Advance Party, Signalling Section of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Mary became very involved with the war effort, contributing to the Hospital Ship Fund in 1915, Wounded Soldiers’ Fund in 1915, the Memorial Gates in 1920 and numerous other activities. On 6 June 1916 she received word that Albert had been wounded in action in France and admitted to hospital on 27 May.

First bridge over the Wairoa River by Mary Humphreys, c. 1910. Colourised from a black and white photograph. Image: Tauranga City Libraries Image 02-046.

Daughter Mary Adair Mace Humphreys married Frederick Gault Barrowclough in February 1927 and the couple settled at Karamea, 96 km north of Westport on the West Coast of the South Island. Mary was pregnant, and more than likely alone, when at 10.17am on Monday 17 June 1929 a magnitude 7.8 earthquake struck along the White Creek Fault west of Murchison which was felt in cities and towns throughout New Zealand. During the earthquake land moved upward as much as 4.5 metres along the fault, wooden homes warped, twisted, and shifted from their piles, and chimneys and water tanks collapsed. People scrambled outdoors, but once there found they were unable to stand. Landslides on the steep mountain slopes, waterlogged from winter rain, blocked many rivers and the coastal road to Karamea was blocked. Along with extensive flooding and damage, Karamea and was cut off completely. Food supplies were running low when help finally arrived two weeks later. An aviator managed to land a Tiger Moth plane on the beach, but vehicles would not be able to reach the town for several months. Of the 17 people who died in the earthquake, 14 were killed by landslides, and 2 in coal mine collapses.

The earthquake is felt to have been a contributing factor to Mary going into labour the following month, She died whilst giving birth to a stillborn baby at Westport Hospital on 15 July 1929. Mary had worked as a District Nurse in Katikati and Frederick was a doctor. In 1935 Frederick would remarry to Hilda Mayborn Jamieson, but it seems he staying in close contact with his mother-in-law.

Most likely Mary Humphreys pictured on The Strand in Tauranga, c. 1930. Standing near Herries Arch and the second Tauranga Hotel. Tauranga City Libraries Image 99-695.

Mary’s stitchery work was being well recognised. In 1936 a coloured reproduction of a her needlework appeared on the cover of ‘The Needlewoman’ a London magazine. The Bay of Plenty Times commented that, “The stitchery in these pictures is particularly fine, being done with one strand of cotton” (4 September 1936, p. 2). During World War II Mary created for each soldier leaving Tauranga a ‘housewife’ which she fitted out with “needles, buttons, cottons, safety pins etc” (Bay of Plenty Times, 28 March 1940).

The Needlewoman (September 1936, Vol. 15, No. 169). Embroidery is an “Apple Spray Design in Brown and Green with a Filled Background.” Source: https://www.pinterest.nz/pin/477592735466402862

Sadly, Mary was to lose another daughter. Constance suffered a sudden haemorrhage and was moved to a private hospital, dying 10 days later, on 12 August 1941. She had been part of the Women’s Auxiliary, and the Patriotic Shop making garments for the Lady Galway Depot. Described as a leading tennis and golf player, she also enjoyed yachting and fishing, sailing her brother Arthur’s yacht and amateur theatricals. Constance’s funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church in Tauranga.

Mary’s son-in-law Frederick Barrowclough was serving overseas with the 2NZEF in the New Zealand Medical Corps during World War II (Service No. WWII 40928) when he wrote her this letter in 1943, also sending his regards to her former boarder and now Tauranga Town Planner, Robert Goulding (1886-1987), also known as Bert;

My Dear Mother, I was away at our base hospital at the weekend at a clinical meeting & was very agreeably surprised on my return to find a wholly unexpected mail in with your letter of July 9th together with all the newspaper cuttings – many thanks. I like the sound of a case for oranges over there. I wish I could start an export trade from here & get that price for them. I could soon give up medicine & retire then. I sent off to you last week a further sum of $40 so hope you will get it before too long. I am afraid that I shall have to ask you to get something out of it as a birthday present for yourself even if it is very late as I could not send anything earlier. I am also afraid that this will be the last lot I can send in the meantime as I fear there will be no faculties for sending it now. If I get a chance, I may be able to send some next month, but I doubt it. I am enveloping in this letter a snap taken (P.T.O) of me just outside my tent some time ago. The other chap is Capt. Girven who shares a tent with me but at present he is away on a course in N.Z. I am sorry I can’t often send photos as no cameras are now allowed. They were called in & all films had to be developed at Base. Hence the great delay as this snap was taken months ago. I am sorry to hear that Mrs. Frazer-Hurst has had a broken leg. I had not heard of that before. I am surprised to hear that she survived that as I thought she could hardly have been alive now in any case. I am glad to hear she is better now. Please give them my best wishes when you see them. You seem to be very much occupied still with the various patriotic activities. It is as well perhaps for them to have you to keep people reminded about the merchant navy. They have a very sticky job & everyone seems to forget all about them. Things go on much the same here. My company is now back now in hospital work so there is not so much to write about. Everything goes according to routine. We are hoping though that it won’t be long now before we move on a bit nearer to Japan. We had a big ceremonial parade here about 10 days ago at which Harold took the salute. He had with him a cabinet minister who was very anxious to shake the hands of all our patients so as Harold passed me on the inspection, he told me they were coming up here straight after the parade so the colonel & I left the others to march here while we hurried back in a jeep. The war news seems to be improving doesn’t it. The advance in Sicily & also in the Solomon’s is a step in the right direction as is also the change of the German offensive in Russia turning into a retreat. The last word I have from N.Z. tells me that Elsie seems to be improving a good deal with her spell of rest so things should not be so bad. All the rest of the family seem to be getting on quite well though not liking the cold. I am afraid there is no further news I can give you as nothing seems to happen here these days so I must stop now. Kindest regards to Bert & very best of love to yourself. Fred.

Mary died at Westcliffe on 7 January 1946, aged 77. Her funeral was held at Holy Trinity Church on the following day, and she was was buried in Tauranga Anglican Cemetery. Mary was survived by her son Arthur. Her obituary appeared in the Bay of Plenty Times on 18 January 1946;

WELL-KNOWN FIGURE PASSES. DEATH OF MRS HUMPHREYS. OLD RESIDENT OF DISTRICT. By the death of Mrs Mary Humphreys on January 7, Tauranga loses one of its oldest and most respected residents. Mrs Humphreys was born in London 77 years ago. She came to New Zealand as a young girl, residing in Auckland, where she married the late Thomas Mace-Humphreys, a well-known barrister and solicitor, who practised in various parts of the Auckland province. He eventually settled in Tauranga about 55 years ago and died about 50 years ago. Mrs Humphreys is survived by one son, Arthur, her two daughter Cissy and Connie having predeceased her. She took an active part in all social activities in Tauranga and was a keen supporter of the Church of England, the Mission to Seamen and all patriotic affairs during the two wars. She was also one of the early supporters of the Barnard homes. Mrs Humphreys was well known throughout New Zealand for artistic work and needlework. She will be missed by a large circle of friends in Tauranga and elsewhere.

Bay of Plenty Times (1946, January 18, p. 2).
Holy Trinity Church, Tauranga by Mary Humphreys, c. 1901. The small boy near the front doors of the church may be Mary’s son Arthur (b. 1891) who looks to be about 10 years old. Image: Tauranga Heritage Collection (0171/09).

According to Mary’s Last Will and Testament she left all of her ‘property real and personal’ which included Westcliffe, to her former boarder, Robert Goulding. In 1953 Robert enlarged the house considerably. Sadly, the 134-year-old Westcliffe was demolished in September 2014 to make way for an apartment and office block.

The children of Mary Humphreys (née Henderson) and Thomas James Mace Humphreys

  1. Humphreys, Mary Adair (1890-1890) Mary was born at Whitianga in the Coromandel on 1 September 1890, but lived for just 53 hours, dying on 3 September 1890. She was buried in Whitianga Cemetery.
  2. Humphreys, Arthur William (1891-1970) Born at Whitianga in the Coromandel on 26 August 1891, Arthur suffered from typhoid in around 1902. He worked as a marine officer before serving during World War I (Service No: WWI 25/325) in the 3rd Battalion, Advance Party, Signalling Section, New Zealand Rifle Brigade. Wounded in action in France he received a shrapnel wound to right elbow, later suffering from Trench Fever. He was admitted to the New Zealand Convalescent Hospital at Hornchurch in East London to recover but then suffered appendicitis. Arthur was discharged on 21 January 1919 as no longer fit for war service on account of illness contracted on active service. He married Millie Hambleton Spooner in 1921, divorcing in 1930. Arthur’s second marriage was to Kathleen Emily Collett (née Tuthill) (1894-1969) in 1940. Arthur died in Tauranga on 27 June 1970 and was cremated at Pyes Pa Cemetery.
  3. Barrowclough, Mary Adair Mace (née Humphreys) (1893-1929) ‘Sissie’ Born at Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty on 2 September 1893. When her great aunt Mary Adair died in 1913, she left £10 to Mary. After training as a nurse at Auckland Hospital, Mary became a District Nurse in Katikati. She married Frederick Gault Barrowclough (1898-1972) in February 1927 and the couple settled at Karamea in the South Island. Mary died at Westport Hospital on 15 July 1929 giving birth to a stillborn child the month following the 1929 Murchison earthquake. Frederick remarried to Hilda Mayborn Jamieson in 1935.
  4. Humphreys, Constance Woodward Mace (1895-1941) ‘Connie’ Born at Tauranga in the Bay of Plenty on 12 March 1895. Constance suffered a sudden haemorrhage and was moved to a private hospital, dying 10 days later, on 12 August 1941. Her service was held at Holy Trinity Church and she was buried in Tauranga’s Anglican Cemetery.
Headstone of Mary and Thomas Humphreys at Tauranga Anglican Cemetery. Note that only Thomas has his name on the headstone. Image: Tauranga City Council.

Sources

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