Prouse Family clippings

Source:

The Prouse Connection: Descendants of Richard and Mary The families from 1840-1988)

Compiled by Emma and Reynolds Annabell

New Zealand Mail 18 Sep 1891 p34c

Napier, Sep 15. Mr Prouse, of Wellington, took part in a successful concert here to-night, and was most enthusiastically received, every number being encored. His rendering of "Nazareth" created a perfect furore. Nothing like it was ever heard here before. The verdict of the public is "a grand voice and perfect method."

New Zealand Mail 16 Oct 1891 p9a

Mr Prouse's concert last week went off very well, the items given being received with rounds of applause. He sang "The Wanderer", "Let me Love Thee." "Nazareth" - "To Anthea" being given as an encore.

New Zealand Mail 25 Dec 1891 p17a

Feilding. Concert to be held New Year's Eve by Wellington Concert Party, incl Mr J. Prouse, baritone.

New Zealand Mail 8 Jan 1892 p16c

Feilding. Wellington Concert Party, Mr Prouse sang.

New Zealand Mail 22 Jan 1892 p13d

Report on Wellington Concert Party concert at Lower Hutt, Mr Prouse sang.

New Zealand Mail 1 Apr 1892 p20d

Letter to editor re A & P Showground, writer Charles Prouse, Wainuiomata

New Zealand Mail 29 Apr 1892 p30a

School committees Levin - incl J Prouse

New Zealand Mail 19 May 1892 p18d

Miss Burvette's Concert. Her second pianoforte concert, assisted by Mr J Prouse, the well-known baritone.

New Zealand Mail 23 Jun 1892 p22e

Mr Nat Prouse, of Wainuiomata, recently met with a severe accident by which he sustained a fracture of the thigh. He was riding on horseback, minus saddle and bridle, and while crossing a bridge near his home the animal fell, with the result stated. The unfortunate man, not being aware that one of his legs was broken, dragged himself some 200 yards in order to get within earshot of his home. Under Dr Purdie's care the sufferer is progressing as favourably as can be expected.

New Zealand Mail 23 Jun 1892 p25e

Review of concert for F A King, Mr Prouse sang.

New Zealand Mail 23 Jun 1892 p38d

Report of concert in Wainuiomata schoolroom in aid of prize fund for school. Incl in items - song by Misses Prouse (Wgtn), Mr John McIlvride Junr., in nigger farce.

New Zealand Mail 21 Jul 1892 p14d

Mr Prouse has left for the South, he is to sing in the "Elijah" sometime this month.

New Zealand Mail 4 Aug 1892 p14d

The Nelson Harmonic Society will produce "Elijah" sometime this month. Mr Prouse, the well-known Wellington singer, is expected to take the title role. Later, same column, report on Mr Prouse's performance in Dunedin.

New Zealand Mail 4 Aug 1892 p38a

A young man named Frank Matthew's was brought down by the Manawatu train on Monday and taken to the hospital, suffering from a broken leg. It appears that he has been employed at Prouse Bros. Mill at Levin, and was engaged in bushfalling, when a small tree fell on him, inflicting the injury.

New Zealand Mail 25 Aug 1892 p18b

Wanganui News. The Harmonic Society have decided to at once place the oratorio "Elijah" in active rehearsal for production about six weeks hence, and in all probability Mr Prouse will be asked to take some part. The club now numbers something like fifty members.

New Zealand Mail 6 Oct 1892 p39d

Benefit Concert, Lower Hutt, for widow and children of late C A Stinson. J Prouse took part.

New Zealand Mail 3 Nov 1892 p33c

State School Drawing Examinations. Successful candidates. Levin - Grace Prouse

New Zealand Mail 30 Dec 1892 p29b

Boxing Night. Concert held at Hospital, singers incl Mr J Prouse.

Evening Post 12 Mar 1894

Mr Richard Prouse, another of Wellington's pioneer settlers died last evening in the Hospital, where he had sought relief from an infection of the throat. Symptoms of the complaint only developed themselves within the last week or so, and on the advice of several doctors an operation was performed on him yesterday morning. Although he rallied at first, he was unable to withstand the effects of the operation, and he passed quietly away during the evening. Mr Prouse was only ten years of age when he arrived in the colony by the ship Duke of Roxburgh in 1840. Having undergone the usual vicissitudes of pioneer life, he settled upon land at Wainuiomata, and took a great interest in advancing the interests of the place, where he established a sawmill. He afterwards started another mill at Whiteman's Valley, Silverstream. Eight or ten years ago he retired from business life, and has since lived in Wellington. In his younger days he was an enthusiastic Volunteer, as a lieutenant of the Wainuiomata corps, and was a fine shot. His interest in this sport induced him to pay a visit to the recent meeting of the Rifle Association at Christchurch, where he handled a rifle. He leaves a widow and a family of three sons and three daughters. Two of the sons have established themselves at Levin as sawmillers, and the other is Mr John Prouse, the well-known baritone singer. Two of the daughters are married - Mrs Burdan and Mrs James Wood, of Wainuiomata. The remains of the deceased will be interred at Wainuiomata tomorrow.

New Zealand Mail 16 Mar 1894 page 16

R. Prouse

Another old identity has passed from among us, Mr Richard Prouse. Mr Prouse died at the Hospital on March 11th. He had been suffering for some time past from a complicated disease of the throat, and an operation was performed upon him at the Hospital as late as yesterday morning. Mr Prouse, who was 64 years of age, came out to Wellington in the ship Duke of Roxburgh in 1840, when a boy of 10 years of age, and, after undergoing the privations attendant on settlement in the Colony in those early days, took up land at Wainuiomata, about 40 years ago. While residing in that locality he took a great interest in local affairs, and his death will be sincerely regretted by a large circle of friends and acquaintances. He retired from active life a few years ago, and since then has been living in Wellington. At one time Mr Prouse was an ardent Volunteer, and his love for rifle shooting followed him almost to the end, for it was only the other day that he went to the Rifle Association Meeting at Christchurch. He leaves a widow and a family of three sons and three daughters to mourn their loss. One of his sons is Mr J. Prouse, the well-known baritone singer, and the two others are sawmillers at Levin.

New Zealand Mail 29 Oct 1896 p17d

Interview with Mr Prouse, baritone, on return after touring Australia. 2/3 column.

New Zealand Mail 12 Nov 1896 p17d

Review of Festival Choral Society performance of "Elijah". Mr Prouse in main part.

New Zealand Mail 26 Nov 1896 p31d

Wellington Exhibition Concert, Mr Parker's Eighth Psalm - was specially written for Mr Prouse who sang it magnificently. More details given.

New Zealand Mail 28 Jan 1897 p18d

Trinity College, London exam results. Organ playing Junior division, Prouse, William J, 60 marks, Mr Parker. Pianoforte section, Junior Division, Prouse, Constance M, 81, Mr R Parker.

New Zealand Mail 18 Mar 1897 p19d

Land sale. Wellington-Manawatu Railway Co. Tokomaru. The first lot, a small unimproved bush section of 82 acres near Tokomaru, excited the keenest competition amongst half-a-dozen of the residents owning adjoining lands. Starting at a bid of £7 per acre, it jumped amid excited bids of 5s and 2s 6d per acre, until £12 per acre was reached, at which price it was knocked down to D Prouse and T Chamberlain. Block V, Awaru SD, Sect 25, 82ac 0r 0p, D Prouse & T Chamberlain, £12 per acre, total £984 0s 0d.

Tokomaru Township, Suburban sections, Sect 119,120,121, 24ac 2r 27p

D Prouse & T Chamberlain, £12 per acre, total £292 0s 6d.

More details given.

New Zealand Mail 3 Jun 1897 p40b

The tender of Messrs Prouse Bros, Wellington, has been accepted for the supply of arms of telegraph poles at the following rates:- 13,000 arms, 2ft 3in long, 3 1/2d each; 5000 arms, 4ft 6in long, 6 1/2d each; 2000 arms, 6ft 6in long, 11d each. The other tenderers were W Heald (Feilding), A McLeod & Co (Opaki), and J Symonds (Ashurst).

New Zealand Mail 12 Aug 1897

Mr Robert Parker's sixth chamber concert, Mr John Prouse, sang four songs.

New Zealand Mail 12 Aug 1897 p38b

Funeral of Mrs Swainson, St Paul's Pro-Cathedral. Mr John Prouse sang.

New Zealand Mail 2 Sep 1897 p18d

Mr Parker's Chamber concert. Mr John Prouse sang.

New Zealand Mail 23 Sep 1897 p18a

Trinity College exam results. Senior Honours - Constance Prouse, Mrs Swainson, 62. Senior Pass - Constance Prouse, Mrs Swainson, 61.

New Zealand Mail 14 Jul 1898 p18d

J. Prouse, Music section, mentioned in three different articles.

New Zealand Mail 11 Aug 1898 p34d

Mr J. Prouse and others thanked for donation of materials to Boys' Institute Library.

New Zealand Mail 1 Dec 1898 p11c

We are sorry we are to lose Mr J. Prouse for some time. His solo, "A New Heaven," was sung in his very best and happiest style, and we shall miss his beautiful voice very much. What is our great loss will be Auckland's gain for a while.

New Zealand Mail 16 Feb 1899 p28c

Fatal Boat Accident. John WINDLEY drowned in Porirua Harbour. Report mentions James ARCUS and Frank BOOTH, carpenters, from Levin, but working at Plimmerton, at the building of Mr Prouse's house - went to rescue.

Three-quarters of a column.

New Zealand Mail 28 Sep 1899 p26c

Speaking of Mr John Prouse, now on tour with Mddle Trebelli, the Melbourne "Age" of the 11th inst says:- "Mr John Prouse made a great effect in Faure's 'Les Rameaux' and his delivery of Shubert's great inspiration 'The Wanderer' may also be praised; while a coupe of interesting songs by Allitsen ('The Roll of the Drum') and Ellen Wright ('When I Awake') seem to call for more than passing comment."

New Zealand Mail 26 Oct 1899 p38a

Speaking of Mr John Prouse of Wellington, who is at present on tour with Mddle Trebelli in Australia, the Sydney 'Bulletin' says:- "John Prouse, the resonant baritone from Maoriland, who took part in the first Trebelli concert tour, is the only member of the company engaged this time. Prouse lifts up his voice what time the lady is resting hers, save during the five minutes' interval, when they are both off. Perhaps it is more correct to say that the baritone throws his voice as a rule. He is a vigorous-spirited artist, with a black beard, and no nonsense about him. The first bar of his opening song - a savage Hungarian ditty, entitled 'Had a Horse' - went bank up against the far wall of the building and rebounded back to the tuneful singer. Whereupon the audience decided that Prouse was the right man for the billet."

New Zealand Mail 9 May 1901 p41

An action between Prouse Bros., sawmillers, plaintiffs, and J. Staples and Company Ltd, brewers, defendants, came before Mr Justice Edwards in the Supreme Court on the 2nd. Mr J. P. Campbell appeared for the plaintiffs and Mr Skerrett for the defendants. John Brooks, contractor, was by consent added as a plaintiff. The claim was for £60 in connection with a contract entered into on the 11th August, 1900, by Francis Nelson, who was afterwards joined by John Brooks as a partner, to make certain alterations to the Cricketer's Arms Hotel in Vivian Street. The defendants denied knowledge of the partnership. They also denied that they received notice of any assignment by Nelson and Brooks to the plaintiffs of moneys due to Nelson and Brooks. The legal sufficiency to the alleged assignment was also contested. The £60 in question was the amount of an order for the payment to bearer by the defendants of that sum. The order was presented to the defendants by the plaintiffs who received it from Nelson and Brooks. After hearing evidence and the addresses of counsel, his Honor reserved judgement.

New Zealand Mail 19 Aug 1903 p47b

Banquet at Levin. 3/4 column report. Response to toast to "Local Industries and Commerce" given by Mr J. Prouse.

New Zealand Mail 2 Dec 1903 p4a

Mr and Mrs John Prouse and Miss Prouse were still in London when the last San Francisco mail left, and in the letters received from them there is no mention of their immediate return to the colony.

New Zealand Mail 10 Feb 1904 p27d

Recently appointed Justices of the Peace incl David Prouse, Longburn, Oroua.

New Zealand Mail 13 Apr 1904 p24b

Levin. A pleasant event took place last Thursday afternoon at Messrs Prouse Bros' sawmill when Mr C Palmer, on behalf of his fellow employees, presented a handsome set of carvers to Mr Alex Morris, who is going to join the ranks of the Benedicts. All wished him every success and happiness in the future.

New Zealand Mail 27 Apr 1904 p23c

Levin. On Thursday evening, the 14th, it was decided to form a literary and debating society. Officers elected incl President - Mr Jas Prouse. Annual concert and social of Rechabites held in the Century Hall, Monday evening. Songs incl some by Mr R Prouse, brother of the famous Mr J Prouse, now distinguishing himself in the musical world in England.

New Zealand Mail 4 May 1904 p22c

Levin. Horticultural Show. Mr James Prouse, president of the society. Mr James Prouse retires from Levin School Committee. Mr R Prouse tops results of School Committee election, appointed chairman.

New Zealand Mail 18 May 1904 p27b

An accident happened to Mr William Wells, who is employed in Prouse Bros' sawmill at Shannon, owing to the breaking of a "strop" connected with the hauling gear. The wire rope struck Wells a violent blow on the arm, inflicting such injury as will incapacitate him from work for a considerable time. Dr Kennedy attended to the sufferer, and the patient is progressing very comfortably.

New Zealand Mail 25 May 1904 p26b

Levin. Annual meeting of Levin Horticultural, Produce and Industrial Society - Mr Phillip Goldsmith was voted to the chair in the absence of Mr Jas Prouse, the Society's President, who was indisposed. Mr J Prouse re-elected President, R Prouse one of three vice-presidents. Committee incl Mesdames J Prouse, R Prouse.

New Zealand Mail 1 Jun 1904 p27a

Levin. The silver wedding of Mr and Mrs Richard Prouse was celebrated on the 22nd May. Many were the good wishes expressed towards them by their relatives and friends.

New Zealand Mail 8 Jun 1904 p26d

Levin. Horowhenua Mounted Rifles opened their military bazaar in Central Hall, Friday afternoon, 27th May. Mrs Prouse had produce stall, Miss Prouse sweets stall.

New Zealand Mail 6 Jul 1904 p28c

Levin. A somewhat painful accident occurred to one of the Levin footballers named Ernest Henderson, who recently went to join the mill at West Wanganui owned by Messrs Prouse Bros. He was felling bush when the axe slipped and struck him a blow on the leg. The sufferer was taken to the hospital at Collingwood to have the wound attended to. It is feared he will be laid up for some weeks to come.

New Zealand Mail 13 Jul 1904 p26b

By the last San Francisco mail news was received of the engagement of Miss Florence Prouse to Mr Philip Davies. The bridegroom elect is a brother of Miss Mary Davies the great London songstress, and he lives in the Argentine.

New Zealand Mail 7 Sep 1904 p65-66

Land Tenure. Public Meeting at Levin. Mr Jas. Prouse voted to the chair.

New Zealand Mail 5 Oct 1904 p29c

A concert took place at Weraroa on Friday evening, the 23rd ult., in aid of the Weraroa library funds. Mrs R Prouse and Mr Prouse took part.

New Zealand Mail 26 Oct 1904 p28d

Levin. Concert at Wereroa Hall to raise funds for school. Mentioned - Mr Richard Prouse, chairman of school committee, Miss Prouse, Mr R Prouse, Mr Chambers. About 8 inches of text.

New Zealand Mail 15 Feb 1905 p28d

Levin. Anniversary of Wesleyan Sunday School held in the Century Hall, Levin. Mr Richard Prouse, superintendent for the school, was the conductor. Mr Prouse made representation of 60 volumes of books, each teacher and scholar receiving one. More info given.

New Zealand Mail 22 Feb 1905 p27b

Levin. Wesleyan Church garden party held at residence of Mr James Prouse. Description given.

New Zealand Mail 8 Mar 1905 p23a

Mr and Mrs Prouse have taken a house in London for some months, and have been joined by Miss Connie and Mr George Prouse for a visit to them.

New Zealand Mail 29 Mar 1905 p26a

Levin. Monthly meeting of County Council - present incl Councillor Prouse. Salvation Army "Harvest Festival" - opening of gift-sale. "Mr James Prouse spoke some kindly words, and, amid considerable enthusiasm, declared the sale open."

New Zealand Mail 5 Apr 1905 p24b

Levin. Methodist thanksgiving social held in Century Hall. Singers incl Mr R Prouse, Miss Prouse.

New Zealand Mail 19 Apr 1905 p23b

The desire of the people of Levin, as expressed by Mr J Prouse, is to make Levin the playground and garden of the Manawatu. More info given.

New Zealand Mail 1 Jun 1905 p24c

Mr and Mrs Prouse, with their daughter and son, are now en route for their New Zealand home. Mr Prouse has had a tour with Kuberik, the great violinist of the period, and many successes in London concerts since he left two years ago. He will be very cordially welcomed back to Wellington, where his rich baritone voice has been distinctly missed.

New Zealand Mail 28 Jun 1905 p52d

Mr John Prouse, the baritone vocalist, Mrs Prouse, and those members of the family who have been visiting London, have altered their return arrangements, and are now coming to New Zealand by way of America. They are due to arrive in Auckland by the Sierra early in August.

New Zealand Mail 16 Aug 1905 back of title page

A Singer's Success. 1 column length report on John Prouse's overseas tour.

New Zealand Mail 23 Aug 1905 p27

Talk with Mrs John Prouse on overseas trip - 1 and half columns.

New Zealand Mail 1 Nov 1905 p25a

Mrs Prouse "at home" at her residence at "Cricklewood." Almost one column describing entertainment, food, clothing of family and guests etc.

New Zealand Mail 1 Nov 1905 p35

Group photo taken at Methodist Church Synod, Wellington District. Includes Mr R. Prouse.

New Zealand Mail 1 Nov 1906 p24b

Miss Prouse, with her father and brother, leave very shortly for Buenos Ayres, where her marriage will take place.

Horowhenua Chronicle 1 Aug 1918 p2h

Red Cross shop. Contributors incl Mrs Prouse.

Levin Chronicle 4 Dec 1919 p1c

Levin Horticultural Show, results - many sections feature Prouse name.

Alexander Turnbull Library Biographies 1921 p4a

The death of Sir Charles Santley at the great age of 88 years, brings to mind his visit to this country 33 years ago, when he "discovered" Mr John Prouse, of Wellington, the well-known singer. Mr Prouse had been a singer at local concerts, but his voice had had no special training, and he had never learnt to play a musical instrument, yet, as Mr Santley said "he was full of music, and with cultivation he might become one of the best singers of his day." He advised Mr Prouse, although he was between 30 and 40 years of age, to go to London and go through a thorough musical training. This Mr Prouse decided to do and sailed with his wife and family in ... first Tongariro, Captain J. Bone being in command at that time, from Lyttelton in May, 1890. He arrived in London in July, and commenced his studies immediately, with a result that is known to all music lovers in the Dominion. Mr Prouse was born in the Dominion, but London life greatly appealed to him, and between times he flew hither and thither, seeing and hearing all he could, and enjoyed the life to the full, which he described as living in a new world. His stay in the Homeland lasted for some time, Mr Santley taking the greatest interest in all that pertained to the New Zealander's musical training, and was delighted when he saw his protege finding his way by sheer merit into the best musical circles in the metropolis. Mr Prouse became a general favourite because of his free and easy colonial style and his unassuming disposition. The aged Dean Jacobs, of Christchurch, who had not been in the Homeland for 40 years, went Home in the Tongariro with Mr Prouse, and Mr W. K. Howitt, of Devonport, was also a passenger, a young man on his way to a college in Scotland.

The Dominion 20 Aug 1931

Mrs J. Prouse Dead - Keen Devotee of Music - Famous Artists' Friend [Portrait included with article] Formerly one of Wellington's best known personalities, Mrs Prouse, relict of the late Mr John Prouse, died at her home in Clifton Terrace (where she had lived for forty-five years) on Tuesday evening, after a long illness. Mrs Prouse's health had not been satisfactory for ten years past, and it had failed noticeably since the death of her husband less than a year ago. The late Mrs Prouse (nee Helen Hardinge) was born in Cardiff, Wales, and came to New Zealand in the ship Salisbury, which arrived here on January 20, 1874. Later she married Mr Prouse, and had, with the exception of trips abroad, resided in Wellington ever since. The love of music, so strong in the Welsh, was deeply implanted in this lady, whose record of achievement in encouraging the best in music in New Zealand is probably unique. This urge was accentuated by her husband's fine talent as a singer, and her constant association with artists and leaders of musical thought. When Mr Prouse toured England with Kubelik years ago, Mrs Prouse accompanied him and became the personal friend of Sir Charles Santley, Sir Henry Wood, Antonia Dolores, and many other famous artists. Distinguished artists such as Mr Andrew Black, Dolores, Mr and Mrs Albert Mallinson (the celebrated composer and singer), made Mr and Mrs Prouse's residence their home while in Wellington. Once when Mr Alfred Hill lay suffering from pleurisy in the hospital here, nothing would do but that he must be removed to Clifton Terrace so as to be under Mrs Prouse's special observation and care. It was Mrs Prouse who first detected exceptional talent in the Ellwood trio, of Christchurch, and who was instrumental in having Mr George Ellwood, now of Wellington, sent to study the cello under Jean Gerardy at the Liege (Belgium) Conservatoire.
Orchestral Enthusiast

Mrs Prouse was particularly keen about orchestral music. She had a knowledge of the best of the world's orchestras through her four or five long trips to Europe, and lost no opportunity of doing all in her power to bring about an improvement in New Zealand. Realising that the Christchurch Exhibition Orchestra was the finest ever assembled in New Zealand, Mrs Prouse sponsored a tour of that organisation when the exhibition closed. Through the failure of the Auckland season, the venture was not a financial success, and Mrs Prouse had to realise on some of her property to meet the deficiency. In sponsoring the first professional orchestra here (under the baton of the late Mr Herbert Bloy) Mrs Prouse had the idea of popularising Sunday orchestral concerts on the lines of those given at Queen's Hall, London and many will remember what a high standard was achieved by that orchestra.

On another occasion Mrs Prouse showed her enthusiasm for music in a remarkable manner. Madame Melba was associated prominently with the musical arrangements in connection with the festivities for the Duke and Duchess of York (the present King and Queen), when they went to Melbourne to open the first Commonwealth Parliament. Melba wanted a good baritone, so cabled to Mr Prouse to go across. Mrs Prouse accompanied him. She heard the band of the Royal Marines on the Ophir, on which the Royal party travelled, and decided there and then that the public of New Zealand should be given a chance to hear it, though the band seldom if ever was allowed to play off the Ophir. Being a woman of great tact and strong in purpose, her representations in the right quarters were successful, and this fine band gave concerts in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. Mrs Prouse knew Italian opera thoroughly, having experienced two long seasons in Milan.\

The deceased leaves a family of three sons and two daughters. The sons are Messrs W. J. and Oliver Prouse of Wellington and Mr George Prouse of Milan, Italy; and the daughters are Mrs George Anderson, of Buenos Aires, and Miss Constance Prouse, of Wellington. There will be a memorial service at St Paul's Pro-Cathedral at 2pm tomorrow. The interment will take place at the little cemetery at Wainuiomata, the valley associated with the family ever since Wellington was first settled, and where three generations of the Prouses lie at rest.

The Dominion 29 Jan 1964

By Cecil and Celia Manson

Deeply moved by the magnitude of the adventure to which he was committing himself and his family, Richard Prowse, as he prayed for help, vowed that if he should prosper in the new and unknown country, he would build a church as a token of thanksgiving. He prospered and he built the church. The church still stands and Richard Prowse's descendants have multiplied greatly. Next month on February 8, a reunion of his descendants will be held at Wainuiomata in the same little church that Richard Prowse built in fulfilment of his vow. It is good that a newly developed centre like Wainuiomata should have a link with the past such as this. At the reunion next month the past will come vividly to life for older members of the family still remember the stories of many incidents passed on by word of mouth concerning the beginnings of the family in New Zealand.

Voyage Out

They remember the names of the original family, Richard and Mary, and the five children, Mary, Sarah, William, Richard and Thomas, and how they all left Plymouth on October 5, 1839, on the sailing ship Duke of Roxburgh with Captain James Thomson in command. There had been two dozen other married couples on board as well as 12 single men, 16 single women and 39 children. After the seemingly endless five-month voyage, the joy of the emigrants at sighting New Zealand had been sadly quenched. A vicious gale had struck them in Cook Strait and the popular captain had been ashed overboard and lost. The Prowse children used to recount to their children, and so on, down the generations, how the leader of the Wellington settlement, Colonel Wakefield, had restored confidence to the agitated and upset young mothers and families by boarding the ship at Wellington Heads and bringing her into port. It was cheering too, to find that two of the other four immigrant ships had already arrived and were anchored off Petone beach - Pito-one as they then called it.

A never-forgotten sight for the Prowse children was that of a whale and her calf coming into the harbour as their ship lay at anchor. Another was that of some embarrassed women passengers of the Duke of Roxburgh being carried from the beach by naked Maoris who had stripped off their mats as they entered the water. The ladies had been on shore for a visit, and anxious to get back on board for a church service, had accepted the Maoris' offer to take them through the surf to the waiting boats.

First Service

Always remembered, too, was the first church service held on shore. The Prowse children stood with their parents on Petone beach on that hot February morning, thankful for the shade of a grove of karaka trees. Maoris from the nearby pa and pakeha immigrants from the scattered tents and the waiting ships crowded together on the sand while the pious and fiery Presbyterian minister, the Rev. John Macfarlane, conducted the service. He was one of the shipload of Scots who had come on the Bengal Merchant. The Prowse family can still quote the order of that first service, which must have been indeed memorable under the circumstances. There was a prayer, followed by the "Old Hundredth". Then a Scripture reading was followed by the hymn "O God of Bethel, by Whose Hand..." Then came the sermon in which no doubt the Rev. Macfarlane would have given his powers of Scottish rhetoric full fling, and finally the singing of the Twenty-third Psalm.

The memory still remains, too, of the putting up of tents and shanties on the beach or in the nearby sandhills for temporary shelter, and of the kindness and eagerness to help of the Maori people. Ten years after the landing on the beach, Richard Prowse moved his family over the hill to the remote wilds of Wainuiomata, started his mill and founded his family home. They had been years or rewarding hard work shared with him by his three strong, young sons and he could feel prosperity ahead. He and the boys built themselves a house of pitsawn timber and there they established themselves. That house, built by Richard Prowse and his sons in 1850, is still occupied today by their descendants. It has been moved from its original site and altered and added to but the core of the house is the same. It is occupied and owned by Mr and Mrs Claude Burdan.

The Burdans were also among the first Wainuiomata settlers and the two families were joined through a Burdan son marrying a Prowse daughter. Another house was built before long for Richard's eldest son William. This house, too, still stands today and is occupied by Mr and Mrs Galbraith. The pitsawn timber, so carefully chosen and seasoned, is still in fine order. So is part of the school, which was built of timber pitsawn at the younger Richard's mill.

Sawmillers

Sawmilling was naturally a thing that Richard's sons knew a lot about; so did the sons of the younger Richard and later, these three, James, Richard and John, with a partner, John Wright, started sawmills at Levin and Otaki. They had a timber yard in Dixon Street, Wellington. The Weraroa mill was powered by a 25 horse-power engine, manufactured by S. Luke and Company of Wellington. This mill comprised a breaking-down frame, two saw benches and two planers, and the timber chiefly used was red pine, totara and matai.

The church which the first Richard Prowse built in fulfilment of his vow was finished in 1860, at the end of his second decade in the new country, and the end of his first decade in Wainuiomata valley. The first preacher at the church was Mr J. Watkin, a pioneer Methodist missionary who links this landmark of the valley with the first days of missionary work in New Zealand. Memories in the Prowse family cover the story of the Wainuiomata valley from its first occupation by white people to the present day.

A hundred years ago, the family remembers how, as a repercussion of the war that had then started between Maori and pakeha, there were some raids by Maoris on the pakeha farms in the valley and food was very scarce. Crushed wheat and rauriki for a while formed the main items of diet.

Then there was the excitement of the discovery of gold in the valley, at the site of the present waterworks; but the excitement fizzled out because payable quantities were never found.

The Prowse family have been typical of many of the finest of our old families. Quietly, faithfully, steadily, they have forged ahead, helping lay the foundation of this country, unspectacular. Richard the second, for instance, formed the road over the Paekakariki hill. Richard the first, as well as building Wainuiomata's first church, also gave the site. Descendants of that first Richard Prowse are now scattered over New Zealand. The family here hope for a big gathering of them for the reunion. The secretary for the affair is Mrs W. Stewart, of 28 Parakai Street, Paraparaumu, who hopes that as many as possible will get in touch with her and that the little old church at Wainuiomata will be filled to overflowing at the service for this unique occasion.

Levin Chronicle 1973

A man who knew this district with an intimacy that has been the experience of few, died in Palmerston North recently. From a pioneering background, the late Richard Allan Prouse was a true son of Levin, being brought up in the atmosphere that saw its development from bush to borough.

Among the Earliest Settlers

The late Mr Allan Prouse was the only son of Richard and Christina (Granny) Prouse who were among Levin's earliest settlers. They lived in a two-storey house behind the Prouse mill at Weraroa (where the Power Board depot now is), which was one of a number of Prouse Brothers' timber mills in the district.

Another Prouse brother, James and his wife Clara, were established in Queen Street East. This was also a two-storey dwelling built on identical lines to the one at Weraroa.

The house that Richard and Christina lived in was demolished in 1959. An account of this is in "The Chronicle" of February 14 of that year. It was cut into sections when demolished and the timber was used in other buildings, notably a block of flats in MacArthur Street. The Queen Street house still stands.

There was another brother, John, well-known as a singer, who it is understood stayed on in Wellington to look after a timber yard there after it was decided to establish a mill at Levin. Previously, they had mills at Whiteman's Valley and Wainuiomata.

This move to Levin took place in 1891. The late Mr Prouse was born in Levin on September 10, 1894 and was christened Richard Allen John McGregor Prouse. He was a descendant of Richard and Mary Prouse who arrived at Petone Beach in the barque Duke of Roxburgh. This ship (477 tons) left Plymouth on October 5, 1839. The skipper, Captain James Thompson, was lost overboard off St. Stephen's Island. A reunion of the Prouse family was held at Wainuiomata on February 8, 1965.

As was suggested at his funeral service in St Andrew's Presbyterian Church (conducted by Rev. R. A. G. Maddock) it was not surprising that the late Mr Prouse, raised in the environment of native bush, steam engines and logging camps, developed a close affinity for the wonders of nature. A nephew, Mr F. W. (Winton) Parker, told "The Chronicle" these were the interests which stayed with him all his life. Mr Parker said: "He knew all the species of trees and flora of the bush and could identify timber by sight and smell." Even the snails on the forest floor he could readily identify. He had what was probably the finest collection of specimens of hand snails and sea shells in the country, representing some 40 years of work. Many are from this district, but he travelled widely throughout the country in his search. ll are carefully indexed and displayed on trays in a cabinet made from a specially selected tree felled in the area of north Manakau Road. Mr Allan Prouse worked in close liaison with a cousin, the late Mr H. S. (Bert) Prouse and they found enthusiastic help from Mr A. W. P. Powell, acting director of the Auckland Museum. A species of snail discovered in the West Coast of Nelson province during one of the missions is named after Mr Prouse - Paryphanta Superba Prouserum - and is one of the prized specimens in the collection. The snail hunting activities of these three men in the Horowhenua area was the subject of an article in "The Chronicle" on December 31, 1945.

For Museum

It is not yet known what will happen to this magnificent collection but it is likely that it will ultimately end up in a museum. Mr Parker's son, Mark, a grand-nephew to the late Mr Prouse, also takes a keen interest in native snails and has his own collection, which was a delight to Mr Prouse who encouraged him greatly. Snail hunting was only one interest, but it was an absorbing one. Even when unable to walk about, members of the family took him out and he directed them to remote areas, some of which he had not visited in 30 years, but where he would recall there had been colonies and he was always right. The last such field trip was only three months ago, Mr Parker recalled.

Membership of the Native Flora Club and Levin-Waiopehu Tramping Club were natural inclinations for a man who loved the outdoors but on tramping exhibitions [sic] into the Tararuas he used to recall he only made Waiopehu Hut once. There were too many things to interest him on the way and he would stop to pick specimens or photograph them while the main party pressed on. Another collection which was accumulated by the late Mr Prouse were all the programmes from the various amateur musical shows, right up to present days.

Interest in Music

His wife, who predeceased him by just over a year, shared his interest in music. Mrs Prouse (nee Nessie Williamson) came from a pioneer district family. She also was very musical and played the piano. Mr Prouse played the double bass (more commonly known now as a slap bass) in all the local shows and in the days of the silent movies where orchestration was needed to give the necessary sound effects.

The Prouse families went over to farming after the bush was largely cut out. The late Mr Allan Prouse went into dairying and also sheep. He had a property on Tararua Road, but much of this land was taken over by the Government for the Air Force landing field during the war years and after the war, he never really returned to farming, Mr Parker recalled.

Always Busy

But, added Mr Parker, "I don't think you could say he ever really retired. He was always busy and never wasted a minute of his time." He was interested in the establishment of industry here and it is on much of the original Prouse land that many factories now stand. He had a financial interest in one factory and often "popped in" to chat to the staff and was a very popular figure.

Gift was a typical act

One of the acts typical of the late Mr Allan Prouse was his donation of mill stones which he retrieved from a disused Maori flour mill at Poroutawhao for inclusion in the stonework of the entrance to the Lake Domain. They were rescued by Mr Prouse from the remains of the derelict mill which, it is said, was last operated by a group of Catholic Monks. Reference to this mill is contained in the book Early Horowhenua.

The late Mr Allan Prouse was a very happy, good natured character, always with a good story readily at hand. He liked people and was interested in being in their company. Even in his last days, he craved knowledge of things around him. Information he gleaned from his studies of nature and the history of the district he was always ready to pass on. His memory was outstanding.

Although he could afford to be well-dressed, he preferred a pair of old leather boots, trousers with braces, and an open necked work shirt and old hat. Although there was a modern car in the garage of his home it was rarely used by Mr Prouse. He much preferred a little half-ton truck runabout. That is how many Levin people privileged to know Richard Allan Prouse will remember him... a man who learnt much from the environment in which he grew up, accepted this knowledge humbly and set out to ensure that those who followed would benefit by his research and endeavours.

PHOTOS

A picture showing Mr Prouse (second from right) in the casual garb in which he was most at home. It is understood he was helping a friend, Mr W. W. Jamieson, clear a Bartholomew Road section.A view of Prouse's Mill. The two-storey Prouse homestead is shown in the background at the right. Today, Beardsley and Pearce backs onto it. The Horowhenua Electric Power Board depot is where the mill once stood.

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• The Prouse Connection