POROUTAWHAO Std 11959 

Back: Russell Pratt, Robin Kerehoma, Geoff Lewis, …….., Eddie Hill, Rex Henderson, …….., Nobby Jinkinson, Alan Cockrell

Middle: Darcy Lewis, Jack Tamihana, Hirama Tamihana, John Oliver, Robert Herbert, Dennis Hayfield, Russell Easton, …….., Trevor Easton

Front: Rosemary Blake, Jennifer Russell, Anne Grundy, Lynne Williams, Patsy Convery, Mama Hirini, Vanessa Campbell

POROUTAWHAO Std 2/3[BH1] 1959 

Back: Nattie Tatana, Koro Kerehoma, Charlie Matenga, Dennis Williams, Alistair Lewis, Norman Smyth, Mick Tatana, Jim Thornton, Teddy Hirini

Middle: B Thompson, Bossie Hirini, Doug Easton, Rex Hopper, Graham Anderson, Glennis Herbert, Helen Matenga, Malcolm Pratt, Charlie Cockrell, Bruce Hill

Front: Marilyn Bagrie, Carolyn Jinkinson, Madeline Russell, Hinga Graham, Alida Cockrell, Lorraine Henderson, Diana White, Robyn McLennan, Shirley Hayfield

The last thing anyone expected when going to the cinema was being presented with an investment opportunity (unless the cinema happened to be for sale!) but life can provide surprises. Government Works Loans were internal borrowings by the Government to fund public works. Money was sourced from individuals and then paid back with interest. 

According to the 1959 'Hansard' records, 3,772 people subscribed to the 1959 Works Loan, with 939 people loaning under 200 pounds to the scheme. Government Departments also took part in the loan. The previous year's Work Loan raised fifteen million pounds! (although it had more subscribers than 1959's).

The last train from Foxton to Palmerston North rounding a curve at the approach to Palmerston North. Engine A 601 is hauling six carriages during this 1959 trip.

Cutting from newspaper

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

The last train to leave Foxton climbs the incline behind the factory, 1959. An excursion train ran on 17 July 1959 and 10 days later the Foxton line was closed (27 July 1959).

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

A large crowd stands alongside the last railway train to leave Foxton, 1959.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Typed inscription on reverse reads: ” The last train to leave Foxton before the closing down of the Palmerston North – Foxton line. Photo taken by F H Murray, Foxton. 18 July 1959.”

Last train to leave Foxton prior to the closing of the line between Foxton and Palmerston North 18 July 1959. Engine 601 is decked with flags and pulls a number of carriages. People are gatherered on either side of the train.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Inscription on reverse reads: “Last train leaving Foxton”

Taken from the north this photograph is of the last railcar to leave Foxton station. A crowd stands on the eastern railway embankment and in front of the railway station. On the track to the west of the railcar is a railway wagon.

2 copies of this photograph

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Update October 2015:

We received an email from Richard Armstrong with a photo and a link to this YouTube video of the last railcar at Foxton:

"Further information for you is that the last passenger train on the Foxton Branch was on Saturday 18th July 1959 hauled by steam locomotive A 601 a YouTube clip of this trip can be seen here: Foxton Last Train 18 July 1959.avi

The last freight train ran a few days after and the line formally closed on the 27th July 1959."

Pencilled on back - Arthur & Edith ^ Hudson homestead – Fairfield Rd Levin

Aerial view of Arthur & Edith Hudson’s farm homestead in Fairfield Road

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

One of six photo’s in accession. (6)

6) Slicing of 60th Jubilee Cake 1959.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

A series of 5 photographs of the Foxton Railway Station with crowd at ocassion of Last Train 1959. Rear of train labeled “The End” Sation and crowd on platform in background

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

A series of 5photographs of the Foxton Railway Station with crowd at ocassion of Last Train 1959. Engine ready to push wagon with crowd watching. Man with hands in pockets in foreground.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

A series of 5 photographs of the Foxton Railway Station with crowd at ocassion of Last Train 1959. Backs of crowd with train in view above their heads

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

A series of 5 photographs of the Foxton Railway Station with crowd at ocassion of Last Train 1959. Boys in front and men next to the engine

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

A series of 5 photographs of the Foxton Railway Station with crowd at ocassion of Last Train 1959. 2 men in front of carriage labeled “Foxton”.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Names on reverse of photograph

Foxton Borough Council, 1959. Seated at the Mayor’s table are from left to right:- S Morris, G L A King (Mayor) and J C Willmot (Town Clerk). Stand behind them are from left to right:- L Bartosh, Melvie Evans, E Murphy, D Morris and R Coburn.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Pencilled on back - Regent Theatre Tuck Shop owned by Percy & Jean Hudson – serving at counter

Group of children in Regent Theatre sweet shop

Jean Hudson (left) wearing dark glasses is serving behind counter.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Pencilled on back – Regent shop window

Stamped on back with green ink – 136H

Regent Theatre sweet shop window on Oxford Street displaying products by Nestlè

Sign on window – The Old Gold Confectionery

Reflection in window shows Allen building (formerly Arcadia Hotel) on corner of Bath Street, with balconey on Bath Street side.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Pencilled on back – No 28 Hudson Queue at shop for pictures – kids getting sweets etc. Approx 1949 – 1950’s

Crowd in Regent Theatre sweet shop during intermission

Jean Hudson (left) wearing dark glasses is serving behind counter.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Pencilled on back – W588 Arthur & Edith Hudson land & homestead. end of Fairfield Road – still exists today. Arthur came out from England in 1901

Stamped on back with blue ink - This is an Aerial Photograph BY AUSTER AIR SERVICE P.O. Box 299, Timaru Copies are obtainable Copyright

Another aerial view of Arthur & Edith Hudson’s farm homestead in Fairfield Road

Plus additional copy.

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Joan Elliot’s children Christene Cathie

Christene and Kathryn Elliot, 1959 -1960

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Ist XV Rugby Team, Foxton District High School 1959. Not all those appearing in this photograph are named, but those who are include:-

Back Row:- W Melton, B Smith, N Kunaiti and Mr W Kane (Coach)

Front Row:- K Hunt, W Holden, J Read, W Robinson,

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”

Members of the Foxton Senior Rugby Team, winners of the Horowhenua Championship 1959. Those in the Photograph are from left to right:-

Back Row:- J Higginson, K Dawson, H Shaw, C MacLean, B Williams, K Betty, L Enoka.

Middle Row:- W Swainson (Club Captain) K Coley, E Pratt, R Saville, B Vertongen, W Kuiti, N Merriman, G Huff (Coach).

Front Row:- D Betty, D Taylor, G Robinson (Vice Captain), W Jarvis (President), H Lay (Captain), A Robinson, D McQuilkin.

The trophies are from left to right:- Ramsbottom Cup (Challenge), Robinson Rose Bowl (Conduct and Neatness) and the McLeanan Cup (Championship).

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Foxton Historical Society”