Inscribed on back, “Mrs R A MacDonald, Winchester Street, Levin” and “Mrs Hector McDonald with Mr & Mrs J Davies Sympathy and Best Wishes 18 Sept 1902”

Large group of unidentified Maori and European men, women and children in front of weatherboard private residence and a large hedge.

John Davies is in the centre row slightly to the left of centre, dresssed in a frock-coat with a felt hat in his right hand. Hector Hugh McDonald is the third gentleman from the right in the back row, wearing a straw hat.

Inscription on front, “Mr & Mrs John Davies home at Koputaroa about 1900.” Inscriptions on reverse, ‘Mrs R A MacDonald, Winchester St, Levin.” and “Mrs Hector McDonald with Mr and Mrs J Davies Sympathy and Best Wishes 18 Sept 1902.”

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

Penciled on back - Flag Ceremony July 13 1901 Mr Stevens M.P.

Stamped on back with purple ink - John Cleland Photo Studio Ltd. Ph. 78-878

Flag raising ceremony, Shannon School, 18th July 1901 1 B&W photo print, copy

The Horowhenua Mounted Rifles are lined up in background (left). Some band music instruments are sitting on ground (right).

Information in 1949 Jubilee booklet (Acc.#1979.132.0002): First flagpole erected, 18th May, 1901 (replaced 21 June 1917). 18th July, 1901 the ceremony of hoisting the flag took place at the Shannon School. Among those present were Hon. T.Y. Duncan (Minister of Lands), Mr John Stevens (M.H. Reps.), the Horowhenua Mounted Rifles and the Shannon Brass Band. Speeches were made by Messrs Duncan, Stevens, Davis, Rev. McLean, Nation, Voysey (headmaster), and Lind.

Identical photo to Acc. #s2001.020.0001

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

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen: “John Davies, from negative on loan from D.D. Gilchrist, Trentham.”

John Davies, at home in his garden. A poor quality copy.

1 B&W photo print, copy (poor quality, made from negative)

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

1) History of an early trading firm.

The passing of a colourful personality in the trading world in the early days of Levin is noted in a copy of "The Chronicle" of February, 1949. He was Mr. Thomas Bevan, born 85 years previously. His parents were prominent in the early days of New Zealand.

2) Town clerk needs to be a diplomat.

Being a town clerk brings tasks which requires skill as a diplomat. You meet all sorts of people and you get some strange jobs to do in all of which versatility and quick thinking play a big part.