The art of the 'silly cat photo' so beloved by the internet dates back to the 1870s. Cats have been seen dressed up in suits (one even had a monocle on!) and were often accompanied by silly captions. 

This cat doesn't look at all pleased to be in it's photograph. As an image it lacks technical polish- the shadow of the photographer intrudes into the image. A hand (soon to be scratched, maybe?) holds the unwilling feline still. The whole thing is overexposed. 

While it wouldn't win any awards, snapshots like this are some of the most pure slices of life ever to be recorded. Even better, it is a magic lantern projector slide- it took effort to make it. So someone, somewhere saw the photo and thought 'that is worth keeping'. 

But it probably wasn't the cat.

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen: “Back row Harry Whibley, Gwen Stuart-Forbes Lf to rt, 1920’s Jacky Charles, Clarry Satherly, Pearl Satherly, Sandy Logan, Athur Satherly & Brian Clayton”

NOTE – spelling: Satherly (on back of photo) but Satherley (on info sheet)

Eight children in fancy dress representing Ireland at Empire Day celebrations, c.1920. Harry's mother was a dressmaker (who owned a camera" and his father worked at flax mill. Harry was wearing a green waistcoat and Gwen wore a green dress and had shamrocks in her hair. Costumes made by Mrs Wibbley.

Photo taken behind present Fire Station Grey Street, Shannon.

The children pose with Harry Whibley’s six pet rabbits. Those in the photograph are from left to right:-

Back Row : Harry Wibbley and Gwen Stuart-Forbes. Front Row: Jackie Charles, Clarry Satherley, Pearl Satherley, Sandy Logan, Arthur Satherley & Brian Clayton.

1 Colour photo print, copy (of sepia tone original)

NOTE – spelling: Satherly (on back of photo) but Satherley (on info sheet)

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

The Swans of Wahroonga

Elizabeth Swan and her children, 1975

David, Stephen, Bronwyn and Fiona.

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

Ernie with Molly the Pony & her Foal Phyllis

Ernie, John Montgomery?,Ivan Anderson, Norman Gates, Tip the dog, Laddie & Blossom the horses, with the horse drawn hay mower

Ernie & Dorothy Cresswell on Molly the Shetland Pony.

c. 1945

Ernie Gates and his pet lamb.

​

1940.

#CaptureYourHorowhenua photography competition - Nature & Adventure / April 2022.   

 Hōkio Beach. My Dog Dottie and I live at Hokio beach. We walk and swim, enjoying the beauty the beach offers whatever the weather. 

Photographer: Stewart Whiting

#CaptureYourHorowhenua is a district-wide amateur photography competition that encourages Horowhenua residents to showcase what they love about their district. The images are exhibited at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, and the winner is decided by public vote.   

#CaptureYourHorowhenua photography competition - Nature & Adventure / April 2022.    

 Waitārere Beach, one dog exhausted from run on beach. 

Photographer: Rachael Mills.

#CaptureYourHorowhenua is a district-wide amateur photography competition that encourages Horowhenua residents to showcase what they love about their district. The images are exhibited at Te Takeretanga o Kura-hau-pō, and the winner is decided by public vote.   

Penciled on back - The Muhunoa East School section of the Horowhenua Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Club Compet[it]ions. Standard III pupil Colin Robb with his lamb Jughead which took first place in care and rearing.

Stamped on back with black ink - Horowhenua Historical Society. Acc. No. 137 Date.

The Muhunoa East School section of the Horowhenua Boys’ and Girls’ Agricultural Club Competitions. Standard 3 pupil Colin Robb with his lamb Jughead, which took first place in care and rearing. 1 B&W photo print

[?] Photo assumed taken on same day as #.0743

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