Levin's famous Father Christmas, in a Covid-19 appropriate mask. In the New World carpark on the corner of Bath St & Oxford St, Levin.
January 2022.
This Father Christmas was brought to Levin from Christchurch in the early 2000's by Malcolm and Mary Russell. His once beckoning finger is no longer operational. At 15m tall he is quite the festive landmark.
Printed on front of mounting board, top left, with black ink: “FOXTON BEACH” Printed on front of mounting board, top right, with black ink: “P 11”
Typed on paper glued to back: ‘P11. Figurehead of ‘Hydrabad’, wrecked at Waitarere Beach, 1878. Photograph donated by Mrs L.P. Crotty, 13/12 Nursery Place, New Plymouth, whose letter includes the following comments: ‘The face of the figurehead may puzzle you. The black part was a very black curly beard—hair also black. The face is uplifted, and capped with a turban, white, I think. If my memory is correct tha [? the] jacket was bright red, sash green (or vice versa), and skirt white. The right arm across the chest, with clenched fist, face swarthy brown. If you look carefully you will see the old man with bowler hat (against the window). I am not sure what the figure holds in his left hand, but it looks like a sword or dagger.’”
“Photo from Auckland Institute and Museum C15,471 (Yerex Photo).”
“Mrs Ruth Liggins reports that it was taken from the wreck by Mr Birchley, owner of the house in background, and erected in his garden in the Avenue, Foxton Beach. It is said to have been destroyed because it frightened children on their way to school. (19/9/85)”
In booklet – ‘Hydrabad’ by R.A. Hubbard, page 35, is written - 21. One Joseph Birchley purchased the burned out hulk for ten pounds and proceeded to strip it of all usable iron scrap, plus any salvageable fittings and furniture that had escaped the fire. The ships figurehead, together with three cannon were sold to a Foxton business man Andrew Jonson.
Also in the booklet, on page 37, is written - 23. For years the figurehead stood in the Avenue Garden of Mr. Andrew Jonson until it was finally chopped up for firewood in March 1933.
See also – Acc. #f1999.0684 & #f1999.0685
The figurehead from ‘Hydrabad’ shipwreck. This figurehead was removed from shipwreck by Mr Joseph Birchley and erected in his garden, The Avenue, Foxton Beach. Destroyed in March 1933.
1 B&W photo print copy, mounted
See booklet – ‘Hydrabad’ by R.A. Hubbard, pages 35 & 37.
See also – Acc. #f1999.0684 & #f1999.0685
Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”
Dennis (Balloon event founder) Hall's market gardner situated outside Levin Mall. He made it to look part europian and part chinese to celebrate the settlers of the past. It contains, I think, a time capsule with papers and other things for people to find in years to come.
the adventure park levin christmas 2007 the 2nd year hope forlots of years to come.15 metres tall was once the symbol of christmas for Chistchurch.brought to Levin by Mary and Malcolm Russell 5 years ago and fully restord after found in a field by a farmers warehouse santawas well loved in Christchurch for 40 years .He stood on the balcony of the then Hay Wrights then later Farmers showing that there were no many sleeps left