Index	LU=11Feb07	Contact: Dawn Chambers

Timeline for Walter Lawrence Frederick Chambers (1867-1932)

1886 Feb 6	Breached Railway by-laws

1887 Jul 12	Sings in St. Andrew's recital
1887 Aug 2	Concert at Cambridge
1887 Aug 25	Good Templar Concert at Cambridge
1887 Sep 27	Character Concert at Cambridge
1887 Oct 8	St. Andrew's Anniversary Soiree
1887 Oct 27	Baptist Soiree at Cambridge
1887 Oct 29	S. Paul's Wesleyan Church concert

1888 May 22	Moves to Auckland

1891 Feb 26	Elected a member of Waikato Farmers' Club
1891 Nov 4	Taranaki: Sang for a Cricket Club

1892 Jan 08	Sang at Taranaki Orchestral Society concert
1892 Nov 25	Singing at Concert in aid of St Mark's organ fund

1894		Land Agent, Eltham

1896 Jan 7	Marriage at Pohokura

1897 Jul 5	Started teaching at Warea - School inspectors
		report written 6 Sep 1897 [Archives NZ Wgtn]

1898 ... ..	Walter teacher, Catherine sewing teacher at Warea

1900 Nov 06	Valentine & Chambers win the wharfinger tender

1901 Jan 11	Valentine & Chambers start a firewood yard
1901 Apr 09	St Barnabas Social and Basket Supper
1901 Apr 19	Advertises Timber and Coal Yard
1901 May 03	Is appointed to the St Barnabas Vestry
1901 May 14	Valintine & Chambers partnership dissolved
1901 Jun 04	Advertisement for Westport Coal
1901 Jun 04	Wesleyan Church Concert
1901 Jun 05	Farewell to Dr Low
1901 Jul 02	Advertises supply of Westport Coal at Opunake
1901 Jul 31	Benefit Social
1901 Oct 15	Designed a fire escape at Opunake
1901 Nov 20	Ikaroa Lodge Annual Installation Meeting
1901 Dec 27	Caledonian Society Concert

1902 Jan 17	Requests permission to cut cocksfoot between Opunake and Manaia
1902 Feb 26	Visit of The Hon. Sir Joseph Ward
1902 Apr 04	Assists at a "trap" accident near St Barnabas
1902 Apr 09	Farewell to Rev. C. Penney

[Searched Opunake Times to 25 Apr 1902]

1902 Aug 06	Files for "witness warrant" in Court

1905 Feb 15	Opunake footpaths

1906 Sep 4	Advertises supply of Taupiri House Coal at Opunake
1906 Sep 4	Church of England Concert at Opunake
1906 Sep 18	Sings at farewell social for Mr and Mrs B. Ramsey

1907 Jul 16	Egmont County Council passes account for payment

1921		Foundation member of Opunake Power Board
1924		Grocer's assistant, Opunake

The Waikato Times 6 Feb 1886
R. M. Court, Cambridge - Spratt v W. Chambers

Breach of Railway by-laws in jumping off the train whilst in motion.
The defendant pleaded guilty. Mr Dyer, for prosecution, stated the
facts of the case to be that whilst the train was approaching the
Cambridge station, and when near the crossing opposite the 
Presbyterian Church, the defendant had jumped off, with the apparent
object of saving a short distance. The train was going at the rate of
about five miles an hour, and the defendant ran considerable risk of a
serious accident. The railway authorities were determined to take
stricter measures in such cases, since the late fatality at Newmarket.
The present case was a flagrant one, and he asked the court to inflict
such a penalty as would act as a caution to others similarly inclined.
In answer to the court the defendant said was ignorant of the law and
had not seen the notices pasted at the various stations. His Worship
said that was a bad excuse, as he was an educated young man and could
read. Fined 10s and cost 1 pound 6s.

The Waikato Times 22 May 1888
The musical inhabitants of Cambridge are about to sustain a heavy loss
by the removal to Auckland of Mr Walter Chambers, who has received an
appointment under the Education Board. Mr Chambers has a fine baritone
voice, and has been a very willing assistant at many of the local
concerts, and he will be greatly missed. We wish him every success in
his new sphere of life.

The Waikato Times 26 Feb 1891
Waikato Farmers' Club (Cambridge Branch)

The ordinary meeting of the above Club was held in the Club-room on
Monday at 7.30pm. There was a good attendance of numbers, also
several strangers from a distance, doubtless attracted by the
announcement that Mr Robt. Dick would give an analysis of Pukerimu
soil and that Mr Caverhill would be present to impart information re
meat freezing. Mr G. E. Clark presided, Mr J. Fisher occupying the
vice-chair. The minutes of the previous meeting were confirmed.

New Members - Messrs Rd. Mears and W. L. F. Chambers were elected
members of the Club.

Fruit and Cheese - The Loan and Mercantile Company sent a circular
informing the members that one of the Shaw Saville and Co.s' steamers
would arrive in Auckland on March 9th and remain two days to load
fruit and dairy produce.

Bond's Almanac - The Chairman said Mr Bond had presented the Club with
a copy of his almanac. He (the Chairman) had carefully perused the
publication and he could recommend the book to the members as a
thoroughly useful and reliable book, containing a great fund of
information.

The Dairy Cow - Mr Rd. Reynolds said he would endeavour to be prepared
with a paper on the Dairy Cow in time for next meeting.

Mr Dick's Analysis - At this time an adjournment was made to the
Oddfellow's Hall, the Club-room not being sufficiently large to
accomodate all who attended. The Chairman then briefly introduced Mr
Dick, who said that when he came to Cambridge fifteen months ago, he
did so with very different feelings to those he experienced at the
present time. The he had to face great difficulties, and his 
reputation appeared to be ruined; however, he was glad to say matters
were pulling round, and he thought both the farmers and the firm he
represented were better satisfied with the results from the manures
supplied during the past year. The sample of soil that he had taken
from Mr Jno. Fisher's land at Pukerimu he had analysed, and for the
purpose of comparison he had prepared a list of analyses of various
English soils, which he trusted The Waikato Times would publish, so
that the farmers would be able to study it at their leisure. The
following are the analyses referred to, the first being the Pukerimu
soil, the remainder being English:- [to be continued next column?]

New Zealand Mail 6 Nov 1891 p15b
Taranaki News. Evening of the 3th[sic], concert for the benefit of
Cricket Club. Mr Chambers sang "The Wedding morning", and afterwards
an amusing song to the charms of "A Cup of Tea", when he played his
own accompaniment.

New Zealand Mail 8 Jan 1892 p16a
Taranaki. Report on Ngaire school picnic and later orchestral society
concert. Mr Chambers sang, Master Douglas Sinclair gave recitation.

New Zealand Mail 25 Nov 1892 p41c
Concert in aid of St Mark's organ fund - Mr Chambers' bass voice was
heard to advantage in Lohr's well-known song, "Out on the Deep".

The New Zealand Mail 16 Jan 1896 page 15
A correspondent writes:-

On Tuesday 7th inst., a very pretty wedding was solemnised at Pohokura
thirty miles from Stratford on the East Road. The contracting parties
were Miss Katie Sinclair eldest daughter of John Sinclair, Esq., late
of Wainuiomata, and Walter, third son of Mr Richard Chambers of
Cambridge.

The ceremony took place at the residence of the brides parents, the
Rev. A. English, of the Anglican Church, officiating. The bride, who
was given away by her father, looked most charming in a gown of rich
ivory corded silk, with the conventional veil and orange blossoms, and
was attended by her sisters, Miss Isabel and Jeanne Sinclair, in pale
green nun's veiling trimmed with white silk.

Mr Stanley G. Chambers, of Hawkes Bay, attended his brother as best
man. After a most enjoyable breakfast, at which some very good
speeches were made, the bride and bridegroom drove away amid showers
of good wishes, rice and old shoes for their home near Oakura, New
Plymouth.

The bride wore a most stylish costume of grey, trimmed with 
irridescent beading and yellow silk, with cape to match and white hat
trimmed with buttercups and black feathers. A great number of handsome
and useful presents were received by the young couple from friends far
and near.

Opunake Times Friday 7 Jun 1901
Wesleyan Church Concert

The above concert was held on Tuesday evening in the Town Hall, and
although the weather was very rough there was a good attendance. The
programme opened with an overture by Messrs Humphries, D. and W.
McNeill, Martin and Pearce, which was played in good style. The
several choruses by the children were excellently rendered and reflect
great credit on Miss Pennye's tuition. The tableau, with song by Miss
Dora Penney, "Please give me a penny sir" was a very pretty and
effective item. Mr W. Penney acquitted himself well in the song "Just
as the Sun went down". Mr Hurst gave a couple of recitations and was
recalled for his second effort. He also sung "The British Navy",
tunefully. Miss Des Forges sang "Because I Love You" in a very
pleasing manner. Mr Mildenhall gave an excellent rendering of "Queen
of the Earth". The old favourite song "Romany Lass" by Mr Chambers
was quite a musical treat. The pianoforte duet, played by Miss and
Mr Humphries was loudly applauded. Miss Wickstead was heard to
advantage in the song "For Old Times Sake". A second tableau "John
Anderson My Jo" with song by Miss Penney was very much appreciated.
Miss Penney also sang "The Cows are in the Clover" very charmingly.
The programme concluded with a march and singing of the national
anthem by the children. The accompaniments during the evening were
played by Mrs Wickstead, Misses Penney and Hickman, and Mr J. 
Humphries.


Opunake Times Friday 7 Jun 1901
Farewell to Dr Low

At the Forrester's Hall on Wednesday evening over forty members and
invited friends gathered together to bid farewell to the surgeon of
Court Egmont, A. O. F. The first part of the evening was devoted to
lodge business, at which two District Officers from New Plymouth were
present. At half-past nine the Foresters and friends sat down before
a temporary table. Bro. M. Heath, Chief Ranger of the Court, occupied
the chair, and on his right was the guest of the evening, whilst on
the left were Bro. Goldwater, District Sub-Chief, and Bro. Tunbridge,
District Secretary from New Plymouth. The vice-chair was occupied by
Bro. J. Briggs, S.C.R. The Chairman proposed the toast of "The King".
Bro. Newman proposed the toast "The Guest". He had very little to say,
but it was all to his credit. He was very pleased when he came to
Opunake, and he was one of the principal men who got him to come. He
deeply regretted the cause to change but hoped it was for his benefit.
He did not know how they would replace him; he was always found when
wanted, and was most attentive. He thought every brother would agree
with him when he said that Dr Low had given satisfaction to all. "For
he's a jolly good fellow".

Dr Low, in reply, said the toast had been proposed by Mr Newman in
very genuine terms. He looked on lodges (referring to his own case) as
a great introduction to general business. He had been here for two
years, and had made many personal friends. He was sorry to leave them
all, but it was to better himself. If the outside people had been as
good to him as the lodge he would not have gone. He thanked them for
the kindness extended to him and also for the way in which they had
drunk his health. (Applause)

"Court Guests" coupled with the names of Bros. Goldwater and 
Tunbridge. Bro. Goldwater, in responding, said to have to reply to a 
toast was quite a surprise to him. He came down for the purpose of
lodge business, but was very pleased to think he and his brother's
presence was appreciated in such a manner. It would be something to
tell the brethren in New Plymouth of the reception their District
Officers received in Opunake. Bro. Tunbridge thanked them very much
for the kind reception. In referring to the guest's departure, he
said he knew the trouble doctors had with lodge patients, and it takes
a clever man to please them, but he had heard that their departing
doctor had satisfied them very well. During the 27 years he had been
a society man he had known doctors to be badly treated, being grumbled
at for nothing, but he was pleased to hear no complaints about the
doctor here.

The Chairman said he regretted to meet there that evening for the
purpose they had - to say farewell to their doctor. While he had been
in charge of the court he believed every brother found him attentive
and kind. Every member regrets him going away, but they are pleased
to know that his leaving the district is to take up a better position.
As a townsmen he has made himself most popular. Now that he was going
away general regret was expressed all round. The brethren of the lodge
wished to present him with a memento of their goodwill, and he had
much pleasure in requesting him to accept a walking stick on their
behalf. The stick was of malacca cane, ivory handle and silver
mounted, on which was inscribed: "Presented to Dr Low, by Court
Opunake, 6608, A. O. F.

Dr Low thanked them very much for the present. It was not the value
but the good wishes of the court. He assured them it was with great
regret he was parting with them. They had been friends to him, and
they could be no more. He would always remember them, and thanked them
from the bottom of his heart for the kind way in which he had been
treated.

"Friendly Societies" proposed by Bro. J. Stewart, coupled with the
name of Bro. Warner. The proposer said he thought every young man
should become a member of a society; it encouraged thrift, and it was
a judicious thing to make preparation for sickness. He would like to
talk to those outside of societies, as it would bear more fruit.
Bro. Warner, in replying, spoke of the advantages derived from joining
a benefit society. Apart from the suffering it helped to lessen, it
brought men more in touch with one another, and by doing so made their
social life all the happier.

"The Ladies", proposed by Bro. Finn in a very eulogistic little speech
and was flatteringly replied to by Bro. E. Swaysland. "The Press"
proposed by Bro. Newman coupled with the name of Messrs Brennan and
Armstrong, the latter responding. "The Chairman" proposed by Bro.
Cummins. In reply the Chairman said he was pleased to have presided
over such a pleasant gathering.

During the evening the following items were given:- Mr Chambers sang
"Romany Lass" and "The Longshoreman"; Mr Staite, "No Fear", "Ya, Ya",
"Arab's farewell to his steed"; Mr Des Forges, "A rolling stone 
gathers no moss", "The old rustic bridge"; Mr H. Briggs, a medley
song, "Ta ra ra"; Mr R. Stewart (recitation) "The Man from Snowy 
River"; Mr Peters, "The Outlaw"; Mr Englefield, "The Powder Monkey";
Mr Tunbridge, comic; Mr Finn, "Let it be soon"; Mr Warner, "Marching
through Georgia"; Mr Martin, "Just as the sun went down"; Mr Markham,
"The sea is England's glory"; Mr Humphries, "Let me like a soldier
fall"; Mr Christie, (recitation) "Allan Bayne"; D. Lowe, recitation;
Mr J. Hickey, song; Mr King, "Down in a coal mine"; Mr Murray Fowler
and Mr J. Humphries officiated at the piano. The singing of "Auld
Lang Syne" brought the proceedings to a close at half-past twelve.


Opunake Times 2 Jul 1901
Westport Coal

W. Chambers is now prepared to supply Westport Coal at:-
Per ton, delivered, 2 pounds 17s 6d (Cash on delivery)
Oats crushed - 8d per bushel

Opunake Times 16 Jul 1901
Westport Coal

W. Chambers is now prepared to supply Westport Coal at:-
Per ton, delivered, 2 pounds 17s 6d (Cash on delivery)
Oats crushed - 3d per bushel


Opunake Times Friday 2 Aug 1901
Benefit Social

The Social on Wednesday evening was well attended. The main feature
of the evening, to the majority of course, was tripping the light
fantastic, this was kept up until a late hour, the music being
excellent. During the evening songs were sung by Messrs Chambers and
Collins, and Miss Henderson. The two former are old favourites with
the Opunake audience and were, as usual, in good voice. Miss Henderson
is a new comer and the possessor of a fine voice with good range, her
rendering of "His Majesty", showed artistical capabilities. Mr Brennan
in the dual capacity returned thanks (on behalf of the committee) for
the attendance of the public and the contributions from donators for
the supper; also, on behalf of W. McLeod for the patronage tendered
on his behalf. Praise is due to the secretary, Mr Clarke, as the 
"heavy end" of the work fell to his lot, and was ably assisted by
Messrs Elgar, Young, Duffil, Hickey, Reid and Mesdames Clarke and Guy.
The music was provided by Messrs Humphries (pianos), McNeill Bros.
(violins), Pearce and McMillan (cornets); Mrs Wickstead played for the
extra waltzes. Mr Elgar acted as M.C. It is expected that when all the
tickets are in the receipts from the social will total within ten
pounds.


Hawera Star 15 Oct 1901 & Opunake Times 18 Oct 1901
The other day we were afforded an opportunity of inspecting the model
of a fire escape designed by Mr Walter L. F. Chambers, of Opunake.
The idea is novel, and we see no reason why the invention should not
be of profit to the ingenious inventor. It is proposed that the
pilasters of a building shall be moveable, by means of a lever placed
on each floor. On the inside of each pilaster will be an iron ladder,
and on an alarm of fire, by manipulating the lever the pilaster falls
out from the building a distance of two feet, and the ladder is ready
for use. In the event of the alarm being given from outside, mechanism
(in the ordinary course kept under lock and key) will be at the
disposal of the fire brigade, who may drop the pilasters into the
required position. Mr Chambers has shown his patent to practical men,
who are impressed with its feasibleness.


Opunake Times Friday 27 Dec 1901
Concert

In the evening a large audience assembled at the hall for the concert
which opened with a pianoforte solo by Mr M. Fowler played in good
style. Mr McDavitt followed with the popular song "Boys in blue"
which caught on with the audience who joined in the chorus. Miss
Bessie Penney who was in capital voice sang "Beauty Sleep" in a very
pleasing manner. Mr Will Francis as usual quite brought down the house
with his female impersonation "My first Wife" and had to respond to a
recall when he contributed in a very humorous manner "Coming thro'
the dye". Mr Cameron danced a "Sailors' Hornpipe" in very fine style
to the piping of Mr McLeod and later danced the "Sword Dance" in a
very artistic style. Mr W. L. F. Chambers sang "The place where the
old horse died" in good style and was loudly applauded. Miss Loder
danced the Highland Fling in even better style than she displayed in
the competition on the sports ground, and received unstinted applause.
Mrs Gilmour sang "Asthore" very sweetly. Miss N. Penny and Messrs
M. Fowler and J. Humphries played the accompaniments.

The farce "The Wigmakers" was then staged after an interval of ten
minutes, and kept the audience in roars of laughter throughout. The
room was then cleared for dancing, which was kept up with vigor for
several hours. The proceeds of concert and dance total about 17
pounds 10s.

On the whole the [Caledonian] Society and the management must be 
congratulated on the highly successful result of the day's amusement, 
which will no doubt encourage them to go in for an improved programme, 
and further improvement to the ground for next meeting.


Hawera Star 17 Jan 1902
The Hawera County Council forwarded a letter received from W. L. F.
Chambers, Opunake, asking for permission to cut cocksfoot grass
growing on the main South road between Opunake and Manaia. The
Chairman reported having replied to Mr Chambers that the Board would
have no objection to his cutting the grass, but that if he did so it
would be at his own risk.


Opunake Times 28 Feb 1902
Visit of The Hon. Sir Joseph Ward K.C.M.G.; Enthusiastic reception.

Wednesday last, being the occasion of the first visit of Sir Joseph
Ward to Opunake, was quite a gala day in the town. His visit was
made at the request of the people, who were desirous of hearing him,
and they consequently tendered him an invitation and request that he
would perform the ceremony of opening the new Post Office and
Courthouse recently erected. The town was gaily decorated with
bunting by Mr Des Forges, assisted by Messrs Swaysland and Wallace,
and generally the place bore a holiday look. Many country settlers
came into town for the occasion, and the school children were given
a holiday and were in evidence at the opening ceremonies. The
reception committee had decided on a much more effective display,
but the notice of the exact time of his visit was so short that all
the proposed arrangements could not be carried out. At one o'clock
the Ministerial party, consisting of Sir Joseph Ward, his private
secretary, Messrs E. M. Smith and F. McGuire, M.H.R.'s Ronayne,
Gore, and G. W. Taylor, arrived, and were received by the reception
committee and a large assemblage of the public. Mr M. J. Brennan,
chairman of the reception committee, welcomed Sir Joseph Ward
to the town, and called for three cheers for him, which were
given with a will. The party then proceeded to the Post Office,
which was gaily decorated with bunting, and the chairman
introduced the business of the day.

On coming forward Sir Joseph Ward was greeted with applause,
and said it afforded him very great pleasure to be present that
day, the occasion being an important one in the history of the
town and district. Ministers as far as was possible endeavoured
to make themselves personally acquainted with all parts of the
colony, the affairs of which they were called on to administer.
He was highly gratified and pleased with this appearance of
the magnificent country he had passed through that day, and was
delighted to observe the general air of comfort and prosperity
which he had noticed on all sides. The district was noted for
its rainfall, but this could only be looked on as a great
blessing, when they considered the great droughts which afflicted
parts of the neighbouring Australian colonies. The whole of New
Zealand was in a highly prosperous state, and he was pleased to
see every evidence that this district was participating in it.
In regard to the postal and telegraph department with which that
day's proceedings were intimately connected, it would be
admitted that it was one of the most important branches of the
public service. Its officers needed to be men of the utmost
integrity, as the most private affairs of the community had to
be entrusted to them, and he had no hesitation in saying that
it enjoyed the fullest confidence of the public. The first
post-office was opened in Opunake in 1870, and the first
post-master was Mr Black, who received the munificent salary
of 5 pounds a year. Now the staff had increased to three.
He then gave a comparative statement showing the growth of
the business. The Government, he said, where possible when
erecting public buildings, looked to the future and consequently
had erected the present office in brick and had so planned it
that when necessary it could be enlarged, which he hoped the
rapid progress which the district was evidently making would
soon become a necessity. The member for the district, Mr E. M.
Smith, had never lost an opportunity of bringing the needs of
the district under the notice of the authorities, and he had
just returned from England where he had been engaged in
endeavouring to bring the ironsand industry to a successful
issue. If he succeeded it would mean great prosperity, not only
to Taranaki, but the whole colony, and he was sure every one
present, as well as himself, hoped that Mr Smith would be
successful in his endeavours as he had spent the best years of
his life and his indomitable energy in the undertaking.
(Applause) He said he was pleased to learn that the school
children had been granted a holiday as, on such occasions he
always requested that favor on their behalf. Again wishing
every prosperity to the district and that it might continue
making rapid strides he now had much pleasure in declaring the
Post Office duly opened. (Applause)

Mr E. M. Smith then came forward and was warmly received. He
said he would not detain them then as he intended taking the
earliest opportunity of addressing them and he would reserve
his remarks till then. He briefly referred to his mission home
and took the opportunity of thanking Mr McGuire for having
given him a pair during his absence, so that the Government
should not lose the benefit of his side. (Applause)

Mr F. McGuire, on stepping forward was received with enthusiasm,
and said it afforded him much pleasure to be present on such an
auspicious occasion, and he hoped that it would not be long
until the rapid development of the town and country necessitated
larger public buildings still and that it would be connected by
rail with the main line near Eltham. (Applause)

Cheers were then given for Sir Joseph Ward, Messrs Smith and
McGuire, and the chairman. The party then proceeded to the
new Court-house where, in a brief speech, Sir Joseph Ward
declared it duly opened.

THE BANQUET
An adjournment was then made to Middleton's Hotel where an excellent
spread was laid out by Host O'Meara, the quality of which quite
upheld the reputation of the house. Mr M. J. Brennan, Chairman
of Reception Committee occupied the chair. On his right were Sir
Joseph Ward and Mr F. McGuire, M.H.R.; and on the left Mr E. M.
Smith, M.H.R. and Mr Ronayne, General Manager of Railways. Mr Robt.
Lambie occupied the vice-chair.

There were also present:- Mr H. Dunbar Johnston (Judge of the Native
Land Court), Mr Gore (N.Z. Railways), Mr G. W. Taylor (Mayor of
Eltham); Messrs W. Armstrong, G. P. Armstrong, W. R. Barclay, C. E.
Bryce, P. Cook, W. Chambers, J. Conaglen, M. Deegan, M. Finn, J.
Feaver, M. Heath, D. M. Holmes, R. Lambie, A. Lusk, J. Macfie, R.
Malcolm, R. Morris, E. Maxwell, J. Miller, A. H. Moore, J. McDavitt,
D. McGregor, C. McHardy, J. C. O'Rorke, T. O'Connor, J. F. Phillips,
G. W. Rogers, J. Ryan, F. Read, C. S. Stronge, J. Simpson, J.
Stevenson, C. B. Sims, J. Stewart, G. Tindle, C. A. Trotter, J.
Thacker, B. Vickery, R. Warner, G. Wallace, C. Wong, J. Young.

CONCERT
The concert organised by Mr J. Humphries and members of his orchestra,
in aid of the funds of the Opunake Brass Band, took place on Wednesday
evening, when there was a good attendance in the Town Hall. The
opening piece was a Grand March entitled "Great Inter Ocean" played in
capital style by the orchestra, consisting of Messrs Martin, McNeill
Bros. (violins) Pearce (cornet) and Humphries (piano). They also
played a selection "L. Elisir D. Amore", a quick march, "Present Arms"
and a selection from "Maritana" being deservedly applauded for each
item. Song "My Dearest Heart" by Miss B. Penney, was very effectively
rendered, for which she elicited rounds of applause. Mr Chambers was
vociferously encored for his expressive singing of "The Arab's
Farewell to his Steed" and repeated the last verse. A cornet duet
"Home to our Mountains" by Messrs Cummins and Pearce, was splendidly
played. A chorus "Mary and Martha" by Messrs Middleton and Humphries,
Mesdames Martin and Harrison, and Misses Harrison and Penney, was very
much appreciated, the various parts being well taken. They also sang
"Sweet Chiming Bells" with equally good effect. Miss N. O'Brien
received unstinted applause for the rendering of "A light in the window"
which was sweetly sung. "My Life for Thee" was well sung by Mr Mildenhall
in his well-known style, which was duly appreciated. The Brass Band
played a selection entitled "Sydney by night" and were very loudly
applauded. It was explained that this piece was composed from different
tunes heard by the composer during a nocturnal visit round the city of
Sydney. Mr W. Francis almost convulsed the audience in his comic song
"Give 'em all a Turn" and in response to an encore gave "Dear old Bobs".
Miss B. Harrison was very successful in her singing of "Soldier Laddie"
the appreciation of which was shown by loud applause. The song "Old
Madrid" was finely given by Mrs A. Martin who was rapturously applauded.
Mr E. C. Middleton gave a good rendering of "Steady boys, steady" which
was well appreciated. A piano duet by Mr and Miss Humphries was played
in capital style and good time. The singing of God Save the King
brought the programme to a close. The accompaniments were played by 
Mr and Miss Humphries. Mr Armstrong, on behalf of the promoters of
the concert and the band, returned thanks to the audience and the
performers, Messrs Humphries and Pearce being deserving of special
thanks for their spirit in organising the concert. Dancing was kept
upt for several hours by about 40 couples to good music, aided by
light refreshment. The band should benefit to the extent of between
8 and 10 pounds.


Opunake Times Tuesday 8 Apr 1902
On Friday evening an accident happened opposite the English Church
to Mr and Mrs Preston. Mr Preston states he was coming into Opunake
from New Plymouth in his trap and was walking his horse along slowly,
keeping to his own side of the road, when he was run into by some
girls on horseback. His horse jumped up and bolted forward, pitching
Mrs Preston out on one side and himself on the other. His horse got
clear of the trap with the sudden jerk, and on looking round Mr
Preston found his wife under the wheel of the trap. He desires to
thank Mr and Mrs D. Carroll and Mr and Mrs Chambers for their kind
assistance.


Opunake Times Friday 11 Apr 1902
Farewell to Rev. C. Penney

On Wednesday evening about one hundred persons assembled in the Town
Hall to take part in the farewell to Rev. C. Penney, who has been
appointed to the Franklyn district by the Methodist Conference.

Mr J. Guy, in referring to the object of the assemblage, said that
Mr Penney had been here for four years, and most people remembered
the way the family entertained them when they came here by the
singing of the Jubilee songs. That evening others were goint to
entertain the Penney Family and a programme of songs would be gone
through. The following items were contributed: Duet, Miss and Mr
Humphries; they also played a piece later in the evening; Messrs
Englefield, Mildenhall, Chambers and Wiggins sang quartettes entitled
"It is so", "Away over there" and "Who Did"; Mr Mildenhall sang "The
old brigade" and "Because I love you"; Miss Penney gave "All
Halloween" and afterwards sang "Dear old home" responding to an
encore with "Cuckoo"; Mr Jones was encored for his song "Nellie
Moore" and responded with "The whistling of the wind"; recitation
"The lightning roddist" Mr Hurst; trio "Good Night" Messrs Chambers,
Wiggins and Mildenhall. The accompaniments were played by Mrs Jones,
Miss Nita Penney, Miss Hickman, and Mr J. Humphries. [column item
continues]


Archives NZ Wellington Reference ABIB W3865 Box 4
Opunake Home Warrant Book 1883-1912

Date		Plaintiff	Defendant	Document	Amount
1902 Aug 6	L.F. CHAMBERS	Hd. SHAW	Witness warrant	9 13s 6d
Amount paid

New Zealand Mail 15 Feb 1905 p28d
Opunake. Footpaths of town receiving top-dressing of fine metal. Work
being done by Mr Chambers and the Town Board's foreman.

Opunake Times 4 Sep 1906
COAL, COAL	Taupiri House Coal, Single Stack 5s 6d delivered
Walter L. F. Chambers Wharfinger & General Carrier
Agent: New Zealand Express Co. Ltd.

Church of England Concert

On Monday evening a good programme was submitted to a fair and
appreciative audience in the Town Hall. Mr J. Humphries opened the
programme with a spirited pianoforte selection. Miss Johns sang
"Asleep in the deep" with good effect and Mr Lonergan followed with
a good rendering of "Davy Jones Locker". Miss Parkes sang "Flight of
Ages" very effectively, and was equally successful in "Sing me to
sleep". "To the front" was sung with good expression by Mr Gray.
Mrs O'Meara contributed "Gondola Dreams" in her well known pleasing
manner, and was followed by Mr Chambers, who sang "Galilee" (with
cello obligato by Mr W. Markham) in splendid style. He also gave
"The Scout" with good effect. Mr Mildenhall was recalled for his fine
singing of "Old Madrid" and repeated a verse. Miss Brown sang "Till
death" in a sympathetic manner. Mr Gordon was encored for "The Mighty
Deep" and responded with "Queen of the earth". The same performer also
supplied the humerous part of the programme by giving a musical 
sketch, being an imitation of Melba Spurr's style. He kept the 
audience in laughter the whole of the time. On being encored he
created further merriment by telling a funny story. The accompaniments
were played by Mrs Feaver, Miss Hickman, and Mr Humphries. The
National Anthem terminated the concert.

Dancing was then merrily indulged in for a few hours. Mr Humphries
supplying good and lively music, assisted by Miss Hickman and Mr C.
Feaver. Mr S. Forsyth acted as M.C. The ladies supplied cordial drinks
and refreshments. The committee express their thanks to the performers
for their valued services. The receipts will amount to about 11 
pounds.

Opunake Times 18 Sep 1906
A farewell social was tendered to Mr and Mrs B. Ramsey (who are going
to Hamilton) in the Town Hall last evening when there were between 30
and 40 couples present, who had an enjoyable evening at dancing,
cards and singing.

Vocal items were given by Mrs Ramsey, Messrs Gordon, Gray, McDavitt,
Mildenhall and Chambers. Dance music was supplied by Miss Humphries,
Messrs Humphries, McNeill, Duncan, W. Markham, Gordon and C. Feaver.
Mr J. Goldie was M.C. and Miss Hicks acted as secretary. The singing
of 'Auld Lang Syne' terminated the evening.

Opunake Times 16 Jul 1907
Egmont County Council - accounts passed for payment
W. Chambers 2 pounds 3s.

1840-1940 Centennial of New Zealand; Opunake & County of Egmont
Celebrations April 7th to 10th, 1940
It was then considered that a much larger area than the town could be
served and the Power Board was formed in 1921, the first members
being Messrs C. A. Trotter (chairman), J. P. Burton, M. O'Brien,
F. Carter, W. L. F. Chambers, H. Young, whilst Mr A. O'Brien was
appointed Secretary and Mr Webb, Engineer, whilst the services of
Messrs Templin & Toogood were retained.