Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com
Born: Invercargill 2 June 1921. The only child of Frank Edward Wright and
Minnie Norma Palgrave Featherstone.
Educated: Invercargill Middle School (primary) and Southland Boys’ High School.
1937: The family moved to Wellington
1938: Employed as Junior Copywriter in Advertising Agency.
1940: Conscripted into the Army as a Gunner on coastal defence artillery at
Wellington Harbour Heads.
1941: Volunteered for Royal New Zealand Air Force.
1942: Entered RNZAF for training as a pilot. Primary training on D.H.82 “Tiger
Moth” at Taieri.
1943: Advanced training on Harvard aircraft at Woodbourne. Presented with
Pilot’s Wings in April. Sailed to UK from Napier.
As Sergeant Pilot, was trained in England on Miles Master MKI and MKII
at Wrexham, North Wales, as a fighter pilot.
November, selected by Royal Air Force as Instructor; trained at 2 FIS
Montrose, Scotland.
1944: RAF multi-engine aircraft flying instructor at Shawbury, near Shrewsbury;
Taten Hill, near Burton-on-Trent; South Cerney; near Cirencester.
1945: December returned to New Zealand by ship.
1946 – 1949: Trained by father as a signwriter.
1946: Married Doreen Patricia Hilton. Son, Paul Hilton Wright born
November 16th 1947
1949: Joined the RNZAF Active Reserve of Flying Instructors and attended
annual refresher courses until discharged in 1957 with rank of Flight
Lieutenant.
1950 – 1969: served as flying instructor/charter pilot at Wellington Aero Club,
Auckland Aero Club and Rotorua Aero Club. In this period was instructor
based at Auckland Airport for Airline Flying Club, established by Air New
Zealand employees.
1957: Daughter, Alicia Joy was born July 16th.
1958 – 1967: I was a Department of Civil Aviation Flight Testing Officer,
examining for issue of Private and Commercial Pilot Licences and the issue
and renewal of Instructor Ratings.
1969 – 1971: Appointed as Advisor to the Thai Government. Pilot Training for
introduction of T6/24 New Zealand built training aircraft at Hua Hin in
Thailand. I was invited (with N.Z government approval) as Flying
Instructor.
1971: Wife died.
Employed as instructor in Wanganui training Bangladeshi students to gain
Commercial Pilot’s Licence and carry out crop-spraying on FU24 Fletcher
Aircraft, built in New Zealand.
1974: Married Dora Ann Heath-Caldwell (nee Jones)
1974 – 1976: Established a Pilot Training School in Dacca, Bangladesh to train
pilots for the Commercial Pilot Licence and crop spraying.
1976: Back in New Zealand, established a Pilot Training School for National
Airways Corporation at Christchurch. Trained two courses of Indonesian
Pilots until it was disbanded by Air New Zealand in 1980.
1980 –1982: Charter Pilot/Instructor at Aero Work, Wanganui.
1982: Retired.
Total flying hours: 9,800
Retirement hobby: Sign-writing and art calligraphy.
This record is prepared from memory in February 2014 at the age of 92 by me,
Frank Wright.
Wedding of Robert Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Grace Meek at Fairfax.
22 January 1913
Photo differs slightly from photo below. Looks like Arthur Featherstone in front of lady 31 - Kelli Shaw has moved, possibly to take photo. Lady no.50 - Isobelle Meek has changed places with a man
Wedding Photo
Guests attending the wedding of Robert Thomas Smith and Elizabeth Grace Meek at the Bride's home, Fairfax 22 January 1913.
1 - Jack Tipler
2 - Mr Campbell
3 - Jim Brownridge
4 - Uncle John Meek (brother of the Bride's father)
5 - Minister's wife.
6 - Rev Sandy McDonald
7 - ?
8 - Isabel Meek (Mrs Featherstone)
9 - Robert Smith (Bridegroom)
10 - Grace Meek (Bride)
11 - Rev. John Erwin (Officiating Minister)
12 - George Wraytt (Best man)
13 - Eva Meek (Bride's Maid0
14 - Tertia Decima Meek
15 - Jim Kingsland
16 - Arthur Shaw
17 - Mr Shaw (Senior)
18 ?
19 - Mrs Bennett
20 - ?
21 - ?
22 - William Meek
23 - Peter Shaw
24 - Arthur Featherstone
25 - Charlie Brownridge
26 - Matthew Smith (Bride's Father)
27 - Miss Irwin
28 - Evelyn Cray
29 - Mrs Oughton
30 - Mrs Campbell
31 - Miss Nellie Shaw
32 - Miss Bessie Shaw
33 - Mrs Shaw (Mother)
34 - Christina Wyatt
35 - Mrs Annie Meek (Wife of Percy Meek)
36 - Mrs Jim Kingsland
37 - ?
38 - Alice Wryatt
39 - Rossie Smith (Bridegroom's Sister)
40 - Robert Percy Meek
41 - Ada Mary Meek
42 - Katie Featherstone
43 - Norma Featherstone
44 - Annie Featherstone
45 - Robert Featherstone (?)
46 - Mrs Elizabeth Smith (ne Hodgetts, Bridegroom's Mother)
47 - Rebecca Meek (Bride's Mother)
48 - Robert Meek (Bride's Father)
49 - Mrs Oughton
50 - Mrs Isobel Meek (ne Miller - George Meek's First Wife)
51 - ?
Tobias, It would be interesting to get a run down on who all these people were and what happened to them.
Wright Family
Walter Charles Wright married Eliza A. Mitchell and their descendants were:-
Walter Charles Wright, born 1824 in Essex, England. An architect, he became a practical staircase builder. In 1846 he married Eliza Mitchell, a daughter of Edward Mitchell of Kensington, London. It could be that another daughter of Edward Mitchell was Nellie, later to become Dame Nellie Melba, the great operatic singer.
Walter Charles Wright and Eliza Wright sailed from Gravesend on the ship "Peter Denny" as assisted immigrants with eleven family members on 2nd May 1874 to settle at Invercargill. Eliza Wright died at Invercargill on 12th July 1898, leaving six daughters and three sons, the fourth son, possibly Frank, had returned to England. It would appear that Walter Charles Wright and a son pre-deceased Eliza.
The family were listed on the "Peter Denny" passenger list as:-
A - Walter C. - Carpenter - Age 44 years.
B - Eliza A. - House wife - Age 43 years.
1 - Sarah E. Wright - Cook - Age 23 years
2 - Caroline Wright (Pink) - Housemaid - Age 21 years.
3 - Mary Hinson Wright - Housemaid - Age 19 years
4 - William Henry Wright - Age 15 years.
5 - Frank Wright - Age 13 years.
6 - Omega Wright (Omi) - Age 8 years.
7 - Ellen Wright - Age 6 years.
8 - Edward W. Wright - Age 5 years
9 - Walter Wright - Age 2 years.
10 - Lily Wright - Age 8 months
xx - John Wright - Age 21 years (possibly a brother of Walter C. Wright).
------------------------------------------------------------------------
2 - Caroline Wright (Pink) - born 30 May 1852 at Islington, London. the second child of Walter and Eliza Wright. Married 10 April 1875 at Invercargill to John Williams. A nurse and domestic in London. The mother of nine children. Died 13 Oct. 1931 at Lower Hutt at age 79.
3 - Mary Hinson Wright (Polly) - born 4 May 1854 at Islington, London. The third child of Walter and Eliza Wright. Married 12 June 1875 at Invercargill to James Charles Booth, dairy farming at Port Albert, Kaipara Harbour. Mother of seven children. Died 10 Oct. 1926 at Auckland at age 72.
6 - Omega Wright (Omi) - born 6 June 1865 at Camberwell, London, the sixth child of Walter and Eliza Wright. Married 29 Dec. 1887 at Invercargill to George Henry Allan - Lighthouse Keeper. Mother of eight children. Lived at Invercargill, Westport, Nelson, Collingwood, Hamilton. Died 22 May 1933 at Hamilton at age 68
8 - Edward (Ted) Walter Wright - Born 25 Oct 1868 in Camberwell, Surrey, England, arrived in Invercargill with the family as a 5 year old. he attended Invercargill South School, later learning his trade as a hairdresser in Dee Street. He established a business in Tay Street as a hairdresser and tabacconist in 1888. Hairdressing was his occupation for 54 years in Invercargill. His last shop was on the corner of the Crescent - Tay Street - Dee Street (over looking Bill Graham's 'Pie Cart.")
Ted Wright was prominent in the Caledonian Society of Southland M.U.I.O.O.F., Old Fellows Lodge, Sports and Entertrainment circles.
Edward Walter Wright married Jane Stewart, born at Invercargill on 18 Nov 1871, a daughter of Scottish parents Mr and Mrs David Stewart from the Edinburhg area. David Stewart was a well-known bricklayer, building the Invercargill Post Office. the marriage took place on the 16 December 1889 after which they had four sons and four daughters. Edward Walter Wright died aged 73 years in 1942 at Invercargill. Jane Wright died at Invercargill in 1948(?)
The family of Edward and Jane Wright were:-
Ruby Wright
Born, Invercargill 26 March 1892 (died giving birth to John) married Archibald Ronald, WWI Veteran, a leather worker and salesman for Guthrie Bowron Dunedin, and later a tutor at the Dunedin Rehabilitation School for Returned Personnel in the making of the leather products. Died at Dunedin. One son, John, now living at Mosgiel, and married to Hazel.
Murial Wright
Born Invercargill 21 August 1893, died at Gore. Married Alexander Henderson, Department store mananger of McGibbons of Gore - died at Gore. 1 son, Stewart Henderson, a school teacher, died at Alexandra. 1daughter Marjery, died at Kew Hospital, Invercargill, 8 Jan 2002, was married to the late Morell Dickson. Murial and Alex fostered John Ronald after Ruby died.
Frank Wright
Born Invercargill 11 December 1894. Died Wanganui. Coach painter and sign writer. W.W.I. Veteran (Passchendael) Married Norma Featherstone, Parliamentary Secretary who also died at Wanganui. 1 son - Frank F. Wright, born 2 June 1921, WWII Veteran 75 Squadron R.N.Z.A.F. and R.A.F. flying instructor. Married Pat, who died. 1 son and 1 daughter, Paul and Alicia J. Wright. Married 2nd Dora.
David Stewart Wright.
Born Invercargill 8 February 1896. Died Dunedin 1 Oct 1969. Educated at the middle school, Invercargill. Serving his apprenticeship with H.&J. Smith as a draper, blinds and floor covering specialist. Later working for Broad Small of Invercargill, MacGibbons of Gore and South Canterbury Farmers Waimate. At trade until hit by illness, and returning to Invercargill to run his father's tobacconist shop. Served in the Otago Mounted Rifles (Territorial), was a general labourer - Botanic Gardens, Wharf (manpowered), railways (clerical), and a public hospital orderly. Married Jane (Jean) Christina Munro, born at Dunedin, 2 Feb. 1906 and was educated at the North East Valley School and King Edward Technical College, where she won the Burt Scholarship, was of musical talent, obtaining Trinity College (London) diplomas, through the Barth School of Music, Dunedin. A shop assistant and senior grade hockey player prior to being a nurse aide at Ross Home before marriage. Serving Sistor of the North East Valley division of St.John, also in that capacity in the wartime (1939-1945) emergency precaution scheme (E.P.S.) Pine Hill unit. Jane Christina Wright died at Dunedin on 26 May 1996. She was the eldest daughter of Donald (Dan) McLean Munro and Annie Munro (nee McLennan).
Ita Wright
Born Invercargill 16 April 1897. Died at Timaru. Married William Kerr, a builder and W.W.II (?) Veteran. 2 sons - Raymond Stewart Kerr, born 1924, died 5 Jan 2002, Invercargill. A shop assistant prior to becoming an NZ Army Instructor in W.W.2. He later became a builder and married Katherine Botting. The marriage was dissolved with no children. He later married Esma, to have 3 sons and a daughter.
Son - Neville, A bank clerk before joining the R.N.Z.A.F. in W.W.II. Then to become a builder and died at Timaru. Neville Kerr married Dawn who is now in a Christchurch Rest Home. They had 5 children (?)
Mable Wright
Born Invercargill 15 Oct 1903. Died Invercargill. Married Donald MacLennan, Manager, Later owner of Carters Menswear, Tay Street, Invercargill. 1 son - Donald MacLennan, a prominent golfer and golding coach. Now living in Christchurch.
Edward Wright.
Born Invercargill 5 November 1903. Died Feilding or Hastings(?) Post and Telegraph technician. Married Louise. 1 daughter, Heather Atkinson, who lives in Levin.
Wilfred George Wright.
Born Invercargill 17 March 1906. Died Invercargill 30 August 1985. Railway officer, married Winifred (Hilda) Robbins, who died at Leith House Rest Home, Dunedin on 14 Sept 2002 aged 96 years. 1 daughter - Jean, married to William Swale, a school teacher living in Dunedin. 1 son - John Swale, married to Lesley, is a Land and Estate Operative L.J.Hooker Network and lives in Invercargill.
Kenneth Stewart Wright
Born at "St.Helens" Dunedin on 1 Sept 1932 carpenter-bus operator, married Margaret Doreen Keane, born at Mosgiel on 28 July 1941 on 22 Oct. 1960 at Caversham Presbytarian Church by Rev. Ralph Byers B.A. A family of four sons and two daughters resulted.
Children of Kenneth and Margaret Wright
1 - Antony Stewart Wright (Tony). Born "Queen Mary," Dunedin on 9 May 1961. Partner Anna Odette Clark, born "Queen Mary" Dunedin on 21 Jan. 1976. 1 son Benjamin Stewart Wright, born "Queen Mary," Dunedin on 23 July 1995.
2 - Kenneth John Wright, born "Queen Mary," Dunedin on 23 April 1963
3 - David James Wright, born "Queen Mary," Dunedin on 7 Sept. 1964.
4 - Sharon Lee Wright, born "Queen Mary," Dunedin on 5 Oct. 1965. Married Neville Graham Scoles, born at Port Chalmers "Cottage Hospital," on 19 April 1960 at North East Valley Presbyterian Church on 29 March 1986 by the Rev. Roy McKenzie. They have 1 daughter Christina Marie Scoles, born "Queen Mary" 20 Dec. 1988. 1 son Daniel Ryan Scoles, born "Queen Mary," Dunedin 28 Feb. 1990.
5. Lynne-Maree Wright, born "Queen Mary" Dunedin 20 May 1968. Married Normand Edmund Kurt Buijck, born Montreal, Canada on 20 Dec. 1960 at the North East Valley Presbyterian Church on 23 March 1991 by the Rev. Roy McKenzie. 1 daughter Briana Maree Buijck, born "Queen Mary," Dunedin on 3 Dec. 1999.
6.- Robert Paul Wright, born "Queen Mary," Dunedin on 8 Dec. 1969, married Heather Fiona MacNaughton, born Lumsden on 30 July 1970 at the Anderson's Bay Presbyterian Church on 5 March 1994. 1 daughter Erika Rachel Keaton Wright, born "Queen Mary," Unit, Dunedin Public Hospital on 13 July 1998.
Beverley May Wright - Born "El Nido," Dunedin 4 April 1936, married John Aubrey Young, at The First Presbyterian Church of Otago. 2 sons - Wayne, married Alison Mackle and have three daughters, Brent married Vivienne and have 3 children, 1 daughter, Bronwyn married Mike Bracegirdle, 1 daughter and 1 son.
Rosemay Jean Wright - Born "Queen Mary," Dunedin 19 Sept 1939, died Castle Hill, Sydney, Australia on 27 Aug. 2004. Married Keith William Botting of Green Island, Dunedin at the Caversham Presbyterian Church. Have 1 son Darryel, married Leslie, and have two daughters, Jan Botting married to Gary, have 1 daughter and 1 son and live in Melbourne, Australia. Karen Botting married to John, and also living in Melbourne, Australia.
Margaret Isabelle Wright - Born "Queen Mary," Dunedin 19 Sept 1940. Married Reginald Teriti Smith of Bell Block, New Plymouth at the North East Valley Presbyterian Church, by Rev. Alex Murdoch and now live in Cromwell. 3 sons, Tane, Lance and Vaughan, 3 daughters Dyalla, married Edward Cook, 1 son, 1 daughter. Regina, married Mat Buchanan, 1 son and Melanie.
Ian David Wright - Born "Redroofs" Dunedin, 31 March 1942, married and divorced Robina Bruce, 1 son Darryn (adopted). Married twice widowed Dellis (nee Forde) mother of 2 sons and 2 daughters, who died on 26 May 2001, aged 66 years. Ian is a panel beater by trade.
1927
August 1927
WEDDINGS
Ronald – Wright
A wedding of local interest took place at the First Church, Tay Street, Invercargill, on 10th August, when Ruby Irene, eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs E.W. Wright of 106 Yarrow Street, Invercargill, was married to Mr Archibald Ronald, also of Invercargill.
The Rev. Robinson officiated.
The bride, who was given away by her father, wore a model frock of French ande crepe-de-chene with shoes and hat to tone.
Miss Mabel Wright attended her sister as bridesmaid wearing a frock of maike tress-de-chene with shoes and stockings to tone.
Miss Margery Henderson, of Gore, niece of the bride, acted as flower girl. Her frock was a shell pink georgette over crepe-de-chene. She wore shoes and a satin cape of the same shade.
The breakfast was held at the Floral Tea Rooms, the bride’s mother and Mrs C. Robertson, sister of the bridegroom, receiving the guests.
The church was prettily decorated by Mrs Frank Wright, sister-in-law of the bride.
Mrs N.J. Brokenshire presided at the organ.
Mr and Mrs Ronald left for their honeymoon in Christchurch, the bride travelling in a beige frock, amethyst coat and hat to tone.
Prior to her marriage the bride was entertained by a number of her girl friends at a bath room shower, kitchen evenings, pantry evening and a work basket afternoon.
1929
McCARTNEY
At her residence, Elsie Street, Gore, on Saturday, September 28th, 1929, Helena Kirke, beloved wife of Robert McCartney; aged 42 years. Deeply mourned.
FUNERAL NOTICE
The friends of Mr Robert McCartney (and family) are respectfully invited to attend the Funeral of his late wife, Helena Kirke, which will leave the residence, Elsie Street, Gore on Monday, September 30th, at 2p.m., for the Gore Cemetery.
McKinlay and Murray – Undertakers.
1931
IN MEMORIAM
RONALD – In loving memory of Ruby Irene, beloved wife of A. Ronald, and eldest daughter of E.W. and J.O. Wright, who passed away at Wyndham on 26th March 1931. “So loved – so mourned.” – Inserted by her loving husband, parents and family 733.
1933
MARTIN
On April 23, 1933, at ‘Hehnsdale,” Cashmere, Christchurch, Hazel Helen Alexandra, dearly-loved and only child of Hans Alexander and Katherine I. B. Martin; aged 27 years.
We regret to announce today the death today of Miss Hazel H.A. Martin, which took place at her parents’ residence, Christchurch, early on Sunday morning. The deceased was the only child of Mr and Mrs Hans A. Martin, of Christchurch, and formerly of Gore. The late Miss Martin was born at Gore, and educated at the Gore Public School and the Christchurch Technical College. She was of a cheerful and kindly disposition and made many friends. Her old schoolmates at Gore will regret to hear of her passing away at such an early age. She had been in ill-health for some years, and her death was not unexpected. Much sympathy is being extended to her sorrowing parents and relatives.
1935
Deaths
FEATHERSTONE – At Invercargill, on Wednesday, July 4th 1935, Arthur Eversfield, dearly loved husband of the late Ella Featherstone; inhis 68th year. Deeply mourned. The funeral will leave his late residence. 191 Esk Street, on Saturday the 6th inst., at 2.25pm., for service in the First Presbyterian Church at 2.30pm., afterwards proceeding to St. John’s Cemetery. Friends please accept this (the only) intimation. Cowley & Co Undertakers. 3464
Late Mr A.E. Featherstone
The inquest into the circumstances surrounding the death of
Arthur Eversfield Featherstone, aged 67, whose body was found in the Waihopai River at Thomson’s Bush, was concluded last evening before the Coroner, Mr W.H. Freeman, S.M. Sergeant J. Abel conducted the inquiry while Mr B. W. Hawat appeared for the relatives.
Frank Edward Wright, son-in-law of deceased, said deceased had a very weak heart and was practically blind. He had been attended by a doctor in Wellington during the last year, and had had two operations. When the weather was fine deceased always went for long walks,. Witness did not consider it was safe for him to be alone.
Evidence regarding the finding of the body on July 4th was given by Hugh McLachlan, a clerk.
Constable Thomas Kennedy said that on July 4th he removed the body of the deceased to the morgue. He examined the body, and did not find any marks of violence. In his opinion death was due to drowning.
Evidence was also given by Ethel Turner, a nurse of Palmeston South.
The Coroner returned a verdict that the cause of death was drowning, and said that there was no evidence to show how deceased got into the water.
DEATH
HARGEST – On August 19, 1935, at her residence, Esme Street, Gore, Mary, beloved wife of the late James Hargest, aged 79 years.
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Heath-Caldwell All rights reserved.
Michael Heath-Caldwell M.Arch
Brisbane, Queensland
ph: 0412-78-70-74
alt: m_heath_caldwell@hotmail.com