Known by Waikato-Tainui iwi as Rāhui Pōkeka, Huntly straddles Waikato River between Auckland & Hamilton on former SH1

The area was initially occupied by descendants of the Tainui waka

Traders & missionaries arrived from 1830s, coal miners from 1850s, & military settlers after Waikato War (1863/64)

Huntly east was occupied by 4th Militia on land grants & Huntly west by iwi. Farming was mainly dairying.

The township began to grow following completion of SH1 & Main Trunk railway, & Rāhui Pōkeka was renamed Huntly c.1877

The local postmaster had used a stamp with name of his hometown 'Huntly' in Scotland (Image: pre-1914)

Ralphs emigrated with Royal NZ Fencibles to Auckland in 1849, & moved to Huntly in 1867/68 to farm Crown grants of land

For serving in 4th Militia, Anthony received 300 acres & son Robert 30 acres on Huntly's eastern banks of Waikato River

In 1872, Ralph's Brick Yards & Coal Mine Hotel opened by Anthony after a coal seam was found with clay nearby

(Advert (9 Jan 1873) promoted sale of the bricks for £2 per 1,000 near the Coal Mine Hotel)

Widowed in Dec 1873, Margaret oversaw the family's business activities, including opening Ralph's Coal Mine in 1876

(image: Ralph's Taupiri Coal Mine which was the first of four mines owned by the Ralphs)

Margaret & her family purchased land in Huntly, Ohinewai, Taupiri & Rotowaro areas & acquired the mining rights

In 1899, Taupiri Coal Mine Ltd formed (Taupiri Coal Mine, Taupiri Extended, Taupiri Reserve & Waikato Coal Mine)

During 1880s-1910s, Margaret & her family subdivided land for residential & business development in Huntly

The subdivided land was either sold or leased

The Ralphs gifted land for churches & Huntly's Library, Courthouse & Hospital; & financed a Convent & school

(Image: Huntly Cottage Hospital & Maternity Home, which was built of Huntly bricks, opened in 1926 on the gifted land)

On 12 Nov 1837, Margaret married Sgt Anthony Ralph who'd joined 63rd Regiment & was based at Madras Presidency in India

Anthony had enlisted as a Private on 20 Sept 1825

The first 6 of the Ralph's 14 children were born in India between 1839 to 1845

Their 3 oldest children died before 5 years old (daughter killed by crocodile in Burma & twin sons of fever in India)

In 1847, the 63rd Regiment returned to UK after being deployed from India to Burma; then back to India

On 7 March 1849, the Ralphs & Margaret's parents sailed from London & arrived in Auckland on 16 June 1849

Also aboard were Ralph's daughters Louisa (b.1842) & Rosanna (b.1845) & Margaret's brothers, Tom & John, & sister Sarah

Both the Ralph & Reilly families settled in the Fencibles' village in Onehunga

The term 'Fencible' came from the word “defencible” meaning “capable of defence”

The Fencible villages were also called 'pensioner's villages'

The Fencibles were also known as the 'pensioners' who'd receive a pension in addition to a daily wage (6d - 1s 3d)

Each family lived in a Fencibles' 2-roomed cottage on 1 acre at Onehunga, which they'd own after 7 years service

The Fencibles could find their own employment but be available for military duties if there was an attack on settlers

They were required to attend military duties for 12 days annually & church parade each Sunday

Margaret & Anthony had 8 more children (6 sons & 2 daughters) born between 1849 - 1864

On 26 June 1861, daughter Louisa (b. 1844 in India) married Onehunga storekeeper Lewis Bassiere Harris (1833-1921)

He was born in Colón, Panama & arrived in NZ in 1853. He had a wallpaper & paint shop; then a grocery store in Onehunga.

In Jan 1862, Margaret's sister Sarah married Thomas Kilgour at Onehunga & lived in Thames after goldfield opened in 1867

Margaret's brother John served in Crimean War; went goldmining in Victoria & then Thames where he later married in 1888

"Rāhui Pōkeka" was named by Waikato Chief Te Putu who placed a rāhui to replenish tuna (RNZ: 18 May 2023: 13:09 min)

A pou with feather from Te Putu's pokeka (cape or cloak) would be hammered into ground. If pou visible, fishing banned.

Waikato iwi began growing European crops (wheat, potatoes & maize) & farmed animals for local & overseas markets

Between 1846-1860 more than 20 flour mills were built. (Article: 10 Aug 1850, describes types of farming underway)

In 1850, the Kupakupa Mine began operating after coal seams were found near the Waikato River in Huntly West by iwi

(12 Nov 1850: Report states a miner & Superintendent were engaged to commence working the Kupakupa Mine for 3 months)

In 1858, the Waikato leader Pōtatau Te Wherowhero was selected as the first Māori King

Kīngitanga (Māori King movement) had been founded to unite Māori under one Sovereign & unite iwi against selling land

Disputes between iwi over land sales led to Taranaki Wars of 1860/61, which Waikato allies also became involved

The British troops intervened & a truce was agreed in 1861. George Grey then returned to NZ for a 2d term as Governor.

In Jan 1862, under Gov Grey's orders, a military road began to be constructed from Auckland to the Waikato

In July 1863, Gov Grey invaded the Waikato after sending Māori an ultimatum to pledge allegiance to Queen Victoria

Rāhui Pōkeka (Huntly) became a military post from Dec 1863 - July 1864

23 Dec 1863: Article describes the setting up of the military camp Rāhui Pōkeka & the surrounding district

The military camp was sited on the Great South Road being built from Auckland

Whare & Commissariat Store were built by 70th Battalion, & artillery & stores were transported by the steamer 'Plymouth'

(Article: Southern Cross, 28 April 1864)

The coal from the Pukapuka Mine was used for fuel by the British paddlesteamer warships

The paddlesteamers transported troops, stores & mail from Auckland (Image: HMS Pioneer)

Postal communication between the military camp & Auckland was by mail-boats delivering letters & parcels

Mail service was used by the military, miners, & settlers

The British troops used paddlesteamer gunboats to attack pā set up by iwi along the Waikato River

(Image: British gunboat, the Pioneer, bombards a Māori pā at Meremere)

Rāhui Pōkeka ceased being a military post in July 1864, & the Waikato Steam Navigation Co used barges for transportation

A wharf was built on east side of Waikato River for transporting passengers & cargo, including coal to Auckland

A civil post service opened on 12 Aug 1864 & mail was delivered by steamers

(With the ceasing of Rāhui Pōkeka as a mlitary post, the mail-boat service via Auckland had ceased)

Ralph's son-in-law Ensign Lewis Harris was in charge of the Regiment's Commissariat in Hamilton

After Waikato War ended, land confiscated in Rāhui Pōkeka under the NZ Settlements Act of 1863 was granted to militia

Huntly's east bank of Waikato River was surveyed in lots of up to 50 acres to grant to 4th Militia & west bank to iwi

Anthony was granted 300 acres & son Robert 30 acres of Crown land, & the Ralphs moved to Huntly in c.1867/1868

They initially lived in a whare until building their home

Margaret's parents John & Esther Reilly stayed on in Auckland where John died on 31 Jan 1868 & Esther on 13 Jan 1885

John died at age c.65 & Esther at age c.95. (Image: Rear view of a Fencible cottage, 1880s)

The Waikato Militia was disbanded under Armed Constabulary Act (10 Oct 1867) & Armed Constabulary were formed until 1885

Police & military functions were combined in Armed Constabulary who shared jurisdiction with Auckland Provincial Police

The Armed Constabulary was stationed at Hamilton with a detachment at Ngāruawāhia

(Image: View of whare in Ngāruawāhia used as quarters for the Armed Constabulary from Dec 1868 until discontinued 1885)

Role included "preserving the peace, and preventing robberies and other felonies, and apprehending offenders..."

Duties also included keeping communications operating, making roads, fencing paddocks, & planting trees & gardens

Margaret's sons Robert & John joined the Armed Constabulary after the detachment arrived at Ngāruawāhia in Dec 1868

Article (1 Dec 1868): 50 men to arrive from Auckland Barracks by steamer with Sub-Inspector Ross Watts

Robert & John Ralph participated in sporting events held by the Armed Constabulary

Article (29 Dec 1871): Constables included R. Ralph & J. A. Ralph who competed in the sports event held on Boxing Day

Robert also competed in the rifle shooting competitions

Article (25 Oct 1872): Armed Constabulary Association's quarterly prize shooting competition

However, the town acre occupied by Lewis' Royal Hotel was granted to Major Keddell which Lewis then bought for £100

The purchase created financial pressure & Lewis petitioned Supreme Court for release of debt (bankruptcy) on 8 May 1867

Court appointed Henry Vernon as trustee of Harris' estate (200 acres of farmland, one-acre town sections & Royal Hotel)

On 11 July 1867, Lewis discharged from bankruptcy as settlement meeting had been held with creditors & assets to be sold

The 200 acre Crown land grant & Royal Hotel were auctioned in Aug to pay the creditors & Lewis retained other land owned

On 20 April 1869, Lewis was granted the license for the Delta Hotel & a bush license for the Puketu Hotel

The Delta Hotel had been built at Ngāruawāhia in 1864 by Aucklander Wiliam Young to lease out

Young had already opened the Drury Hotel & had begun operating the Waipa steamer

On 7 Dec 1870, "Mr. L. B. Harris obtained a bush license for the Half-way House, between Ngaruawahia and Hamilton"

In 1870, Quick’s coaches began 2-day round-trip between Auckland & Hamilton & exchanged horses at Harris' Halfway House

The Half-way House also began to be known as the Half-way Hotel & Horotiu Hotel

In 1870, the Waikato Steam Navigation Company was renamed Waikato Steam Navigation and Coal Mining Company (Limited)

It operated the paddlesteamers - the Waikato, Mirimiri, & the Bluenose

The Company leased the Kupakupa Mine which it began mining commercially & it became known as the "Waikato Mine"

(Advert (28 May 1870) for tenders for cutting & delivering coal was placed by the Manager, Richard Hunt)

On 6 March 1873, William Lovell (b.1840) applied for a liquor license for his Taupiri accommodation house/hotel

The building was sited near the junction of the Waikato River & the Mangawara Stream

On 22 April 1874, Lovell was refused a license by the Licensing Commissioners following petitions for & against

Against were Mr MacKay, Major Cooper, Rev Ashwell, 34 residents & 24 Māori. For the license were travellers.

On 7 Dec 1875, Licensing Court heard that Lovell had withdrawn his application following a letter from District Engineer

Nearby was a public works programme where explosives were being used & access to a licensed hotel would be a concern

In 1872, Ralph's Brick Yards opened after a coal seam was found with clay nearby & the Coal Mine Hotel was sited nearby

(Article: One of the workers at the Brick Yards had been living at Ralph's Hotel for 4 months, 4 Nov 1872)

Advert (1 May 1873): Coal Mine Hotel Rahuapokeka ANTHONY RALPH, Proprietor.

GOOD PADDOCKS for Horses, Cattle, and Sheep. Liquors of best quality. Accommodation for travellers. Splendid Shooting..

In June 1873, Anthony Ralph advertised the 'Rahupukeka Brick Yards' as being available to let

Advert stated it was located near Waikato Steam Navigation Company’s wharf which could be used to transport the bricks

An application was made in March 1874 to transfer Coal Mine Hotel license from Anthony to son John (b. 1853 in Auckland)

Hotel licenses were issued for 12 months & the Coal Mine Hotel's license had become due for its renewal

In July 1874, John applied to have the hotel's license transferred to his mother Margaret

On 8 April 1875, the Ralph's Coal Mine Hotel burnt down

Only person inside at the time was Margaret who was in the kitchen. Damage was estimated at £1,400.

Newspaper reported "It is supposed that the fire originated from a drunken man's pipe, who was lying under the house..."

Article mentioned the property was insured in the Norwich Union for £500

On 13 Sept 1875, Margaret called for tenders to erect two-storey building

In Jan 1876, the Ralph's Coal Mine Hotel reopened

(Image: Hotel became known as the 'Harris Hotel" after Louisa & Lewis Harris ran it from 1880)

In 1874 Margaret & son Robert registered seam of coal discovered by Anthony in 1870 & formed the Taupiri Coal Mining Co.

They had a capital of £12,000 & offered shares of £1 each in May 1874, & purchased 100 acres

1 Sept 1874: Ralphs advertised 80 acres between Ngāruawāhia & Hamilton for sale whilst they retained the mining rights

The surface land to be sold for £250 whilst retained the mineral titles & right to enter the land to mine the minerals

On 16 Dec 1874, Robert wed Mary Muir who lived in Ohinewai & they purchased land & mining rights in Huntly West in 1876

They settled on 200 acres north of Huntly & had 8 children between 1875 - 1900

In 1877, William Collins was appointed mine manager & about 12 men were employed by Ralphs

Collins (1838-1912) arrived from England in 1873 & worked at Bay of Islands Coal Co & Waikato Steam Navigation & Coal Co

In 1877, William Collins sunk a shaft 1 mile north of Ralph's mine & opened up Ralphs' Taupiri Extended Coal Mine

In appreciation of Collin's work & skills, the directors presented him with a £20 cheque on two separate occasions

On Sat 14 Sept 1878, the Taupiri coal miners gave 3 days notice they were going on strike to increase pay to 6d per ton

They were being paid 2s 3d daily & wanted 6d per ton of coal taken out which averaged 3-5 tons daily per person

By 17 Sept 1878, the miners resumed work "having struck for 6.1 per ton extra"

Article (17 Oct 1878) stated Margaret was offered & refused £20,000 for the property on which Taupiri mine is situated

She was said to be "drawing a revenue of one shilling per ton royalty on every ton of coal won"

On 13 Feb 1873, community meeting held at Lewis' Delta Hotel to lobby for Ngāruawāhia to be an educational district

Since c.1871, a classroom operated at Colonial Hospital & a request for school land in 1872 was refused by Educ Board

In April 1873, Ngāruawāhia gazetted as educational district & school committee was elected in May with Lewis as a member

The Committee investigated possible site for the school & raised funds towards the schoolhouse

in Jan 1876, Lewis elected as Chair of Ngāruawāhia School Committee & schoolhouse was built

On 7 March 1876, the locals met at the Lovell's store & formed Taupiri School Committee with William Lovell as chair

Committee resolved to seek Govt educational funding as only private schooling available whose teacher may be leaving

On 3 May 1876, Lewis was part of the deputation that met with MP Don McLean to request a hospital for Ngāruawāhia

In 1929, health authorities had turned down Te Puea's application for a new building at Tūrangawaewae to be a hospital

On 4 May 1876, the Board of Education proclaimed Taupiri an educational district & the school opened in 1878

In 1879, a report of the school's first year was given during school committee's election & Lovell was appointed chair

In July 1876, at a meeting of Ngāruawāhia ratepayers, a new District Board was elected with Lewis as one of the auditors

1877: Taupiri Sports Committee members included Robert Ralph

On 8 Jan 1878, Education Board approved a school for Huntly & a school committee formed at Coal Mines Hotel on 23 March

The application from "residents of Huntly (Coal Mines, Waikato)" had been granted subject to a site being made available

In March 1878, travellers describe staying at the Taupiri Hotel & being given a sightseeing canoe trip by William Lovell

Wharf was built in 1875 by Messrs Brittan & McVee who also built the railway bridge, & the Taupiri Station opened 1877

During June 1878, tenders were called for the erection of Huntly's school building which were due by 10 July

Plans & specification to be seen at Education Board's office or on application to the District School Committee, Huntly

On 24 Dec 1878, Taupiri sports day was held and the Committee met afterwards for dinner at Lovell's Taupiri Hotel

On 28 March 1878, Lewis advertised: "To let, with immediate possession, the Coalmines Hotel, Huntley, Waikato"

In June 1878, Lewis was granted the license for the New Railway Hotel at Frankton being built by the owner, Frank Jolly

In Aug 1878, Lewis advertised he was the proprietor & described the new hotel which he was leasing from Jolly

On 15 Oct 1878, Waikato Times reported that Lewis intended opening a hotel near the proposed Te Awamutu Railway Station

Mr I. R. Vialou, Architect, of Hamilton, "to prepare the plans and specifications for for a large and commodious hotel”

During March 1880, adverts began publicising the sale of Harrisville & its 757 acres

Their farm was to be put up for sale to pay off mortgages taken for some of their land purchases & hotel ventures

On 30 March 1880, Louis & Louisa Harris sold the remainder of their animals & farm implements

Harrisville was purchased by Captain William Steele of Hamilton who intended to subdivide & sell the land

(Source: NZ Herald: 12 Nov 1881, p.6)

In June 1893, work at the Taupiri Mine was suspended by new lease-holder & 25 staff including Albert became unemployed

Article (19 June 1893): Despondent Albert arrested for self-inflicted wounds & threats to others & released with caution

Albert sought Margaret's financial support but the court case was dismissed in Feb 1894 after four-month adjournment

Case was dismissed as he'd since found work earning 5s a week & his keep and, therefore, was considered not destitute

Later in 1896, Albert was one of three workers involved in an accident at a brick kiln in a Huntly brick works on 14 Nov

Margaret rented & leased property from the Auckland Council

(Auckland Star articles since 1 March 1888 show she'd been renting properties from the Council & sought reductions)

Margaret also owned property including a boarding house on Hobson Street

(Article states the boarding house which was occupied by Mrs Annie Filleul was damaged by fire in Oct 1896)

Margaret gave her location in Auckland as Ponsonby when she signed the Suffragists Petition in 1893

On the Suffragists Petition Sheet 377 she wrote: M. Schlinker, Ponsonby

Advert (16 Dec 1880): Huntly’s annual Christmas and New Year athletic sports to be held at the Coal Mines on 1 Jan 1881

Officials include: Judge: W. Collins; Starter: R. Ralph; Clerk of Course: W. Ralph; & Handicapper: J.A. Ralph

In 1881, Huntly School's Festival which was held on the Queen's Birthday. Piano was lent by Mr. L. B. Harris.

Article (21 April 1883) on workings of Taupiri Coal Mine which supplies coal & also fireclay for Newtown Pottery

The mine has 40 men & 4 boys, & William Collins is the engineer & manager

17 Nov 1881 - Feb 1883: Robert Ralph served as Councillor for Rangiriri Outlying District in Waikato County Council

After resigning in Feb 1883, Robert unsuccessfully contested the 1884 & 1890 elections against Francis Johnson

Article (Jan 1882) reported Messr Ralph was elected for the Huntly School's committee's ensuing year

Also elected were Messrs Harris, Collins, Robinson, Armstrong, Cadman, & J. Cadman

In 1883, Waikato Steam Navigation and Coal Mining Co. & Waikato Coal Co. merged to form the Waikato Coal & Shipping Co.

The Company continued to work the Waikato Mine (former Kupakupa Mine) until 1899 when production was suspended

On 18 Sept 1884, a punt began operating to connect Huntly East & West residents, & was winched across

Previously, access between the two banks was by waka & rowboat

In 1882, the Lovells had a second store built at Taupiri which was used for selling groceries & sundries

They also continued to farm crops on their land

From May 1882, Rosanna & William Lovell's Taupiri Hotel was run under lease to Albert Ellis

In 1883, the Taupiri Hotel & Lovell's first store next door caught fire when the hotel was leased to Ellis

The Taupiri Hotel was rebuilt by the Lovells opposite the railway station & hotel license transferred in June 1884

In 1890, after William died, Rosanna became the hotel's proprietor, managed landholdings & raised their 7 small children

Rosanna attempted working the 700 acres acquired with William but much of the land was swampy & scrub-covered

Rosanna, however, acquired the mining rights for coal which lay under the land

Rosanna began buying & selling farmland & small sections, aided by Margaret who was chief executrix of William's will

During late 1880s, Margaret's 2 youngest daughters Sarah (b.1857) & Mary (b.1859) joined Dominican Convent in Dunedin

They lived at St Dominic's Priory on Tennyson Street in Dunedin

Article (19 Jan 1889): "Miss M. Ralph (in religion Sister Mary Ignatius) from Auckland..."

Mary received "the habit of St. Dominic at the Dominican Convent, Dunedin"

On 21 Dec 1891, Mary Ralph attended a profession of novices at the Dominican Convent, Dunedin

On 6 Nov 1888, a shareholders' meeting agreed to raise extra funds to finance the sinking of a second shaft

The second shaft on Taupiri Extended Mine's new land was to comply with the provisions of the Coal Mines Act of 1886

26 Feb 1889: Cave-in happened at Ralph's Taupiri Coal Mine where parts of surface sunk 20-30 feet

On 5 Aug 1889, an 18 foot stream of coal was struck at the second shaft being sunk for the Ralph's Taupiri Extended Mine

The Ralphs, believing their old shaft was worked out, allowed William Collins to work it whilst they retained ownership

In Jan 1890, William Tattley joined the Taupiri Extended Mine as manager & oversaw the further sinking of the new shaft

He had been appointed from Australia for his knowledge of underwater mining

22 Dec 1890: Roof collapsed at Taupiri Extended Mine's old shaft, killing 4 including Alexander Harris (son of Louisa)

At the inquest, Collins & the Ralphs (who'd resumed active ownership in 1890), were acquitted of wrongdoing by the jury

A few months later, Collins was charged under the Coal Mines Act 1866 with negligence & fined ₤20 & costs in June 1891

in 1891, Collins left as manager of Ralph's Taupiri Mine & operated his 'Huntly Brick Works'

It was also known as 'Collins Brickworks' (Image: 1897: Huntly Brick Works' first kiln)

Brick stamped "COLLINS HUNTLY", c.1890-1907

Collins & his wife Rebecca had 3 daughters & 3 sons, & one of their sons, Lionel, helped at the brickworks

View of Collin's Mine from which clay was used for brick making & pottery, & the coal was used to fire the kiln (1906)

Collins supplied the Government with the majority of the fire bricks required for railway locomotives

A homestead was built in Huntly by Taupiri Mines for Tattley

Gifted to Huntly Mining and Cultural Trust in 1974, 2d storey built, & was Waikato Coalfields Museum from 1980-2012

In 1891, a shaft dug near Ralph's Taupiri Coal Mine found a rich seam of coal leading under the Waikato River

In 1892, Taupiri Coal Mine's underground workings collapsed after some pillars were removed for coal they contained

The collapse caused the coal to heat, then combust, with fire raging through the workings

Article (25 June 1892): "Our esteemed townsman Mr Robert Ralph has been sworn in as a Justice of the Peace."

"We are likely to get impartial judgments now."

Nov 1892: Huntly held a sports day at the Taupiri Extended Company's paddock

Article also reported John Ord had replaced John Snow as mine manager for Messrs Ralph Bros

On 9 May 1893, newspaper reported Kimihia Coal Co. & Taupiri Extended Co. had amalgamated & leased Ralph's Taupiri Mine

They'd leased Ralph's Taupiri Mine for 5 years at £900 a year with right of extension for 10 years

In June 1893, work at Taupiri Mine was suspended by new lease-holder & 25 staff including Albert Schlinker were jobless

Albert tried suing Margaret for maintenance but case dismissed in Feb 1894 after 4 month adjournment as had found work

Since 1890s, Wāhi Pā was the headquarters of the third Māori King, Mahuta Tāwhiao Pōtatau Te Wherowhero

It lies adjacent to the present-day Huntly Power Station on western bank of the Waikato River near Lake Wāhi stream

On 4 April 1898, Premier Richard Seddon attended Native Lands meeting held at Wāhi, & an evening meeting at Ralph's Hall

Those present at Wāhi included King Mahuta Tāwhiao, Kingmaker Te Waharoa, Hēnare Kainau, & Hon. James Carroll

In Aug 1899, Robert Ralph acted as interpreter when King Mahuta was interviewed by author & lecturer Oliver Bainbridge

Australian-born Bainbridge also gave a lecture at Ralph's Hall on his travels from England around the world

In May 1898, Ralphs resumed operating their Taupiri Coal Mine & appointed Mr E.S. Wight as manager

They expanded the mine's operations by tunnelling under the Waikato River to the west bank

Image: Trucks of coal coming up an incline inside Ralph's Taupiri Coal Mines, 1898

Ralphs purchased Taupiri Reserve Mine at Kimihia & Waikato Coal Mine for £9OOO & proposed amalgamating their 4 companies

(See Article: 4 March 1899 on proposal to form Taupiri Coal Mines Ltd to bring all 4 companies under one management)

Taupiri Coal Mine

Taupiri Extended Coal Mine

Taupiri Reserve Mine on southern bank of Lake Kimihia

Taupiri Reserve Mine began operation in 1889 as an opencast mine & deeper shafts were sunk in 1891 –1892

Waikato Coal Mine (former Kupakupa Mine)

In May 1899, Governor Knox & Vice-Regal party visited the Taupiri Extended Mine & Ralph’s Taupiri Mine

Huntly Brass Band performed in evening outside Huntly Hotel. (Officials toured by train carriage on which they slept.)

Ralph's Taupiri coal exhibit at the Auckland Industrial and Mining Exhibition held at Auckland Domain, 1899

In 1901, the Crown gave its assent to Taupiri Coal Mines extending Ralph's Mine under the Waikato River to the west bank

The Company created drives & shafts under the Waikato River to provide access from Ralph's Mine

22 Jan 1903: An outcropping coal seam was found on Harris land at Taupiri which lay adjacent to Ralph's land

By June 1903, new coal screening plant costing £1500 was operating at Ralph's Mine

The plant had been erected under the superintendence of Wight

In 1902, Huntly Coal-prospecting Syndicate was formed to search land previously owned by Waikato Coal and Shipping Co

The Syndicate prospected on land near Lake Wāhi & Lake Rotoiti (Image: 1905: Prospecting for coal)

1 July 1905: Opening of Taupiri South Coal Mining Company's mine on top of a hill half a mile from Huntly Rail Station

The mine sat on land that was adjacent to Ralph's Mine

Montage of opening of the Taupiri South Mine at Huntly

In 1904, fireclay found the year before on Robert Ralph's land was used by Isaac Coates in his brick works at Hamilton

Coates had opened his firm in Collingwood St in 1903 & initially used fireclay from his own land

In 1905, Robert leased c.25 acres to Coates who relocated his firm to Huntly & mined the fireclay

Coates (b. 1840) was former Hamilton Mayor, 1888-92. He imported machinery from England for his new brickworks.

Coates opened "Huntly Brick Works" on 1 Sept 1905 & traded under the name Coates Ltd

Manager was Mr Greenwall who erected the machinery with Coates' son Albert to make bricks, pipe grains & tiles

William Collins' display at international exhibition in Christchurch was awarded gold medals & a diploma, 1906-7

In 1907, Collins sold his brickworks to Coates syndicate 'Huntly Brick and Fireclay Company Limited'

Syndicate bought 8 adjoining acres in 1908, & decided on 1 Aug 1909 to form the company (Image: "HUNTLY FIREBRICK" )

Collins retired on the family farm at Taupiri until his death in 1933, aged 82

Collins was a member of Huntly Road Board, Waikato Agricultural & Pastoral Association, & Order of Odd-fellows

In 1901, Albert Schlinker received a medal from the War Office for serving in the 65th Regiment during the Waikato War

In 1905, Albert Schlinker died aged c.72 years & was buried in the Huntly Cemetery (renamed from Kimihia Cemetery)

A photograph of the headstone is on the Waikato District Council's Cemeteries Database

Diocese of Auckland (19 April 1906): Albert left in his will a small legacy to help reduce £100 debt on Huntly Church

Article (1 April 1901): Captain Ralph was president of Rifle Corps & the range & shooting committee included J. Ralph

For first annual shooting competition on 6th April, prizes included a “handsome champion belt" presented by Ralph family

April 1905: Shapshots at Auckland Racing Club's Autumn meeting include Mr Ralph (Taupiri Coal)

(4th photo: He was being asked his opinion of the Easter Handicap)

27 Oct 1905: Unexpected death of Captain Robert Riley Ralph aged 55, leaving "a widow, six sons and four daughters"

Robert was buried in the Huntly (Kimihia) Cemetery

View of Ralph's Taupiri Coal Mine from Hakanoa Street, (Jan 1906)

Coal was delivered by tramway from Ralph's Taupiri Mine to its wharf

(Image: Nov 1906)

Paddlersteamer "Freetrader" was used to carry goods including coal

It was built in 1890 as a barge & was later equipped with a stern paddle wheel from the steamer Rangiriri (Image: 1907)

Flood waters covered the railway line, disrupting rail services, including coal deliveries

Flood waters had to be shut out from the shaft of Ralph's Taupiri Extended Coal Mine at Hakanoa Lake

On 4 Nov 1907, Commission ruled Taupiri Coal Co. did not need to provide a shaft on the other side of the Waikato River

MInes Inspection Dept had stated a shaft was required in case of an emergency which was disputed by the Taupiri Coal Co.

On 7 Aug 1908, the North Island Main Trunk Line was completed between Wellington & Auckland, & 1st train had MPs aboard

The 11-car Parliamentary Special carried PM Sir Joseph Ward & MPs north to see American Great White Fleet at Auckland

Coal trains at Huntly Station about to depart for Auckland

(image: 8 Aug 1908)

The Freetrader was used to transport coal

(Image: 1908)

Main Street with smoke from Ralph's Mine

Main Street with view of the Post Office (opened in Sept 1909) to the right of Ralph's Hall

The Post Office was built of Huntly brick & concrete. It was extended in 1939 & later demolished.

Main Street of Huntly with shops on both sides of the road

The Great South Road is named "Main Street" when running through Huntly

The Great South Road leading out of Huntly with several shops on the right side of the road

The Great South Road leading out of Huntly, with houses mainly on the right

William Street with houses on both sides

On 31 Dec 1908, Taupiri Coal Co sent a letter to the men stating they were required to submit to a medical examination

If a worker refused to be medically examined, then that person would be dismissed

From 2-26 Jan 1909, Taupiri Coal Co's miners' union went on strike, decreeing against having medical examinations

Four assistant deputy miners went against union's decree & the other 300 miners wanted the 'blacklegs' sacked or demoted

The miners' wives held a protest march in support of their husbands

Following meetings with the Minister of Mines (Hon R. McKenzie) a compromise was reached between the Union & Company

(Image: Taupiri Coal Mine's manager, Mr Wight)

Work resumed on 27 Jan 1909 after the 4 miners, who retained their positions, ceased to be union members

The Company also agreed to pay the staff 10 days' wages

Images of Taupiri Coal Mine during 1910s

View of Taupiri & the railway line which ran near the Taupiri Hotel owned by Margaret's daughter Rosanna Lovell

Image of Taupiri (1906)

On 12 Dec 1910, the Taupiri Hotel burnt down when it was being leased by Rosanna Lovell to Mr. H. Bennett

In 1911, it was rebuilt as a two-storey building by Rosanna & in later years became known as the Taupiri Tavern

Tenders for its replacement had been called by F. E. Smith in Feb 1911

On 23 Oct 1912, Huntly coal miners went on 24 hours’ strike in support of Waihi miners

Waihi Miners Union had protested at formation of breakaway union for engine-drivers strike in support of Waihi goldmine

Headquarters of the Waikato Miners' Union which arranged the coal mine strike

Miners on strike outside the Union Hall

Article (26 March 1892) reported "the concert recently held in aid of the Public Library Building Fund realized £12"

Article (8 July 1895): The transfer of a site for a library from Mr W. J. Ralph to Library Trustees had been completed

“A reading room and library will be erected very shortly."

On 26 July 1895, Huntly Library Trustees decided to call for tenders to erect a library on land donated by William Ralph

The Clerk to write & thank W.J. Ralph & to ask the mining companies for subscriptions to assist library & reading room

On 27 Jan 1896, annual meeting of trustees & rnembers of Huntly Public Library & election of officers held

Meeting heard the building was almost finished & about to be fitted out

On 21 Feb 1896, Library Trustees held 1st meeting in newly completed library & reading room building

Librarian to be appointed & books to be purchased. Quarterly sub of 2s but Reading Room free (6pm-10pm) from 23 Feb.

On 18 Jan 1897, Huntly Library & Reading Room annual meeting held on development of bookstock & work of the Librarian

Books to the value of £18 10s 4d had been added during 1896. Librarian and caretaker was Mr James Harlock.

In Oct 1891, the Ralph & Harris family members hosted a concert at Ralph's Hall for the Roman Catholic Mission Fund

In Feb 1894, St. Paul's Anglican Church opened on land donated by Ralph's Taupiri Extended Coal Company

The wooden building burnt down on 17 Oct 1933 & was replaced by a brick church built on former site of the vicarage

On 31 July 1895, a tea meeting held by Huntly Sunday school teachers was held in Ralph's Hall with 300 adults & children

July 1895: Ralph family members amongst performers during a concert held in the Ponsonby Hall for St Mary’s Convent

Performers included William & Catherine Ralph & Edward Ralph who was also the conductor

Nov 1895: Concert in Huntly Town Hall to raise funds for erecting Catholic Church included performance by Edward Ralph

The Catholic Church to be built on land donated by the Ralph family

Article (9 July 1897) reported concert & social were held in Mr Harris' hall to raise funds to build a Catholic church

In July 1898, the Wesleyan Methodist Church opened on land donated by Ralph family on the Main St near the railway

The Church almost burnt down in 1916 & was replaced by a brick church on Onslow St

On 9 Aug 1903, foundation stone laid for Huntly's St Anthony's Church & Messrs Ralph & Lewis' support was thanked

A social held on 10 Aug for Bishop Lenihan was attended by the Ralph & Lewis families who sang & Edward played music

In Dec 1903, Huntly's St Anthony’s Church opened on land sold to Auckland Catholic Diocese for 5s by Margaret

Image (1907): View of the Church following a flood

On 6 Oct 1913, Taupiri Coal Mines Company dismissed 16 miners, including 3 union officials, as being "Red Feds"

(Federation of Miners or ‘Red Feds’ had grown out of the successful 1908 strike at Blackball for a full half-hour break)

On 19 Oct 1913, the Huntly miners voted to strike until the 16 men were reinstated & walked off the job

(Image: 30 Oct 1913: Huntly Railway Station with train wagons lying idle during miners' strike)

From Oct through to Dec there were over 500 strikers & four strike breakers

(Image 30 Oct 1913: The departure of the 'Rotorua Express' being watched by striking miners & others)

On 6 Jan 1914, strikebreakers who'd formed new arbitrationist union with support of Taupiri Coal Mining Co started work

When the new unionists began working, mounted police clashed with striking miners from the old union

On 14 Jan 1914, all the strikers voted to return to work

The next day, the new unionists seized the Miners' Union Hall

Led by new president Stuart Dixon, they evicted old union's president, Bill Wood, & striking miners from union office

At 7.20am, an explosion occurred sending smoke, dust & flames from the Mine's entrance on Huntly's main street

A miner's naked acetylene cap-lamp light had ignited firedamp - a natural gas consisting mainly of methane from coal

After the explosion, 9 miners reached the shaft's transport cages & 11 went through tunnels to Taupiri West Mine's shaft

Images: Scenes following the fatal explosion

Rescuers were able to reach the site in the late afternoon & continued searching until last body was found on 27 Sept

Images: Further scenes following the fatal explosion at Ralph's mine

Forty-three men died in the explosion or its aftermath from burns received

24 Sept 1914: First funeral procession from King's Hall to Kimihia Cemetery, headed by 16th Waikato Regiment band

24 Sept 1914: Second funeral procession through the Main Street to the Kimihia Cemetery to the north of Huntly

In Sept 1914, the Huntly Town Board launched a public appeal for funds to support the widows and families

Huntly’s population was c.1000 & the loss 43 miners had a great impact. 100 children were without their fathers.

Commission of Inquiry found the mine was dangerous owing to explosive nature of coal dust & ordered safety lamps be used

Mine's manager was charged with manslaughter; then discharged in March 1915 after jury found there was no case to answer

Interview (1947) with Joseph O'Brien (born 1886) of Huntly which includes the explosion at Ralph’s Mine

During WWI, two of Robert & Catherine Ralph's daughters, Ada & Rosi, were married & moved to Dublin

Ada married Irish MP John Donovan in 1914 who'd visited NZ in 1912-13 & Rosi (Rosie) married in 1915 (see article)

In 1917, Catherine visited her daughters & grandchild; & fell ill. She died in Mater Hospital, Mt Eden on 26 Sept 1919.

(Rosi's husband had joined the NZEF which was part of the British military forces & their child was born in April 1917)

In 1915, a railway & traffic bridge opened across the Waikato River at Huntly & gave more access to coal on west bank

(Later in 1959, the bridge became rail access only & a walkway attached when 'Tainui Road Bridge' opened further south.)

Existing mines were expanded & new mines opened, including by the Ralphs who bought land to open Rotowaro Mine in 1915

(Later, Rotowaro opencast mine opened in 1958 & was sold to Bathurst Resources & Talleys in 2016)

During 1918 influenza epidemic, the Rotowaro Mine was shut down & St Anthony's School & Convent were used as a hospital

The Convent's nuns tended to the sick

Miners on the Taupiri Coal Mining Co. train travelling to the Rotowaro Mine, 1920

1920: Household coal coming off the screens and dropping into wagons at Rotowaro mine

The coal output from the Rotowaro Mine led to Ralph's closing their Taupiri Mine in 1920 & Taupiri Extended Mine in 1924

Image: Rotowaro Mine's rail lines & the men's bath-house on the right, Oct 1920

At the Town Hall's official opening, Margaret's son William Ralph was thanked for his assistance with site's purchase

The Hall's facilities included municipal offices, a library, two shops & a Plunket Society room,

A marble commemorative plaque was set into a wall of the Town Hall by Huntly Borough Council

When the Town Hall was demolished in 1978 & BNZ built, the plaque was transferred to its northern wall

Audio (1947): Mobile Unit - Huntly History (40:03 mins)

George Shaw discusses the history of the Huntly area after he arrived in 1892

Audio (1947): Mobile Unit - Huntly History (22:19 mins)

Mrs Holland & Matt Russell discuss early Huntly & the Kimihia coal mine, including the arrival of the railway

National Film Unit (1963): These New Zealanders No. 2 - Huntly (10.42 min)

Selwyn Toogood visits Huntly and talks to some of the townspeople