Heart of the Whau - Part 5 The Rise of the Shopping Mall

Heart of the Whau – part 5 – The Rise of the Shopping Mall 1960-1990

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Rise of the Shopping Mall… 1960 - 1990

1960 “In 1960 most Avondale shops were being operated by people who had over a number of years become well-known in the district. Many were local residents. Their relationships with others in the community were reinforced through their shared interests in church, sports clubs or other social groups.” [Challenge of the Whau, p. 125]

According to Mr Terrence Waterfield, Eric Schutz of Avondale Motors “bought the first house down Racecourse Parade. He had the house knocked down, bar the garage. On opening the old garage, he found an old Willys-Knight car from before World War II.” [Willys-Knight was a make manufactured up until 1942, when the Willys factory started to make the more famous “jeep”] The car was up on blocks, with the wheels hung upon the garage walls. This car was later owned by the Waterfields for some time. [Conversation with Mr Waterfield, 21/7/2001]

“Frequently heard from visitors to Avondale Motors Ltd is, “Gosh, I didn’t realize you had such a large selection.” Not surprising, really, because you just can’t see all the cars and light commercial vehicles from the road. [Great North Road, near Crayford St, site of once 3-Guys Supermarket].

“Actually, there are scores of vehicles on the two acre site, amply

substantiating the company’s claim to be one of the biggest second-hand car dealers in the country. “Novel twist to the firm’s growth took place about a year ago when Avondale’s name took wing to take root in Suva, Fiji. “Proprietor Eric Schultz established its second branch of the firm, which has become widely known for friendliness, and above all a fair deal.” [Shopping With Anne, Western Leader, 23/8/66] “After 1960 passenger trains became much less frequent. Trolley buses, which had replaced trams, were in turn replaced by diesel powered vehicles. No longer were routes limited by the availability of special overhead power lines. New bus stops were established along the Great North Road, and from time to time the location of these changed. There were effects on adjoining businesses. The greatest impact, however, came from the rapid increase in ownership and use of private cars. More and more Avondale residents were able to travel to Lynnmall, Kelston and other shopping complexes where prices were lower and parking easier. This affected not only the Avondale business area but also the community life of the district. Residents less often met each other at the bus stop, the railway station or the local store.” [Challenge of the Whau, p. 125]

Television came to Auckland on 1 June 1960, for two hours nightly, twice a week. From August 1961, broadcasts were increased to four hours every night. With it, it changed people’s buying patterns, the way goods were advertised, and the dominance of radio and the movies. Everywhere you looked, in print


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media, on shop windows, the catch-phrase of the day: “As Seen On TV!” During the 1960s, traffic lights were introduced into Avondale at the Rosebank/Gt North Rd intersection. A roundabout replaces traffic islands at Gt North Road / St Judes / St Georges / Wingate intersection. Before the mid-1960s, bus-stops in Avondale (for diesel powered buses) were directly beside the main shop awnings in Great North Road. These were shifted to current positions.

1962

In an obituary published on 18 August 1962, for the death of his father Mr W R Battersby, Phillip Battersby is referred to as President of the Avondale Businessmen’s Association. Everyone thinks only horses race at the Avondale Jockey Club but in 1962 all that changed. You see at 1883 Great North Road behind Arthur H. Nathan Home Appliances (now Westforce Credit Union) George Pilkington, the building owner, used to graze two sheep called Snowy and Dolly. Well that summer the two sheep decided they liked the look of the vegetable garden over the fence. With considerable determination they both pushed their way under the wire fence and after a lovely time they exited onto Elm Street. They soon spotted the green grass of the Avondale Race Course and a fine banquet of food. So off they went slowly nibbling down the main straight and were somewhere near the start line. By now it was just after 3'o'clock and unfortunately for Dolly and Snowy some children returning home from

school discovered this unusual sight. That's when the first race on the card got under way! It was led by Snowy and Dolly and followed by six excited children. The sheep fleeced the field on the first lap but on the second were caught by the children who knew to where they should be returned. Snowy and Dolly were led up Elm Street into Great North Road and the front door of Arthur H. Nathan Home Appliances. Snowy was an obedient sheep and went through the shop and out the back door returning to her original pasture. Dolly however was very stubborn and eventually a little force had to be used to encourage her to go through the shop and out the back door. Well the fun of the big day had made Dolly a little loose and she left an unwelcome trail from the front door to the back door. The proud store manager could certainly see a line that separated the white ware from the brown ware of that home appliance shop. And so ended the day that Snowy and Dolly the sheep raced at the Avondale Jockey Club. [The Day the Sheep raced at the Avondale Jockey Club, Bruce Pilkington, December 2001 (email to the author)]

1963 Lynnmall opens, October. Before this, in 1963, Stuart North of Avondale Paints & Papers Ltd travelled to an International seminar held in Dayton, Ohio, USA, on “Modern Merchandising Methods” (11 September), to see what effect shopping malls would have on the shopping centres. What he saw convinced him not to risk moving his shop to the new block being built across Great North Road from his


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store. Owen Rendell, of Rendells in Newton, was the only other New Zealander to go. [Conversation with Stuart North, 3 July 2001]

1964 Mr J E Horide, president of ABA. Backlash over shopping malls The establishment of the Lynnmall Regional Shopping Centre in an already developed area, which was over-shopped to start with, and talk of further big centres to come was an example of town planning “gone haywire”, Mr H W Smith, a Blockhouse Bay businessman, told a meeting of Auckland retailers last week. “Lynnmall is a shopping centre which has been put in an area where there are adequate shopping facilities already. There is no way of expanding New Lynn, so Lynnmall has to rely on outside areas for support, such as Roskill, Avondale, Blockhouse Bay and Henderson. “Now they are talking of establishing another big shopping centre slap bang in the Middle of Mount Albert, which in turn will take business from Lynnmall. As far as I’m concerned, it is town planning gone haywire.” Mr Smith considered that a proposed federation of suburban businessmen’s associations could act as a watchdog on town planning matters – a field in which local business people had been far too apathetic in the past. The meeting, called by the Mount Albert Businessmen’s Association and attended by representatives of over 60 similar organizations in Auckland suburbs appointed a steering committee to examine the possibility of forming a federation to lodge

objections to the establishment of new regional centres at Mt Albert and Remuera. Among the speakers, Mr R H Pow, town planning consultant, who said he had studied some shopping developments overseas, was asked by Avondale businessman Mr C Funnell if he could shed any light on the effect of new centres on the already established shops nearby. Mr Pow said there was no true comparison with Lynnmall, because all the overseas centres he had seen had been established in areas not then serviced by shops. [Western Leader, 11/3/1964]

“The bogey of the New Lynn Regional Shopping Centre, which is now with us, has proved something of a paper tiger,” said the president of the ABA, Mr J E Horide, at the annual meeting on Monday. The centre had affected some businesses slightly and most others not at all, he said. The new threat was that more such centres would follow and, Mr Horide said, the committee had given approval in principle to the proposals put forward by the new Federation of Businessmen’s Associations. Outside opposition to the proposed free bus service had forced the association to abandon the scheme but, said Mr Horide, he would like to point out that the rumoured free buses to Lynnmall had not materialized either. [Western Leader, 6/5/1964]

Stuart North now president of the ABA. “In unity lies strength, and if our plans to promote the area to the full are to succeed, close unity among all


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shopkeepers in the area is essential,” said the newly-elected president of ABA, Mr Stuart North. “In the past I have been extremely disappointed at the apathetic approach to the association’s scheme by many of my fellow shopkeepers,” he said. “If we pull together we can, I know, offer the public as much as any other shopping centre in the Western Suburbs. If we do not get the support of the businessmen, both members and non-members of the association, our strength will be weakened and we might as well retire ingloriously.” [Western Leader, 13/5/1964]

Although the Federation of Businessmen’s Associations could not prevent large centres from being built it could endeavour to get them built in the existing centres and so centralize shopping. [Western Leader, 13/5/64]

“ABA will soon call for support for the Avondale Queen Carnival from sporting bodies, churches, firms and other organisations in the area. The association last week agreered to pursue its plan to hold the carnival. It hoped the carnival would be well received in the district and that support would be forthcoming. The carnival will be sponsored by the association in an effort to promote Avondale … the carnival would enable the district to work together for a common cause and it would also bring to the notice of the public the valuable work done by the various organisations taking part in it. Prizes will be donated by the association. These will be awarded in a number of sections, including a prize for the girl

chosen Queen, for the best float, for the most imaginative costume. “The date for the carnival had not yet been decided because this would depend on the amount of support received by the association, said Mr North. [Western Leader, 3/6/1964]

“ABA proud to be associated with Rosebank Industrial Centre and its phenomenal growth, says Mr S North. Mr North said while Rosebank Road had shot ahead, Avondale had made progress at a steadier rate over the years. This was marked by the specialized shops and the brighter look in the centre. “He said newcomers to the association had brought new ideas. These had mixed well with the original aims of the older established businesses. “The proposed queen carnival was an ambitious venture for the association, Mr North said, but it would prove its worth by bringing the shopping centre to the fore, and by helping the organisations to increase their funds. “Members of the association were working enthusiastically towards the promotion of both the business and residential areas. This outlook was a reflection of the new spirit of unity among the members, said Mr North. [Western Leader, 24/6/1964] “The ABA has been asked by the Auckland City Council to provide relevant information to add weight to the council’s objection against the Mt Albert and Market Road shopping centres. “Because of the close proximity of two similar types of shopping areas to Avondale [Lynnmall and Kelston,


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which opened 1964] the area was chosen as an example. “Members of the association have been asked to supply turnover figures for the years ended March 1963 and 1964. “The association fully supports the Council’s objection to the proposed shopping centres and committee members expressed willingness to co-operate. [Western Leader, 15/7/1964]

Council expenditure on Avondale: “Is Avondale getting recognition from the Auckland City Council and fair allocation of money for improvements/ The Businessmen’s Association thinks not. “In this years estimates £34,000 allocated to Blockhouse Bay, only £6,000 to Avondale. The committee feels that like Blockhouse Bay Avondale must form an advisory committee to the council so that the needs can be made better known. “The committee has agreed that requests to the council for general requirements have received attention, but the association could not be a watchdog for Avondale as a whole and the only way to get close liaison with the council for residents and representatives of industrial firms was to join with the association and form an advisory committee which, as a body, could then approach the council. “The association is prepared to make an all-out effort to improve the area but it cannot \do this fully without the solid support of the ratepayers. [Western Leader, 22/7/1964] Parking signs: “About 12 new gay blue & white signs pointing out free

parking areas to shoppers have been erected in Avondale. “They have been designed by the ABA, who feel that a number of would-be customers are passing through Avondale because they do not realize at the moment there is free parking space in Racecourse Parade, Rosebank Road & Geddes Tce. [Western Leader, 26/8/1964] Smash & Grab at Avondale – “Thieves made another smash and grab raid on a Western Suburbs shop, on Monday morning. This time the target was Avondale Furnishings Ltd, Great North Rd, Avondale. “When a footpath newspaper box was heaved through the plate glass window, appliances in the shop were damaged, and a television set valued at £114 was taken. Nearby residents who were aroused by the noise, saw a car leaving at high speed. [Western Leader, 9/9/1964] “Avondale businessman, Mr C Funnell, should concentrate on generating enthusiasm in his centre’s businessmen’s association before he directed attacks at the Auckland City Council, said Avondale’s representative on the council, Mr A Bailey, this week. “Replying to Mr Funnell’s complaint that Avondale had suffered a “do-it-tomorrow” attitude for years, Cr Bailey said the City Council was “well aware of its commitments in Avondale and its problems,” but there were many other districts under its control, too. It was incorrect to say nothing of a permanent nature had been done in Avondale, he said. “Following requests to the City Council by the ABA, engineers plan to inspect


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kerbs in Geddes Tce, on the corner of Crayford St, and in other roads near the racecourse. “The association recommended that part of the verge be removed to provide angle parking, and to relieve parking problems. [Western Leader, 23/9/1964]

1965 Mr J E Horide president of ABA. “Avondale Businessmen are pleased that once again the Mayor of Auckland, Mr Robinson, has occasion to visit the district,” said the president of the ABA, Mr J Horide.” [Western Leader, 7/4/1965]

(Actually, the occasion was the opening of the new head office and administration building at Steeles Factory in upper Rosebank Road.) “In an extra effort to keep the streets of Avondale clean, Auckland City Council has increased the number of litter baskets in the area to 17. “President of the ABA, Mr J E Horide, said people had often remarked on the untidiness and litter on the streets of New Zealand cities. “Avondale businessmen had always been anxious that the shopping centre should be kept clean, he said. They had applied to council for more frequent and thorough sweeping of the streets.” [Western Leader, 12/5/1965] ABA may go into recess “Out of a membership of 56, only 13 people attended ABA’s AGM last week. “Motion put by Horide for ABA to go into recess narrowly defeated 6-5.

Avondale’s businesses to be canvassed for support of another meeting May 31. “Mr Horide said the brevity of the annual report could only be attributed to the lack of interest and desire for the progress and development of Avondale as shown by the members of the association. “When the committee tried to organize a business promotion week last year the absence of support was such that it became simply a matter of individual efforts. This so disgusted some of the more active members that they resigned from the association to devote their energies to their own interests. “These resignations led to a reorganization of the executive officers and Mr Horide returned to the chair to prevent a total cessation and collapse of the association, at least until the general meeting. “As the only organization representing business and property interests in Avondale, the association should have much influence in progress and development,” said the report. “That it does not is because of the lack of action of its members.” “If more interest was not shown at the AGM, Mr Horide said, he could only recommend that the association be discontinued. “Such a course was abhorrent to him and to several others, he said, but to continue as in the past was too thankless a task for those who were left to conduct the association’s affairs.” [Western Leader, 19/5/1965]

Mr R B Niven now president of ABA.


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“A lively discussion took place between 20 members of the ABA at the AGM held recently. (Regarding bus stops, parking, tree planting, community lighting, and welfare projects.) [Western Leader, 16/6/1965]

Avondale Bank of New Zealand robbery: During the night of 9 June 1965, Daniel Huntwell McMillan and his brother David Harley Western broke into the bank building and waited for the next day’s opening. Bank staff in those days needed to collect money from the branch in the city, in this case near £15,300. Carrying a pistol and a sawn-off shotgun, the robbers leapt out at bank employees Jeff Julian and Murray Ness, hit them on the head and tied them up with masking tape. Most of the money was recovered and the robbers arrested within two weeks. [Without Fear or Favour, 150 Years of Policing in Auckland, Owen J. Cherrett,, 1989, p. 129]

21/6/65 – New BNZ building opens, corner Racecourse Parade and Great North Road (old Clews family land).. “It is my hope that the Avondale business area will continue to gain popularity with shoppers during the next 12 months,” said the newly elected president of the ABA Mr R B Niven. “ [Western Leader, 16/6/1965] Letter to Town Clerk, from ABA, 9/7/1965: “The Association conducts a community lighting scheme throughout the Avondale shopping area. For some years the Grosvenor theatre has been a member of this scheme, and 2 lights were installed outside the theatre premises.” The tenants, S Haywood’s Auckland Cinemas Ltd, couldn’t pay for the lighting, due to a slump in business (television’s effect on the cinema

worldwide). The council agreed to continue to pay £8. “Beautification of Avondale was discussed last week by the ABA, Auckland City director of Parks & Reserves Mr G Dean, and Mr Lake of the Auckland Traffic Department. “Members of the association, Mr Dean and Mr Lake inspected the outer boundary of the Avondale [Primary] School on the Great North Road, and discussed the possibility of cutting back the ground to provide space for a bus stop. “The scheme, which was proposed by the association was said to be practical. Following investigations Mr Dean and Mr Lake will report back to the association. “To support the businessmen’s plans to beautify the area, Mr Dean agreed to organize a tree-planting project in the area. “The association has applied to the Auckland City Council for permission to erect welcome signs on access and egress roads. “It has also asked council to upgrade Great North Rd from Avondale Post Office to St Georges Rd. “A power pole, which was recently installed in the middle of the traffic island, was considered to be a traffic hazard as well as an eyesore. The association has asked the Waitemata Electricity Board to remove the pole.” (Actually, WEB stated later it was only a temporary fixture, and removed same.) [Western Leader, 14/7/65]

According to Stuart North, the project to shift the bus stop for Avondale to just outside the Primary School was one undertaken as a joint exercise by the Businessmen’s Association,


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Avondale Lions, Avondale Rotary and the City Council. [Conversation with Stuart North, July 3, 2001]

Avoncourt put on the market for sale. “So many of our old buildings are pulled down that I hope a landmark like Avoncourt without a trace of borer in its solid heart kauri beams is preserved, even if at some future date it may be modernized.” [“Jay”, Avondale Angles, Western Leader, 18/8/1965]

Unfortunately, the Avoncourt hotel was demolished in 1967. Painting the centre. “A prominent Avondale businessman said that two years ago he had a colour scheme worked out for the shops in the main centre. “Some of the shops have been repainted, but on looking around recently, I did see a number which are in a very shabby state. “With all the new buildings erected, and in the process of being erected, it would be gratifying to see the other shops smartened up. It’s a thought I leave with you to smarten up by Christmas with a pot or two of paint.” [“Jay”, Avondale Angles, Western Leader, 25/8/65] The ‘prominent businessman’ was Stuart North, of Avondale Paint and Papers Ltd. Unfortunately, his suggestion of repainting the shopping centre would not be realised until the Mainstreet project of the late 1990s. He also suggested setting up a coffee shop close to Great North Road and the main traffic areas. [Conversation with Stuart North, 3 July 2001]

Welcome sign ABA has erected “Welcome to Avondale” signs which can be seen as

travellers come from town along the intersection of Gt North Road and Blockhouse Bay Rd, another by St Ninians church, and the other at the corner of New North Road. [Western Leader, 22/9/65]

Avondale loses City Council representation (Bailey loses his seat on the council.) “Voters in the western suburbs’ area of the Auckland City Council region showed complete lack of interest of the polls, says Blockhouse Bay Businessmen’s Association president Mr Ian McGregor. They are now faced with no direct representation on the Auckland City Council. Lack of representation is causing concern among business communities and Residents and Ratepayers Associations.” [Western Leader, 20/10/65]

(There would not be another Avondale local on Council until the mid-1970s)

ABA recruiting drive “ABA stages social and recruiting drive on 27 October 1965 at new Rosedale Reception Lounge on upper Rosebank Road. At present, the association is holding an “all out” campaign to give better service and let the public know that services equal to those anywhere else are available in the area.” (Rosedale was a new dance studio of ballroom dancers Maurice and Lionel Taylor, the then biggest private ballroom in Auckland). [Western Leader, 20/10/1965]

Shoppers crèche idea ABA hope for crèche for shoppers and that Salvation Army Hall could serve this purpose (From December 15 to 24, the Salvation Army ran a crèche in their Y.P. Hall for the Business


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Association, with funds raised going to towards their new hall.). [Western Leader, 27/10/1965; Salvation Army Corps History, 1965]

[From Jan Grefstad’s book, Picture Theatres of Auckland]

In November 1965 Mr. Bruce Anderson commenced to run the cinema for a short time. At this period business was very poor for most Suburban Cinemas battling to survive the television invasion of entertainment. By February 1966 he had had enough and indicated to Auckland Cinemas that he would give up on March 1. He also told his friend Fred Ward who was in partnership with Ray Melrose at the Metro, Mangere. I had met Fred and Ray at a Projectionists Union meeting early in 1965 and I had kept in touch with them during this time. One day Ray asked me if I would like to run the Grosvenor in partnership with himself, as he knew Bruce wanted to give up the business. I agreed and we entered an agreement with Selwyn Hayward to take over on a managerial agreement. The last movies Bruce showed here were John Wayne in "The Comancheros" with "That Naughty Girl" with Brigitte Bardot for the weekend February 5/6; "The Sky above, the Mud below" a documentary on New Guinea and "Broken Arrow" a western with James Stewart and Jeff Chandler on February 11/12; "The Hustler" with Paul Newman and It happened in Athens" with Jayne Mansfield; "Wild in Country" with Elvis Presley and "Misty" with David Ladd on February 25/26 his last movie programme. In December 1965, Mr Terrence Waterfield built the third and last site for Ray’s Studios, across the Great

North Road as part of the new block constructed in the mid 1960s. Mr Waterfield recalled that a Mr Bill Dowling was the first to build, having a delicatessen, café, and record shop. Then came Mr Waterfield’s building (site of present day Salvation Army shop), then Fowlers, then a dairy (which later converted to the Bank of New South Wales). Burt Coyle approached Mr Waterfield beforehand, and tried to sell him the corner site of the old billiard saloon and shops by Crayford Street for £10,000. However, Mr Waterfield built across the road for £7,500. The Waterfield’s studio could accommodate up to 100 people at a time for group sittings, taking photos of marching teams, local soccer clubs etc. They had a number of staff working for him, from photographers to re-touchers. Their team handled up to 250 weddings per year. They also provided special touches, such as when they saw the obituary of a client’s child, they would prepare an oils miniature of the child and present this to the parents with their condolences. Mr Waterfield recalled how he was known to many as “Mr Ray.” “The business ran us, we didn’t run the business,” he told me. There was little room for much of a social life in those hectic days of keeping up with locals’ needs. One of their pride and joys was the front projection system, which involved a projector, camera and a ½ mirror set at a 45o angle. By the use of transparencies, any background could be used without the projection falling onto the subject.


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However, gradually the improved technology around photography allowed more photos to be taken by the ordinary person, no longer requiring the services of a professional portrait photographer. With the onset of colour in the mid 1960s, then instamatic cameras in the 1970s, the re-ordering of wedding photos, the Waterfield’s main money earner, dropped off. They sold the business in the late 1980s “just before GST came in.” The only remnant today of Ray’s Studios is a blue sign with bright lettering over the closed doorway which used to lead to the studio, but is now locked tight. No more will we see the sight of a local professional photographer, who learnt the trade both from others and by himself, playing knucklebones on the step leading to his old shop. [Conversation with Mr and Mrs Waterfield, 21/7/2001]

1966 Block between playground, playing courts and (now) Inner Circle Development built. [Western Leader, 30/9/1969]

Fowlers Bargain House and Rays Studios (Terence Ray Waterfield) both purchased property in the 1973-1987 Great North Road block in December 1965. Digby and Warwick Fowler initially had a shop at 4 St Georges Road in 1965-66, but “the old store was a cramped 600 square feet.” The new premises had “1800 square feet of selling space, and was designed by Mr J Entrician,” who’d also designed Plessey’s factory in Henderson.

In the new shop, “the lighting is superb – two light wells with splayed sides brighten the shop to daylight intensity … The Fowler family built all the counters, made display stands, and came up with two unique self-service stands – a revolving button stand lined with shelves carrying 1200 types of buttons. The other stand carries a large range of haberdashery – at least 300 items,” designed by Digby Fowler, who co-ran the Onehunga family business with his brother Warwick while another brother Tim ran the Avondale branch. New building codes came into effect shortly before construction of the building. “The blockmakers were well advanced laying wall blocks when they were told the city council insisted on four-hour blocks – these allow fire to heat them for four hours before being damaged. “These and other restrictions were faced by Tim and it was to his credit that the store was completed within 18 weeks.” [quotes from Western Leader, 30 September 1969]

Fowler’s closed their Avondale branch on 31 December 1993. Metropolitan Films take over Grosvenor Theatre, (Jan Grefstad and partners) [letter to Council, 21/2/66] “In talking with local businessmen and residents, we have noticed that they are showing intense interest and all have expressed their support at our intentions to provide first class entertainment and service.” Metropolitan begin showing films 1 March 1966. 10 December, Hayward’s relinquish the tenancy.


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“It is regretted that after more than 30 years as your tenants T.V. has brought an end to our association. Signed Selwyn Hayward, Director" [Letter to Council, from Picture Theatres of Auckland]

“Over the years the Saturday matinees were the busiest time of the week especially the first 20 years. The matinees were usually reasonable but with special attention and extra attractions like real monkeys on stage from a circus (which almost ripped the screen apart with their sharp claws) and even local pop stars to sing to their fans. One of the most popular innovations I devised for the matinees was the introduction of housie every week. When the children brought their admission ticket I gave them a housie card free. At Interval after they had stocked up on candy and ice creams I would go on stage and call out the numbers. The basic rule was when they completed a line they had to shout “Hollywood!” I used to give free six packs of Coca-Cola, free theatre tickets, and even $5 cash for prizes. To add to the excitement I would put six red cloth bags on the stage with the prizes hidden inside them. When each prize-winner was checked the child was allowed to pick a bag with a mystery prize - this sometimes was quite hilarious as I might include a "booby prize"! This game was very popular with the children and I saw the attendances at the movies climb to record levels and it was not unusual to have to turn the kids away when all the seats were full!” [Jan Grefstad, Picture Theatres of Auckland]

The theatre now becomes the “Hollywood”.

In 1966 new premises for the Bank of New South Wales were built on the same site (1996 Great North Rd) and the bank leased these from 16 June 1966. [E-mail from Pauline Porteous, Records and Archive Manager, WestpacTrust, 27/3/01] Negotiations with Auckland City over part payment of Clark Street-Wolverton Rd extension has been “favourable”, according to a New Lynn Borough Council spokesman today (6/12/66), [Previously, only connection between Wolverton St and Clark St was a narrow footbridge. This was to be replaced by a four lane road. Traffic from Blockhouse Bay could now bypass Avondale Centre via St Judes. – Western Leader] Avondale future predicted bright “During the year, Avondale businesses had offered topline service and competitive prices, said the president of the ABA, Mr R Niven. “We have a motto, ‘Avondale has Everything’, and with more than 65 shops in the area it has been proved,” he said. “With the growth in Rosebank Rd, Avondale Centre faces a bright future. “There is ample off-street parking and the centre is well served by public transport. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank all those who shop in the area and wish all Avondale customers a Merry Christmas and a happy New Year.” [Western Leader, 13/12/1966]


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Greenlees Jewellers: “Beau, Mr Greenlees’ snowy Maltese terrier looks more like a bundle of fluff than ever as he naps happily on the green carpet in Mr Greenlees newly decorated shop. [Next to National Bank, near southwest cnr of Rosebank/Great North Rd intersection]. The shop has been expanded to double its size, the wonderful selection of gifts and jewellery has correspondingly increased.” [Western Leader, 20/12/1966]

By 1966, Avondale Auction House was trading from Charles Trigg’s old site at 1980 Great North Road. In December 1967 they arranged the auction of Vic Amos’ fire-damaged goods, and in June 1969 were incorporated. The black cat mascot perched on the rooftop for so many years, until the 1990s, apparently came from a takeaway shop in Mt Albert which was banned from erecting it by the Mt Albert Borough Council. (In May 2001, it resided, in tattered but recognisable condition, on a rafter in the now Avondale Spiders store, as seen by the author). In July 1970 the auction house was enlarged by a new building on the southern side, doubling the floor space to 5000 feet, increasing the frontage. “The auction house owner, Mr Rex Bell, was unable to decide as the building went up, whether to keep two separate shops or make it one large one and had the wall included. Now, he has decided it is the best idea to make the shop one and is going to knock out a space in the new wall. “Mr Bell is an engineer by trade … he does most of his own repairs and restoration of motor-mowers and appliances which cuts down many overheads and allows him to offer goods at the lowest possible prices.

He started buying and selling in a small way as little more than a hobby and when he took over Avondale Auctions [1968] it was his first venture into the game on a fulltime basis.” [quotes from Western Leader, 14/7/1970]

By the late 1980s, the business became known as Avondale Spiders Ltd, and was incorporated in 1991. The black cat is now replaced by a yellow and green spider.

1967 After Jim Crawford’s death in 1966, the old Morrison & Crawford service station changed to its newer layout which can still be see today as the Caltex’ Station, in 1967. “What happens when a service station, apparently ideally sited for its patrons’ purpose in 1930, is gradually by-passed through ever increasing traffic build-up and congestion? There were two possible answers to this very real problem faced by Mrs V.F.R. Crawford and her son John of Avondale; so, following the death of the late Mr Jim Crawford in 1966, they decided not only to carry on the business but to extend it, by realigning their premises. This was done first or all by moving the Crawford homestead to the back of the section, away from the service station and then building the modern and spacious sales rooms and service facilities, with petrol pumps re-sited on the enlarged drive-in. The result was … a very marked improvement in business. It also brought distinction to Avondale, for in a New Zealand-wide contest to discover the model service station marketing Atlantic Union Oil and petrol


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products, Morrison & Crawford won 1st prize! A fitting tribute to the Crawford family who, when others would have cried quits, decided to expand instead.” [Western Leader, 23/10/1969, from collection of Mrs V Crawford.]

In 1976, the business was sold to Curtis & Miller. “Morrison & Crawford became one of the first outlets to one-line to Atlantic in 1952. Since that time the premises have been successively upgraded to maintain the modern image. In 1967 the station was relocated some 50 metres to escape the traffic congestion of a nearby intersection. This major upgrade not only ensured the future growth of the service station but also contributed to a clear cut win in the Atlantic “Model Service Station Award” in 1969.” [Mobil Happenings, in-house magazine, 1982, from the Crawford Collection, courtesy of Mrs V Crawford.] Vic Amos chairman of ABA in 1967. September: Avoncourt Hotel (formerly Avondale Hotel) demolished. Avondale’s first supermarket, Coopers, built on the site. “The Avoncourt Hotel at Avondale is rapidly disappearing and as it falls brick by brick and beam by beam, many old stories are sharply revived. Demolition gang foreman, Harry (‘Harbour Bridge’) Hujbregts said that since work on tearing down the hotel began several weeks ago, many people had come in and asked to be shown through the rooms once more before they disappear. “And with the ‘old timers’ have come a host of long-forgotten tales – some amusing, some macabre.

“It’s rumoured,” said Harry, “that there are 500 gold sovereigns hidden here somewhere, and one old man told me that if we looked carefully we’d probably find traces of gold dust, brought in by the Coromandel gold prospectors many years ago. “In the past two weeks Harry has heard stories of men taking their first date to the hotel; of the licensee who hanged himself in the cellar after the hotel lost its licence [this, of course, refers to the real suicide of Mr J. Stych in 1898 - note]; and of a pioneer woman’s diary hidden somewhere in the hotel. “There’s also the story that the stable behind Avoncourt was once the overnight resting place for corpses brought out of the bush by the gumdiggers and bushmen. “I was told that in those days the hotel was overrun by rats,” said Harry. “One night, a dead Maori was left in the stables. In the morning, they found nothing but his bones.” [Western Leader, 5/9/67]

Burnt-out and Burgled Amos’ Quit Avondale --“Two burglaries and a fire in one year. It’s time to quit and I’m quitting.” “These were the words of Avondale grocer, Mr Vic Amos after surveying his fire-gutted shop last week. “I never thought I’d walk out like this. My father owned the business before me and I’ve been here all my life. We’re the second oldest grocery firm in Auckland.” [Western Leader, 5/12/67]

“Avondale is on the move. A large supermarket is at present under construction on the site of the old Avoncourt Hotel and is expected to be


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opened next year, and this week one of New Zealand’s most rapidly-growing wine producing companies Montana Wines Ltd will open a spacious new shop in the commercial centre. “A new dairy will also open on Friday.” [Western Leader, 12/12/67]

The new supermarket expected to be complete by January 1968. Cost $220,000, 14.000 sq ft, designed by J D Davison Construction Coy Ltd, for Mr M.H.G Cooper. It will be divided into individual departments selling meat, fruit, and vegetables and groceries. An additional feature will be a coffee lounge. At the centre of the supermarket will be a type of mall. “What we have endeavoured to do is divorce each department from the actual market operation and at the same time, keep it all under one roof, “ Mr Cooper told the Western Leader last week. “This type of development will possibly be the first of its kind in New Zealand.” Off-street parking was provided for 78 cars and an additional 28 spaces will be provided under the building. [Western Leader, 12/12/67]

“Avondale is on the move and is attracting many more enterprising businessmen to the area. Had the credit squeeze not curtailed the Auckland City Council’s finances, an improvement scheme for the shopping area would have been put into effect this year. “This would have welded the two ends of the commercial centre, at present separated by the Avondale Primary School on one side of the Great North Rd and residential properties on the other. This situation will not be altered

as far as these properties are concerned, but the footpaths will be cut back, allowing buses to pull out into the main traffic stream, making for a smoother flow at all times. “[Bus] shelters must be compatible with the new look which will incorporate suitable trees and shrubs, promised by Mr George Dean of the City Council’s parks department. [Western Leader, 12/12/67]

“Avondale businessmen are not pulling their weight” – Avondale businessmen who were not members of the ABA, were not pulling their weight, but were enjoying the benefits of advertising and promotions, the secretary of the ABA, Mr A. Bailey, said last week. “He said response from businessmen had been poor for about two years. “They’re all out for trade and are doing good work, but they’re leaving it to just a few to carry on with the work of the association.” “The Avondale association was one of the oldest groups to have held its place in one of Auckland’s oldest suburbs, he said. The area dated back to the gumdiggers and in those days there was only a “pub” – the Avoncourt – which Mr Bailey owned for many years, and a store. “Today the ABA is still doing its best to keep a watchful eye on the business community and to advance good trading, to keep shoppers happy. At this time of year it arranges Christmas festivities for all ages, gay lighting effects and various promotions. [Western Leader, 12/12/67]


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1968 Rumours abounded in 1968 that Auckland City Council planned to dispose of the Hollywood Cinema. “I have heard that the council was discussing possible disposal of this property within the next few years. Personally I feel that this would be to the detriment of the Blockhouse Bay-Avondale Area as now this is the only cinema to serve both areas as the Kosy Theatre, Blockhouse Bay has now been sold and demolished to become a Supermarket. “To dispose of this property at this crucial time when Avondale has few Community Assets would I am sure, incur the wrath of the local people, the Businessmen's Association and local clubs such as the Lions who look to the cinema for their only pleasures in this area. As the building is in reasonable repair and not in the way of any major developments I cannot see any reason for disposing of the building. [Letter by Jan Grefstad to Auckland City Council, reprinted in Picture Theatres of Auckland]

Reminiscing in 1968, Charles Collier stated he “has seen the shopping centre develop from just two blocks of shops, one his own, to today’s modern complex. ‘It was all empty sections along here, but it won’t be long before it’s all filled up, I’d like to see the few remaining houses pulled down and the gaps filled in.” [Western Leader, 13/8/68]

1969 In 1969 the assistant manager of the Bank of New South Wales branch wrote, “The Avondale shopping centre is well established and comprehensive. The area it services is growing

commercially, industrially and in population.” [E-mail from Pauline Porteous, Records and Archive Manager, WestpacTrust, 27/3/01]

20/5/1969: Stuart North retires as President of ABA. “We are convinced that street stalls and raffles are not desirable ways to raise funds”, he wrote in his last annual report. The ABA would like to see a monster gala day where all sports clubs, service organisations, and churches could raise funds at once.” North was president 5 times, spent 14 years on committee. During his time many shops increased floor space, bus shelters were erected in Avondale, and light industrial buildings went up in St Judes St. He operated Avondale Paints and Papers on Great North Rd. In his last term (1968/69) an Avondale advisory committee was set up to keep the Auckland City Council informed on Avondale’s needs. This consisted of 3 retailers, a draughtsman, and the manager of a Rosebank Rd industrial firm – Messrs North, Funnell, Tomlinson, J Goodwin and B Potten) [Western Leader, 13/5/69]

1970 Around this time, the Shoprite supermarket chain opened a branch in Rosebank Road next to Rosebank Road bus terminus. This later becomes a Salvation Army op-shop (which moved to Great North Rd opposite new post office), then a bathroom store (which moved to Great North road for a while, in building that replaced Variety Gifts.) In 2002, it became the home for the St Vincent de Paul op-shop.


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1971 St Lukes Shopping Centre opens. On the 8th June 1970 the Bank of New South Wales branch moved to number 1971 Great North Road. On the 11 December 1972 the agency became a full branch and the first manager was Brian W. Grey. [E-mail from Pauline Porteous, Records and Archive Manager, WestpacTrust, 27/3/01]

Wises Directory of 1971 lists 187 Avondale businesses in shopping centre. Population of Rosebank, Avondale North, Avondale South and New Windsor is 21,163. Approximately 16,200 people were contained within Avondale’s primary trade area. [Avondale Shopping Centre Report, Auckland City Council, March 1975]

By 1971, Battersby’s Ltd had made improvements and changes to their chapel offices and facilities, and celebrated 40 years in Avondale with a full page spread in the Western Leader, 25 November 1971. They had a fleet of five cars, with the chapel seating over 120 people, and off-street parking for 50 cars.

1971 Jan Grefstad now president of ABA. He echoed one of the main points Charles Collier had earlier made in an interview with the Western Leader in 1972, regarding the primary school in the shopping centre area. “Looking forward to 1972, I would like to see for Avondale a better liaison between the business community and the Auckland City Council and a completely united shopping centre. The removal of Avondale Primary

School would make a far better shopping complex as at present the two ends are separated by it.” He also expressed concerns with Avondale teenagers. “Teenagers have nothing else to do, but hang around about the streets of Avondale – there are not enough recreational facilities here. There is not enough supervision of the shopping community at night either.” [Western Leader, 6/1/72]

“I well remember being invited to an ABA meeting in early 1972 where it was reported that serious complaints from many businessmen in Avondale over street cleanliness had resulted in a letter being sent to the mayor’s office. This in turn was referred to another department and nothing happened. “In support of the businessmen’s claims, I recall that five years ago a company, in which I am involved, purchased the original Avondale store which though nearly 100 years old [the Page’s Building, then 66 years old – note] has been progressively improved according to a professionally set scheme. A few days after purchase (five years ago) a public telephone call box outside the building was removed. The footpath damage has never been reinstated. “Rubbish near the roundabout … lies there for months. St Jude St and side streets as businessmen see them are not cleaned at all.” [Ian S. Clews, letter to Western Leader, 23/3/73]

1973 ABA president Grefstad and Charles Funnell comment to media:


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“The council looks on Avondale as the ugly duckling of its domain and its treatment is like that of the forgotten child,” says Mr Funnell. Mr Grefstad said he felt there was an urgent need for a Residents and Ratepayers Association in Avondale. “The people need an official voice,” he said. [Western Leader, 13/3/1973]

Funnell received many phone calls supporting the need for such an association. [Western Leader, 22/3/1973].

Beautification: Council’s response was to plant a number of potted trees in the shopping centre, and reseal parts of Gt North Rd. “The parks department also hopes to erect a tree in the roundabout so Avondale can generally look forward to a new image.” [Western Leader, 5/4/73]

Council: Auckland Mayor Sir Dove-Meyer Robinson felt that the “people of Avondale … had been misled by a group of troublemakers about the Auckland City Council’s intentions for the area. These troublemakers have led people to believe that we have forgotten about them …” He would address an ABA meeting on July 31 and make a full statement about Council’s plans for Avondale. [Western Leader, 12/7/73]

3 Guys supermarket: At the largest ever meeting (to that date) of ABA, Mr Albert Gubay advised of his plans for a supermarket in Avondale. [Western

Leader, 22/5/73]. The supermarket was built by 1975. According to ABA Chairman Duncan MacDonald in 2001, he believed that initial plans put by Mr Gubay for the site had the 3 Guys supermarket situated to the rear of the site (adjoining Suburbs Rugby grounds),

with car parking and then shops on the Great North Road frontage. This would have “linked up” the two halves of the shopping centre with a line of retail premises facing the school. However, this was not to be. “Angry Avondale residents and shopkeepers are disgusted with the “big ugly barn” appearance of the intended Three Guys Supermarket. “Shopkeeper Mr C Funnell thinks that millionaire Albert Gubay’s store looks ‘like a prison’. “He pointed out that … the Avondale store with its white corrugated iron appearance and no windows has no redeeming features.” [Western Leader, 11///75]

Around this time Shoprite built their new store on Racecourse Parade. Finding 3 Guys right next door later, they stayed for only a few more years before closing down. The store then became, in turn, Levenes, MacDonalds Appliances, Fresh & Fresh and King’s Mini-Supermarket. The new Avondale Library was completed and opened 18 September 1973, at a cost of $135,000, and an area of 743 m2. [Oral History Photo collection notes, 1991]

1974 Real estate agent John Stackpole learned that his property at 1990 Great North Rd is to be taken under Public Works Act for the new Post Office. “The land owned by Mr Stackpole is 41 perches with two street entrances – from Great North Road and Geddes Tce. It is one of the largest commercial sites in Avondale and Mr Stackpole


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has had architects draw up plans at considerable cost to develop the site. “’These plans are for a building to include a trading bank and medical centre,’ said Mr Stackpole. ‘It is not just myself who is affected by this decision, but five other major concerns.’ “His property is a valuable commercial site and the compensation figure offered is ‘ridiculous’.” [Western Leader, 17/12/74]

In 1974, due to a five-fold increase in new drivers licence testing in 1973, a new testing office opened in the Community Centre (Public Hall) on St Georges Rd. This was replaced by a western base established in Rosebank Road at the once-turnaround area for the trolley buses. The new base included a parking warden. [Advance In Order, Graham W. A. Bush, 1991]

1974-75 ABA in recess for more than 15 months. “We have a ratepayer’s association and a community committee (and the promise of a businessmen’s association). Are we interested in their work and ready to support them with their regular dealings with the council and its departments?” [Dorothy Coup, Western Leader, 13/5/75]

The Gt North Rd façade of 3Guys supermarket attracts negative comments [Western Leader¸14/1/75 &

11/3/75]. It further adds to the split in two halves of the shopping centre. On 27 March, 1975, B W Bullivant, Senior Planner with Auckland City, wrote a report to the Planning and Redevelopment Committee about the shopping centre. He noted that the business community felt that not only the Primary School

but the Racecourse was hampering progress in the area. “ … it [the racecourse] could have been partly used for residential development, contributing to the Avondale trade area, and for recreation suitable to the wider community interests. As it now stands, they claim the race days do not assist trade, merely hamper it because of excessive traffic and parking problems.” The report also highlighted problems within the Avondale Businessmen’s association: “The ABA has been plagued by factions from its inception and therefore, could seldom reach a consensus on matters affecting the whole centre. Each block of shops has different interests because of its location. Unfortunately, the physical disunity of location and appearance in the shopping centre has not been overcome by the potential strength and common approach this organisation could impart. It appears the organisation has disbanded.” Traffic noise was another problem for the centre: “It is not pleasant to stand and chat along the footpaths or to silently browse around shop windows as brakes screech and exhausts roar in the background.” “The Auckland City Council approached the [Community] committee and asked if members thought the toilets [then located behind the Hollywood] should be renovated or replaced. After inspecting the present ones, the committee strongly recommended new toilets on a more central site. Members hope that new toilets will be built on the site next to the Bank of New South Wales


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[afterwards, Penny Lanes, then in turn Pinky’s, a café, and (in 2002) a chicken meat retailer]. They also recommended that this building include a shopper’s crèche, a room for mothers to breastfeed and change their babies and facilities for people in wheelchairs. Here’s hoping the City Council will approve the suggestions. [Dorothy Coup, Western Leader, 3/6/75]

No. only the toilet block was built., which was to last until the winter of 2002. “Last Tuesday night” a special meeting of the ABA was held to reform the association. Charles Funnell elected president. More than 40 businessmen and retailers present. “They agreed the association should be both progressive and active. We have another special meeting planned for next month and, meantime, three sub-committees will be at work.” [Western Leader, 9/9/75]

Avondale Market Day held, 26/9/75, in conjunction with Spring Festival, organised by ABA. Avondale Shopping Centre has 152 businesses. [Shopping Centre Promotion, Western Leader, 23/9/75]

In November 1975 the Bank of New South Wales branch shifted to its current site at 1977 Great North Road In 1982 it became Westpac through a merger with Commercial Bank of Australia, and in 1996 WestpacTrust through merger with Trust Bank. It is now known simply as Westpac. [E-mail from Pauline Porteous, Records and Archive Manager, WestpacTrust, 27/3/01]

1976 Coopers supermarket and retail complex was demolished, and the

Inner Circle Tavern built on the same same site. The former Morrison & Crawford Service Station becomes known as Curtis & Miller. “In 1976, after forty-six years, the Crawford family retired from the operation of the service station, leaving it in what have certainly proved to be the capable hands of Pat Curtis and Paul Miller. Sharing managerial, mechanical and merchandising skills, this partnership has built on the rock-solid foundations that Mrs Crawford had established. The keystone of the business continues to be ‘service second to none’, and Curtis and Miller Ltd have certainly demonstrated that you don’t frighten customers away by ensuring that their motoring needs are well satisfied. “Looking at the service station today, a flourishing, modern business, well equipped for the eighties and beyond, it is possible to surmise that Mr Crawford would be well pleased by the successive achievements of firstly Mrs Vera Crawford and latterly, Pat Curtis and Paul Miller.” [Mobil Happenings, in-house magazine, 1982, from the Crawford Collection, courtesy of Mrs V. Crawford] According to Mrs Crawford, Curtis & Miller had left the business by c.1985. Avondale desperately short of off-street parking, according to the ABA. Alternatives were suggested to Auckland City Council, but these rejected. [Western Leader,6/7/76]

John Evans is now president of ABA. “The basic aim of the ABA is that shopping in Avondale should be fun, convenient and inexpensive. To make Avondale a fun place to shop is one of the hardest goals to achieve. The


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committee is constantly arranging and helping to organize events in which customers can participate, such as competitions, market days, and the festival which we are all part of at the moment.” [Western Leader, 30/9/76] The Salvation Army Hall was demolished in 1976. Shortly after, Tingeys built a shop on the old site, and was later taken over by Guthrie Bowron. By c.1988, Guthrie Bowron sold the building to a video store proprietor, who had started the Blue Knight Video Store close to the billiard saloon near the Post Office further down Great North Road. In 2000, this became Civic Video, part of the national chain. [Conversation with Liz Claude-Goldie, 16 July 2001]

Membership card, Blue Knight Video. From

author’s collection.

I remember another video rental store located in what had been the old Self Help / IGA store, at the corner of Great North Road and Rosebank Road, in the late 1980s. That was where I had my first membership. It amazed me, at the time, that movies could be rented out and watched on a video player at home (my mother and I had a rental one) just as easily as borrowing books from the local library. It was a novelty which has still, to this day, not quite worn off. That business was bought by the proprietor of Blue Knight, and so I was able to have my membership transferred over.

1977 Charles Funnel re-elected as president of ABA. He opposed moving the Post Office to the new site opposite the Inner Circle tavern. “The Avondale business community is disgusted that it cannot get the Auckland City Council to do anything unless a fuss is kicked up.” [Western Leader, 22/3/77]

“A major study of the Avondale Centre (by Council) was conducted in 1977 and the main problems appeared to be at that time (a) traffic flow, (b) lack of a decent supermarket, (c) lack of public toilets and (d) the split in the middle of the shopping centre.” [ABA Committee minutes, 15/4/85]

1978 Funnell is re-elected for third term. [Western Leader, 23/5/78] Ash Street by-pass opened. I recall seeing Charles Funnell standing counting the traffic along Great North Road when the by-pass opened. It was supposed to stop the need for heavy trucks coming through the centre. It didn’t. In 2000 I found this was because the new Whau Bridge at Ash St/Rata St is believed to have a load limit that many of the trucks surpassed. “The benefits are most noticeable in Avondale where the narrow main street was once continually choked with cars. The traffic jams have disappeared and it is actually possible to get curb-side parking – once only a shopper’s dream. The hoped for increase in trade hasn’t eventuated but businessmen are optimistic and waiting for traffic patterns to settle. Others have already noticed a downturn in trade and those affected are businesses relying on passing


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trade and impulse buyers.” [Western Leader, 10/10/78]

December: The Avondale Community Committee organised a fundraising festival to raise money for an Avondale Community Centre Incorporated Society. “Festival Wash out. “Avondale’s Christmas festival was ‘a bit of a washout’ but the organizers are hoping for a bigger and better event next year. “Mrs Fay O’Brien, who organized the festival, says the parade was smaller than expected but there was good spectator response. The ethnic performances planned at Avondale Racecourse did not eventuate but the raffles, sausage sizzles and side shows raised about $700 towards the building fund for a new community centre. “Rain put a halt to the quick fire raffles and the prizes left over will be raffled in Avondale’s main street at 7.30pm this Thursday. The festival’s main aim was to get the community working towards the proposed new centre. “We’ve been talking about this for 25 years but now a start has been made we hope everyone will get behind the venture,’ says Mrs O’Brien. “We’re in the process of setting up an incorporated society to oversee fundraising and with the festival proceeds in hand we’ll be well on our way. The prize was offered by the Avondale Businessmen Association.” [Western Leader, 18/12/1978]

The Society was incorporated in 1979, but it would be another 11 years before a new Community Centre was built, on Rosebank Road.

1979 Avondale Electrical & Appliance Ltd (Laws Electrical) incorporated 17/10/79. The business left in the late 1990s. [Companies records, via Internet, 2001]

Rosebank Community House

Artwork by the author.

2 July 1979, Rosebank Community House opened, at 97 Rosebank Road. This had started as a weekly “Drop-in” centre at Victoria Hall, further down Rosebank Road in October 1977, set up be three workers from the Avondale Citizens Advice Bureau, supported by Auckland City Council’s Community Advisor for the area “as a result of constant enquiries received at the C.A.B. from people feeling lonely, isolated and in fragmented family situations living in the area. The Drop-in’s grew steadily, and to meet the various needs arising, small groups would meet in members homes, developing and sharing skills and companionship. From this we formed a committee to work towards establishing a Community House.” The first Community House Co-ordinator was arranged by the Community advisor through the Temporary Employment Scheme of the Department of Labour, “to act as a liaison person between the House Committee and various departments (Justice Dept., Housing Corporation, Auckland City Council etc.). The appointment was from September


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1978 to June 1979.” The Rosebank Community House Society incorporated on 23 November 1978. After no success in securing a Housing Corporation property further down Rosebank Road (The Corporation would often rent specific houses to community groups at “peppercorn” rates), the City Council offered them the villa bought by the Council back in the late 1940s, at 97 Rosebank Road. “The house was an old villa-type dwelling in a neglected run-down condition, showed promise, conveniently situated near transport, shops and library. The members of the group spent many hours scrubbing, cleaning and making it a pleasant place to receive people. A roster group was formed, brief orientation course given, and we opened on 2nd July 1979 – Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. daily. “Our aim was [to] offer a low-key, non-structured “drop-in” place for people to meet, share their time and skills – express their needs and interests, or take a quiet respite while shopping.” [Quotes from report by Marje Hughes, Co-ordinator of Rosebank Community House, February 1980]

I had a brief conversation with Elaine Cole on October 6 1994. Mrs Cole, along with Marje Hughes, Joseph Pelham, Lois Hulme and Mattie Fevalli, were among the original organisers of the Orchard Street drop-in centre. Mothers in the area felt a need to have a place to get-together, socialise, and have interests. Around 1973-74, the group gathered in the Victoria Hall Church on Orchard Street, and formed the drop-in centre. Mrs Cole advised that the CAB hadn’t formally helped, but Elizabeth Campbell, a Bureau volunteer in the

late 1970s, came to help once the centre was up and going.

1980 Rex Charlton is now president of ABA. Regarding the move of the Post Office: “Although the Association is concerned about the move, no one seems prepared to speak up on its behalf. Opinions are so divided that it seems one side of Avondale is fighting against the other.” [Western Leader, 19/8/80]

1981-85 ABA in recess. During this time, Lynnmall suffered a downturn. Numerous businesses were urged to take advantage of this.

1982 Avondale Plunket Clinic moved from the cramped premises next to the public toilets in Rosebank Road, to 99 Rosebank Road, one of the two houses bought by Auckland City in 1948, and next door to the Rosebank Community House. From now on, the Plunket Clinic would be linked to this site, and eventually gained rooms at the Avondale Community Centre from 1990. [Report by Clinton Savage, Community Advisor, to Acting Community Development Officer, Auckland City, 21/9/88]

1984 The new Post Office at 1990 Great North Rd is opened At the official opening, 200 official guests attended on the Avondale Primary School grounds, entertained by children of the school, before the guests moved off and went to the new building. [Ron Oates, Avondale Primary

School 1870-1990, 1990], plus personal recollection.


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New buildings for Social Welfare at north-east end of the shopping centre are completed (formerly site of derelict building). In time, it would become just Employment Services, then the government departments moved out completely, came back, and now have moved into the first floor of the Steeles factory building in Rosebank Road. Currently, it is the base for the Deaf Association. On the 18th August 1984, St Ninians Church closed its doors and ceased to be a church, decommissioned by the Avondale Union Parish. The fate of the little church and its accompanying cemetery had been cause for controversy in the Avondale Community since the early 1970s. The large hall alongside had been destined for Rosebank Primary as their hall, but was destroyed by fire before it could be removed. Mobil Oil bought all of the site, including Great North Road frontage, church building and cemetery, and obtained town planning permission from Auckland City for the new service station in Great North Road in return for agreeing to maintain the exterior of the church building and grounds for 20 years. By 1989, Auckland City owned St Ninians and the cemetery. The wooden pews were removed and are (at date of writing) located today in the Catholic Church of the Order of St Pius X in Avondale Road. Late 1984, the Avondale Union Parish demolished the 80 year old wooden Methodist Church on Rosebank Road, and built the Avondale Union Parish Church Centre, also known as the Nafanua Church and Hall. The Ingram Windows from the front of St Ninians were removed and placed in the new Nafanua church building.

1985 Trevor Callaghan is now president of ABA. His presidency was to provide the only continuity for the Association, in a period where it appeared the ABA was a spent force. A meeting was scheduled on 11 March at the Inner Circle Tavern Lounge Bar to re-form ABA. Secretary Dianne Wilson dubs the ABA “The A Team”. There were only 11 members. “We have the obvious aims of any association to brighten up and generally promote the area as a place to shop.” [Western Leader, 1/4/85]

Callaghan advised Auckland Mayor Cath Tizard of the goals of the ABA – “coordinating and uniting the members of our business community” [1/4/85]

Council approve budget of $250,000 to be spent on street improvements only: $100,000 of which in current financial year. [ABA Committee minutes, 7/4/85]

N Rose now president of ABA [ABA Committee minutes, 15/4/85]

Promotion: Proposal by Dianne Wilson of Down to Earth for “Saturday market day” in Avondale [5/2/85] “Best Mum in Avondale” promotion, 10/5/85. Window spotting competition, August. Christmas market days – street promotions. [ABA Committee minutes, 18/11/85]

Moved taxi rank: The ABA is upset because it feels that taxis making u-turns in the street are potentially dangerous, and that the new rank takes up valuable parking space. The incident caused a communication breakdown (between ABA and


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Community Committee) and Callaghan terms it “unfortunate”. [Western Leader, 9/9/85]

Funding: ABA ran meat-pack raffles raffles each Wednesday and Friday at Inner Circle Tavern, Avondale. Objectives (as detailed in letter to Avondale Police) – “to improve the amenities of the Avondale Community” [Letter, 24/7/1985] These raffles formed the bulk of funding for ABA [ABA Committee minutes, 1/7/85].

1986-90 ABA in partial-recess. During this period, Auckland City amalgamations and Local Government regulation brought the Avondale Community Board into being (first election in 1989). The Avondale Residents and Ratepayers fades out, as does Avondale Community Committee (by mid 1990s.)

1986

Railway Station Building closes: the railway station building built in the 1920s closes its doors to Avondale customers for the last time on 26 June 1986. From then on, passengers had to buy tickets from the guard on the trains themselves. “Project manager Bill Guest says the station is being closed down to cut costs. ‘We have been gradually rationalising the network over a period of time’ Mr Guest says maintenance costs are very high for a building not being used.” [Western Leader, 30 June 1986]

Promotion: ABA plans mini carnival “Mini Fun Fare”, 22-24 December 1986.

c. 1986 Pages building put onto market for $550,000 by partnership including Ian Clew’s wife. It is sold to Robert Miles and his partner, the company called Westline Cars Ltd. Westline went into receivership 1991, and the building is sold again. [Recollection of Liz Claude-Goldie, 2001]

1987 Clothing market at Jockey Club: “We as the ABA objected strongly to a huge clothing sale in May (March?) at the Avondale Jockey Club. Our president attended and we hope to hear results soon. The person who is running this outfit has 2 clothing shops in Henderson and we feel he should stay in his own backyard to sell. Our clothing Retailers in Avondale pay Rates, Rental etc., and adequately provide similar garments to the people of our area.” [ABA Committee minutes, 23/3/87]

Discussion in committee about entrance sign to Avondale at Ash St- Gt North Rd end. Dianne Magill & Don Hawke combining to prepare design. [ABA Committee minutes, 22/6/87] Council later agreed to bear the cost [Letter, 15/10/1987].

1988 From ABA Newsletter, 22/8/1988: “At the beginning of the year it was decided that we would not be acting as a promotional body for the area, but would remain purely as a negotiating group with the various organisations that would improve the general services and appearance of the shopping area” – T Callaghan. Around this time, Variety Gifts store is demolished by owners of Avondale


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Spiders (the landlords). A smaller shop opened by Clive Brown, and named Starway Stationers after the Starways Corporation he is involved with (named, in turn, after the racehorse Starway – according to Liz Claude-Goldie’s memories). During its time, Variety Gifts was the only shop in Auckland stocking Catholic rosaries, icons etc.

Documents

Heart of the Whau - Part 5 The Rise of the Shopping Mall