Places

Date: 1855

From: Strutt, William 1825-1915 :A collection of drawings in water colour ink and pencil illustrative of the scenery and early life of settlers and Maoris of New Zealand. 1855-1863. 1st series.

By: Strutt, William, 1825-1915

Reference: E-452-f-002

Description: From the site of modern New Plymouth, looking past the mouth of the Huatoki Stream south along the beach line towards the Sugarloaf Islands and Paritutu. In the foreground is a group of Maori with a bullock dray being urged along, a man with a pig leg-roped and several other groups, including two men who appear to be performing a haka. Further along the beach, a boat is landing, close to several canoes, there are one or two European houses and a large flagpole for signalling. The small stone cottage with pointed gable closest to Paritutu on the left belonged to C. W. Richmond and his wife Emily Elizabeth Richmond. Strutt has used parts of this drawing as the basis for his oil 'On the beach, Onehunga, 1856' The Richmond's stone cottage is still standing, next to New Plymouth Public Library. Quantity: 1 watercolour(s). Physical Description: Pencil and wash 300 x 470 mm

Date: 1856 - 1866

By: Strutt, William, 1825-1915; Turnbull, Alexander Horsburgh, 1868-1918

Reference: G-637

Description: Bullock cart with Maori bringing canoe ashore. Background is a combination of the shoreline at Onehunga (Auckland) and south of New Plymouth (Taranaki), showing Paritutu volcanic peak and the off-shore Sugar Loaf Islands. Strutt described the group of Maori depicted as being at Onehunga, however. Extract from William Strutt's journal Part II, p. 210 (ed G. Mackaness): "before leaving Onehunga a pretty sight presented itself to us. The morning was lovely and the charming bay and beach were quite animated with a fleet of canoes, just arrived with all sorts of produce for the Auckland market. The picturesque canoes were beached to the lively song of the natives, their contents landed and the tribe gathered together to hear a short speech from a fine old chief, which done, the kits (native baskets) were shouldered, or strapped to the backs of the bearers, with the strong and handy slings, each generally as well carring a huge cum cum or pumpkin, while not a few drove fat pigs tied by one leg to the market." Strutt also labelled a photograph of this painting, many years later as "Maoris beaching their canoes and going off to market at Onehunga near Auckland". - information about photograph label from Heather Curnow, Strutt's biographer, see TL3/1/1 24 July 1974. Chief Librarian's office, 1st floor, National Library building, from June 2006 Other Titles - Maoris beaching their canoes and going off to market at Onehunga near Auckland 1856 Inscriptions: Recto - W. S. (artist's initials) A copy in Taranaki Museum bears the inscription: Puketapu fishing fleet. Quantity: 1 oil(s). Physical Description: Oil on canvas 410 x 830 mm Provenance: Collection of Alexander Turnbull?