Kate Eva Newsham

Kate Edith Newsham

Kate Edith Newsham was b: 16 Jan 1858 in New Plymouth to parents Thomas and Mary Louisa Newsham; Baptised March 14, 1858 (Rev S Ironside) d: 12 Jan 1927 in Fielding

Kate was at Omata during the Maori War and saw her parents' home burned by the natives in those uncertain times. People made the most of social events to keep their spirits up

Taranaki Herald, 10 Sep 1881: OAKURA; Sep 5. A dance is the one great amusement here just now. A grand ball was given by Captain Mace and others on Friday night last, the 2nd September, aud it was the largest party that has ever been given here. There were close on one hundred persons present, and nearly all dancers. These dances are much enjoyed by the settlers, and every one comes who is invitcd. Dancing on Friday was kept up from 8 o'clock until 12, when refreshments were served. There was plenty of everything. Dancing was then resumed, and kept up until half-past four o'clock, when the guests departed, well satisfied with their night's amusement. Capt. Mace made a splendid M.C. There was no lack of music — Mr. G on the piano, and Mr. Harrison and son on the violin. The following are a few of the names of those present : — Mrs. Capt. Mace, Mrs. Carthew, Mrs. T. Mace, Mr. and Mrs. Grimley, Mr. and Mrs. Penwarden, Mr. and Mrs. Loveridge, Mr. and Mrs. Adlam, Miss Arden, Miss Putt (2), Miss Syme (3), Miss Newsham (2), Mrs. A Bailey, Mr. Morris, Mr. Warehara, Mr. Oxenham, Mr. F. Newsham, Mr. E. Curtis, and many others - It was a sociable lively party, and every one who came for a night's enjoyment obtained it.

John Twomey (b: 1858 in Limerick, Ireland - he d: 20 Jan 1908 in Onehunga - bur: Fielding ) served with the armed constabulary and when active hosilities ceased he went to Opunake, where as the sole representative of the police he was charged with the duty of upholding law and order at tte time when Maoris were still disaffected and Te Whiti was beginning to give trouble. The success of the one-man Police Force was largely due to the courage and tact displayed by Sergeant Twomey and by his fellow officer Constable Hickman, at Pungarehu.

Hawera & Normanby Star, 14 October 1882
Mr John Twomey, late of Wanganui, has been appointed Custom House Officer for the Port of Opunake and Custon also Officer under the Beer Duty Act

Kate mar: 08 Apr 1885 to John Twomey - 1883 (POLICING IN THE MOUNTAIN SHADOW by Margaret Carr)
The Opunake Police Station was inherited by the Police Force when the police and military branches were separated. Also inherited was Constable John Twomey who had been stationed there since 1883.

Evening Post, 15 October 1896; The factious spirit that has been displayed by the followers of- the prophets Te Whiti and Tohu for some time past has led to a dispute over 100 acres of land near the beach at Pibama. Last year the followers of Te Whiti in that district planted the section with potatoes, and the land about the time was awarded to natives, followers of 'Tohu. The latter allowed the Te Whiti-ites to take the potatoes out of the ground, and this, year they have been preparing the ground for crops. Early on Sunday morning a party of Te Whiti-ites are reported to have gone to the paddock, taken the gates off, and entered on the land. Two of the owners, Tohuites, went to Opunake for Constable Twomey, in order to have the intruders turned off the land.

Evening Post, 3 Decr 1897, The following appointments of Clerks of Court are gazetted :— Constable Twomey, Feilding ;

1899 Feilding Star, 13 January 1899 - Constable Twomey is our deputy Registrar

Feilding Star,, 10 December 1899: Land Sale.On Saturday afternoon last Messrs Gorton and Son, under instructions from Mr S R Turner, sale - Lot 11, 8 acres 3r 11p, fronting Turner's road— J. Twomey, £29 an acre.

John stayed at Opunake until 1897 when his place was taken by Charles Cooper and was then stationed at Fielding then 1902, Wellington appointed police sergeant at Onehunga.

13 May 1902; PRESENTATION TO SERGEANT TWOMEY. Feilding, May 12. An iiluminated address was presented to Sergeant Twomey at tbe Council Chambers last evening, complimenting him on the valuable service rendered to Feilding, and congratulating him on his promotion to Wellington. His Worship the Mayor, in making the presentation, said it gave him very great pleasure in referring to the admirable conduct shewn by Sergeant Twomey during his four and a half years residence in Feilding. He had always carried out his duties in a very efficient manner, and without fear or favor. As Mayor of the town he had received every assistance at the hands of Sergeant Twomey, and as a Justice of the Peace he had observed that all prosecutions were conducted by Sergeant Twomey in a thoroughly impartial manner. His Worship voiced the general regret felt in the district through Sergeant Twomey's departure, and expressed a hope that every prosperity would attend him and his family in their new surroundings.
Mr Sandilands then arose and desired on behalf of the legal profession to add his testimony to the services of Sergeant Twomey. In all his large experience, the speaker said, he had never met with a more courteous and obliging officer, who in carrying out such a large number of duties as his position entailed, had shewn so much discretion and ability. He had always conducted prosecutions in a fair and impartial manner, and Mr Sandilands expressed much regret that Sergeant Twomey was leaving, but would be pleased to hear of his further promotion before long. Mr Sandilands concluded his speech by reading some appropriate verses specially written by Mr W. E. Grantham for the occasion.
Mr Kirton, on behalf of the Justices of the Peace, desired to heartily endorse the remarks made by the foregoing speakers, and to assure fc'ergt. Twomey of the goodwill and esteem that the Justices held for him. They were very much indebted to him on all occasions in which their services were required, for his kindness and courtesy, and had always found him to be most impartial in the carrying out of his onerous duties. Mr Kirton wished Sergt. Twomey and his family every success and good health in their new sphere, and desired he should be assured of the Justices' keen appreciation of his valuable services.
The speakers were warmly applauded at the conclusion of their remarks, and elicited many ejaculations of assent from the assembled company.
Mr Twomey then arose, and in a brief speech returned his very sincere and appreciative thanks to the gentlemen who had spoken, and to the public of Feilding for their generous remembrances of his services. His duties, he went on to say, were not of the pleasantest, but he had always endeavored to treat one and all alike without respect to class, and it was a source of pleasure to know the genuine and warm feeling of kindness which had prompted the Feilding public to acknowledge his efforts in so eloquent a manner. Referring to the legal fraternity, Mr Twomey said that in all his dealings with them he had always found them to be most honorable and straightforward. In conclusion he expressed regret at leaving Feilding, but was highly pleased to know he and his family carried away with them so much good feeling and sincere expressions of friendship from the Feilding public.
Mr Twomey was warmly applauded at the end of his speech. presented Mrs Twomey with a handsome silver tea service and tray (suitably engraved), hot water can, and cake salver, all of silver.
Mr Twomey responded on behalf of Mrs Twomey, and the proceedings terminated by the gentlemen present drinking health and success to the grateful recipients, who again thanked the donors for their handsome and valuable gifts.
The address was illuminated by Mr F. F. Haggitt, who, with his usual ability displayed very fine taste both in the rendering and modulation of colour and choice of lettering. The body of the latter was very neatly executed in German text, and bordered by an artistic design of rich green and crimson leaves interspersed with pale blue flowers, relieved by gilt insertions, and suitably framed. The following is a' copy of the testimonial and address : — To Sergeant John Twomey, Feilding. — Dear Sir, — On behalf of the solicitors, Justices of the Peace, and residents of the town of Feilding and district, we desire to place on record our keen appreciation of your valuable services to the community as guardian of their rights and property during your charge of the Feilding Police Station, and as Clerk of the Court for the last four and a half years. It has been a pleasure to us to rotice the invariable aptitude, discretion, and courtesy with which, you have fulfilled the onerous duties of your office. We have also been very favourably impressed with your skilful conduct of police prosecutions, finding that though always strictly impartial and mindful of the fact that the law must be obeyed by all irrespective of class, rank, or station, you have never strained unduly a point against an accused person with the object of obtaining a conviction rather than seeing substantial justice done. We ask your acceptance of this testimonial on the occasion of your promotion to a sergeantship, and your departure from Feilding, in token of our appreciation of your services with the hope that you may be spared many years to carry out the important work pertaining to your new position with that unfailing impartiality, ability, courtesy, and tact which we have ever noticed in the discharge of your duties in Feilding.— Yours Faithfully Edmd. Goodbehere, Mayor J. G. Cobbe A. Richmond Wm. James B Trewin Arthur G. Cabty Feilding, May 12th, 1902.

Their children were:

i Ada Mary Twomey b: 29 Jul 1886 in Opunake d: 14 Jul 1899 in Fielding 13Y

ii Thomas Gerald* Twomey b: 11 Apr 1888 in Opunake d: 1972 in Mangere Auckland

iii Kathleen Louisa Twomey b: 19 Aug 1889 in Opunake d: 1973 in Mangere Auckland Mar: 1928 to James Alexander Grayson b: 1904 d: 29 Aug 1973 in Auckland Father: Francis Henry Grayson Mother: Eleanor Beatrice

iv Ina Kate Twomey b: 19 Oct 1889 in Opunake d: 25 Oct 1889 in Opunake

v Una Julia Twomey b: 19 Oct 1889 in Opunake d: 1903 in Fielding

vi John Newsham (Jack) Twomey b: 25 Feb 1891 in Opunake d: 1974 in Mangere Auckland Mar: 1932 to Kathleen Stuart Chadwick b: 1899 Died: 1970 in Mangere Auckland Father: Frederick William Chadwick Mother: Margaret

vii Fleta Constance Twomey b: 14 Mar 1892 in Opunake d: 1968 in Auckland Mar: 1918 to Timothy Stark Hickey b: 10 Feb 1899 in Opunake d: 12 Mar 1974 in Auckland Father: John Cornelius Hickey Mother: Hanna

viii William Royden Twomey (b: 29 Sep 1894 in Opunake; Military Serviceman WW1; d: 1960 in Auckland) Roy mar: 29 Jun 1925 in St. John's Church, Parnell to Bertha Henrietta Medley b: 07 Sep 1895 in Dundein to Father: James Medley; Mother: Henrietta Charlotte; d: 1986 in Mangere, Auckland aged 90Y) They had 4 daughters - Nancy Kathleen Twomey (b:15 Apr 1926 Rororua d: 2006) mar William Sydney Hayes (b: 16 Aug 1923, d; 2008); Doreen Twomey (b: 29 Jun 1927, d: 18 Dec 1928 aged 17 months (infant daughter of Roy Twomey, Rotorua tea-room proprietor, drowned by falling into a lake. The body was immediately recovered, but medical aid failed to restore animation.)

ix Hugh Michael Twomey (b: 07 Jul 1896 in Opunake; d: 01 Oct 1918 in WW1 France) FOR THE EMPIRE'S CAUSE: TWOMEY: On Oct 1, killed in action in France, Private Hugh Michael (Mick), 15th Reinforcements, dearly beloved youngest son of Kate and the late Sergeant John Twomey of Onehunga; aged 22 years. R.l.P. The parish Church of St John the Baptist, 244 Parnell Road, Auckland has a stained glass window dedicated to "Michael Twomey who is buried somewhere in France"

x Frederick Twomey (b: 1899 in Fielding; d: 1 Mar 1899 in Fielding aged 4 wks)

Auckland Weekly News 30 JANUARY 1908; AUCKLAND'S GUARDIANS OF THE LAW: MEMBERS OF THE POLICE FORCE ON PARADE AT ONEHUNGA ON THE OCCASION OF THE LATE SERGEANT TWOMEY'S FUNERAL, JANUARY 23, 1908.
SRC: Sir George Grey Special Collections, Auckland Library)

Feilding Star, 21 January 1908 OBITUARY. SERGEANT TWOMEY. The death occurred at Onehunga yesterday of Sergeant Twomey, of the New Zealand Police Force. The deceased was a little over fifty years of age, and was born at Limerick, Ireland. Coming to New Zealand, he joined the police force in 1878, being stationed at Wanganui. He was removed from there to Opunake, where he was stationed for many years. He was removed to Feilding about seven years ago; and while in this district made many friends by his straightforwardness and gentlemanliness. Being transferred to Wellington, he was promoted to the position of Sergeant, and was sent to Onehunga. He had three daughters buried in Feilding, and leaves a wife to mourn his loss. Mrs Twomey was a Miss Newsham, of Taranaki. The late Sergeant Twomey was a very close friend of Mr Jas. Meehan, of Feilding, whom he frequently visited. The funeral will take place in Feilding on Thursday, after the arrival of the 3 o'clock express.

THE LATE SERGEANT TWOMEY The remains of the late Sergeant John Twomey were placed on the- Takapuna, at Onehunga, yesterday afternoon, to be conveyed to Feilding for interment. At 1.30 the cortege left the Onehunga police station, bound for the wharf, a,very large number following to the steamer's side. Amongst those present were the Mayor (Mr. John Rowel and councillors, Messrs. D. A. Sutherland, 0. J. Browne, Chae. Bagley, S. Bradley, J. Stoupe, and K. G. Aliswoith (justices of the peace), and most, of the leading men in the town. A detachment of police, 52 strong, under Inspector Cullin and Rhjb-Inspector Gordon, marched in front of the hearse, while the same force supplied the pall bearers. The interment will take place shortly after arrival at Feilding, where two of the children of the late sergeant are buried. Sergeant Twomey, as an officer, was most energetic and capable, while as a citizen his cheery nature will be greatly missed from Onehunga

1911 Electorate: Manukau Number: 7413 Surname: Twomey Given Name: Kate Edith; Residence: Auckland Road Onehunga Occ: widow

1927 Evening Post: DEATH: MRS. KATE TWOMEY. The momentous days when the Ballance Government substituted the one-man police force for the squadrons of armed constabulary in tho districts affected by troubles with the Maoris are recalled by the death at Parnell on Tuesday of Mrs. Kate Twomey, widow of Sergeant John Twomey. Mrs. Twomey, who was Miss Kate Edith Newsbam and one of a family of Taranaki pioneers, was at Omata during the Maori War and she saw her parents' home binned by the natives in those stirring times. Mr. Twomey served with the armed constabulary and when active hostilities ceased he went to Opunake, where, as the sole representative of tho police, he was charged with the duty of upholding law and order st the time when the Maoris were still disaffected and Te Whiti was beginning to give trouble. The success of the one man police forco was largely due to the courage and tact displayed by Sergeant Twomey and by his fellow-officer, Constable Hickman, at Pungarehu. For a number of years Sergeant Twomey was stationed at Onehunga.

Mrs. Twornay is survived bv three sons, Mr. J. N. Twomey and Mr T G Twomey of Parnell, and M. R W Twomey, of Rotorua, and two daughters, Mrs. T. S. Hickey, of Omniako and Miss K. T ;. Twomey of Parnell. Mrs. Twomey will be buried at Feilding to-day, alongside hejr husband, who died 20 years ago.

MRS. K. E. TWOMEY: The death occurred at Parnell on Wednesday of Mrs. Kate Edith Twomey, widow of the late Mr. John Twomey, at one time sergeant of police at Onehunga. The deceased, who was 68 years of age, was born at Omata, Taranaki, her parents, the late Mr. and Mrs. Newsham, having been among the earliest settlers J of New Plymouth. Mrs. Twomey saw a great deal of early pioneering life in Taranaki, and on many occasions experienced the hazards of Maori raids on the white settlements. Being a worthy daughter of courageous pioneering stock she accepted the lot of the European settler of those days philosophically, and in her later years recounted many a stirring incident of the days of her girlhood, when a Maori taua was liable at any time to threaten the pakeha homes. Her husband, the late Sergeant John Twomey, was stationed for some years in charge of the Opunake district during a period of much native unrest in Taranaki, including the Parihaka trouble. They were transferred to Onehunga about 25 years ago, Sergeant Twomey being in charge there till his death. Mrs. Twomey leaves a family of three sons, Messrs. J. N. and T. G. Twomey, of Parnell; and R. W. Twomey, > of Rotorua; and two daughters, Mrs. T. S. Hickey, of Parnell: and Miss K. L. Twomey, also of Parnell. One son, Mr. H. M. Twomey, was killed in the war. The interment will take place at Feilding to-morrow morning.