THE ONEHUNGA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

RENAMED 19th OCTOBER 1913

ONEHUNGA CAMERA CLUB

ORIGINALLY FORMED AUGUST 1910

22nd March 1911
Page 170 - Vol. 18 No. 3 The Australasian Photographic Review

ONEHUNGA CAMERA CLUB
In August of last year seventeen ladies and gentlemen of Onehunga, New Zealand, met in the Talma Studio for the purpose of discussing the advisability of forming a camera club. The outcome of their deliberations has been most gratifying. Since that date there have been six meetings of the members, who at this date number 35, and on each occasion the evening has been both enjoyably and profitably spent in witnessing a demonstration by one of their number in some branch of photography. Developing, gas-light printing reduction and intensification, and coloring photographs have been among the most generally satisfactory and popular of these demonstrations. One of the most encouraging signs of the interest taken in the Club is the excellent attendance on the demonstration evenings, more than half the members being present on each occasion. The Club is fortunate in possessing among its members some gentlemen whose long professional experience will be of the utmost value in guiding and encouraging the younger amateur members to study photography as an art, so that their attainments in the future may rise considerably above the average productions of the kitchen-garden variety of “camera-fiend”. We have good reason to hope for some really good work by our members in the near future.

At the last meeting of the Onehunga Camera Club arrangements were made to hold the first Club outing to French Bay, down the Manukau Harbour. This event took place on Wednesday, February 22nd, and proved most successful and enjoyable. Twenty five ladies and gentlemen comprised the party, and were conveyed to their destination in a private launch. The run, which occupied a little over an hour, was delightful, the weather being all that could be desired, and the water beautifully smooth.

On arrival the party separated in search of photographic subjects in and around the native bush which clothes the slopes of the bay, and many excellent pictures were secured. Towards evening the party re-assembled for tea, and before dark started on their return trip.

Mr. Donald Sutherland and his son, who so generously provided the launch and conveyed the party down the harbour, were the recipients upon landing of three very hearty cheers, given by the members, in recognition of the kindness they had received. The day was unanimously voted to have been the greatest success. and arrangements will be made for holding similar functions at intervals, so that all the members in turn may participate in these very enjoyable outings.

A reproduction of a photograph of a group of those present, taken by Mr. T.H. Ashe, appears below.

MEMBERS OF THE
ONEHUNGA CAMERA CLUB
AT THEIR FIRST OUTING, SEASON 1911

23rd October 1911  Page 598 - Vol. 18 No. 10 The Australasian Photographic Review

ONEHUNGA CAMERA CLUB
The first birthday of the Onehunga Camera Club fell on Monday, 11th September, and was celebrated by holding a social gathering of members and friends. At the kind invitation of the president, Mr. C.W. Foster, the party met at his home on Norman’s Hill, the Misses Berryman acting as hostesses. A "Novel Evening” occupied the first portion of the time, en livened by orchestral and vocal selections provided by the various members of the household and friends. At 10pm the competition closed, the winners being presented with their respective prizes, the booby prize (1 lb. hypo.) very appropriately being accorded to the youngest member. The president, on behalf of the club, then presented Mr. Hardy with a silver-mounted inkstand in recognition of of the many valuable facilities with which he has provided the club. The HON.SECRETARY was likewise the recipient of a pair of handsome photo, frames, presented with many kind and good wishes, from the club members. In the presidential address reference was made to the necessity for the beginners to studiously carry out the arranged syllabus despite apparent failures, and much helpful and encouraging advice was offered them. The club, which was started with a membership of 28 adult and four junior members, has held 18 regular evening meetings, with a demonstration in some branch of the photographic art, which meetings have been well attended, and much keen interest evinced in the proceedings. Besides which, two out-door excursions were indulged in, and, altogether, it is generally acknowledged that much pleasure and helpfulness has resulted from the first year’s operations.

The club starts its second year with renewed energy and much enthusiasm, cheered upon its way by the conscious possession of a comfortable credit balance.



22nd January 1912  Page 39 - Vol. 19 No. 1 The Australasian Photographic Review

ONEHUNGA CAMERA CLUB
At their last evening meeting, Mr. Alf. Hardy gave a very interesting and instructive demonstration on the practical working of an optical lantern. The slides shown were, of course, all the work of the members, many of them first attempts at this branch of photography; but the feature of the evening was the color work executed by Mr. C. Foster, the club’s President. Most of these were slides made by junior members from their own negatives, and were shown in demonstration of the possibilities of color work in connection with lantern slides.

Mr. Foster also contributed two slides of his own making, and designed purposely for the evening. First of all he made a drawing of a scene in monochrome. This was photographed, and from the reduced negative a slide was made and colored. The resulting picture had a charm that was all its own. Unfortunately the method is above the ability of the average photographic club member, but by no means beyond his powers of appreciation. The suggestion, however, is applicable to all photographers ho combine real artistic ability with the pursuit of their favorite hobby, and we venture to recommend it to a wider circle of workers through the medium of the A.P-R.



22nd October 1912
Page 560 - Vol. 19 No. 10 The Australasian Photographic Review

DAFFODILS
By Mrs. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Awarded Fifth Prize in the A.P-R. Competition for October 1912

22nd November 1912  Page 629 - Vol. 19 No. 11 The Australasian Photographic Review

ONEHUNGA CAMERA CLUB
FIRST ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The first annual exhibition was held in the new Coronation Hall on Thursday 3rd, Friday 4th, Saturday 5th October. The exhibition was opened by his worship the Mayor, and in the course of his opening remarks he commented on the fact that this was the very first attempt that had ever been made in Onehunga to organize and display artistic talent, and the result was exceedingly creditable to all concerned.

The hall, which is a building 35 x 25 feet, was eminently suitable for the purpose, and displayed to great advantage the works collected. We were fortunate enough to secure the hearty co-operation and assistance of the members of the Auckland Camera Club, who kindly contributed over 50 pictures towards the display. Our own members supplied over 100, as well as albums of snapshots, stereoscopic views, transparencies, postcards, and lantern slides. Each evening there was a continuous display of the latter in a separate department. The price of admission was six pence, which included a chance in the art union run in conjunction with the exhibition.

The members donated nine prizes from among the pictures hung, so that the public were certainly well catered for, and 237 visitors availed themselves of the opportunity to view the display during the three days the exhibition remained open.

Among the notable exhibits photographic was that of the Kodak Coy., who contributed a highly interesting and striking display of enlargements, and specimens of prints on their popular papers. This was of particular interest to photographic workers (amateur and professional alike), and much of their literature was distributed among the visitors. Another exhibit of much interest was the “ancient and modern" table. Here could be seen side by side collections of old (very old) specimens of professional portraiture, some of them dating back to 1853, and again some of the most beautiful trade specimens of the latest modern examples from studios in Europe and America, Our president contributed to this table a portrait of His Majesty the King, taken by him in Melbourne, when King George was a midshipman on board the “Bacchante”.

It may be of interest to your readers among members of similar clubs to know that this venture was engineered on a contributing membership of less than 20 members, and with a credit cash balance more easily reckoned in shillings than pounds; but what was lacking in numbers was more than compensated for in whole-hearted enthusiasm. Furthermore, it was the outcome of a desire to suitably commemorate the close of our second year’s activities, and proved in this respect, and all others, a most enjoyable and profitable function. These details are merely appended in the hope that other young but vigorous clubs may be encouraged to open their doors and provide the public with similar educational and wholly delightful exhibitions.



3rd OCTOBER 1913
Page 9 - NEW ZEALAND HERALD, VOLUME L, ISSUE 15422

ONEHUNGA CAMERA CLUB
SECOND ANNUAL EXHIBITION
"There is no pastime or study that, to my knowledge, is so interesting as that of photography. It seems to me to be a happy thing to have the ability to carry back from our rambles and excursions pictures that will long serve as a remembrance of familiar places and scenes and dear old friends". This statement was made by the Mayor of Onehunga (Mr. J.Rowe) in his address at the "private view" and social evening on Wednesday which marked the opening of the Onehunga Camera Club's second annual exhibition. Short addresses were also given by Messrs. T.H. Ashe and A.A. Senior on behalf of the club, both considering it most desirable that clubs of this kind should be encouraged. During the evening musical items were given by Miss M. Oliver, Miss Glanfield, Miss Waklin, and Messrs. T. Sutherland and J. Park.

The exhibition of 180 pictures is of a high order, covering a large and varied range of work. Nearly half of this number was contributed by members of other photographic societies, the exhibit of Mr. Harold Cazneaux, of Sydney, being worthy of special mention. His nine exhibits are well nigh perfect examples of photographic art his Pictures of "Circular Quay" and "Wynyard Lane" (Sydney), being of a very high order.

The Auckland Camera Club is represented by 23 pictures, mostly the work of that club's most prominent members. The work of four persons exhibiting under the auspices of the Auckland Graphic Club shows considerable promise as well as taste in selection and care in manipulation. The Wellington Amateur Photographic Society contributes 10 pictures, some of which are excellent both in technique and artistic conception. Tasmania is represented by four exhibits of high quality. The work of the members of the Onehunga Camera Club is varied in range of subject, pleasing in presentation, and shows signs of serious study. Mr. H.J. Davies exhibits three pictures of interest Onehunga in 1868", "Kauri Point Mill", and "Old Onehunga".

Altogether the exhibition offers a most attractive display, and should prove exceedingly popular among all amateur and professional photographers. The management was disappointed at the non-arrival of the expected works from England in time for the opening ceremony, but it is hoped that they will be at hand before the end of the exhibition, which will continue until tomorrow.



22nd November 1913  Page 611 - Vol. 20 No. 11 The Australasian Photographic Review

THE ONEHUNGA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
SECOND ANNUAL EXHIBITION
The second annual exhibition was held on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th October. On the previous Wednesday evening the members gave a private view to their friends, and entertained them with musical items. There were about 120 members and their guests present, and his Worship the Mayor opened the proceedings. The exhibits numbered 164, of which number 97 were the work of club members. The unanimous verdict of critics and public alike was that the standard of work was considerably higher than that of last year, besides which additional interest was given to the exhibition by the number of really excellent works sent by various other clubs and individual workers.

Mr. Harold Cazneaux, of the Photographic Society of New South Wales, very kindly contributed a beautiful collection of nine frames. Needless to say. these were universally admired, and the members of the club were more than interested in studying at first hand his methods and effects. Tasmania contributed four really beautiful and artistic works. The Wellington Amateur Society sent ten, several of which were fit to rank among the best on the walls. The Auckland club exhibits, 22 in number, although not new, were all excellent examples their high-class productions. Eleven exhibits were received from the Auckland Graphic Club, a young club, whose members were exhibiting for the first time, and whose work was chiefly noteworthy for excellent taste displayed in mounting and framing. The exhibition was open to the public on the afternoons and evenings of the three days, and was generously patronized each day. An art union in connection therewith was drawn on the following Wednesday, seven prizes (framed pictures from among the club’s exhibits) being allotted to the lucky winners.



At the annual meeting, held on the 19th October, it was resolved that in future the name of the club be “The Onehunga Photographic Society” (incorporating the Camera Club), the alteration in title being deemed advisable in view of the interest aroused in the club’s proceedings among so many kindred societies.

The balance-sheet and presidential report were received favorably, and deemed by the members to be thoroughly satisfactory. The members desired it to be recorded that they tendered their hearty thanks to the supply houses and photographic journals for the interest taken in and assistance afforded their various activities during the past year.

ELECTION OF OFFICERS 1913 - 1914			PATRON F.W. Lang, M.P.		PATRON C.W. Foster
PRESIDENT Mr. T.H. Ashe	Vice President: Mrs. Finn	Vice President: Mrs. Gibbons	Vice President: Miss Muir	Vice President: Miss Turnbull	Hon. Secretary: Mr. C.A. Senior	Hon. Treasurer: Mr. C.A. Senior

A new syllabus was compiled, covering the six months summer season. Several new members were elected.



23rd March 1914  Page 148 - Vol. 21 No. 3 The Australasian Photographic Review

THE ONEHUNGA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
At the meeting of the The Onehunga Photographic Society held on 23rd February the members were entertained by Mr. Sexton’s demonstration of the Paget process of photography in natural colors. The demonstrator gave a most exhaustive and entertaining description of the whole method, exemplifying his description by submitting samples of the plates in various stages of manipulation, concluding by showing a number of transparencies of most varied color subjects in the lantern. Examples of still-life, landscapes, seascapes, colored glass windows and zoological studies were all rendered with a fidelity to the originals, and proved a source of enjoyment to all privileged to be present. Mr. A. Hardy, of the Talma studios, was lanternist. At the conclusion the demonstrator congratulated him on the excellent qualities of his apparatus and conveniences for showing this class of picture, and thanked the members for their cordial reception of himself and the close attention with which they had all followed his lecture. This was the first time that many of those present had ever seen any examples of color photography, and all of them were deeply interested in the process.



22nd September 1914  Page 488 - Vol. 21 No. 9 The Australasian Photographic Review

THE ONEHUNGA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
At our last meeting we unanimously decided to postpone indefinitely our proposed Annual Exhibition this year. This function usually falls on the first Thursday, Friday, and Saturday in the month of October, but in view of so many of our members and our members friends "being called to the front, we felt that but few of us would have any heart to proceed with the arrangements this year. Our annual meeting is timed for 5th October, when the usual election of officers takes place and accounts rendered, etc. This, will not be affected, of course, as it is not of a public nature in any way.



15th February 1915  Page 100 - Vol. 22 No. 2 The Australasian Photographic Review

THROUGH THE FOREST
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Awarded First Prize in the A.P-R. Competition for December 1914

15th May 1915  Page 269 - Vol. 22 No. 5 The Australasian Photographic Review

THE ONEHUNGA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
Among other business at the meeting on 29th March, it was pointed out by the HON.SECRETARY that out of a membership of 34 (men and women), no less than four of our men were at the front with the Expeditionary Forces, and two more were either in camp training or under orders to proceed there. We consider this a highly honorable and creditable record for so small a Society, and it was resolved that a roll of honor be prepared and hung in the club room to commemorate the fact.

The demonstrator for the evening was Mr. L.H. Prior, who gave an instructive lecture on “The Difficulties which confront the Photographic Amateur”. Starting from the simple basis of unsafe dark room light, he proceeded through various aspects of his subject such as development, exposure, lighting, etc., and culminated in explaining why you could not get a really satisfactory photographic picture with any thing but a long focus lens. Each stage of his argument was clearly illustrated by either plates or prints, especially emphasizing the point he desired to impress.



15th October 1915  Page 566 - Vol. 22 No. 10 The Australasian Photographic Review

FREESIAS
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Awarded Third Prize in the A.P-R. Competition for October 1914

15th January 1916  Page 44 - Vol. 23 No. 1 The Australasian Photographic Review

THE ONEHUNGA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
The The Onehunga Photographic Society held its Annual Social Gathering, Exhibition and Art Union on 1st and 2nd October, with the understanding that all profits derived were to be devoted to War Relief Funds. The nett result was a sum of 13 guineas handed over to the Soldiers Queen Funds and a residue of goods valued at some £7 passed on to a local bazaar for disposal. This is a result distinctly cheering to the promoters in these days when there is such a continual demand for contributions of every kind.

One of the most interesting features of the exhibition was the “Roll of Honor”, which occupied the central position on the end wall. This is a handsomely illuminated device framed in dark oak, the work of Mr. J. Park, who donated it to the Club. It contains the names of nine members who are serving their country at the front, including one lady, Miss Bessie Ernest, who is serving in a hospital in Northern France. The total membership of the Club is now twenty-seven.

EXHIBITION HELD BY THE
ONEHUNGA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY

15th April 1916  Page 205 - Vol. 23 No. 4 The Australasian Photographic Review

ON THE WAITEMATA
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Awarded First Prize in the A.P-R. Competition for April 1916

15th May 1916  Page 261 - Vol. 23 No. 5 The Australasian Photographic Review

RUNNING FREE
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Highly Commended in the A.P-R. Competition for April 1916

15th August 1916  Page 439 - Vol. 23 No. 8 The Australasian Photographic Review

HER MAIDEN VOYAGE
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Awarded Fourth Prize in the A.P-R. Competition for August 1916

15th October 1916  Page 547 - Vol. 23 No. 10 The Australasian Photographic Review

EDNA
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Highly Commended in the A.P-R. Competition for August 1916

15th April 1918  Page 221 - Vol. 25 No. 4 The Australasian Photographic Review

PLAYMATES
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Third Prize in the A.P-R. Competition for January

14th December 1918  Page 100 - Vol. 25 No. 12 The Australasian Photographic Review

CODGER
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Awarded First Prize in the A.P-R. Competition for October

15th August 1919  Page 492 - Vol. 26 No. 8 The Australasian Photographic Review

THE ONEHUNGA PHOTOGRAPHIC SOCIETY
WELCOME HOME EVENING
On the 14th June the Society tendered to their returned members from the Great War a social evening in their honor. The function was held in the Society’s newly-acquired rooms in Holmes Hall, the big hall being engaged for the occasion. The members and their friends who were present numbered 62. Proceedings were commenced by the singing of the National Anthem, and the Patron of the Society — Sir Frederic Lang, M.P. — in his address of welcome, referred in eulogistic terms to the energy and courage of the older members of the Society who through four long years of great anxiety and depression, had managed to keep the Society’s activities intact, and immediately war was over be in a position to suitably welcome their warriors home. The Society, he said, had a record to be proud of. Out of 34 members of both sexes, twelve had volunteered their services at the outbreak of hostilities. Eleven had gone on active service, including one lady who had served in the "Voluntary Aid Detachment" both in France and England. The Society’s Roll of Honor recorded that two members had won the Military Cross; Miss Bessie Ernest had been decorated with the Royal Red Cross and had been mentioned in despatches; one had won the "Distinguished Conduct Medal" and another the "Military Medal". While there were away the remaining members had. by their photographic activities, contributed £l4 14s. towards the local patriotic funds. With such a creditable war record he felt sure the Society’s future was assured now that Peace had returned to the land.

The hall was suitably decorated with flags and flowers, the Roll of Honor being surmounted by members swords draped in the Victorious Union Jack and New Zealand Ensign. Dancing, music, recitations and songs were heartily enjoyed until close on midnight, and naturally a “flashlight” was indulged in before dispersing. See reproduction below.

Sir Frederick William Lang, M.P.

Born 1852 Blackheath, Kent, England
Died 5th March 1937 Onehunga, New Zealand

8th Speaker of the House of Representatives
1913 to 1922

15th April 1920  Page 189 - Vol. 27 No. 4 The Australasian Photographic Review

DOREEN
By Thomas H. Ashe
Onehunga, New Zealand
Highly Commended in the A.P-R. Competition for December

14th October 1922
Page 523 - Vol. 29 No. 10 The Australasian Photographic Review

Some members of the
The Onehunga Photographic Society
at a Saturday afternoon outing to a famous
beauty spot—Cornwall Park, presented to the
citizens of Auckland by the late Sir Logan Campbell.

15th September 1923
Page 466 - Vol. 30 No. 9 The Australasian Photographic Review

Mrs Annie E. Ashe
Arthur St. West Onehunga, New Zealand
Fourth Prize, £5 Class A, Kodak £1,000 Competition July

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