NZ Nelson & Marlborough

Cyclopedia of New Zealand, Vol 5, Nelson, Marlborough and Westland. Describes the industries, people and history of the region in great detail. A social history with numerous biographies of use to family historians. Many photographs of named individuals. Quarter leather binding, gilt lettering on spine. Rear hinge split to top quarter, otherwise good original binding. Large heavy book.

Cyclopedia Co Ltd., Christchurch, 1906. Hardback , with leather. 615 pages, illustrated. SECONDHAND

Episodes in the life of livestock breeder and politician Alfred Saunders selected and arranged by his two youngest daughters, firstly in Nelson and later in Canterbury. First published in 1927, this is a facsimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2003. Softback. 236 pages, with index. NEW

A story of the early Maori of the Nelson District, and its association with Europeans prior to 1842, supplemented with a list of Maori place names. First published in 1937 this is a facsimle reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 1998. Softback. 143 pages. NEW

A collection of articles from the Nelson Evening Mail  about the history of the Collingwood goldfields and early Motueka. Rare. Very fine copy.

R.Lucas & Son Ltd., Nelson, 1933. Thin card covers. 62 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the pioneers of the area revolving around two interlinked families, Washbourne and Caldwell, whose decendants still live in Golden Bay. Short tear to top of DJ.

A.H. and A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1970. Hardback with dust jacket. 223 pages. SECONDHAND

Community the story of Riverside 1941-1991. Celebrates the 50th anniversary of a community which started as a pacifist co-operative. From the start this community tried to show that there was an alternative to a violent and competitive society. Aranui-Parklands Community stamp and previous owner's signature on front endpaper. 

Riverside Community, Lower Moutere, 1991. Softback, illustrated, 217 pages. SECONDHAND

Selected from the 'Nelson Evening Mail' this is a series of interesting articles on the history of the region mostly Golden Bay. THIS COPY with a very good dust jacket.

Nelson Mail Ltd., 1948. Hardback with dust jacket. 155 pages. SECONDHAND

Selected from the 'Nelson Evening Mail' this is a series of interesting articles on the history of the region mostly Golden Bay. First published in 1948, this is a facsimile reprint, with a new index.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2003. Softback. 162 pages, with new index. NEW

The story of  Puramahoi Hall and the the fledgling Golden Bay settlement who built and have used it since 1912. Includes family trees of some settlers. Mimeographed.

Pat Timings, 1987. Softback. 26 pages. SECONDHAND

A history journal of early Motueka. Volume 4 in the series. Includes Riwaka census of 1845, boating mishaps and early residents.

Motueka and District Historical Association (1980) Inc., Nelson, 1985. Softback. 58 pages. SECONDHAND

A history journal of early Motueka. Volume 5 in the series. Includes Ancient Order of Foresters, Maori place names, early families the Simpsons and the Rawlings/ Rowlings.

Motueka and District Historical Association (1980) Inc., Nelson, 1985. Softback. 85 pages. SECONDHAND

The story of the European doings in the Nelson Provincial District. Includes Tasman and Cook, D'Urville, the Blind Bay settlement of 1840 and the early history of the Nelson company. Very scarce.

A.G. Betts & Son, Nelson, 1942. Softback. 144 pages. SECONDHAND

The New Zealand Company's Secretary pseudonymously singing the praises of emigrating to Nelson. Includes a short list of early emigrant ships to Nelson.

Smith Elder and Co., London, 1842. Sewn sheets. 44 pages +4 pages of adverts. SECONDHAND

A centennial history of Nelson Central School, including an overview of education from 1842. Photographs of staff, pupils and buildings.

 Nelson Central School Centennial Committee, Port Nelson, 1978. Softback. 106 pages. SECONDHAND

The second fifty years of the Nelson City Council, from 1924 to 1974. After
recession during the Depression and World Wars, the civic infrastructure bloomed in this period with electrification and other amenities.

Nelson City Council, 1978. Hardback with dust jacket. 150 pages. SECONDHAND

The foundation and the progress of the Nelson Institute and Museum. From inception of the idea while settlers were still en route, through help given to the armed forces personnel during the Second World War. Lists of members and donors etc. This copy has a signed presentation inscription from the author.

A.H. and A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1948. Hardback with dust jacket. 111 pages. SECONDHAND

A thesis submitted for the author's MA. Frederick Giles Gibbs was born in London came out to Nelson in 1876, and was a member of the Cawthron Institute, the Harmonic Society and was a keen botanist. This was printed in a limited edition of 500 copies.

The Nelson Historical Society Inc., Nelson, 1977. Softback. 201 pages. SECONDHAND

A human and readable account of the early days in the Nelson back country. Many historic illustrations. 

Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1962. Hardback with dust jacket. 428 pages. SECONDHAND

A companion volume to the author's earlier Footprints, this provides further facinating glimpses into the history of the Nelson Province. Illustrated. This copy signed by the author. Scarce.

Express Printing Works, Blenheim, 1978. Hardback with dust jacket. 200 pages. SECONDHAND

The final book in the Footprints series is a varied and interesting history of many facets of Nelson's rural hinterland, with a special emphasis on the early part of the twentieth century.

Nikau Press, Nelson, 1990. Hardback with dust jacket. 236 pages. SECONDHAND

Nelson was the first Wakefield settlement in the South Island. The author describes the trials and tribulations of its pioneers and their descendants through to the end of World War II. Also includes Upper Moutere, Murchison, Collingwood, Rai Valley, Dovedale and chapters on pioneers Sarah Sharp, Francis Holder, Henry Deck and Thomas Smith

A.H. and A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1952. Hardback with dust jacket, illustrated, 255 pages. SECONDHAND.

Illustrated history of the Nelson district of Wakapuaka and of the pioneer settlers from 1842 onwards. Great source of genealogical and family history information. With index. First published in 1977, this is a facsimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2008. Softback. 111 pages. NEW

The Perano family operated shore whaling stations inside the narrow entrance to Tory Channel in Cook Strait, utalising small high speed whale chasing boats. This extensively illustrated book is an outstanding chronicle of a unique industry.

A.H. & A.W. Reed Ltd., Wellington, 1982. Hardback with dust jacket. 238 pages. SECONDHAND

The first fifty years 1954-2004. Recounts the establishment and work of this historical  conservation society.

Nelson Historical Society Inc., Nelson, 2005. Softback. 91 pages. SECONDHAND

In the eastern hills behind Nelson lies the rugged country of the Mineral Belt including the strange Dun Mountain. This is the story of attempts to mine the minerals and the railway built to take ore to the sea.

Nikau Press, Nelson, 1987. Softback. 152 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the Catholic Parish including associated schools and organisations. With some associated Nelson history.

St Mary's Parish, Nelson, 1994. Softback. 204 pages. SECONDHAND

An account of the Parish based around the lives of parishioners, priests, nuns, organisations etc. Chapters on Saint Peter and Paul's Church, Waimea West; St Joseph's Church, Wakefield; Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish, Richmond.

Richmond Presbytery, Richmond, 2000. Softback. 150 pages. SECONDHAND

Local history about the early settlers at Quinneys Bush, Motupiko at Nelson. The author recalls early farming practices and personalities.

Ray Quinney, Nelson, 1989. Softback. 87 pages. SECONDHAND

Historic South Street 1851-1988. A quaint look at the historic cottages of South Street and how they have been restored and given a new lease of life. Information given on the ownership and restorations. Photographs and sketches.

Jeanie White, Nelson, 1988. Softback. 34 pages. SECONDHAND

A complete history of the Cobb River power scheme in the high and remote Nelson back country. From the start in 1933 it took 22 years to fully complete and involved a number of engineering firsts. First published in 1994 this is the third edition facsimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 1998. Softback. 496 pages. NEW

A collection of true tales of Wakamarina Valley in Marlborough, especially the gold fields and gold rush. Collected in 1964 during the 100th anniversary of the declaration of the Wakamarina Goldfield. First published in 1998.

Brampton Press Ltd., Surrey, 2005. Softback. Approx 100 pages. SECONDHAND

The centennial history of the settlement of the Rai Valley, Marlborough Province from the beginning in 1881. History of timber milling and farming and much genealogical information.

Express Printing Works, Blenheim, 1980. Softback. 99 pages. SECONDHAND

The story of the Murchison district from earliest times, through the gold digging days to bush felling and farming and the end of pioneer isolation. Signed by the auuthor.

Murchison Historical and Museum Society, Nelson, 1976. Hardback with dust-jacket, illustrated. 262 pages. SECONDHAND

Records the local legands and traditions of Marlborough Maori, particularly the lower reaches of the Wairau valley and to the sounds area from Cloudy Bay to Havelock. Mr Elvy writes with authority.

Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1957. Hardback with dust jacket. 120 pages. SECONDHAND

An authoratitive account of Maori life related particularly to the lower reaches of the Wairau Valley and to the Sounds from Cloudy Bay over to Havelock. First published in 1957, this is a facimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 1997. Softback. 120 pages. NEW

Centennial memorial history covering the first 100 years of British settlement in the province and the way the people of the district contributed towards the development of NZ as a whole.

Whitcombe and Tombs Ltd., Christchurch, 1940. Hardback, no dust jacket. 431 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the Marlborough Electric Power Board's first fifty years, 1923-1973. Includes folding map at rear.

The Marlborough Electric Power Board, Blenheim, 1973. Softback with dust jacket. 127 pages. SECONDHAND

History of forty years of Civil Defence emergency management in Marlborough. The organisation, it's members and the events it took part in including floods and earthquakes. Unstated limited print run.

Marlborough Civil Defence Emergency Management, 2001. Softback with no dust jacket. 188 pages. SECONDHAND

The story of Charles Goulter and his sheep run Hawkesbury near Renwicktown that was famous for the quality of it's marino stud. Also tales of the picknics, the shows, the Depression and the menace of rabbits and fire. A New Zealand classic. First edition limited to 500 copies. Repaired tear to dust jacket, see scan.

Pegasus Press, Christchurch, 1955. Hardback with dust jacket. 204 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the Hopai Sports event held by the Pelorus Sounds Sports Club. It is also a history of the Kopai community. The publisher's lamination on this copy is starting to peel at the edges.

(1995). Softback. 79 pages. SECONDHAND

An excellent local history compiled from a series of articles that originally appeared in the Marlborough Express and covers the early period of Marlborough history to the 1880s. Fine condition.

H. Duckworth (E. H. Penny & Co.), Blenheim, 1933. Hardback, no dust jacket. 321 pages. SECONDHAND

Some chapters in the facinating history of the Province of Marlborough. A excellent New Zealand local history first published in 1933. This is a facsimile reprint. Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2003. Softback. 321 pages. NEW

Commissioned by the Canvastown settler's association this is the surprising and coloufull story of the Marlborough goldfield and of the people and places of the district. Illustrations. Slight traces of some damp staining to last few pages.

N.H. Brayshaw, Blenheim, 1964. Hardback, no dust jacket. 253 pages. SECONDHAND

A detailed and well researched history of the 1860s rush to the Wakamarina Goldfields and the subsequent development of Lower Pelorus Valley, Marlborough by a well respected local historian. Illustrations.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 1997. Softback. 253 pages. NEW

A substantial, illustrated and impressive two volume history of the search for, and the winning of gold in Marlborough and Eastern Nelson. Volume one deals with the Wakamarina goldfield where gold was first discovered in 1864. The second volume deals with other local mining efforts including New Zealand's last major gold rush, the 1888 rush to Cullen Creek at Mahakipawa and to the Waikakaho. The history concludes with antimony mining at Endeavour Inlet and coal mining at Picton. THIS LARGE BOOK will incur an additional postage charge to overseas destinations.  

Nikau Press, Nelson, 1992 & 1993. Hardbacks with dust jackets. Vol. I 600 pages, Vol. II 456 pages. NEW.

An informative illustrated history of goldmining, sluicing and panning in Marlborough.

AH and AW Reed/ Gold Star Books, 1976. Softback. 96 pages. SECONDHAND

Life in the Waimea County Province of Nelson 1876-1976. Centennial history with information on people, places and industy etc.

Waimea County Council, (1976). Hardback with dust jacket. 135 pages. SECONDHAND

A collection of stories that give an insight into the growth of the Flaxbourne community which began in 1905, and some come from the days of the Flaxbourne Run, established in 1846. A valuable social history.

Flaxbourne Settler's Association, Marlborough, 2000. Softback. 308 pages. SECONDHAND

A very good local history of the Awatere County district, Marlborough. Chapters on Maori, Awatere sheep runs, pioneer settlements, roads and rail and industries and commerce. Illustrations and maps. First published in 1978 this is a facimile reprint.

Cadsonbury Publications, Christchurch, 2007. Softback. 238 pages. NEW

Autobiography of a life spent in the Awatere, Murchison and some excursions away including service in WW1. Lance tells of the early 20th century Marlborough pioneers, of which he was one.

Cape Catley Ltd., Whatamongo Bay, 1976. Hardback with dust jacket. 193 pages. SECONDHAND

A study of the Massacre or 'Affray' at Wairau, compiled by a long time resident. Illustrated and with maps. Jack draws his own conclusions of the events based on his researches. A4 format.

JL Andrews, Blenheim, 1999. Softback, 135 pages. SECONDHAND

Chronological history of the Borough of Blenheim. Gives the Mayor and Councillors for each year as well as historical highlights.

 Blenheim Borough Council, Blenheim, 1969. Softback, 210 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of Marlborough and the various Road Boards and Councils. Includes the Awatere, the Wairau massacre, 19th century beginnings etc.

The Marlborough County Council, Blenheim, 1986. Hardback with dust jacket. 255 pages. SECONDHAND

The story of a pioneering venture by the two Newman brothers, who built a one vehicle horse coach enterprise into the largest motor coach business in New Zealand at the time. First published in 1953, this is the 1965 enlarged reprint. Some chips and minor losses to dust jacket.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1965. Hardback with dust jacket. 221 pages, illustrations. SECONDHAND

Molesworth is the country's largest pastoral run. This is the facinating and varied history of the station from the earliest days and an account of the unique problems of farming the high country. Third revised edition.

A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1970. Hardback with dust jacket. 292 pages. SECONDHAND

A rare account of mustering on this iconic high country station. Written with a musterer's directness. Bruce worked summers in 1928, '29 and '30. With photographs.

Whitcombe and Tombs, Christchurch, 1953. Hardback with dust jacket. 69 pages plus photographs. SECONDHAND

The story of the district as told in the diaries and daybooks of the settlers. Details of the varied industries, and the development of the infrastructure and community.

River Press, Picton, 2017. Softback. 248 pages. NEW

Impressions of Kairuru, the Henderson family farm on the Takaka Hills. Final chapter records the pioneering life of Horace and Sarah Hargreaves from Lancashire who settled 1600 acres north-east of Karamea which they developed after arriving in 1916.

Radio Pacific Publishing, Auckland, 2000. Softback. 96 pages. SECONDHAND

An autobiography by Jim Henderson which is also a history of his ancestors the McRaes, Hendersons and Troloves, and of Nelson, Takaka and Motueka. THIS COPY has a personalised presentation inscription to the title page.

Hodder and Stoughton, Auckland, 1983. Hardback with dust jacket. 285 pages. SECONDHAND

A history of the Turner family in Nelson and Marlborough based on extracts from letters and diaries. The second issue, in mimeographed typescript, with photographs.

Pearl E Neal, 1969. Softback. 136 pages. SECONDHAND 

Autobiography of 50 years living and working from Golden Bay to Nelson and along the East Coast. Born 1916 in Washington Valley, Brough worked various jobs in Marlborough including gold mining and logging.

Harold Brough, Stoke, 2005. Softback. 168 pages. SECONDHAND

Heaps more unforgetable characters in the Top of the South Island.

Nikau Press, Nelson, 2009. Softback. 240 pages. NEW

A natural and cultural history of Abel Tasman National Park. From the geology and ecosystems, through the archaeology of pre-European settlement, and finally discusses it's role as a National Park. THIS LARGE BOOK will incur an additional postage charge to overseas destinations.  

Potton and Burton, Nelson, 2018. Hardback with dust jacket. 311pages. NEW