Chalmers Family

Archibald, husband of Grace Chalmers, died 31 July 1922, aged 77 ... his daughters Margaret Eddington (Daisy); also Jean Hepburn ... wife Grace ... 1939. (Broken headstone)

Historical information

Grace Chalmers died 21 February 1939 at her daughter's resident in Acorn Street, Royal Oak. (Death notice, Auckland Star, 22 February 1939, p. 1)

Archibald (a brickmaker) and Grace Chalmers were two of the earliest homeowners in the Methuen Hamlet. In 1914, they were able to obtain title to their villa at 180 Blockhouse Bay Road (NA 226/225), which still stands (as at July 2013). The Avondale property was sold in December 1922.

Margaret Eddington Chalmers (Daisy) died at Avondale 2 September 1899, aged 19 years, 8 months. (Death notice, Auckland Star, 7 September 1899).

Archibald Chalmers was included on a list of employees at the J J Craig brickworks, 1900. (NZ Herald, 15 February 1900, p. 6)

In 1902, a brickmakers industrial dispute at Avondale.

THE BRICKMAKERS' DISPUTE.

TO-DAY'S EVIDENCE,

The Conciliation. Board resumed this morning, when further evidence was heard in the brickmakers' dispute.

Row C, Plot 4

Archibald Chalmers, crowder, detailed the circumstances under which he worked. He stated that the crowders who worked piece work had now to put down their own runs, while when the original contract was made the runs were laid down. When a rush was on they were hampered by a number of men having to work in a narrow five feet alleyway. He averaged about £80 or £90 a year. He had seen wet bricks put in the kiln under orders of the management. He would prefer to work for wages than to work on piece work, not under present conditions. He paid wages … men 10d per hour, the same as paid by the manager. (Auckland Star, 10 February 1902, p. 2)

Archibald Chalmers, jr., the last witness for the Union, was examined by Mr Davoren. He stated that he was employed as a general yard hand at 4/6 a day. He worked 9 hours a day. (Auckland Star 14 February 1902, p. 2)