Thomas Lugg Mankey BARKER [634]

  General Notes:

Thomas was born 1859 in Geelong, by 1861 the family moved to the Goldfield at Ararat.

Thomas L.M. Barker came to N Z aged 17 in 25 Jan 1877 on the Alhambra, arriving in Hokitika to survey the Province of Canterbury. He joined the N Z Govt Survey Office,was involved as assistant to C M Adams on major survey's in N Z including observations at Mt Cook in 1883 in conjunction with the Sydney observatory to establish NZ's Longitude.
Retrenched to the Tax Dept, then The Govt Life Office until retirement. In the 1880's Thomas Barker was a noted athlete in the half mile, also in Football and Baseball.
Secretary of the Horticultural Soc and the Poultry Breeders Assn he was a keen gardener and breeder of Malay Game.
Photo on file of family home at 18 Whites Line West Lower Hutt, now renumbered to 42.

Marriage
Barker \endash Johnson. On 21st April at the residence of the bride's parents, Garrett Street, by the Rev W C Oliver, Thomas L M Barker to Alice Catherine Johnson.
Ref: Evening Post 23 April 1885.

Thomas's Will was filed for probate Wellington 4 Jun 1942 No 6299.

OBITUARY
MR. T. L. M. BARKER
Mr. T. L. M. Barker, who passed away at the Otaki Hospital on Monday last in his 83rd year, was a wellknown figure for many years in surveying and horticultural circles in Wellington and Canterbury.
Born at Geelong, Victoria, he came to New Zealand in 1879 with a party of surveyors engaged by the New Zealand Government to make a resurvey of the Province of Canterbury. He was employed for a time in the Christchurch Survey. Office, and was then transferred to the head office in Wellington, where he was appointed assistant to the late Mr. C. W. Adams, who was in charge of the survey observatory erected over the trig, station on Mount Cook. This point, it is interesting to note, is now permanently marked in the paved entrance to the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum in the form of the cardinal points of the compass. Mr. Barker took part in the observation of the total eclipse of the sun from a station on Mount Otahuao, near, Masterton, and later on, still with Mr. Adams, he visited several parts of both islands from Mangonui to Anama¹, South Canterbury, in connection with the major triangulation of the Dominion. As a result of a severe scheme of retrenchment he joined the Property Tax Department, and later transferred to the Government Life Insurance Department, where he remained until his retirement in 1924.
In the early eighties Mr. Barker was one of Wellington's most successful athletes, and particularly in the half-mile was always to be reckoned with. He was a member of the Wellington Football Club, and of. the Baseball Club, which latter, however, failed to become popular. In later life he removed to Lower Hutt, and was for some years secretary to the horticultural society there. He was a keen gardener, his specialty being daffodils. He was also an enthusiastic raiser of poultry, his fancy being Malay game. He was for several years secretary of the Wellington Poultry Association,, whose shows were at that time one of the events of the year. He is survived by his widow and seven children, Mrs. L. Renshaw and Miss G. C. Barker (Lower Hutt), Miss P. N. Barker (Paraparaumu), Mrs. Allan Bull (Huntervilie), Mrs. H. L. Fenn (Cave), Mr. T. L. Barker (Karori), and Mr. B. A- Barker (Wellington).
Ref: EVENING POST, VOLUME CXXXIII, ISSUE 114, 16 MAY 1942.
1. Anama was a settlement on the Hind's River 31 km inland from Tinwald just Sth of Ashburton. It was the terminus of the Mt Somers railway branch line from Tinwald on the Main Trunk Line which had opened in 1882. The line closed in 1968.

Reminiscences on Tom Barker.
By his grandaughter Christine Cole-Catley nee Bull
Tom Barker, always athletic, used to compete at athletics meetings for "a purse", rather in the way "gentlemen riders" used to race against one another, amateurs, at early race meetings. I gather Tom kept up his running for many years, purses being sought after with his ten children.
Tom was a surveyor, and a passionate botanist. His family were indignant when he uprooted them from their busy social lives in Wellington (Newtown?) and took them out to 18 (42) Whites Line West, Lower Hutt, where he could have a big garden with fertile river soil, and a big gardening shed to which he would frequently retreat (not unnaturally). There he used to enjoy instructing, and quizzing, the very young Chris, "Spell eschscholtvia, child!" I'd do it in bursts of three letters at a time. "And why that name?" So I'd recite the tale of the young German lieutenant out in the wilds of Africa and how the plant was named for him. One of my mother's favourite golden flowers, too. Tom taught me lots of botanical names. I always thought of him when I came to learn Latin. Not that we children called him Tom. Indeed not. Alice, yes. He was Grandpa.
I had my appendix removed when I was seven or eight, and went to recuperate with my grandparents. Tom decided I needed an outing, and I'd been told not to walk any distance. He insisted, to my absolute mortification, on trundling me through the streets to the Lower Hutt shopping centre in a handcart in which he usually tossed his gardening rubbish. Cousin Peter Renshaw, some four years older, stalked on ahead, disowning us. I do remember not wanting to hurt Tom's feelings, or maybe I was too scared to protest? I did see he was trying to give me a treat, but the memory burnt deep.
In my childhood Tom worked in the Public Trust. That's where Creative NZ is now. I used to imagine the reconstructed moa stood on a landing in this building, but it may have been in a nearby one, the moa of Allen Curnow's poem.
Tom was irascible. "That black Cornish temper!" Dor would say of him. Those two clashed, and it took courage to stand up to Tom. Tom liked poetry and would read or quote it to me. He was violently anti-church and wrote diatribes about the pernicious effects of religion. (Doug and James Fowler Catley would have got on well with him.) Dear Alice wasn't so sure. My father, Allan Russell Bull, enjoyed telling the story of how she would quietly ("like a mother cat") take each new baby off to be christened. "Having a bet both ways!" my father said.

Reminiscences on the Barker Household.
By their grandaughter Judith McKenzie nee Bull
In 1940, age 9-10 years, I stayed with the Barkers from about February until July. Both Grandparents spent much of the day in their respective rooms, reading, listening to the radio, and getting up for a main meal in the middle of the day. I had severe ear problems and a constant temperature so I too spent my day in bed, and followed the same pattern.
Thomas was kind and keen to talk. He talked to me of seeing the Pink and White Terraces at Lake Tarawera and how they sparkled in the sun. This was before Mt.Tarawera exploded in 1886, covering the Terraces and the immediate Maori Pa. he talked of the Seven Wonders of the World and how the Terraces could have become the eighth Wonder. Alas that I was too young to be able to ask more questions.
Alice was still the family personality. Upright of carriage, still, she ran the ordering of the household from her bed, or the meal table.
She liked me to read to her, and she loved to laugh.
2005
Judith has a beautifully bound Shakespeare, a prize won by her grandfather at his school in Ararat. It is endorsed as follows:
Ararat District State Schools Compeditive Examination.
November 20 1874
Second Prize 5th Class
Awarded to Thomas Barker.
then - Eileen Barker July 08.
then - Judith Bull February 7th 1953.

DEATHS.
BARKER.
At Otaki. on May 11 1942. Thomas L. Barker, of Lower Hutt; in his 83rd year.

BARKER.
The Funeral of the late Thomas L. Barker will take place at the Karori Crematorium at 3 p.m. Tomorrow (Wednesday), May 13, 1942. Private cremation. No flowers by request. E. Morris, Jun., Ltd., Funeral Directors, 25 Kent Terrace.
Ref: Evening Post, Volume CXXXIII, Issue 110, 12 May 1942, Page 1

  Research Notes:

Alternative date of arrival in NZ 1879?

  Other Records

1. Thomas Lugg Mankey Barker: Various images.
Tom's confirmation in 1875 in Ararat Victoria AU and Tom in retirement.

2. Thomas Lugg Mankey Barker: Various images.
Thomas & Alice 1939 at daughter Margot's wedding to Harold Fenn, with daughter Margot at White Lines Rd, 42 White Lines Rd Hutt WTN.

3. Tom L M Barker: Pioneers of the World's Progress or, Illustrious Path-Finders for the Human Race, 21 Aug 1873.
Given as a gift from his father.
Part 1

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=1402842522&cm_sp=SEARCHREC-_-WIDGET-L-_-BDP-R&searchurl=an%3Dsimpson%2Brev%2Ba%2Bl%26sortby%3D17

NEW BOOKS.
. . . . . . Pioneers of the World's Progress, by Rev A. L. Simpson . . . . . .
R. BURRETT, Molesworth and Willis-streets, Wellington, 19th August.
EVENING POST, VOLUME IX, ISSUE IX, 4 OCTOBER 1873, PAGE 4

Pioneers of the worlds progress, or, Illustrious path-finders for the human race by A. L Simpson( Book )
5 editions published between 1862 and 1874 in English and held by 4 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
http://worldcat.org/identities/lccn-no97066085/

4. Tom L M Barker: Pioneers of the World's Progress or, Illustrious Path-Finders for the Human Race, 21 Aug 1873.
Given as a gift from his father.
Part 2

https://www.abebooks.com/servlet/BookDetailsPL?bi=1402842522&cm_sp=SEARCHREC-_-WIDGET-L-_-BDP-R&searchurl=an%3Dsimpson%2Brev%2Ba%2Bl%26sortby%3D17

NEW BOOKS.
. . . . . . Pioneers of the World's Progress, by Rev A. L. Simpson . . . . . .
R. BURRETT, Molesworth and Willis-streets, Wellington, 19th August.
EVENING POST, VOLUME IX, ISSUE IX, 4 OCTOBER 1873, PAGE 4

Pioneers of the worlds progress, or, Illustrious path-finders for the human race by A. L Simpson( Book )
5 editions published between 1862 and 1874 in English and held by 4 WorldCat member libraries worldwide
http://worldcat.org/identities/lccn-no97066085/

5. Trophy won by Thomas Lugg Barker: For athletics (running), 22 Jan 1886, Wellington NZ.
The Druids Handicap Cup was presented by Dr E Rawson to Tom for wins over the following distances: 100 yds, 220yds, ¼ Mile, and ½ Mile. It is remarkable that he was so successful over these various distances, he was aged about 26 at the time.
Note the captions on the photographs are incorrect as they record Thomas Lynford Barker as the recipient.
Image Courtesy J Barker - 2018

Record of Thomas's athletic competitions 1883 to 1887.
Meeting. Date. 1st. 2nd. 3rd. unplaced.
Forester's Sports Boxing Day 1883 200
440
880
Mile
Volunteer Sports, Island Bay Easter 1884 880
Labour Day Sports Auckland 9 Nov 1884 Mile
440
Hospital Fete Ormond 1 Jan 1885 100
150
20
Friendly Soc Sports Wgton, Exhibition Time Mile
Forester's Sports Boxing Day 1885 220
440
880
Caledonian Sports Hutt 1 Jan 1886 880
Druids' Sports Bloomfield Hutt 22 Jan. 1886 100
Won the Cup 220
440
880
220
440
Friendly Soc Sports Nelson 1 Jan 220
300
400
880
Mile
Rival Football Sports Sept 1886 Mile
Wellington Football Sports Oct 1886 880
" " " " " Mile
Church Fete Johnsonville " " Mile 100
Fielding Sports Fielding Boxing Day " 880
150
Caledonian Sports Wellington 1 Jan 1887 100 220
880 440
Anniversary Sports Masterton 22 Jan " 220 150
880 Mile
Hibernian Sports Wellington St Pats Day " 440
880
Mile
Druids Sports Easter Mon " 100
200
440
880
220
Fire Brigade Sports Wtn 24 May " 100
440
Jubilee Sports Hutt 20 Jun " 880 220
Wellington Football Sports Oct " 880
Mile

6. The Barker Family, 1904.
From left at back:
Peter, Tom snr, Doris, Brian.
Centre:
Eileen, Basil, Gwen, Alice, Louise,
Front: Tom jnr,

7. Thomas Lugg Mankey Barker: Probate 5 Jun 1942.

8. Thomas L M Barker: Letter to his daughter Margot, 31 Aug 1941, Victoria Ward Wellington Hospital.
Thomas touches on what might have been with his career had the World's Long Depression 1873 - 1896 not intervened.

Vic Ward
31/8/41.
My dear Mardi
Many thanks for your last two letters, full of interest as usual. It occurred to me after I had finished writing to you last time that I had said little about our dear little son Edward. You might explain to him that it was scarcely an oversight as he is ever in my mind and I am glad to learn that he is doing so well. I do hope you will begin early to make him useful to you as there is little doubt he can be of very great help to you long before he goes to school and it will be all for the good. I had a very pleasant birthday and am now up to my eyes acknowledging the good wishes extended to me and I must at same time thank you for your contribution to my lovely woollen pullover, and cap. If I can only shuffle through the next twelve months goodness knows how much further I may go let it be so. Had nice letters from Eileen and Joan they have about 200 lambs so that they are naturally much earlier than you. I have been nearly twelve months here and perhaps it is satisfactory to be able to say that on the whole I have nothing to complain of. In fact if I am no better than I have been for many months past I am no worse! I have spells of two or three weeks when I feel as well is ever I did and if it were not for the stomach pains I get now and again would be just as well at home. I am sending you some typed material of an autobiographical nature which I am sure will interest you and probably our little sonny boy later on. I had a newspaper cutting of my work with Mr C.W. Adams for many years but in the course of many spring cleanings it has evidently gone west with other of my precious belongings. As I was anxious to get it I got my very good friend Fedor Kelling to make a search of the Evening Post files and after an exhaustive search of several months he dropped on it. There is I fear not many of my friends who would have gone to as much trouble over such a matter. At that time I was in a good position to make good in the Survey Departments, but then came the worst slump ever we have had and I with many others had to go, but it is futile dwelling on what might have been¹. It is certain I would never have got the equal of my dear good little Mopey [?] \endash Would never have had a lovelier family than I have got and would never have had such an Eileen and she in turn would never have had such a lovely family. Mopey was always most tolerant with me in all my hobbies and I need mention one insistence when I had penned up in our dining room (partly finished) two trios of Malay Game fowls in preparation for the show, for about three weeks. They were sent to me from Victoria by my dad it was never beaten in the show, but there was never much competition in that particular breed. I have often thought I could have built up a good trade in table poultry by judicious crossing as they were each each solid full breasted birds and would always weigh well, but of course as a payable proposition that is a different matter. I hope you'll be able to keep a good stock of fowls and ducks and as you say the turkeys are not much trouble they should also pay. It would probably be a good thing if you would let them to run wild as with Jimmy and Eileen? It is very handy to be able to produce a good fat turkey when required especially as they seem to always fetch such good prices. I do so hope you'll be able to overcome the labour trouble as it must be an anxious time for you. You will be pleased to hear I am sure that our Johnny² is getting along well, he told me the other night that he had got another rise of £15 which brings him up to £425 with a free house worth at least £153 making it equal to £578 per annum and practically his own boss and a very nice congenial job for him. There is no mistake he deserves it as he was never afraid of work, but nowadays it is merely depression [?]. I feel about run out now Mardi, so will conclude with best wishes and love to you all. Try to get along to see Miss Barnard. Much love from Popper.

Thomas Lugg Mankey Barker
Born at Geelong, Victoria, he came to New Zealand in 1879 with a party of surveyors engaged by the New Zealand Government to make a resurvey of the Province of Canterbury. He was employed for a time in the Christchurch Survey. Office, and was then transferred to the head office in Wellington, where he was appointed assistant to the late Mr. C. W. Adams, who was in charge of the survey observatory erected over the trig, station on Mount Cook. This point, it is interesting to note, is now permanently marked in the paved entrance to the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum in the form of the cardinal points of the compass. Mr. Barker took part in the observation of the total eclipse of the sun from a station on Mount Otahuao, near, Masterton, and later on, still with Mr. Adams, he visited several parts of both islands from Mangonui to Anama³, South Canterbury, in connection with the major triangulation of the Dominion. As a result of a severe scheme of retrenchment (due to the Great Depression)¹ he joined the Property Tax Department, and later transferred to the Government Life Insurance Department, where he remained until his retirement in 1924.

1. The "Long Depression 1873 - 1896" affected Tom's career in the Survey Dept, where he obviously had good prospects, but he ponders if he had not come to NZ he would not have met his wife "Mopey" ( Lal ) and had a such a large and loving family.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Depression

2. Probably Thomas Lynford (John) Barker who in 1941 was Sexton of Wellington's main cemetery Karori.

3. Anama was a settlement on the Hind's River 31 km inland from Tinwald just Sth of Ashburton. It was the terminus of the Mt Somers railway branch line from Tinwald on the Main Trunk Line which had opened in 1882. The line closed in 1968.

NEW ZEALAND LONGITUDE.
The final observations, so far as this Colony is concerned, in connection with the recent transit of Venus were concluded at Mount Cook Observatory on Tuesday night. When Colonel Tupman, the chief of the observing party was here the weather was so unfavourable and his stay so short that he was unable to carry out the observations necessary to determine the precise Longitude of New Zealand. He accordingly asked the Surveyor General to obtain the necessary data, and this Mr McKerrow undertook, Dr. Lemon supervising the electrical arrangements, and the Cable Company liberally giving the free use of the cable. The officers engaged in the delicate work were H.C. Russell, B.A., F.R.A.S., the Government Astronomer of New South Wales; Mr. H.H. Lenehan, First Assistant; and Mr. J.S. Shapley, the Superintendent of the Cable Company. These gentlemen managed matters at the Sydney Observatory, while at Mount Cook the officers were Mr. C.D. Adams, Government Geodesical Surveyor, Mr. T.L. Barker, first assistant, and Mr. J. Gell, A.S.T.E., and E. of the New Zealand Telegraph Department. The object was first to ascertain the exact time at each place and the difference between the two, and for this purpose observations were made on four separate nights of the transit of a number of fundamental "clock" stars at each end, direct electric signals being constantly exchanged between the two observatories. For this purpose the land lines and cable were joined up, and as only a weak current could be used it was impossible to exchange signals by the ordinary instruments, and Thompson's reflecting galvanometer had to be employed. During the last 5 or 6 weeks only four nights were found, suitable for observations, as not only had the sky to be perfectly clear both here and in New South Wales, but the electrical conditions had also to be favourable. On several occasions earth currents and atmospheric disturbances rendered it impossible to carry on work. Last Monday night, however, gave the required fourth night, and on Tuesday the final signals were exchanged. On each of the four nights 108 observations have been taken, and the mean of these 432 observations will, it is confidently believed, give almost perfect accuracy in results, and enable the longitude of New Zealand to be determined in relation to Greenwich within, at the outside, a chain distance. To show how extreme accuracy has been sought for, it may be mentioned that Mr. Adams recently visited Melbourne and Sydney for the purpose of ascertaining and checking the difference of personal observation between the observers engaged. The results obtained will be forwarded to Colonel Tupman (USA) The observations will extend the base line of longitude from Melbourne to Wellington, via Sydney, and prove of great value in regard to the objects of the Transit of Venus observations and the science of navigation. If a cable is ever stretched between New Zealand and America the base will then be extended to join that already ascertained from Greenwich to San Francesco, and the measurements of the earth will be complete. Much of the success of the late observations is due to Mr. Gell, the electrician, Whose arrangements were simply perfect, not a single hitch occurring in any of the signals from Mount Cook.
("Evening Post" Friday, 21st December, 1883.)

9. Thomas Lugg Mankey Barker: Will, 27 Nov 1940.
THIS IS THE LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT of me THOMAS LUGG MANKEY BARKER
of Lower Hutt in the Provincial District of Wellington in the Dominion of New Zealand Retired Civil Servant.
1. I REVOKE all prior wills and testamentary dispositions by me made.
2. I APPOINT THE PUBLIC TRUSTEE of the said Dominion (hereinafter referred to as "my trustee') to be the executor and trustee of this my will.
3. I APPOINT my daughter DORIS NINA BARKER to be Advisory Trustee of this my will.
4. I GIVE DEVISE AND BEQUEATH. the whole of my estate both real and personal of whatsoever nature and description and wheresoever situate unto my trustee UPON TRUST to pay thereout my just debts funeral and testamentary expenses and all estate and succession duty payable in respect of dutiable estate and to stand
possessed of the residue ("hereinafter referred to as my residuary estate") upon the following trusts namely :- (a) UPON TRUST as from my death to permit my wife ALICE CATHERINE BARKER to have the free use income occupation and enjoyment thereof during her lifetime subject to the payment by her of all rates taxes. interest and insurance premiums from time to time payable in respect thereof and usually payable out of income AND I DECLARE that my said wife shall not be obliged at any time during her lifetime to keep the assets of my residuary estate in good order condition or repair AND I FURTHER DECLARE that my trustee
shall not at any time during the lifetime of my said wife be concerned or obliged to ascertain whether or not the assets of my residuary estate are being kept. good order condition or repair or be liable or in any other way answerable to any beneficiary under this my will should the assets of my residuary estate not be kept in, good order condition or repair during the lifetime of my said wife.
(b) UPON TRUST as from the death of the survivor of my said wife and me for such of them my daughters LOVEDAY ALICE LOUISA RENSHAW, GWENETH CATHERINE BARKER and DORIS NINA
BARKER as survive me and if more than one in equal thares.
5. I DECLARE that in the execution of the trusts of this my will my trustee may at his discretion exercise the following powers and authorities or any of the same, namely :
(a) TO SELL all or any part of my real and personal property either by public auction or private contract or in such manner and subject to such terms and conditions as my trustee shall think fit with power to allow the whole or any part of the purchase money to remain on mortgage of the property sold.
(b) TO POSTPONE the sale calling in and conversion of real real and personal estate or any part thereof for so long as he thinks fit notwithstanding that it may be of a wasting speculative or reversionary nature AND I DIRECT that pending such sale calling in and conversion the whole of the net income of property actually producing income shall be applied as from my death as income and on the other hand on such sale calling in and conversion or on the falling in of any reversionary property no part of the proceeds of such sale calling in conversion or falling in shall be paid or applied as past income.

(c) TO LET any hereditaments for the time being remaining unsold either from year to year or for any term of years or otherwise at such rent and subject to such, covenants and conditions as he thinks fit also to accept surrenders of leases and tenancies and generally to manage the same as he thinks fit.

(d) TO APPROPRIATE AND PARTITION any real and personal property forming part of my estate in and towards the share of any person or persons in the trusts hereinbefore contained and to charge any share with such sums by way of equality of partition as my trustee may think fit and for such purpose to fix the value of any real or personal estate so appropriated as he thinks fit AND every such valuation appropriation and partition shall be final and binding on all persons beneficially interested under this my will.

TO DETERMINE whether any money for the purposes of this my will is to be considered as income or capital and what expenses ought to be paid out of income and capital respectively and also to apportion blended funds AND every such determination or apportionment shall be final and binding on all persons beneficially interested under this my will.
AS WITNESS my hand this 27th day of November, One thousand nine hundred and forty (1940).
SIGNED by the said THOMAS LUGG MANKEY BARKER as and for his last will and testament in the presence of us together present at the same time who in his presence at his request and in the presence of each other have hereunto subscribed our names as witnesses -
C W Ware. Nightwatchman Wellington
E Butterfield. Solicitor Wellington

Thomas married Alice Catherine "Lal" JOHNSON [635] [MRIN: 190], daughter of Peter JOHNSON [636] and Alice BRITTON [637], on 21 Apr 1885 in Wellington NZ. (Alice Catherine "Lal" JOHNSON [635] was born on 14 Mar 1864 in 4 Mercers St Shadwell London, baptised on 10 Apr 1864 in St George In The East, London, died on 9 Jul 1944 in Wellington Hospital NZ and was cremated on 11 Jul 1944 in Karori Cemetery Wellington.). The cause of her death was hypostatic pneumonia, heart failure, senility.