Tairua Librarian Sarah Alves receives journals from Ben Grubb

Almost 175 years has passed since Englishman Thomas Laslett conducted business at Te Karo Bay north of Tairua.

But his fascinating world of pioneering commerce with the local Maori is accessible to everyone thanks to countless hours of effort by resident Ben Grubb.

Ben is a retired teacher who bought a property at Te Karo Bay more than 20 years ago and now lives their full time with wife Donna.

A discussion with another resident in the bay about the sailor’s grave and the general history of this beautiful stretch of coastline led to the on-line discovery on the Alexander Turnbull Library website of the original hand written journal of British Navy timber purveyor Thomas Laslett.

Laslett’s business dealings for the Navy 175 years ago and the day to day events of obtaining a ship load of kauri spars are recorded in his journal, but it was a language quite different to the English of today. For Ben – a retired English teacher with a deep connection to the area – it was a worthy and rewarding challenge to delve into.

“I had a bit of time on my hands so I thought, ‘I’ll get a magnifying glass and get it all down’. And then it made sense. I passed it on to neighbours and other interested people to read, and spoke to John Drummond [of Tairua Environment Society], who suggested we create interpretive panels to share the history.”

The Tairua-Pauanui Community Board has funded the artwork and construction of the panels and Ben has now typed up Laslett’s journals, presenting a copy on Monday to the Tairua Library for permanent safekeeping.

Ben will speak about Thomas Laslett and the rich life that he led – a world of barter with indigenous people, and of virgin forest with towering kauri trees – at a presentation at 11am and 2pm at St Francis House on Tairua Main Street on Saturday 6 May.

The panels will be unveiled as part of an official ceremony at Te Karo Bay on Sunday, which is designed to commemorate the death of a sailor at the bay 175 years ago.

A whole weekend of commemorative events is planned, starting with a performance by local actors and singers at the Tairua Community Hall on Friday evening, talks by historians and archaeologists on Saturday, a heritage display at the Tairua Library and an official ceremony with the New Zealand navy among other events on Sunday.

Read more about Thomas Laslett and Ben Grubb's project in this year's edition of Summertimes Magazine later in the year.

Celebrating a sailor

Drama enthusiasts in Tairua are well into rehearsals for their show ‘A Ship, a Bay, a Drowning’, and tickets are selling fast.

The show at Tairua Community Hall on Friday 5 May and Saturday 6 May are part of the events being held for the Commemoration of the 175th Anniversary of the death of a sailor at Te Karo Bay.

Described as part traditional 19th Century Musical Hall, part history – it tells the story of the HMS Tortoise and the death of seaman William Samson.

“Tairua Heritage Players will be performing sketches - some of them humorous and some serious - and singing some of those good old melodies,” says Auriol Farquhar. “We’ll be issuing an invitation to the audience to join in with the final songs.”

Tairua School Kapa Haka group will also be appearing, contributing a Maori aspect to the occasion. During the interval the Royal NZ Navy saxophone quartet will play.

Tickets are available from Tairua Information Centre at $20. Seating is limited, so get in early. There will be a cash bar and some nibbles provided. The show starts at 7.00pm, but the Hall and bar will be open from 6.00 pm.

“We are not trying to make a great profit, but any proceeds will be going to support Tairua Heritage Group, which is working to develop heritage resources in Tairua,” Auriol says.
Historical journals presented in time for 175 sailors grave commemoration

Royal New Zealand Navy officiating at 175th Commemoration Tairua

Story panels are being developed that will be unveiled on the site during the series of events on May 5 to 7. In addition to the performance by local actors, these include talks by noted historians and an official ceremony by the Royal New Zealand Navy and its jazz trio and quartet.

For tickets or a brochure about the event, contact the Tairua Information Centre on Ph 07 864 7575 or email info.tairua@xtra.co.nz

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