william alfred hewson

John Seal Posted: 9 Mar 2012

My grand father Alfred William Hewson served in the Boer War in the 6th Contingent No. 3745. He was from Pukeuri, Waitaki district, Otago which is about 10 km north of Oamaru. Any details appreciated.

Post Boer War he was based at Taihape building the Main Trunk railway line until 1908. He was a wharfie based at J Shed (burned down and was replaced by Shed 21) in Wellington which is opposite the Hotel Waterloo. He moved to the Coal Wharf, don't know what date, and worked there shoving coal during WWI. He apparently frequented Hanning Street, the infamous Opium Den. Not surprising if you worked 3 days straight.

He retired after the 1951 General Strike at the behest of my father.

He died in 16th June 1964 the year of my birth.

Alfred married Cynthia Jamieson, b 1903(?) died 1968(?), and they lived at 108 Randwick Road, Moera Lower Hutt.

Relatives are:

Eileen Bucknell 12th March 1925

Triplets: Unknown Name, died in first few days maybe a little longer

Kathleen Bennett (died June 2001), Helen triplets. Born late 1925 or early 1926

William Henry Hewson September 1926.

Helen died from cancer in 1946 less than one year after marrying Cornelis O'Regan of Petone who was one of four sons; Jack, Des and Clifford

Later relatives are:

Bennett (Basil worked for Lower Hutt Power Board as a linesman/sparky and died early 1970's)

Bucknell (Ken Panel Beater died 2008(?)
Hewson

Most details known; some very tragic.

Thanks,

John

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william alfred hewson

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