The Fascinating Journey of Tauranga’s Wurlitzer Theatre Organ

From Tauranga City Library’s archives

A monthly blog about interesting items in our collections.

Programme from Records of Baycourt Community and Arts Centre - Ams 504/1/16

The invention of the theatre organ can be traced back to Scotsman Robert Hope-Jones in the early 1890s. Hope-Jones revolutionised organ construction with his invention of the electro-pneumatic action, a technology that became the foundation for future organ-building. By 1910, he had sold his patents to the Rudolph Wurlitzer Music Corporation, enabling the production of the legendary "Mighty Wurlitzer." These intricate instruments, built to accompany silent films, became iconic, with one organ completed every day at the height of their production.

The Tauranga Wurlitzer, known as "Opus 1482," left the Wurlitzer factory in Tonawanda, New York, on October 21, 1926. A Model H, it featured nearly 1,000 pipes and 47 kilometres of wiring. It boasted a range of sound effects, including cathedral chimes, sleigh bells, and theatrical effects like surf and train whistles, which allowed organists to craft a dynamic musical experience for silent movies. Shipped to Wellington, it debuted in early 1927 at the De Luxe Theatre on Courtenay Place (later renamed the Embassy).

Wurlitzer keys - Records of Baycourt Community and Arts Centre - Ams 504/1/16

In 1958, Eddie Aikin, captivated by the sound of a Wurlitzer since his youth, purchased Opus 1482 when the Embassy Theatre transitioned to a widescreen format. Aikin and his team dismantled the organ over seven weekends and transported it to a honey-packing shed in Tokoroa. There, after a twelve-month overhaul, it hosted a series of “Workshop” concerts, with notable performances by Australian organist Ann Holmes. Known for her expertise, Holmes had played in various leading theatres and became a familiar figure in New Zealand's organ scene.

Tokoroa High School 1960's - Records of Baycourt Community and Arts Centre - Ams 504/1/16

In 1967, Opus 1482 found a new home in Tokoroa High School’s Assembly Hall, with Ann Holmes headlining the opening concert. The organ remained there until 1971, when Aikin, facing health issues, put it up for sale. Tauranga City Council, with funding from the 20,000 Club, acquired the organ, envisioning its use for the community. Initially stored at the Queen Elizabeth Youth Centre, it was later decided that the organ would be installed in Tauranga Town Hall. The installation required removing concrete panels—a challenging task, as the concrete, made with metal sourced from Tūhua (Mayor Island), was particularly tough.

Tauranga Town Hall - Records of Baycourt Community and Arts Centre - Ams 504/1/16

Ten months of dedicated volunteer labour led to the organ’s reinstallation in 1972. The opening concert featured Ann Holmes, joined by local resident Len Hockly. There was an initial technical glitch when the elevator mechanism stalled, with Ann Holmes waiting to be elevated, however the organ crew quickly resolved the issue, and the concert was a success. Later, renowned organist Reginald Porter-Brown performed at Tauranga Town Hall, and the Records of Baycourt Community and Arts Centre hold an autographed programme from him.

Ann Holmes waiting to be elevated to stage - Photo gca-21038

In 1986, when the Tauranga Town Hall faced demolition, the City Council proposed relocating the organ to the newly built Baycourt Community and Arts Centre. The complex task of dismantling and reinstalling Opus 1482 began, and by 1988, the organ was once again in operation. Rex White was a person dedicated to many fields of public service in Tauranga and had legendary skill throughout the theatre organ world. He headed the team responsible for installing the organ in the Town Hall in 1972 and again into Baycourt in the 1980's. American organist Dennis James inaugurated its new home with a premier concert in December of that year.

Wurlitzer technical plans - Records of Baycourt Community and Arts Centre - Ams 405/1/16

Today, the Tauranga Wurlitzer remains a treasured musical asset. Regular maintenance ensures its near-century-old components function flawlessly, allowing audiences to enjoy its distinctive sound. Recent concerts, like “Swingin’ With The Mighty Wurli” featuring Australian virtuoso Scott Harrison and the Katikatz Jazz Band, highlight its ongoing cultural significance and the dedication to preserving this remarkable piece of history.

eventfinda nz

There is a wealth of information that can be found about Opus 1482 in the Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Baycourt archives (Ams 405) and on the Baycourt youtube website - Enjoy!

Sources:

• Baycourt, Tauranga N.Z. (1988). Wurlitzer Inaugural Season.
• Tauranga 20,000 Club. (1972). Introducing Tauranga City's Wurlitzer organ : 16th September 1972. Tauranga, N.Z. 20,000 Club.
• Tokoroa High School (1967). Opening of the WurliTzer Organ in the Assembly Hall Tokoroa High School.
• Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī ref photo-gca-21038
• Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī ref Records of Baycourt Community and Arts Centre - Ams 405/1/16.

“For the Fallen”

At the end of the war some New Zealand soldiers returned home with brides
Image: Auckland Weekly News, 27 March 1919. Tauranga Museum Collection

As Armistice Day approaches the men and women who served in the First World War are on my mind.  More than five hundred Tauranga men, Māori and Pakeha, enlisted - a staggering number considering the town’s population was just over three thousand souls. Of those local men who served, one hundred and ten would lose their lives.

Forty-two Tauranga soldiers died in 1918, more than twice the number of any other year of the war. While the influenza pandemic had a significant bearing on this figure, the German Spring Offensive and the Allies ‘Advance to Victory’ were devastating factors. New Zealand troops participated in several major offensives including the Battles of Second Marne and Bapaume and the liberation of Le Quesnoy.

New Zealand troops’ last major action of the First World War was the capture of Le Quesnoy, a week before the armistice
Image: George Edmund Butler, ‘The scaling of the walls of Le Quesnoy’. Wikimedia Commons

Every soldier’s death is tragic regardless of when and how they died. However, like many, I have a personal reason for feeling a great sadness about those who during those final few months, so close to the end, lost their lives in battle. My Great-Uncle, Charles Raymond Carter, survived four years of war, including Gallipoli, only to be killed on 18 September 1918 aged 23. Here are a few of our town’s young soldiers who died so close to Armistice.

Lest We Forget

Thomas Lochead  (1890-1918)

William Lochead (1895-1918)

Lance Corporal Thomas Lochhead was killed in action in France on 26 August 1918, aged 27. As part of the 2^nd Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, he died at the Second Battle of Bapaume, one of the first engagements of the Hundred Days Offensive. Prior to enlistment Thomas was an active member of the community belonging to several Tauranga clubs. Originally from Canterbury, Thomas farmed in Te Puna with his father and brothers. His younger brother William died of wounds in Palestine in May 1918.

John Salt (1899-1918)

Lance Corporal John Salt was killed in action in France on 12 September 1918, aged 19. As a member of the 1^st Battalion of the 3^rd New Zealand Rifle Brigade, he died at the Battle of Havrincourt, the first time the German frontline was pierced. Born in Tauranga to Joseph and Sarah, John was a labourer for the New Zealand Railways prior to enlisting on the 7 March 1916. The Army was either unaware or turned a blind eye to John being just 17.

Thomas Bullick (1882-1918)

Lance Corporal Thomas Bullick was killed in action in France on 29 September 1918, aged 36. His Battalion, which was part of the Wellington Infantry Regiment, took part in the breakthrough of the Hindenburg Line – the main German defence system. Prior to enlisting Thomas worked as an electrician for the Tauranga Borough Council, which was at the forefront of the burgeoning electrical industry. Born in Canterbury, Thomas had strong family connections to Hastings and his name appears on the Hastings Cenotaph in Civic Square.

Charles Lilley (1896-1918)

John Ellison (1881-1918)

Lance Corporal Charles Lilley was killed in action in France on 1 October 1918, aged 21. Part of the 1^st Battalion, Auckland Infantry Regiment, he was killed on the final day of the Battle of Canal du Nord. He died two years to the day of enlistment. Charles had lived with his parents, Walter and Jane, at Omanawa Falls and worked as a Mill Hand for Tauranga Sawmilling Company. His death was the second tragedy for the Lilley family, who in March received the news that their daughter’s husband, John Ellison, had been killed in action. John and Florence were married three weeks before he embarked.