A to Z of Tauranga Museum: C is for Cameras

 

Bay of Plenty Times staff photographer, 1977. Te Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Photo gca-22569

As a holiday destination known for its stunning scenery and photogenic landmarks like Mauao, it’s fitting that Tauranga Museum holds a varied and interesting camera collection. Our town has also been home to several notable photographers, yet it is the camera of amateur photographer and longtime resident William Poole that tells a story reaching far beyond our rohe.

An WW1 album page capturing candid moments at the front. Hauraki Association Collection, Tauranga Museum.

Historians have often described the First World War as the photographic event of the 20th century. The Vest Pocket Kodak became the soldier’s camera of choice, favoured for its small size and affordability. Although military authorities banned cameras at the front - concerned that sensitive information could fall into enemy hands or that confronting images might damage morale at home - Kodak continued to encourage soldiers to create their own ‘picture record of the war’. Many did, ignoring the ban, and the photographs they captured now form an important visual record of their experiences. 

Kodak Vest Pocket Autographic that belonged to Lieutenant William Poole. Tauranga Museum 0610/03

This Vest Pocket Kodak Autographic camera belonged to William Poole. Before enlisting, William ran a dental surgery on The Strand, located above A. J. Mirrielees, Chemist and Optician. Mirrielees was the town's Kodak dealer and throughout the war he placed regular advertisements in the Bay of Plenty Times promoting the Vest Pocket as the “ideal gift for a soldier.” William's camera and leather case were donated with a handwritten note: "This Vest Pocket Kodak camera was used by Capt. W. H. J. Poole 40684, NZ Dental Corps during WW1. See the stylus which was used via the little flap to give a title to each photograph." 

A pre‑WW1  photograph of The Strand shows William Poole’s surgery in the top left‑hand corner. Tauranga Museum 0614/08

Frustratingly, none of the photographs William may have taken with this camera during his two and a half years with the New Zealand Dental Corps was included in the donation to the Museum. His war record shows that he spent most of this time treating soldiers’ teeth in New Zealand.  He served just 96 days overseas before being returned home, due to ill health.