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 504/1/16

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 504) 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 504/1/16.

Tauranga Photographers: Stewart Brothers

Class photograph, Tauranga School, c. 1890-1892
Carte de visite photograph by F.E. Stewart of Stewart Bros., Tauranga
Collection of Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī Ref. 04-502

In late June 1890 a Mr F.E. Stewart “of the firm of Messrs Stewart Bros., photographers, Thames” arrived in Tauranga on a visit[1] and, after negotiations with resident photographer and chemist Charles Spencer, made an arrangement to “take over Mr Spencer’s photographic business here for a few weeks.”[2] It is unclear why Spencer, who had been very active in the district photographically over the previous decade,[3] seems to have lost interest in the studio aspect of his business in the 1890s, but he had his fingers in many pies, and in 1893 moved with his family to Auckland.[4]

Stewart quickly showed his willingness to take up where Spencer had left off, announcing:

“First-class work at reasonable prices. Enamelling a specialty, also children’s portraits. Views of residences, etc., taken.”

Enamelling referred to the glossy finish that he was able to produce on his card-mounted portraits, while reference to children mostly signified to his customers that he was both equipped with the latest in fast lenses and shutters, and adept in pacifying notoriously fidgety or excitable children. The statement that “views of residences, etc.” would be taken indicates that in addition to welcoming customers to Spencer’s studio premises conveniently situated on the Strand, he was happy to carry out what was commonly referred to as outdoors work.

Class photograph, Tauranga School, c. 1890-1892
Carte de visite photograph by F.E. Stewart of Stewart Bros., Tauranga
Collection of Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī Ref. 04-327

Two fine class photos taken at the Tauranga School in 1890 or 1891, then situated on the corner of Harington Street and Cameron Road,[5] have survived in the library’s collection, now displayed on Pae Korokī. They demonstrate Stewart’s skill at capturing the detail in the faces of a large group of students using the diminutive carte de visite format.

But who was “F.E.”? Since he was only ever referred to by his initials in the local press during his brief stay here, he’s not been particularly easy to track down, and it didn’t help that he proved to be unrelated to any of several other Stewart families then living in the coastal Bay of Plenty.

Young woman, tentatively identified as Marion Sophia Gilman (née Ferguson), c. 1890-1891
Carte de visite portrait, photographed by F.E. Stewart of Stewart Bros., Tauranga
Collection of The Elms Foundation

Francis Edward Stewart was born in 1865 at Chiselhurst, Kent (England) to carpenter Edwin Stewart and his wife Ellen. The family, including an older brother Herbert Samuel, arrived in New Zealand in January 1875 as assisted immigrants,[6] settling in Hamilton by 1877.[7] By early 1888 they were living in Cambridge, and older brother Herbert, working as a photographer, produced photographic views that were compared favourably with those from “the Auckland fraternity”.[8] By April 1890, probably after encountering stiff competition from well-established Cambridge photographers,[9] both Herbert and his younger brother Francis had moved to Thames, presumably sensing a growing demand there, and opening a studio in Queen Street.[10]The appearance of Francis in Tauranga only two months later suggests that clients in Thames were not as plentiful as expected.

The Tauranga Brass Band (including F. Stewart, front row, 4^th from left), c. mid-1891
Attributed to F.E. Stewart of Stewart Bros., later reprinted on card mount with incorrect date
Collection of Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī Ref. 01-592

Francis, or Frank as he was occasionally known, quickly made friends in the Tauranga community, where his musical skills were an important social asset. He joined a small local orchestra as a cornet player[11] and, with George Arnold Ward, subsequently played a role in the resurrection of the Tauranga Brass Band,[12] which made its first public appearance in March 1891.[13] He was engaged to take photographs of “the Mercury Bay and Tauranga Football teams and the Brass Band [above] … the Fife and Drum Band [below] … [and] the Fire Brigade in full uniform” at the Domain in mid-1891.[14]

The Tauranga Drum & Fife Band, c. mid-1891
F.E. Stewart of Stewart Bros., Thames and Tauranga
Collection of Tauranga City Libraries, Pae Korokī Ref. 12-015

By early September, however, Stewart had decided to move on, and was given a rousing farewell by Ward and his other band mates.[15] Subsequent sightings of him in Waipawa (November 1891)[16] and Dannevirke (February 1892)[17] suggest that he was touring the central North Island. In the mid- to late 1890s Francis Stewart seems to have rather disappeared from view, although his brother Herbert did open a hairdressing saloon in Rotorua in 1895, simultaneously announcing that he hoped to open a photographic studio in due course.[18] In December 1895 there was a report of a “Mr Stewart, photographer” making a trip to the Ureweras and returning with a “portfolio full of interesting views”, which must have been either Herbert or his brother Francis.[19]

Popular Pastimes in New Zealand – Jumping at the A & P Show, Auckland, c. December 1907
Halftone print stereocard, photographed by F.E. Stewart, published by New Zealand Graphic
Collection of Te Papa Tongarewa, Ref. O.005495

In January 1900 a photograph of the Jubilee Swimming Carnival at Auckland’s Caliope Dock, an event which had taken place a decade earlier in 1890, appeared as a halftone print under the byline of F.E. Stewart – almost certainly our Francis Ernest –in the New Zealand Illustrated Magazine.[20] Then between December 1907[21] and January 1912[22] he was an intermittent contributor to the New Zealand Graphic of photographs of sporting events and leisure activities, mostly in the Auckland region, but occasionally further afield in locations such as Thames and Whanganui. In 1907 they also published some of his stereoviews as part of their New Zealand Graphic Series, issued with the weekly newspaper.[23]

Mud Volcano, Waiotapu, Rotorua, N.Z. (Radcliffe & Stewart, #158), c. 1907-1914
Sterephotographic view, photographed by F.E. Stewart, published as postcard by F.G. Radcliffe
Tauranga Heritage Collection, Ref. 0105/19

A series of his stereophotographic views of the Auckland North, Rotorua and Taupo districts were published as postcards under the “Radcliffe & Stewart” banner, probably between 1909, when F.G. Radcliffe is known to have commenced his operations,[24] and the onset of the Great War in late 1914.

Tour group and guide standing before wharenui, Rotorua, c. 1900-1922
Photographed by F.E. Stewart, Rotorua
The Ngaire Hart Estate Collection, Courtesy of Cordy’s Auctions

In December 1915 advertisements appeared simultaneously in the Auckland[25] and Wellington[26] newspapers, inserted by Stewart and Bennett, photographers of Rotorua, looking for a outdoor photographer and a lady retoucher, “with experience [in] bromide printing and photographic colouring preferred”. Postcard format photographs are known from this era depicting tourist groups with Maori guides at several locations, including Whakarewarewa[27]and Ohinemutu (above), with “F.E. Stewart Photographer Rotorua” either as a blind stamp or in purple ink on the reverse.

Studio portrait of Te Akakura Ru (wife of Rua Kenana) and her son Ruhoni, Rotorua, c. 1910-1920
Silver gelatin postcard print, photographed by F.E. Stewart
Collection of Whakatāne Museum Te Whare Taonga o Taketake, Ref. P96

From the high negative numbers (up to 8648 have been found) it is clear that by this time Francis had a substantial operation in Rotorua, presumably with an outdoor photographer employed to capture the tourists on their peregrinations, while Stewart and possibly a retoucher remained at the studio to take indoor portraits and carry out the developing and printing.

Group of men and women doing a haka of welcome, Rotorua, c. 1907-1922
Photographed by F.E. Stewart
Collection of Alexander Turnbull Library (James Cowan Collection), Ref. 1/2-021059-F

Francis Stewart worked from premises in Pukaki Street, Rotorua until at least 1922, then between 1925 and 1938 moved to Amohau Street, describing himself as an apiarist. Then in 1941, a further move took him to Mount Maunganui where he became a shopkeeper. He remained there until his death in 1953.[28]

References

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[1] “Untitled [F.E. Stewart on a Visit to Tauranga],” Bay of Plenty Times, June 30, 1890, Volume 17 Issue 2530 edition.

[2] Francis Ernest Stewart, “Photography. F.E. Stewart of the Firm of Stewart Bros., of the Thames. Advertisement,” Bay of Plenty Times, July 24, 1890, Volume 17 Issue 2537 edition.

[3] Brett Payne, “Charles Spencer (1854-1933) – Part III – Serving the Community,” Tauranga Historical Society (blog), September 13, 2019, http://taurangahistorical.blogspot.com/2019/09/charles-spencer-1854-1933-part-iii.html.

[4] Brett Payne, “Visiting Price’s Corner Studio on The Strand,” Blog, Tauranga Historical Society (blog), October 3, 2014, https://taurangahistorical.blogspot.com/2014/10/visiting-prices-corner-studio-on-strand.html.

[5] Alan Charles Bellamy, ed., Tauranga 1882-1982, the Centennial of Gazetting Tauranga as a Borough (Tauranga, New Zealand: Tauranga City Council, 1982).

[6] “New Zealand, Archives New Zealand, Passenger Lists, 1839-1973,” Database with images (Wellington, New Zealand: Archives New Zealand, June 14, 2024), 1839–1973, FamilySearch. http://FamilySearch.org, https://www.familysearch.org/search/collection/1609792.

[7] “New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-2010” (Wellington, New Zealand: Parliamentary Library), Ancestry.com, accessed February 25, 2024, https://www.ancestry.com/search/collections/1836/.

[8] “Mr H. Stewart, Photographer, of Cambridge,” Waikato Times, March 30, 1889, Volume 32 Issue 2608 edition.

[9] Herbert Samuel Stewart, “H. Stewart, Photographer, Cambridge. Advertisement,” Waikato Times, November 30, 1889, Volume 33 Issue 2713 edition.

[10] Francis Ernest Stewart, “Photography. F.E. Stewart’s Studio Now Open. Advertisement,” Thames Star, April 26, 1890, Volume 22 Issue 6559 edition.

[11] “Athletic Tournament (Tauranga Gymnastic Club),” Bay of Plenty Times, September 22, 1890, Volume 17 Issue 2561 edition.

[12] “Untitled [The Tauranga Brass Band],” Bay of Plenty Times, December 31, 1890, Volume 17 Issue 2573 edition.

[13] “Untitled [The Tauranga Brass Band’s First Public Appearance],” Bay of Plenty Times, March 16, 1891, Volume 18 Issue 2604 edition.

[14] “Untitled [F.E. Stewart Engaged to Take Photographs at Domain],” Bay of Plenty Times, August 7, 1891, Volume 17 Issue 2715 edition.

[15] “Brass Band. Presentation to Mr F.E. Stewart,” Bay of Plenty Times, September 9, 1891, Volume 20 Issue 2728 edition.

[16] Francis Ernest Stewart, “F.E. Stewart, Photographer. Advertisement,” Waipawa Mail, November 28, 1891, Volume 14 Issue 2692 edition.

[17] “Untitled [Photographer Mr Stewart Now in Dannevirke],” Bush Advocate, February 25, 1892, Volume 7 Issue 590 edition.

[18] “Local News and Notes [Mr H. Stewart Opens Hair-Dressing Saloon],” Hot Lakes Chronicle, July 17, 1895, Volume 2 Issue 128 edition.

[19] “Local News and Notes [Mr Stewart, Photographer, Has Returned from Urewera Country],” Hot Lakes Chronicle, December 18, 1895, Volume 3 Issue 159 edition.

[20] Francis Ernest Stewart, “Calliope Dock Auckland. Scene of the Jubilee Swimming Carnival, 1890,” New Zealand Illustrated Magazine, January 1, 1900, Volume 1 Issue 4 edition.

[21] Francis Ernest Stewart, “Auckland Agricultural Association’s Show [Photographs],” New Zealand Graphic, December 7, 1907, Volume 39 Issue 23 edition.

[22] Francis Ernest Stewart, “Wanganui Celebrates the Anniversary of the Province With a Big Caledonian Gathering. [Photographs],” New Zealand Graphic, January 29, 1913, Volume 49 Issue 5 edition.

[23] Francis Ernest Stewart, “Snapshots Taken During the Jumping and Riding Competitions at the Enormously Successful Auckland Show. [Photographs],” New Zealand Graphic, December 7, 1907, Volume 39 Issue 23 edition.

[24] William Main and Alan Jackson, “Wish You Were Here”: The Story of New Zealand Postcards (New Zealand Postcard Society, 2005).

[25] Stewart and Bennett, “Outdoor Photographer, Youth and Retoucher. Advertisement,” New Zealand Herald, December 2, 1915, Volume 52 Issue 16090 edition.

[26] Stewart and Bennett, “Photographer and Retoucher. Apply Immediate. Advertisement,” Dominion, December 10, 1915, Volume 9 Issue 2640 edition.

[27] Francis Ernest Stewart, Tour Group at Whakarewarewa, c.  -1920 1900, Silver gelatin postcard print, 88mm x 138mm, c.  -1920 1900, Te Papa Tongarewa, https://collections.tepapa.govt.nz/object/1400586.

[28] “New Zealand, Electoral Rolls, 1853-2010.”

Hayman’s Hall and Tauranga Jazz

Ken Hayman, c. 1990

Beverly Brasting met her husband-to-be Ken Hayman at Hayman’s Hall when she went there on Anzac Day 1950 to audition as pianist for his band. “It was a large bare open space, but it was a dance hall after all” she reminisced during a recent interview.

She was already the only girl in the seven-member ensemble at college, and her father was so pleased that finally she was able to use her talents after all the lessons he had paid for. However, many years later she heard her husband say to a friend that she actually was the only applicant for the vacant position in the dance band.

Bev and Ken Hayman

The Saturday night dances always finished by midnight and she had to be home by 1 am, or else. After patrons had left, there was cleaning up and meticulous sweeping to be done in preparation for the dance lessons held there during the week.

Hayman’s Hall had been built by Ken’s father Charles. Ken and his talented friend Morrin Cooper played in the Tauranga Municipal Band but were asked to leave by the conductor because they warmed up their trumpets with snatches of popular jazz. George Mockler was an employee of the Tauranga Borough Council, in charge of the Strand gardens, and he often persuaded the band members to help hand weed the floral ship/botanical boat there, a very time-consuming task.

L to R: Alistair Clark, Cyril (Cy) Grigg, Ken Hayman and Tom Morris (Mibs)

Typical of musicians, Ken soon formed his own band and the Hayman’s living room at 21 St John Street became their practice room. When Dad Charles asked when he was likely to get it back for the family, some bright spark suggested they pool resources to create a purpose-built venue for the band members’ talents. The site chosen was right opposite the high school on Cameron Rd between 13th and 14th Ave. Ken, his life-long friend Alistair Clark and Charles were all builders and another band player Keith Bracey was able to supply the concrete blocks. This was in post-war building material shortages.

Hayman’s Hall
Image courtesy of the Rendell family, Tauranga Heritage Collection Ref. 27957

The door to the left (photo above) was a cloakroom, while the main hall was accessed from the entrance to the right, but there was an internal connecting door. Supper was served every dance night after the “supper waltz”. A sought after move for the guys was to ask one of the young girls to join him for the supper. Bev recalled, “I can still see the white saucers set out by Mr and Mrs Graham with one savoury and one sweet cake on each.”

The dance floor was “absolutely the best” and had so much use that it had to be replaced in later years. The writer’s mother went to many a dance there and her sister-in-law to the ballet classes with local teacher Undine Clarke. (see previous article)

A quick search on Papers Past gave 502 entries for the phrase “Hayman’s Hall” and scrolling through these gives a much fuller idea of how valuable this venue became during the 1940s, when public amenities of its size were not so prevalent.

Children's Fancy Dress Party, Hayman's Hall, c. 1961
Courtesy of Tauranga City Libraries, Gifford-Cross/NZME Collection, Pae Korokī Ref. gca-1608

It was used by several bands and orchestras, the Scottish Society for their monthly Inglesides, two Lodges, an Evangelical church, as a meeting hall for local political candidates, a polling booth, display area for several horticultural/flower societies, Young Farmers Club, St John’s training, CWI, Fruit Federation, Pro-Rex Club, Acclimatisation Society, and many sports organisations’ social events, even as the venue for a baby competition and the nurses’ ball.

In addition, it was regularly used to teach different types of dancing, including ballet, tap and national. It became the first introduction place for many a young couple and the reception venue for many local weddings.

Beverly and Ken married in 1955, he built them a home in Greerton, and by 1963 their family consisted of four girls under five, so days were very busy. One of their later homes was in 17th Avenue, so as to be close enough to look after the hall.

L to R: Jim McShane (bass), Tom “Mibs” Morris (drums), Ken Hayman (trumpet), Russell Stevens (trombone), Warren Stevens (clarinet) and Jack Cricket (piano)

Another “muso” Ken White knew a fellow countryman who had conducted a big band in England — Stan Farnsworth — and so in due course the Tauranga Swing Band was formed. When the film “Jazz on a Summer’s Day” was due to open at the Regent Picture Theatre, the manager Pat McBrearty asked them to perform on stage during the movie. After seeing it for themselves, there was much discussion amongst the musicians, including Dave Hall and Dave Proud. They could not see why, since we had the sunny weather, the sea, yachting, the band and a hall in which to have the inaugural get together, that a jazz festival (see previous article) could not be held here. A luncheon was supplied by the wives and girlfriends, the locals kindly lent some flat-bed trucks, so that all the musos were seated on the trays and played all the way into town via Cameron Road. That night was the first Jazz Concert at the 20,000 Club Soundshell in Memorial Park.

The Silencers at Hayman's Hall (publ. 27 April 1967)
Courtesy of Tauranga City Libraries, Gifford-Cross/NZME Collection, Pae Korokī Ref. gca-15704

Sometime in the early 1960s, Hayman’s Hall was in need of minor repairs and Charles was getting on in years, so the building became the property and temporary premises of local second-hand dealer Don Maclean. The building was demolished in the early 1970s and Hillsdene Wines now occupies part of the site.

Sources and Acknowledgements

Many thanks to the Hayman family especially Bev for information and images. I hope this article fills in some gaps and does justice to the memory of your husband and father Ken.

Thanks to Fiona Kean, co-author of “Rendells Tauranga” where I found the image of Haymans Hall, and to the Rendell family for permission to use it.

Papers Past Bay of Plenty Times 1942 -1947