On the 7th March, at Captain Fraser's residence, Maitland street, by the Rev. Dr Stuart, John Pope, to Margaret McIntosh. widow of the late John McIntosh. -Otago Daily Times, 15/3/1876.
TENDERS Wanted for Building House, in Maitland street, for Captain Fraser. H. F. Hardy, architect. -Evening Star, 29/4/1880.
Many of our readers, not alone in Dunedin, but throughout the Middle Island, will regret to hear of the death of Captain Charles Fraser, who formerly commanded the steamers Wanganui and Oreti, trading from this port to Invercargill and Riverton. His last command was, we believe, the s.s. Merksworth, which vessel he took from Wellington to Melbourne or Sydney for sale. Captain Fraser had been trading on the New Zealand coast for nearly 20 years, and was greatly esteemed for his probity and genial manner. -Otago Daily Times, 10/2/1885.
Death.
McLellan. — On the 16th October, at the residence of his sister, Mrs Fraser, Maitland street, Dunedin, James McLellan, late of Hampden; aged 54 years. -Evening Star, 16/10/1888.
LOST (Wednesday) between Maitland st and Octagon, Gold Bar Brooch; initials. Please return 20 Maitland street. -Evening Star, 29/3/1906.
LOST (yesterday), Purse containing silver, gold ring, between Post Office and Inglis’s. Return 20 Maitland street; reward. -Evening Star, 17/8/1906.
FINDER of Purse lost between P.O. and Inglis's, August 6th, can keep money if return ring to Mrs Fraser, 20 Maitland street. -Evening Star, 28/9/1906.
LOST, Gold Bar Brooch (initials “MM"), vicinity Post Office, Saturday Please return 20 Maitland street. -Evening Star, 11/10/1909.
DEATHS.
FRASER — On April 14, 1911, at No. 20 Maitland street, Dunedin, Catherine Fraser, relict of Captain Chas. Fraser; aged 79 years. — Funeral at 2 o’clock on Monday, the 17th hist., for Southern Cemetery. -Evening Star, 15/4/1911.
Monday 19 June at 12 o'clock
At rooms, Manse St
In the Estate of the late Mrs Captain Fraser.
CHARMING FREEHOLD, No. 20 MAITLAND STREET.
Glorious View of Harbor and Hills.
COMFORTABLE 6-ROOMED HOUSE. Within Penny Section, but Trams Not Necessary.
PARK REYNOLDS, LIMITED, are instructed by the Trustees, Executors, and Agency Company, Dunedin, to sell by auction, in the Estate of the late Mrs (Captain) Fraser,
Section 5, Block 111., Dunedin, 66ft x 165 ft, frontage to Maitland street and overlooking the Oval. CONVENIENT HOUSE, 6 rooms, bathroom, cellar and workshop, bay window verandah, new brick washhouse (copper and tubs), drained to sewer.
This Property is well worth looking at on account of its handy position and easy access. On the rise, and yet no trouble to get there, and a glorious outlook. -Evening Star, 10/6/1911.
It seems that, instead of selling to a stranger, No. 20 was lived in by Mrs Fraser's heirs.
DEATHS
McLELLAN. — On the 1st of October, at No. 20 Maitland street, Ellen, youngest daughter of the late Duncan McLellan. Deeply regretted. -Evening Star, 1/10/1915.
10th Ballot
McLellan, James, carpenter, 20 Maitland street, Dunedin. -Evening Star, 3/9/1917.
Rifleman James McLellan was born at Kyeburn in 1884 of Scottish and Irish parents. He served with 3 Battalion of the New Zealand Rifle Brigade, returning in 1919. He died at Invercargill in 1954.
MARRIAGES.
HARPUR — HUNTER. — On March 2, at the residence of the bride’s mother, 84 Duncan street, Dunedin, Prosper Butler, fourth son of Mr and Mrs W. Harpur, of Invercargill, to Isabel, second daughter of Mrs Hunter-Smith, of Dunedin. -Evening Star, 16/4/1921.
NEW MUSIC.
A new song issued from Dunedin is ‘The Prisoner’s Release,’ words by Isabel Harpur, music by A. Pettit. Allan’s house in Melbourne has published the song, and it is stated that it is being readily bought in Australia as well as in New Zealand. -Evening Star, 27/8/1927.
FORTUNE
Mrs. Isabel Harpur, of New Zealand, recently wrote “The Prisoner’s Release” — the last of the “Prisoner’s song” series — and within three months 30,000 sheet-music copies of the song, 60,000 gramophone records, and a great number of music-rolls had been sold. Mrs. Harpur has already received a cheque for over £500, and sales are still booming. -Sun, 29/12/1927.
£500 in 1927 is worth $26,325 today.
TO LET (south, penny section), four ROOMS; conveniences; 25s per week. — Apply first 20 Maitland street. Ring 10-973. -Otago Daily Times, 1/3/1928.
TO LET, 4-roomed Flat, ground floor; e.l, gas, ironing plug; rent 25s per week. — Ring 10-973, call 20 Maitland street. -Evening Star, 31/5/1929.
REWARD. — INFORMATION grateful received as to person who killed Pekingese DOG at Oval January 3. 4 p.m. — Ring phone 10-973. -Otago Daily Times, 9/1/1930.
Situations Vacant
WANTED, respectable GIRL, about 16, assist housework; one who can cook breakfast; good home suitable girl. — Apply Mrs Smith, 20 Maitland street (phone 10-973). -Otago Daily Times, 21/1/1930.
DOT'S LITTLE FOLK
A Blue Belle (Elsie McConnachie, 20 Maitland street, Dunedin) wishes to correspond with any Little Folk or Old Writers from the age of 17 years and upwards. She requests Clara G. from Heriot to write to the above address again, as her address has been mislaid. -Otago Witness, 29/7/1930.
[Advt.] Mrs I. Harpur, of 20 Maitland street, Dunedin, author of the recent song success 'The Prisoner’s Release,’ and member of the British Song Society, has been appointed Dunedin representative of the society, whose objects are described in an article, ‘New Songs for Old,’ in another column. Mr J. J. Stroud, of Gore, is the society's representative for New Zealand and Australia, who is at present appointing agents for sub-areas. In this issue Miss Harpur advertises that 100 songs are wanted urgently. -Evening Star, 19/3/1932.
WRITERS and Composers. — l00 Australasian Songs wanted, urgently. — Consult Mrs I. Harpur, Dunedin representative British Song Society, 20 Maitland street, Dunedin. -Evening Star, 19/3/1932.
NEW SONGS FOR OLD
[Written by “X” for the 'Evening Star.’]
If Nanki-Poo were alive to-day as more than a stage creation there would be a fortune waiting for him. He had for everything, and we have none — none, that is, for the multitude, for general occasions, that are worth the singing. There are “art” songs, which confess by their name that one must be educated up to them, which means that they are only for the few. There are the Scottish songs, well enough for Scottish “nichts,” but one cannot sing the same Scottish songs everlastingly. There is a much smaller number of English songs of perhaps equal merit, but they are sung seldom, perhaps because they are old, and this generation esteems only what is new. There are ballads, which are chiefly for concerts, but when songs are wanted for dancing, one of the chief diversions of the age, or for music halls, they have to come from America, whose songs are the worst in the world. They are the worst, but the most numerous. The art of producing them seems to have been lost in English-speaking countries. How utterly it has been lost we are reminded by revivals after forty years of such refrains as ‘Daisy, Daisy,’ ‘After the Ball' and ‘Two Little Girls in Blue,’ which those who heard them as children never expected to hear again, and only a musical bankruptcy could make reason for reviving.
The American song holds sway, and it is the worst in the world. American singers whom we hear by the gramophone whine it in diminished, unsexed voices, and athletic adults sidle to the strains of ‘Walking My Baby Back Home.’ An American Cardinal, Dr O’Connell, on that extreme type is worth hearing. “The man who whines that way — well, he just isn’t a man. There is no man who would lower himself to such art as that.’’ “Imbecile slush” is his name for it. But the normal type can be bad enough. The London ‘Spectator’ recently offered a prize for the best rendering of a Shakespearean lyric, ‘Orpheus With His Lute Made Trees,’ in the form and idiom of the modern dance song. The winning effort was as follows:
Say, Orpheus is the guy for your party. If he totes his saxophone
Even old Aunt Tabby feels real hearty. When that weapon gives a moan or a groan.
First he goes grr-uMPH (Pump, pump), And the bills lose their hump (Kerblump),
And the trees and the seas and the mites in the cheese, All go goosey at the knees,
If the sky is looking grey and sooty, Just dial, “ Orpheus 809,” Make a date with your cutie.
The blues will fly before the sweet sunshine. Ain’t it fine?
When he gives a growl (Hooo-Hooo), The winds all howl (Boo-Boo).
And the waves in the caves, and the cops with their staves, And the Kings and Queens and Knaves
All yell out, “Oh, My! WOW! I'm feelin’ queer. Say, why, When that Orpheus bird gets busy you gotta hop or die.”
So far have we advanced since Shakespeare. . . The British Song Society, which has a representative in New Zealand, has been formed in recent years to secure, if possible, that more of the songs for music halls and dance halls shall be British and not American. They may not be better songs, but they will be native, and, to consider the lowest advantage, British authors will get money for them. Many people even in New Zealand probably could compose the words of a successful song it they could find someone to write the music for it. The society provides for this greatest difficulty. Anyone can become a member of it on payment of an annual subscription of one guinea, and can forward song words to it on which advice will be given. If the effort is judged likely to be a popular success the society will find a writer for the music and arrange for publication on a fifty-fifty basis of royalties as between the author and composer, subject only to deduction of 10 per cent, for the society’s trouble.
Not a few songs which have made considerable “hits” have been published in this way. Examples are: 'In a Little Nest Near Heaven,' 'I'm a Hundred Per Cent, in Love,' and 'It is Better To Love And To Lose.' These do not suggest any high degree ot the lyrical faculty or of originality. Advisers of would-be song writers have, indeed, taken the line that originality is not required. There are set types of popular songs, it has been pointed out. There is the moving along theme with a touch of home in it, illustrated by ‘Shufflin' Along,’ ‘Sing Along, Sambo,' and ‘Jog Along, Jasper.' Then there are the tongue-twisters —‘Linger Longer, Lucy,’ ‘Sister Susie’s Sewing Shirts for Soldiers,’ and ‘K-K-K Katey, Beautiful Katey.’ There is also the exclamatory type, represented by 'Oh! Oh! Antonio,' and ‘Whoops! Lets Do It Again.’ The time to imitate these, it is enjoined, is not when one of them is at the top of its success, but when it has been forgotten for a while. An ingenious variant is sure of a like popularity. All this is commercial, more than aesthetic song-writing. The society will welcome and do its best to dispose of more literary effusions, with the warning, however, that these seldom bring in the same financial returns. Whatever is thought of the predominant type, New Zealanders, as well as others, can master it. To an Australian and New Zealand catalogue which is being compiled this country has contributed seventeen numbers, of which over 50 per cent, have been starred as giving the highest promise of being favourites. -Evening Star, 19/3/1932.
WANTED — Song Writers, get your Songs on the Market; consult Isabel Harpur, 20 Maitland, street, Dunedin. -Otago Daily Times, 9/4/1932.
Mrs Isabel Harpur, who will be remembered some years ago as a successful song writer, has just received word from England of another acceptance. The publishers’ comment is as follows: — “Mrs Isabel Harpur, of Dunedin, New Zealand, has provided us with an excellent lyric in ‘The End of the Dance,’ and we hope it will prove as big a success as was enjoyed with a number which she had published a few years ago. The musical setting for this song is by Mr J. J. Stroud, of Gore, Southland, Mr Stroud is also well-known as a song writer, having had 17 songs accepted to date. With such a combination as Harpur-Stroud, we will look forward to something extraordinary in ‘The End of the Dance.’ ” -Otago Daily Times, 24/3/1932.
WANTED, SONG WRITERS. Let the British Song Society Help You to fame. Communicate Isabel Harpur, 20 Maitland street, Dunedin. -Otago Daily Times, 21/6/1932.
SONG WRITERS — Give your songs a chance of publication. Particulars Isabel Harpur, 20 Maitland street, Dunedin. -Otago Daily Times, 16/7/1932.
British Songs.
A recent cablegram from the British Song Society advises — ''Songs by New Zealand members of the society are meeting with great success. 'The End of the Dance,' written by Mrs. I. Harpur, the well known Dunedin songwriter, is being featured by Walter Fennell, a one-time resident of Hawera." -Evening Post, 9/11/1932.
FIRST-CLASS Motor Garage To Let, reasonable. — Apply 20 Maitland street (central), few doors up. -Evening Star, 24/5/1933.
SOCIAL AND PERSONAL
On Tuesday evening the Unemployed Concert Committee of South Dunedin was honoured by the presence of Mrs Isabel Harpur, Dunedin’s famous song writer. Mrs Harpur, who has a sweet soprano voice, delighted the audience with her singing. She introduced two New Zealand songs by New Zealand writers, one of the compositions being her own, entitled “When Day Bids the Night Adieu." The other was “Down a Sunset Valley,” by Mr C. A. Newton, of Rotorua. -Otago Daily Times, 27/10/1933.
WANTED, live CANVASSERS: sell New Zealand songs, Christmas Cards: knowledge music preferred; big commission. Ring 10-973. -Otago Daily Times, 25/11/1933.
WANTED, AGENTS, all over New Zealand, sell New Zealand songs, musical; big commission. —Apply 20 Maitland street, Dunedin. -Otago Daily Times, 6/1/1934.
IF you cannot procure “ BLU-IT,” phone 10-973, or call 20 Maitland street, sole agent, Dunedin; sub-agents wanted. -Otago Daily Times, 6/1/1934.
BLU-IT now procurable at 20 Maitland street (phone 10-973); Canvassers Wanted. -Evening Star, 13/1/1934.
Police Court
Maintenance, separation, and guardianship orders were sought by Isobel Harpur (Mr C. M. Barnett) against Prosper Butler Harpur. Complainant said that her husband deserted her last July. Later a separation agreement was drawn up, Harpur to pay 35s weekly. He had paid only £2. — The orders were granted, maintenance being fixed at £l. Past maintenance was fixed at £5. -Evening Star, 14/5/1934.
City Police Court
Prosper Butler Harpur was charged with disobedience of a maintenance order, the arrears on which were shown to be £7 11s 6d. — The defendant was represented by Mr C. M. Barnett — A sentence of one month’s imprisonment was imposed, the defendant to be released on payment of the arrears. -Otago Daily Times, 26/6/1934.
Sandstone (Mrs I. Harpur, 20 Maitland street, Dunedin) would like to correspond with any overseas old or young writers willing. -Otago Daily Times, 7/1/1935.
City Police Court
Prosper Butler Harpur, who was charged with default of maintenance, was sentenced to two months’ imprisonment, the warrant to be suspended provided he paid £10 by August 10, £8 by September 10, £8 by October 10, and £6 by November 10. -Otago Daily Times, 30/7/1935.
WANTED, respectable, honest Girl (16-17), assist housework; must have some experience. — Apply Mrs Smith, 20 Maitland street. -Evening Star, 18/1/1936.
Divorce Day
UNHAPPY DIFFERENCES.
Isabella Stewart Stevenson Harpur (petitioner) v. Prosper Butler Harpur (respondent), petition for divorce on the ground of separation for over three years. Mr G. V. Murdoch appeared for the petitioner, who said she was married in March, 1921, and lived in Dunedin till a separation agreement was entered into in September, 1933, as the result of unhappy differences. Since then the petitioner had lived apart. There was an adopted child, and because of the failure of the respondent to pay maintenance petitioner in 1931 secured a separation, maintenance, and guardianship order against him. After hearing other evidence His Honour granted a decree nisi, to he moved absolute after the expiration of three months. Petitioner was granted the interim custody of the child, and an order for costs was made against the respondent. -Evening Star, 12/2/1937.
WEDDINGS
Porteous — Harpur. The wedding took place recently of Isabel Harpur, author of "Prisoner’s Release,” and Francis Pender Porteous, eldest son of Graham M. Porteous, of Portsmouth, England. The ceremony, which was attended only by relatives of the bride, took place at the manse of the Rev. Leslie B. Neale, who officiated. The bride was dressed all in blue, with grey stockings and gloves. After the ceremony the party adjourned to the Ritz. Later in the evening a reception was held at the residence of a friend, where the wedding cake was cut and toasts honoured. Mr and Mrs Porteous's future home will be in Dunedin. -Otago Daily Times, 17/8/1937.
In 1941, from 20 Maitland st, Wilfred Bailey (a WW1 veteran) was selected for overseas service and William Russell Wright for the Territorials. The following year W. S. S. Smith was drafted.
Returning to No. 20 in 1945/46 were Sapper Smith and Private W.R.B. Summers.
DEATHS
SMITH. — On August 13, 1947 (suddenly), at his residence, 20 Maitland street, William, husband of Maria (Myra) Smith; in his seventy-sixth year. “Peace, perfect peace.”' Private interment — Hugh Gourley Ltd., funeral directors. -Evening Star, 13/8/1947.
Jean (or Jeannie) Harpur was the daughter of Isabel and Prosper and was born about 1917. She went to the High St primary school then the King Edward Technical College, passing class C1C at the end of 1936. It was some time in 1937 that Jeannie took a piece of chalk and wrote her name and class on a wall in the basement of 20 Maitland Street.
Jeannie Harpur was present at the first Air Force ball to be held in Dunedin, aged about 23.
AIR FORCE BALL
A SPECTACULAR FUNCTION
OVER EIGHT HUNDRED ATTEND
A touch of realism was imparted to the atmosphere in the Town Hall last night on the occasion of the Royal New Zealand Air Force ball by an actual aeroplane which, placed in position to one side of the stage, looked as though it were about to make a graceful landing in the middle of the hall. It was no simple matter to arrange the machine in such a manner as to give the illusion of flight but this effect had been achieved and the guests entering the hall might well have thought that its silvery wings were actually in motion. Simple yet striking was the background of blue streamers bearing the word "Taieri" and the insignia of the R.N.Z.A.F. The Air Force ensign was prominently displayed above the gallery, and the rest of the decorative scheme consisted of streamers in maroon, azure and royal blue. The piece de resistance of the evening was the air raid. At zero hour there was a black-out — the hall was plunged into darkness. Sirens screamed. Navigation lights flushed in the darkness, three miniature planes swooped down out of the gallery into the body of the hall, and so to the stage where, from a model anti-aircraft battery, a barrage was lifted, and the air raid was complete. The balloon barrage which protects London from air raids, was reproduced in miniature when a flock of toy balloons was released from a container — a large Union Jack was used for the purpose — hidden under a canopy of streamers.
Interludes included a ballet by pupils of Miss Constance Potts, the 12 performers being attired in short flared frocks of blue satin, with gold godets, end glittering Air Force badges as head-dress; and an exhibition of ballroom dancing by Mr and Mrs Leo Schmelz, the latter wearing a bouffant-skirted frock of white net and spangles, and an ostrich plume in her hair. The significance of the Air Force was impressed upon departing patrons — though some of them may have been suitably impressed when coming in — by the "Spirit of Wigram" in the foyer. This was a model airship, and was suspended above the stairs amidst lines of pennants representing various Air Force stations in the Dominion. Over 800 dancers were present, and music was provided by the Band of the Otago Regiment, which played from the stage and the Band of the Royal New Zealand Air Force at Wigram, which occupied an adjoining dais.
Special Guests A lounge arranged just inside the entrance was reserved for special guests, who included the commanding officer of the Taieri Aerodrome (Squadron-leader Stedman) and Mrs Stedman, whose distinctive gown of black silhouette georgette was worn with handsome furs; Major J. O. Jeffery, district area officer of the defence Department, and Mrs Jeffrey, who wore a smart gown of black florals; Lieutenant-commander Fraser, of the R.N.V.R., and Mrs Fraser, who was attired in gentian blue lame patterned with leaves; and the officers of the R.N.Z.A.F. -Otago Daily Times, 22/6/1940.
At around the time that Jeanne was at the ball, another name was chalked on the cellar wall, and another school. A. J. Hickman of King's High School turns out to be Alaric John Robert - who featured in reports of school sports, playing rugby for his school and also placing in amateur athletics competitions. He passed a St John Ambulance First Aid examination November, 1941 and his School Certificate was awarded the following February.
A year later his name appears on the ballot of men selected for military service and eventually joined the royal New Zealand Navy as a "hostilities only" sailor. He was, in 1943, fined for riding an unregistered motorcycle and being an unregistered motor driver. He presumably served overseas since his name features in the report of servicemen returning from overseas on the "Mooltan" in December, 1945. By this time his family were living in Reynolds St, Mornington. He features in postwar reports of local rugby and hockey teams.
TO LET.
TO LET, large Unfurnished Bed-Sitting Room, on rise, select locality; use kitchenette; suit Business Ladies; 17s weekly. — Phone 10-973. -Evening Star, 18/7/1941.
FOR your party or dance this Saturday ring 10-973; experienced, popular musicians available; state combination required. -Evening Star, 14/11/1941.
TRACTOR OVER WHARF
THE DRIVER DROWNED
WITNESSES OF TRAGEDY
Pinned in a tractor that crashed, last, evening, over the end of the Victoria Wharf in the vicinity of the oil berth, a single man named Gilbert George Stevenson, age 81 years, an employee of Messrs John Mill and Co., Ltd., was drowned. The tractor was recovered this morning with the aid of one of the Otago Harbour Board's cranes and a diver, and from the battered condition of the radiator it was evident that the vehicle had hit the sea-bed with considerable force. As there were no witnesses of the accident the cause of the tractor leaving the wharf is at present a matter of conjecture. Evidently in the darkness the driver misjudged the turning and took too wide a sweep to proceed south after-hauling trucks to a vessel at the wharf. Mr Stevenson, who resided at 20 Maitland street, passed a Harbour Board employee who was engaged in switching on the wharf lights. The first intimation this man had that an accident had occurred was when he heard a splash, the tractor by then having passed him, proceeding towards the north end of the wharf. The Harbour Board employee immediately sought assistance, and the police were on the scene within a few minutes. A floating coat marked the spot where the tractor had disappeared, and the body was soon recovered. The inquest was opened this morning before Mr H. W. Bundle, S.M. Evidence of identification was given and the proceedings were adjourned sine die. -Evening Star, 7/7/1945.
Deaths
SMITH. — On August 13, 1947 (suddenly), at his residence, 20 Maitland street, William, husband of Maria (Myra) Smith, in his seventy-sixth year. “Peace, perfect peace.”
Private interment — Hugh Gourley Ltd., funeral directors. -Evening Star, 13/8/1947.
BED and Breakfast Offered Visitors, Easter. 20 Maitland st., Dunedin. ’Phone 10-973. -Press, 11/3/1948.
BOARD offered married couple; central; every convenience; moderate terms. — Phone 10-973: or write 847, c/o Daily Times Office. -Otago Daily Times, 20/7/1948.
VACANCIES for Bed and Breakfast. — Ring 10-973; or write 216, Times. -Otago Daily Times, 24/5/1950.
In 1975 the last inhabitant of 20 Maitland st moved in. He was a hoarder. He gradually filled up all the rooms of the house, and the front garden which I saw, overgrown, and full of rotting building materials. In 2021 he was gone and the house was empty of people. The new owners removed large amounts of material from it. In the basement they found a small room, blocked off by the hoarder's debris, which had possibly not been used or possessions removed, since the 1960s. A leak in the house's roof, over many years, had rotted out two stories of interior wall. A large brick septic tank was found under the front yard. 20 Maitland st was demolished in March, 2025.
With the owner's permission, I was able to remove and preserve Jeannie Harpur's chalked name, as well as samples of wallpaper and a number of old windows which will be part of an enclosed deck I am building for sunny winter's days.
Below are the addresses of three facebook albums of photos taken inside 20 Maitland St.
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10157773814472756&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10157773855977756&type=3
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10157773921972756&type=3
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