Hanson-Allen Family

Charles William Allen's visit to New Zealand, 1924

The following are a sequence of undated newspaper clippings and letters covering the visit to New Zealand of Charles William Allen,  who had at some point migrated to Canada. It is ironic that he evidently died during the trip back to Canada. Actual details of his death are yet to be traced.

1.    Undated/unsourced newspaper clipping: "Parting in England 65 years ago, two brothers immediately recognised each other when they met recently on the Wellington Wharf. One, who is aged 84, had made a trip from America to New Zealand to visit the other, who is aged 86."

2.    Undated/unsourced newspaper clipping, but obviously either the Manawatu Daily Times or the Manawatu Evening Standard: "An interesting visitor to Palmerston North during the weekend was Captian C. Allen, who recently arrived in the Dominion from America on a visit to his brother in Wanganui. During his stay with his nephew, Mr Ralph Allen, of Union Street, the Captain, who is aged 84, recounted some of his many interesting experiences while engaged in the manufacture of munitions in the late way. At one time editor of the Toronto Recorder, Captain Allen is at present living in retirement. He leaves again for America in about two month's time."

3.    A letter dated 21 July 1924, written by Chas. Wm. Allen and addressed to Mrs Ralph H. Allen, 235 Park Road, Palmerston North. It was written on 'Union (i.e shipping) Line' stationery.

He gave his return address as c/- Fred. H. Allen, Esq., Netley Lodge, Aramoho, Wanganui.

"My very dear Niece,

Herewith find the tie Ethel has selected for me to send you for Ralph. When you perform the pleasant task of adjusting it, please be careful not to choke him. If you should observe him to become black in the face, then you may conclude that probably you have drawn it about tight enough.

I was very pleased to see your mother and Vivian for a few minutes at the junction; but the latter did not realise my expectation of finding her almost as apt at repartee as yourself. She seemed just a little shy.

My brother and I arrived very well indeed after a very pleasant journey in a section with two ladies. The single one sat next to me; the married one very close to my brother throughout the journey. To explain this may I mention that she was undoubtably the best looking of the two. Somehow I still seem to have to put up with some of his leavings.

That was not the case, however, when we arrived here, as, by the exercise of my superior agility, I was fortunate to obtain the first kiss from Nancy. I have not yet heard whether she is engaged - so who can foresee future events?

Nothing could exceed the kindness which has been shown us here by Fred and all his family, while I may say that Ethel fully measures up to all the anticipations I had indulged from the descriptions by you and Julia.

My future itinerary has not yet been fixed; and I will now cut this short, being tormented 'nigh unto death' by Grant and Nancy.

I shall not attempt to express my deepest appreciation of the hospitality enjoyed at the hands of you and Ralph, or the friendly patronage extended to me by Neville.

With kindest love to you all & every good wish.

- Your very affectionate Uncle - Chas. Wm. Allen

[Note:Vivian is Ida and Ralph's oldest child, then aged about three, while Grant and Nancy were Fred and Ethel's children.]

4.    Undated piece of an envelope. The front reads: "Mrs Oliver Taylor, c/- Mrs Peter Atkinson, Private Mail Bag, Auckland." The reverse reads:

"Note / Uncle Charlie left N.Z. for America Sept. 2nd 1925 & died between Vancouver & Victoria."

[As everything else indicates that he visited New Zealand between about June and September 1924, chances are the 1925 date on the scrap of paper should be 1924. Possibly it was written in 1925 though, as it would take time fir the news to filter back to New Zealand.]