May Day, when Morris Dancers perform at dawn on the Maungawhau tihi, was a fitting date for the launch of The History of Mount Eden – the district and its people.
Published by the Epsom & Eden District Historical Society Inc.
and edited by historian Dr Helen Laurenson, this remarkable book has
been written by volunteer researchers and contributors over several
years.
 |
| Dame Silvia Cartwright and Helen Laurenson cutting the cake from the City Cake Company |
Speaking at the launch at the Mt Eden Village Centre, Dame Silvia Cartwright remarked on paired photos of residents of Eventide Home (now Eden Village) in 1925 and 2015, illustrating changes in fashion and the longevity of many of Mt Eden's institutions.
But
the book delves much farther back. The chapter by historian Graeme
Murdoch on the Māori history of Maungawhau weaves knowledge and
narratives into a fascinating story. Failure to reconcile the different
iwi histories of Maungawhau was the main reason why the 2005 draft Conservation Plan for Maungawhau
was never finalised. So this is a great achievement, blessed by the
Tūpuna Maunga Authority and full of information and interest.
Several
members of the Friends of Maungawhau contributed: Bernhard Spörli wrote
the first chapter on Maungawhau's natural history, Sel Arbuckle
contributed the section on birds and insects, and Keith Locke wrote the
chapter on political institutions and organisations. FoM supplied a few
photos and is profiled in the Community Services chapter.
A
substantial book covering a lot of ground, the beautiful layout and
detailed indexing makes it easy to dip into or read sequentially.
There
are fascinating titbits – Tom the elephant* and the myth of John
Batger's house, for example. And there are photographic gems, such as the
one showing hundreds of Auckland Grammar School pupils sitting in the
Maungawhau crater – in 1921!
The History of Mount Eden is available for $60 from Time Out Bookstore. Thank you so much, Helen, Eric and the EEDHS team for completing this splendid project.
 |
| Mary McIntyre, "Granny streaks on Maungawhau" (not in the book!) |
* https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11416890
