Info 5b, Ewen william Alison

Info 5b. Cameron/Alison

 
voters Register
1881 Wiatamata
Alison  Alexander ,            freehold Devonport, Settler, Part 15a ,Devonport and Dwelling
Alison  Alexander jnr          Freehold Devonport, Butcher, Part 15a Devonport and Dwelling
Alison  Duncan donald tobias,  Devonport Carpenter, Part 8 and 17 Devonport and 2 Dwellings
Alison  Ewen william ,         freehold, Devonport, Butcher, Part 19, Devonport and dwelling 
Alison  John, freehold,                  ngunguru, carpenter, Part 8 Devonport
Alison  Rodrick Alison ,       freehold, Devonport, builder, Sec 11 and 12 of 14 Devonport



1911 Waitemata, Auckland
Ewen william Alison, Takapuna, Estate Agent
Mary ann     Alison, Devonport, Married

Legislative Councillor's Golden Wedding

The Hon. E. W. Alison	Mrs. Mary Ann Alison

New Zealand Herald, 24th July 1936

The 50th anniversary of the wedding of the Hon.E.W. Alison and mrs. Alison was celebrated at Auckland last week, when the occasion was marked by many messages of Congratulation and presentations. Among thethe latter were a Westminster grandfather chiming clock and a Royal Worcester teaset for Mrs. Alison from the Takpuna Jockey Club and a siver tea and coffee service from the directors and a beautiful inkstand fromn the employees of the Devonport Ferry Company.

Alison, Ewen William 1852-1945

Shipping company director, businessman, politician

This biography was written by W. A. Laxon and was first published in the Dictionary of New Zealand,

Ewen William Alison was born in Auckland, New Zealand, on leap day, 29 February 1852, the son of Jane Cameron and her husband, Alexander Alison, a shipwright. The family moved to Devonport in 1854, and Ewen went to the Church of England School, North Shore.

At the age of 13 he took his first job as a compositor with the New Zealand Herald.
In 1867 he departed to join the Thames goldrush. The eldorado eluded him, but he made sufficient money to join his brother, Alexander, in a butchery partnership in Devonport the following year.

To assist in this business, leases of the islands of Motuihe and Motukorea (Browns Island) were taken up for running stock. Later, Ewen set up in business on his own as an estate agent to assist in the disposal of land he had acquired in the Devonport area.

On 26 July 1876 Ewen Alison married Mary Ann Coleman at St Andrew's Church, Epsom. They were to have four sons and two daughters. Ewen was prominent in community affairs throughout his life. In 1876 he became a Takapuna riding member of the Waitemata County Council, and in 1886 a councillor of the Devonport borough.

He served the borough as mayor from 1890 to 1895 and from 1902 to 1907 and served another term on the Waitemata County Council from 1900. After moving to Lochaber at the seaward corner of Hurstmere Road and The Promenade, Takapuna, he took office in 1913 as the first mayor of Takapuna. He was also MHR for Waitemata from 1902 to 1908 and sat in the Legislative Council from 1918 until 1932. In addition, he was a member of the Auckland Harbour Board from 1891 to 1895 and from 1911 to 1929; this activity was perhaps most closely related to his major achievement.

Ewen Alison's name will always be known in Auckland as that of the founder, guiding spirit and driving force behind the Devonport Steam Ferry Company Limited. With his brother, Alexander, he was instrumental in floating the company in August 1881 and they soon had a regular, inexpensive (6d. return) service operating in place of the somewhat mixed and unreliable concerns of the 1870s. Success did not come easily, however; the Alisons had to fight off a substantial challenge from George Quick's Eagle and Osprey in 1887-88 and cope with the depressed trading conditions of the late 1880s and early 1890s.

Careful and astute management saw them through, and by the turn of the century the Devonport Steam Ferry Company had control of all the major harbour crossings. In 1904 the Albatross was launched; this was the first of the two-decked double-ended wooden screw-ferries which were to become the Auckland standard. The first of the vehicular ferries which were to carry all the harbour traffic until the opening of the harbour bridge were also introduced. Further competition appeared on the Bayswater route from the Takapuna Tramways and Ferry Company in 1910. This was absorbed into the Devonport Steam Ferry Company in 1927 and in the same year the Alison brothers formed the North Shore Transport Company to take a similarly dominant role in the bus services on the North Shore. By the time Ewen Alison retired from active management of the Devonport Steam Ferry Company in 1934, it reigned unchallenged on the Waitemata Harbour, and he had been its chairman and managing director throughout its 53 years of existence.

Alison had numerous other business interests. He was deeply involved with shipping on the Kaipara Harbour, and from Auckland to Clevedon and to Ngunguru, near Whangarei. Since all these concerns relied on coal for motive power, Alison became chairman of both the Northern Coal Company and Taupiri Coal Mines, and president of the New Zealand Coal Mine Owners' Association. He was also prominent as chairman of a number of goldmining companies in Auckland. In 1912 he led Auckland employers in urging the establishment of a national defence fund, to be used in the event of union unrest or a general strike, and in 1913 helped to rally employers to defeat the waterfront strikers.

Alison's sporting interests were also extensive. He was a founder of the Takapuna Jockey Club and president until its amalgamation with the Auckland Racing Club, of which he was made a life member. The site of the former Takapuna club's racecourse at Narrow Neck was renamed Alison Park. He was also a founder and first president of both the Waitemata Golf Club and the Takapuna Bowling Club.

The drive and vision which Alison brought to his commercial activities were also to the forefront in his civic career. While mayor of Devonport he was responsible, against considerable opposition at the time, for the building of the borough water supply system from Lake Takapuna (Lake Pupuke), and also for the establishment of the foreshore reserves, the formation of King Edward Parade, the sealing of roads and footpaths and the acquisition of Rangitoto as a public domain. The clock tower at Devonport wharf was erected in 1928 as a mark of public esteem for Ewen Alison, while Alison Avenue in Takapuna and Ewen Alison Avenue in Devonport are other reminders of his service to the North Shore.

Ewen Alison remained a resident of Takapuna until his death at 31 Kitchener Road on 6 June 1945 at the age of 93. His wife, Mary Ann, had died in 1928. Alison was recognised as a doyen of the Auckland business world. He left a legacy to his native city of a ferry and bus service serving a string of shore suburbs, whose development he had done so much to foster. It was fitting that in 1951 the Devonport Steam Ferry Company renamed its largest vehicular ferries after the Alison brothers, who had run its affairs for over 50 years with conspicuous success.

Auckland Star, 29th July 1876
Marriage ALISON—COLEMAN — On July 26, at St. Michael's Church. Epsom, by the Rev. Joseph Bates. Ewen William Alison to Mary Anne Coleman, both of Devonport

Mary ann Coleman born 25apr1855 NZ to Eliza and William Coleman
no sign of coleman marriage so probably recently arrived NZ

Auckland Star, 17th July 1877
NEWS FROM THE NORTH SHORE. Ewen William Alison was charged with assaulting John Deane, by striking him, kicking him out of the house, and challenging him to fight, on the 13th instant. Mr Rees, appeared for defendant, and pleaded not guilty. A number of the North Shore people were present and evinced much interest in the proceedings. John Deane, deposed that he was a labourer, and on Friday he went into a house of which he had not given up possession. Mr Alison came in by the back way and said get out or I'll break your neck'" and struck him with a whip. To Mr Rees It was his house, as he had not given up possession; his fowels were still under the house, and he had a crock or two in the bedroom. Mr Alison told him to go out. He claimed possession of the house until his time was out. He considered that he had to do with the agent and not with the owner. He knew Ben Thompson. He did not challenge to fight Mr Allison, never stripped up his sleeves, as not a pugilist. Mr Allison's hands were tight on his body. He had two witnesses, John Logan, and another, who could prove the facts. John Logan aged 14, deposed that he saw Deane coining out of the door, as though he were kicked out; he was in a great fright, and put his hands behind him as though he had been hurt. He ran down the paddock at a sharp pace. He did not know what had happened. William Wynyard, aged 11, deposed that Mr Deane was putting some posts in a barrow, when Mr Alison kicked the barrow over. He was not in the house but was sitting on a bakers cart; saw Mr Alison's foot raised towards Mr Deaue's body. Mr Rees stated the circumstances. Mr Deane had taken the house of Mr. O'Mays, the Agent but had not fulfilled the terms of agreement, nor would he pay any rent. Defendant went up to take possession, and foud Mr Deane wheeling away the fence. He ordered him of the premises, and upset the wheelbarrow. There was no force used beyond a push. No horse whip was used. Ewen Wm. Alison deposed that complainant had agreed to take the house with a promise to purchase it. He occupied the place nearly three months, but refused to sign an agreement, and would not pay any rent He went in at the front door and expostulated with him, and prevented him from taking the fence away. Dean iminnnediately became very boisterous, challenged him out, and veiled so fearfully that he brought out all the neighbours to see what was the matter. Benjamin Thompson, a resident of Devonoort, deposed that he saw Deane run out of the house, and heard him challenge Mr Alison out to fight. After some further evidence, His Worship said he must dismiss the case for want of jurisdiction, as it involved a question of disputed ownership. He could not therefore make an order for costs.

Auckland Star, 17th July 1877

NEWS FROM THE NORTH SHORE.
Ewen William Alison was charged with assaulting John Deane, by striking him, kicking him out of the house, and challenging him to fight, on the 13th instant. Mr Rees, appeared for defendant, and pleaded not guilty. A number of the North Shore people were present and evinced much interest in the proceedings.

John Deane, deposed that he was a labourer, and on Friday he went into a house of which he had not given up possession. Mr Alison came in by the back way and said get out or I'll break your neck'" and struck him with a whip. To Mr Rees It was his house, as he had not given up possession; his fowels were still under the house, and he had a crock or two in the bedroom. Mr Alison told him to go out.

He claimed possession of the house until his time was out. He considered that he had to do with the agent and not with the owner. He knew Ben Thompson. He did not challenge to fight Mr Allison, never stripped up his sleeves, as not a pugilist. Mr Allison's hands were tight on his body. He had two witnesses, John Logan, and another, who could prove the facts.

John Logan aged 14, deposed that he saw Deane coining out of the door, as though he were kicked out; he was in a great fright, and put his hands behind him as though he had been hurt. He ran down the paddock at a sharp pace. He did not know what had happened. William Wynyard, aged 11, deposed that Mr Deane was putting some posts in a barrow, when Mr Alison kicked the barrow over. He was not in the house but was sitting on a bakers cart; saw Mr Alison's foot raised towards Mr Deaue's body.

Mr Rees stated the circumstances. Mr Deane had taken the house of Mr. O'Mays, the Agent but had not fulfilled the terms of agreement, nor would he pay any rent. Defendant went up to take possession, and foud Mr Deane wheeling away the fence. He ordered him of the premises, and upset the wheelbarrow. There was no force used beyond a push. No horse whip was used. Ewen Wm. Alison deposed that complainant had agreed to take the house with a promise to purchase it. He occupied the place nearly three months, but refused to sign an agreement, and would not pay any rent He went in at the front door and expostulated with him, and prevented him from taking the fence away.

Dean iminnnediately became very boisterous, challenged him out, and veiled so fearfully that he brought out all the neighbours to see what was the matter. Benjamin Thompson, a resident of Devonoort, deposed that he saw Deane run out of the house, and heard him challenge Mr Alison out to fight.

After some further evidence, His Worship said he must dismiss the case for want of jurisdiction, as it involved a question of disputed ownership. He could not therefore make an order for costs.

Auckland Star, 15th July 1907, page 3
Mrs E. W. Alison of Auckland, and her two daughters have arrived in London, having left the Marmora at Marseilles on April 6th and spent two months in Paris en route. Miss Ivy Alison took the opportunity in Paris of placing herself under the tuition of Mme. Marehesi, the celebrated teacher of singing. They reached London on May 26th and will leave again shortly to visit Manchester, Mrs Alison’s birthplace and also Plymouth, Cornwall, and Scotland, where Miss May Alison is to be married in September to Mr. John Fotheringham of Glasgow. Afterwards, Mrs. Alison will go to Ireland. Her health is greatly improved and she hopes to return to New Zealand very much the better for her trip.

Auckland Star, 15th July 1907, page 3

Mrs E. W. Alison of Auckland, and her two daughters have arrived in London, having left the Marmora at Marseilles on April 6th and spent two months in Paris en route. Miss Ivy Alison took the opportunity in Paris of placing herself under the tuition of Mme. Marehesi, the celebrated teacher of singing. They reached London on May 26th and will leave again shortly to visit Manchester, Mrs Alison’s birthplace and also Plymouth, Cornwall, and Scotland, where Miss May Alison is to be married in September to Mr. John Fotheringham of Glasgow.
Afterwards, Mrs. Alison will go to Ireland. Her health is greatly improved and she hopes to return to New Zealand very much the better for her trip.

Alison Ladies circa 1916

Left May Fotheringham, nee Alison

Right Ivy jane Mair, nee Alison

Center; Ida sarah mary Alison, nee Mcclymont

Front seated; Winifred violet Alison, nee Reed

1916 Ladies Fashions
source Devonport Museum

Auckland Star, 3rd Jauary 1928
OBITUARY, MRs. E.W. Alison The death occurred yesterday morning of Mrs. E. W. Alison, wife of the Hon. E. W. Alison, of Takapuna, after a short illness. Mrs. Alison, who was horn in Manchester, England, came to New Zealand with her parents 71 years ago, when she was three years old. During her residence at the North Shore Mrs. Alison had, like her husband, been very closely associated with the growth and development of Devonport and Takapuna, in both of which districts she had through her wide sympathies, and through participation in several movements, won the friendship and admiration of the citizens. Mrs. Alison was Mayoress of two separate boroughs—of Devonport, of which Mr. Alison was Mayor for many years, and of Takapuna, of which Mr. Alison was the first Mayor. But the full scope of Mrs. Alison's benevolence and work is known to very few. Throughout the Auckland district she was known as a staunch and loyal friend, very interested in many enterprises. Mrs. Alison is survived by three sons, Mr. E. W. Alison, jun., Mr. E. Ernest Alison, Mr. Alex Alison, and two daughters, Mrs. John Fotheringham and Mrs. I. J. Mair. There are eleven grandchildren.

Auckland Star, 3rd Jauary 1928

OBITUARY, MRs. E.W. Alison
The death occurred yesterday morning of Mrs. E. W. Alison, wife of the Hon. E. W. Alison, of Takapuna, after a short illness. Mrs. Alison, who was horn in Manchester, England, came to New Zealand with her parents 71 years ago, when she was three years old.
During her residence at the North Shore Mrs. Alison had, like her husband, been very closely associated with the growth and development of Devonport and Takapuna, in both of which districts she had through her wide sympathies, and through participation in several movements, won the friendship and admiration of the citizens.

Mrs. Alison was Mayoress of two separate boroughs—of Devonport, of which Mr. Alison was Mayor for many years, and of Takapuna, of which Mr. Alison was the first Mayor. But the full scope of Mrs. Alison's benevolence and work is known to very few. Throughout the Auckland district she was known as a staunch and loyal friend, very interested in many enterprises.
Mrs. Alison is survived by three sons, Mr. E. W. Alison, jun., Mr. E. Ernest Alison, Mr. Alex Alison, and two daughters, Mrs. John Fotheringham and Mrs. I. J. Mair. There are eleven grandchildren.

Voters register
1890 Waitemata
Ewen william Alison , freehold Devonport, Estate Agent,  part 24, and Dwelling

1914 Waitemata, Auckland
Ewen william Alison, Takapuna, Estate Agent
Mary ann     Alison, Takapuna, Married

Ewen william Alison jnr. Takapuna, Solicotor
Winifred violet Alison , The Drive Takapuna, married

Ernest       Alison, Takapuna, solicitor
Alexander    Alison jnr, Takapuna, Engineer

1919 waitemata, Auckland
Ewen william Alison, Takapuna, Estate Agent
Mary ann     Alison, Takapuna, Married
Ernest       Alison, Takapuna, Solictor


1928 Waitemata Auckland East
Ewen william Alison, Locharber, Takapuna, 

1935 Waitemata, ackland
Ewen william Alison, Lochaber, Takapuna N2, General Manager

1938 Waitemata, Auckland
Ewen william Alison, Lochaber, Takapuna N2, General Manager