Notes for Louisa Hinemoa Austin: ( 1 ) Seventh – 1st /3rd Child LOUISA HINEMOA AUSTIN ( 1907 - 1980 ) Married DAVID BISHOP HANCOX ( 1905- 1970 )
Louisa was born on the 5th June 1907 in Oamaru, the third child, and second daughter, of Ernest and Catherine Austin. She received her education in Oamaru, and after leaving school worked in the Oamaru Worsted and Woollen Mill (eventually becoming named Alliance Textiles, as a merged company ha encompassing the Oamaru, Timaru and later Mosgiel Mills). Although Louisa’s profession on her wedding certificate simply indicated her as being a Woollen Mill Employee, she was a supervisor in the Fabric "Loom" section, where the worsted fabric was produced to its finished form, she was highly thought of by her employers.
On the 26thDecember 1928,( Boxing Day) at the age of 21, Louisa married, 23 year old David Bishop Hancox, at her Parents Residence, 65 Humber Street, Oamaru. The officiating minister at their wedding was Staff Captain Norman E. Brown of the Salvation Army Church, and their attendants/witnesses were Stewart Basil Woodley, a close friend of David's, and Olive Scott, of Roslyn, Dunedin.
David was born on the 8th January 1905 in Tapanui, Southland, the son of Albert George Hancox, a Farmer, and Louisa Mary Hancox (nee Matthews). Albert and Louisa were married on the 23rd March 1904 in Dunedin.
Both Louisa and David were stalwart members of the Salvation Army Church, and to quote their eldest daughter Kathleen Rennie :- " Dad had a great love of his religion and played in the Salvation Army Band, as well as singing in the church choir "The Songsters", then in later years in The First Church choir in Dunedin".
A saddler (saddle maker) by profession, David was also a qualified Boilermaker, and during the Depression he proved to be capable of "turning his hand" to almost any trade, thus enabling him to keep in, or to find work. He worked for Snowhite Laundry for several years but had the misfortune to have an arm caught in one of the large commercial washing machines which caused major damage to his arm. It was a slow and painful recovery process before he regained the use of it. After recovering from the injuries sustained at Snowhite Laundry, David took a position as Foreman at St. George Jam Factory and remained in that position for several years until ill health forced him to seek less demanding work. David and Louisa were then offered the position as caretakers at First Presbyterian Church in Dunedin, and did not require any encouragement to accept the job. During their time in this position they gained the respect of the Church Administrators and Congregation and were very highly thought of. As mentioned, David became a member of the church choir and was very deeply involved in its activities and recitals, as singing, particularly with choirs, was one of his great loves and pleasures.
Unfortunately failing health forced them to retire from this position, and they shared a few short years together before David's death.
Louisa and David had three children, and on each occasion Louisa returned to Oamaru to be close to and with her Mother and Family for their births, such was her respect and fondness of her home town and family.
On the 29thNovember 1970, David died suddenly at his home in Nutsford Street, Dunedin, of a heart attack, he was 65 years of age. He had suffered from Chronic Asthma for a good many years and several years prior to his passing, developed hypertension and heart disease. David was buried in Andersons Bay Cemetery, Dunedin.
Louisa is remembered by daughter Kathleen as being a tremendous worker, fastidious housekeeper, and always there to help, love, and support her children and Family. Kathleen went on further to say that, "Mum was the Best Cook I have ever known", and also remark about her Mother's lovely sense of humour, and of how her children still fondly speak about Nana and the funny things she said and did. Louisa was loved by everyone blessed to have known her. She never however got over the death of her husband David, and spoke lovingly of them having been, not just husband and wife, but great pals also. On the headstone of their joint grave, a caption there-on fittingly reads: "Pals Together At Last". On the 8th November 1980, almost ten years to the day after her husbands death, Louisa died in her home at 5 Nutsford Street, Dunedin, as the result of a heart attack, she was 73 years of age. Louisa had suffered from coronary problems and hypertension for several years. ~As indicated she was buried alongside her husband in Andersons Bay Cemetery. .... FOOTNOTES:- ( A ) CHILDRENS CHR ISTIAN NAMES. 1st Child Ernest, carries the Christian name of his Mother's Father as his first, and his Father's, Father's Second Christian as his second- Ernest George. 2nd Child Kathleen, carries her Father's, Mother's second christian name as her second. - Mary. 3rd Child Avis, carries her Mother's second christian name as her second. - Hinemoa.
(B) COMPILERS COMMENT. I am deeply indebted to Kathleen Rennie for her tremendous assistance with information and photos of both, her Family and her Grandparents, Ernest and Catherine Austin. Thanks so much Kath, you were like a "Breath of Fresh Air" to meet and be associated with during my search for information.
Children of Louisa Hinemoa Austin and David Hancox are:
Louisa Hinemoa Austin (b. 05 Jun 1907, d. 08 Nov 1980)
Notes for Louisa Hinemoa Austin: