Warkworth’s stories buried deep

By Malcolm Clague, cemetery sexton and member of the Warkworth branch, NZ Genealogy Society.

Genealogists are always interested in cemeteries. Sometimes a headstone is the only physical evidence that an ancestor lived. And, of course, it is the final proof of where they ended. Warkworth has two cemeteries within its boundaries, both with historic interest. The following notes are about the Anglican Cemetery.

The earliest recorded burial was 1863 and the last was Mrs Seeta Civil, in 2002. Among the headstones are those of John Anderson Brown, recognised as the founding father of our town and also that of Captain Martin Krippner, a founder of the Puhoi settlement. The long-time owner of the Jane Gifford Reg Collins is there, as are most of the well-known names such as Palmer, Percy, Southgate, Cook, Civil, Phillips, Shoesmith, Hudson and Shaw. A recent memorial headstone erected to Henry and Helen Phibbs, who donated the bush reserve across the Mahurangi River as a backdrop to the town which we all so enjoy, was blessed on November 28.

Two of the most intriguing headstones are of people we know almost nothing about. The first contains a large brass plaque on a headstone of a lady playing the violin. The inscription alongside is for Ava Symons (musician) 1895-1940, wife of Wm. John Prouse. Does anyone know her history?

The second headstone (if that is the correct word) is made of kauri with the inscription Robert Small. Died 28 Sept 1898, aged 49 years, plus a verse. The timber has lasted outdoors for more than 110 years, but sadly the inscriptions are now barely readable.

The cemetery, which also has a magnificent magnolia tree estimated to be more than 100 years old, was closed in the 1960s due to concerns about its proximity to the Warkworth water supply. This means that although ashes continue to be interred there, burials can only occur where the plot was purchased prior to 1960. The Anglican Church has applied to have the cemetery re-opened, but no decision has yet been made.