Tewsley effects given to Hocken

Hocken Library curator of archives Anna Blackman (left) receives donated historical effects belonging to 19th century businessman Henry Tewsley, handed over yesterday by his great-great-granddaughter Ally McBride (nee Coxhead), of Wellington.

Mr Tewsley was prominent in Dunedin from 1864-79 as manager of Sargood, Son and Ewen. A father of 14, he was a member of the chamber of commerce, the harbour board, and a founding member of St John's Church, Roslyn.

Ms McBride's book featuring Mr Tewsley's letters, Yours Faithfully, Henry Tewsley, was published last year.

The letters, a mix of personal and business, illuminate the challenges of doing business in 19th century Dunedin.

Having drawn on the letters and photographs for the book, Ms McBride has donated them to the Hocken for posterity.