William Donald Stuart Ogden
1901 – in the 1901 Irish Census Ogden is listed as W D Stuart Ogden, he is male, single, aged 20, born about 1881, born in Dublin, is living at 28 Charleston Road, Rathmines and Rathgar East, Dublin, Ireland, he is living with his family, he is an undergraduate at the Trinity College of Dublin, his religion is the Church of Ireland and he is literate.
Ogden is listed in the Dublin Directory under the category ‘Nobility, Gentry, Merchants and Traders for the years 1907 through to 1913. He is listed as Ogden W. D. Stuart esq. 23 Leinster Square, Rathmines.
1912 – it looks as if Rev Ogden arrived in New Zealand in early 1912. The Evening Post dated 31st January 1912 states that the Rev. T. (sic) D. Stuart Ogden is on the Orsova passenger list, and after visiting Sydney will be travelling to Wellington.
In the Evening Post dated 29th July 1912 there is an account of a successful “parcel tea” in aid of St Barnabas Church. Rev. Stuart Ogden was one of the guests.
In the Evening Post dated 20th November 1914 there is an article about a Concert organized by the St Mark’s Young Men’s Club. Rev. W. D. S. Ogden presented a piano solo.
1915 – in the Taranaki Herald on the 3rd February 1915 it informs their readers that Rev. Stuart Ogden is filling in for the vicar of St Mark’s Wellington who is seriously ill. Ogden was to have travelled to Perth, however he was staying in his present position for another month on account of the vicar’s illness.
In the Evening Post dated 11th August 1915 there is an account of a funeral. Rev Stuart Ogden conducted the service at the graveside.
In the Wanganui Herald dated the 23rd September 1915 it states ‘the Rev, Stuart Ogden, assistant curate of St Mark’s Wellington, has been appointed to take charge of the Parochial District in place of the Rev. J. Walker, who is proceeding to Masterton. The Rev. Mr Ogden will take up duties here about October 20th’.
Ogden is listed in the New Zealand Gazette as an Officiating Minister for the Church of England in 1914, 1916 and 1920.
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1916 – in the Wanganui Herald dated the 20th March 1920 there is the following article ‘the route march and church parade held by D Company, National Reserve, yesterday proved to be the most successful held by the company, about fifty officers and men, including Staff-Lieutenant Cross, parading, headed by Pipe-Major Hogg and two drummers. The Church of England Boy Scouts formed a guard of honour from the Aramoho bridge to St Laurence Church. The vicar of Aramoho, the Rev. Stuart Ogden, gave a very stirring and patriotic address on “Red, White and Blue” which was much appreciated by the men. Before leaving Aramoho, the vicar, who is chaplain of D Company thanked the members for turning out so well and hoped to see them out again’.
in the Wanganui Chronicle dated 13th December 1916 there is an article about the St Lawrence Church Choir Concert at which Ogden played the piano.
1917 22nd February – William David(sic) Stuart Ogden signs the form “Attestation for General Service”. He was born on the 22nd May 1880, his father is Robert Augustus Ogden (deceased) and his mother is Margaret. Both of his parents were born in Ireland. At the time of signing the form he had lived in New Zealand for five years and his calling was “clerk in holy orders”. At this time he was living in Aramoho.
An account in the Feilding Star dated 16th March 1917 states ‘exemption wanted – the Bishop of Wellington appealed to the Third Wellington Military Service Board on behalf of the Rev Kenneth J. McFarland (Palmerston). William D. S. Ogden (Aramoho) and Thomas Gardner (St Peter’s Wellington). The Board decided to deal with each case as heretofore, granting an adjournment without fixing a date, and intimating that the position would be reviewed when the First Division became exhausted’.
1917 – in the Wanganui Herald dated the 1st September there is a list of the results for the recent Trinity College of Music examinations. One of the candidates, George Sleight was entered by Rev. S. Ogden.
On the 19th October 1917 the Wanganui Herlad informs their readers that Rev, Stuart Ogden has become Commissioner for the Wanganui Boy Scouts.
1918 – there is a letter from Capt. A. J. Cross of the Army to the Bishop of Wellington. It states that Rev. Mr Ogden has taken up duty as Assistant Anglican Chaplain.
1919 – the following article is in the Freelance on the 20th August 1919. ‘On Tuesday 12th, at St Lawrence’s Anglican Church, Aramoho, the Rev. Stuart Ogden, vicar of that church, was married to Aileen, eldest daughter of Mrs Mackey, Aramoho, Archdeacon Reeve performing the ceremony. Although the wedding was a quiet one, the Ladies Guild entertained their popular vicar and his bride to morning tea, in the schoolroom, and among the valuable presents was a purse of sovereigns from the congregation. Later Mr and Mrs Ogden left by motor for the North Egmont Mountain House’.
Ogden and his wife had four children, Patrick, Robert, Kathleen and Peter.
Hawera and Normanby Star 9th April 1920
1920 – on the 9th April 1920 there is an article in the Poverty Bay Herald. “The Rev. Stuart Ogden, vicar of Manaia, fell down a well over 20ft deep. Fortunately, the drop was broken by some water in the well. His call for assistance brought help. He escaped with a very severe shaking”. The Taranaki News on the 5th April 1920 provides some more information concerning this accident. It states that Ogden was attending to a windmill at the vicarage when the top of the well gave way. He fell about 20 feet. Those who assisted brought a ladder so Ogden could climb out of the well.
1922 – there is a letter discussing Ogden’s position as a Chaplain for the Army. It states ‘the undermentioned Chaplain (Ogden) being no linger in this Command it is recommended that they by struck off the strength of the Command”.
Once Ogden no longer works for the Church of England he is listed on the roll as “musician” or “music teacher”. Whilst still employed by the Church he is listed as “clerk in holy orders”.
1925 – the Wanganui Chronicle on the 1st December 1925 has an article about an amateur theatrical at Taihape. The operetta “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs” was presented by Mr D. G. (sic) Ogden. The article concludes with, “for all the vocal numbers Mr D. G. Ogden presided at the piano, and in this position, he displayed his usual ability”. Another article in the same paper on the 14th December states that Ogden gave half of the earnings raised from the performance to the Taihape Plunket Committee. The amount was £15 11s 8d.
1926 – in the Akaroa there is an article about Ogden visiting the district as he was contemplating moving to Akaroa. It states that he is fully qualified as a musician and recently staged an operetta in Taihape.
On the 8th March in the Wanganui Chronicle it states, “at the recital given by Mr D. G. Ogden’s pupils on Friday evening, the mayor (Mr A. J. Joblin) presented various certificates won by pupils in the examination of the past year”.
One of Ogden’s pupils, Florence Ashwell passes the Associated Board’s Higher Division examination in music.
1927 – there is a lengthy article in the Wanganui Chronicle on the 10th January 1927 concerning a Musical Recital. It commences by saying ‘an event which is always keenly looked forward to in Ohingaiti is the annual musical recital stage under the direction of Mr W. S. Ogden of Taihape. Every year Mr Ogden’s pupils present an excellent programme of instrumental items, and this year’s recital given last week was no exception to the rule’. It carries on later to say, ‘a lengthy programme consisting of over 20 items was enthusiastically received and the talent displayed by the contributors, especially the younger children, evoked eulogistic comment’. One of the performers was Ogden’s son, Pat Ogden aged 6 who ‘delighted his hearers with his performance at the piano’.
On the 23rd March 1927 the Taranaki Daily News tells of Mr Ogden being a guest of Lady and Sir William le Fleming of the “Pines” and has now returned to Taihape.
In the Wanganui Herald dated 12th May 1927 there is an article concerning the formation of a Choral Society in Raetihi. Ogden is the conductor.
On the 8th July 1927 the Wanganui Chronicle tells of the first recital of Ogden’s Horopito pupils. It discussed the fact that it is thought that “the growing interest there was in New Zealand in cultivating the higher standard of music, which was perhaps due in some measure to the radio. People were educated in the work of the great composers, which transmitted by aerial waves into their homes, thereby creating a desire for the best music. Regarding the work of the pupils present that evening, Mr Eastman was pleased to notice that a marked feature was the lack of nervousness2, this evidently being the way they had been trained. He trusted that, when in years to come, when they had finished their studies, that their accomplishments would be a great asset to their lives and that they would bear in mind those who had made it possible for the gifts they had received”.
In the New Zealand Herald dated 4th August 1927 there is an article concerning the newly formed Raetihi Choral Society. It had just given its first performance in the Theatre Royal of Maunder’s oratorio “From Olivet to Calvary”. The musical direction was it states, “in the hands of Mr D. S. Ogden, who also acted as accompanist”.
1928 – Ogden offers entertainment for Plunket fundraising purposes. In the Sun (Auckland) on the 27th March 1928 there is an article concerning the Raetihi Choral Society. It says, “the chairman said that the society held a most successful year and had made steady progress. Under the capable conductorship of Mr W. D. S. Ogden the members had made great advancement. He asked Mr Ogden to accept an honorarium. Mr Ogden said that he greatly appreciated the remarks expressed by the chairman and thanked the members of the society for their gift, but at the same time he would rather the amount be placed to the funds of the society”.
In November 1928 there is a Concert by Ogden’s pupils in Horopito. The article in the Wanganui Chronicle states ‘pieces were played with purposely arranged varieties of expression and these were fully explained by Mr Ogden and were listened to by an appreciative audience’.
1929 – at the Raetihi School Committee Ogden provides a report regarding the production of the play “Snow White” in February 1929.
1930 – Ogden is Secretary for the Trinity College examinations in the area.
1931 – in August 1931 Ogden is the accompanist for a gathering for “Cheer Up Week”.
1933 – in May 1933 Ogden is an accompanist at a meeting of the Raetihi Returned Soldiers’ Association. And in November, Ogden is offering to arrange a programme for a concert for raising funds for the Boy Scouts/
1935 – in November 1935 Ogden is playing the piano at a Raetihi Rover’s event.
1936 – there is an account of a recital by Ogden’s pupils in the Wanganui Chronicle dated 4th March 1936. It says, “the pupils of Mr D. S. Ogden gave a splendid programme of recitations and dances in the primary school hall on Friday Night. It was explained that all the pupils of Mr Ogden were performing, and it was not a concert but a pupil’s recital, so the audience were asked to not applaud the performers. The programme consisted of solos, duets, songs, recitations, musical monologue, dances etc, and proved interesting and entertaining. A hearty vote of thanks was accorded Mr Ogden and the pupils for the excellent programme provided, and their audience showed their appreciation of the efforts of all the performers. It was clear they had a very capable teacher in Mr Ogden who was to be complimented on the good progress made by his pupils. In reply, Mr Ogden explained that the programme was a fair sample of the capabilities of the pupils. All the pupils had been given an opportunity to perform”.
1937 – in May 1937 Ogden helps in providing the music for the dancing for Women’s Institute birthday party.
In June 1937 Ogden provided the musical accompaniment for an evening to honour a member of the Anglican Church who was leaving the district. And also, in June he plays at an Organ and Vocal Recital at St Mary’s Anglican Church. The Wanganui Chronicle tells of ‘the organ playing of Mr Ogden revealed the masterly touch for which he has justly earned a reputation and St Mary’s Church can be counted as fortunate in possessing an organist of Mr Ogden’s ability’.
Wanganui Chronicle 28th Spetember 1937
1938 – Ogden is appointed editor of the Parish Gazette of St Mary’s Anglican Church in Raetihi in February 1938. At the Anzac Day Service in 1938 Ogden provides the musical items and is the accompanist. He is on the St Mary’s Anglican Church Vestry.
Ogden is the organist at a special service held at St James Church in Ohakune. Ogden is a member of the committee of the Raetihi Chess Club. In August 1938 there is an evening at Ogden’s residence for the Raetihi Chess Club when ‘town met country for the Bearsley Challenge’.
In the Wanganui Herald dated 5th December 1938 there is an interesting concerning the Trinity College exams that had been held at Ogden’s house. All of his pupils were successful. The examiner, Dr Ford gave a recital and a lecture, some of the lecture was about pieces he had himself composed. The examiner also composed pieces on the initials of the pupils’ names and afterwards, he gave an illustrated talk with accompaniment on the right and wrong way to sing church chants, showing how the must music illustrate the words, and vice versa. Dr Ford travelled to the Chateau after his examination stint in Raetihi.
1939 – Ogden helps to arrange a concert in November 1939 to raise funds for the Red Cross Society.
1940 – Ogden produces a modernized version of “Belling the Cat”. He is Secretary of the Tongariro Tramping Club.
1941 - in February 1941 the Evening Post provides a list of Qualified Teachers registered under Act of Parliament. Mr William D. S Ogden is on this list and he is living in Raetihi.
In June 1941 Ogden is the President of the Raetihi section of the Ohakune District High School’s Parents’ Associaiton.
On the 18th October 1941 the Wanganui Chronicle tells of Ogden providing an item at a meeting of the Tongariro Tramping Club. And in November Ogden is providing musical items for a social and dance in honour of the new vicar of St Mary’s Anglican Church in Raetihi.
1942 – in March 1942 Ogden start a men’s choir at St Mary’s Anglican Church in Raetihi.
In July 1942 Ogden provided piano solos at a gift evening for a prospective bride. In July 1942 Ogden attends a meeting at the Druid’s Lodge.
In 1942 Ogden is the Treasurer for the Tongariro Tramping Club. In July 1942 he provided the accompaniment for the Raetihi Women’s Institute Choir.
Wanganui Chroncile 23rd July 1942
1943 – Ogden and his wife move to Tauranga in February 1943. They are farewelled at a gathering at the Ogden’s home and were given a suitcase as a token of the esteem in which they were held.
Bay of Plenty Times 13th March 1943.
Bay of Plenty Times 19th March 1943
Bay of Plenty Times 5th April 1943
Bay Of Plenty Times 4th February 1949
In the Bay of Plenty Times there is an account of a dance recital from which the proceeds raised went towards the patriotic fund. It states ‘the music for the dancing was provided by Mr D. S. Ogden who also composed and played the overture “Rumplestiltskin” on the piano’.
In November 1943 the Bay of Plenty Times describes the group called “The Mummers” presenting the comedy “Busman’s Honeymoon”. Ogden is one of the cast.
1944 – on the 25th January 1944 there is an article in the Press discussing the annual conference for the Society of Registered Music Teachers. Ogden is one of the attendees.
Bay of Plenty Times 22nd May 1944
In the Bay of Plenty Times dated 20th September 1944 it informs their readers that ‘a grand patriotic concert will be held in the Regent Theatre on Sunday evening next, September 24th, commencing at 8:15. The programme, which promises to be an excellent one, will be provided by the Municipal Band the Highland Pipe Band, Morine’s String Band, Mr R. Jones. Mr A. Davies. Mr Cluade Edwards, Mrs E. Sadd. Mrs Dinsdale. Bandsman Broadmore, Mrs Suddard Foster and Mrs Charles Davey. The accompanists will be Mrs Hilford and Mr D. S. Ogden. Patrons are requested to be in their seats by 8:00pm’.
1945 – in the New Zealand dated 24th January 1945 it informs their readers that, “the man who was fatally injured when he was struck by a truck on Grafton Bridge on Monday afternoon has been identified. Patrick Stuart Ogden, aged 23, a schoolteacher, whose parents live at 72 Edgecumbe Road, Tauranga. Mr Ogden had been on a holiday visit to Auckland. An inquest was opened yesterday morning and adjourned”.
The following is an article from the Bay of Plenty Times on the 3rd February 1945. ‘The death occurred recently of L.A.C. Patrick Stuart Ogden, returned from overseas. The late Patrick Ogden, was well known in Tauranga, being the eldest son of Mr and Mrs Ogden of Edgecumbe Road and as a boy was educated at Raetihi School where he became dux, after which he went to the District High School in Ohakune, gaining his Matriculation. He then entered the Teachers’ Training College in Wellington. He was appointed to teach at his old school, Raetihi, and later became sole teacher at Makakahi and Ohakuru, Taihape. He terminated his school teaching to enter the Air Force, and after being promoted to L.A.C., he went to the Pacific zone. He excelled at football and tennis. L.A.C. Ogden was accorded a military funeral. The funeral was conducted by the Rev. Canon Coats, Vicar of St Matthews, Auckland.
In the Bay of Plenty Times dated 17th July 1945 there is an article concerning the monthly meeting of the Tauranga branch of “New Zealand Society of Closer Relations with Russia”. Ogden offers to work up a play with a Russian historical background.
In July 1945 Stuart Ogden enters some pupils for the Trinity College of Music examinations.
1946 – there is another grand band recital in Tauranga in late August 1946 and Ogden is the accompanist.
1947 – Ogden enters a student for the Trinity College of Music examinations.
1948 – Ogden judges a melody contest.
In 1948 Ogden holds a recital at his home in honour of one of his previous pupils, Miss Roncevelle Davidson who was on Tauranga on holiday from Ardmore Teachers’ Training College.
1949 – Bro. Ogden is the organist for the Tauranga Druid Society.
1955 – Ogden died in Tauranga on the 27th February 1955 aged 74 years old. In his will he leaves his property to his wife Aileen Mary Ogden and his executor is his son, Robert Augustus.
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