Alice

Alice Maud Gardner

(11 June 1883 - 10 May 1950)

Alice Maud Cobb (nee Gardner)
Photo by Mrs Cobb, Napier & Hastings c1907
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Alice Maud Gardner was born in the small rural town of Waipawa on 11 June 1883. Her parents were English immigrants to New Zealand, George Gardner (9 May 1856 - 24 Dec 1886) and his wife Jane Simmons (c16 Nov 1851 - 9 Jan 1917). George was a local baker at the time of Jane's birth. George and Jane had six children:

• Mary Elizabeth Jane Gardner (1878 - 1961) 
• Francis (Frank) William Gardner (1879 - 1943)  
• Clara Lorraine Gardner (1880 -  6 Aug 1920)
• Alice Maud Gardner (11 June 1883 - 10 May 1950) 
• Emily Annie Gardner (Jan 1884 - 19 Feb 1972)
• Mabel Gardner (1885 - 31 Aug 1968)

The work of the Salvation Army Church began in New Zealand around the time of Alice's birth and quickly attracted the attention of those who believed in temperance and in giving support to the economically disadvantaged in society. In a relatively short time this message had spread around New Zealand and 21 churches were established in towns and cities all over the country. Alice's parents were attracted to the Salvationist message and, with their children, attended the Salvation Army Church in Waipawa. By 1886, there were around 5000 Salvationists in New Zealand worshiping in about 40 corps around the country. Alice was to remain connected to the Salvation Army Church throughout her life.

Tragedy in Waipawa
When Alice was three, her father, George (30), contracted encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and after being seriously ill for three days, died on Christmas Eve 1886. His death must have come as a awful shock to Alice's siblings, and it must have been especially tough happening at Christmas-time. George's funeral was the first one held in the Waipawa Salvation Army Church. Afterwards, the family buried him at the Waipawa Cemetery, Plot 046.

Following the funeral, the members of the Salvation Army Church and the local community, took a special collection for the destitute family, but Alice's poor mother ended up taking in washing to help make ends meet. Life must have been very tough in the Gardner household at this time.

Around Christmas of 1887, Alice's mother met a new man, and then on 22 February 1888, within two months of meeting him, they married at the family home on Ruataniwha Street, Waipawa. Alice's new step-father was Thomas George Smith (25 Feb 1852 - 12 Dec 1919) a 31 year old travelling shoemaker who was originally from Shipton under Wychwood, Oxfordship which was a short distance from his new wife's hometown.

Ruataniwha Street, Waipawa
Photographer and date unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Alice's step brothers were born in Waipawa and Ashurst respectfully:

• Thomas Edward Smith (1889 - 20 Jan 1917)
• Frederick (Fred) James Smith (24 Oct 1890 - 1 Aug 1961) 

Around 1890 Thomas moved the family to Ormondville where he worked as a shoe maker and repairer. He advertised his business in The Bush Advocate from at least May 1892 until July 1893. By this time, Alice was attending the Ormondville School along with Emily, Mabel and step-brother, Thomas. The older children had probably finished their schooling. The girls would have been helping their mother with domestic duties at home while Frank may have helped his step-father at the shop. A measles epidemic during 1893 may have affected the children.

Scandal
Unbeknownst to Alice, her mother had received a strange letter from the Dead Letter Office addressed to 'Mrs Thomas Smith, Oamaru' and sent from Thomas Smith in Ormondville. Jane had opened the letter and read it. To her horror she discovered that her husband had another wife and family in the South Island. For whatever reason, Alice's mother decided not to tell a soul about the contents of the letter. However, shortly afterwards, Thomas disappeared without warning.

In September 1893 Thomas was arrested for failing to comply with a court order to support his first wife and children and as a result his bigamist activities came to light. They were reported publicly, in The Bush Advocate, Volume XI, Issue 831, 14 September 1893:







The court case was reported on 23 September 1893. At his trial, Thomas pleaded guilty to bigamy and was sentenced to two years hard labour at the Napier Prison (New Zealand's oldest prison). The Bush Advocate, Volume XI, Issue 835, published on 23 September reported the following facts from the trial:








The New Zealand Herald, Volume XXX, Issue 9312, 22 September 1893 reported the case succinctly, as follows:







It is not clear what happened to Jane and the children after Thomas was sent to prison. We believe she moved back to Waipawa at the end of 1893 as four of her children, including Alice, completed the school year at Ormondville. We also know that she continued to use the surname Smith because her son Fred named Mrs T Smith his next of kin when he enlisted for war. It appears that although Thomas returned to his first wife, Bridget, after he was released from prison, he kept in touch with his youngest sons, and for a time, lived in Waipawa.

Jane Gardner with four of her children, outside of her home.

Photo by W Billows. Date c1890s.

(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Alice with unknown girl, possibly one of her sisters.
Photographer and date unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Alice Gardner
Photographer & date unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Four of the Gardner girls, Clara, Mary, Alice (at back), and Mabel.

Photo by Crown Studios, Whallby & Co, Palmerston North.

Date unknown but c1900

(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Family weddings
Alice probably attended the weddings of her siblings. The first was for Clara who married Waipawa-born George Henry Arrow (Oct 1879 - 29 Mar 1926) in Waipawa in 1904. Later that year, Alice and her brother Frank were the official witnesses at the wedding of their eldest sister Mary when she married William Matthew Hazelhurst (12 Nov 1874 - 13 Mar 1943). The wedding was held at the Salvation Army Barracks on Victoria Christchurch on 8 December 1904. Then it was Frank's turn to get married. He married Ellen (Nellie) Burke (dates unknown) in Waipawa on 18 July 1906.


Marriage & family
Alice became a commissioned Salvation Army officer after completing a training course, gaining the rank of Lieutenant. It is unclear where she completed the training. Because she was a Salvation Army officer she was permitted to marry another officer, which she did!

Alice (25) married 37 year old Robert (Bob) Cobb on 4 December 1907 at the Salvation Army Hall, Waipawa. Bob was a Captain of the Salvation Army and had lived in Waipawa working as an 'Army Officer' around 1905-06. Just prior to marriage, Bob began working in Palmerston North as a butcher.

Bob and Alice were married by Brigadier Albiston who, at the time, was the officer in charge of the North Island district. According to the Salvation Army protocol of the time, all officers of the church were required to only marry other officers. For Bob to become a Captain in the church, he had to have served the church as an officer for at least five years. Bob and Alice remained active members of the Salvation Army Church throughout their lives.

The wedding of Robert (Bob) Cobb and Alice M Gardner. Waipawa, 1907.
Back row: George Arrow, Mary Hazelhurst (nee Gardner), Robert (Bob) Cobb,
Alice Cobb (nee Gardner), Mabel Gardner, Thomas Smith Jnr, Emily Gardner
Front row: Clara Arrow (nee Gardner) with daughter Joyce Arrow,
Jane Smith (nee Simmons), and sitting on the ground is Fred Smith.
Photo by Mrs Cobb
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Bob and Alice Cobb on their wedding day 1907.
Photo by Mrs Cobb, Napier & Hastings
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Bob and Alice's wedding cake 1907
Photo by Mrs Cobb, Napier & Hastings
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Bob and Alice became the parents of five children:

• Lionel Robert Cobb (10 Aug 1908 - 19 July 1970)
• Dulcie Mabel Cobb (18 May 1912 - 11 Oct 1990
• John (Jack) Arthur Reginald Cobb (28 June 1916 - 23 Oct 2007)
• Freda Kathleen Cobb (1 Nov 1917 - 2008)
• Esma Mary Cobb (8 May 1928 - 11 Jan 1992)

After the wedding, Bob and Alice returned to Palmerston North where Bob worked. A few months later, they may have traveled to Onga Onga to attend the funeral of Bob's sister Mary Elizabeth Graham (23 Oct 1878 - 16 Feb 1908) who died from tuberculosis, leaving a baby son.

Since Alice was heavily pregnant at the time, we are not sure if the couple attended the wedding of Bob's brother, Harold Day Cobb (1st qtr 1883 - 29 Nov 1961) to Madoline (Madge) Edwards (30 June 1886 - 3 July 1991) on 29 July 1908 at the Trinity Methodist Church, Napier.

On 10 August 1908 Bob and Alice's first son, Lionel Robert Cobb was born. It appears he may have arrived prematurely. Lionel was given the middle name Robert after his father, and no doubt in memory of Bob's maternal grandfather, Bournemouth's first photographer, Robert Day (1822 - 11 Feb 1873).

Bob and Alice Cobb with their son Lionel, c1909.
Photo by Mrs Cobb, Napier & Hastings
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Lionel Cobb c1910
Photo by Mrs Cobb, Napier & Hastings
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Alice may have attended her sister Emily's wedding to John (Jack) Barnes (? - 7 Aug 1964) in 1909.

Bob and Alice would have traveled north to Napier in March 1911 to attend the funeral of Bob's 70 year old father, Joseph Edward Cobb (13 Mar 1839 - 17 March 1911) who died unexpectedly at the family home after a short illness. He was aged 70. The family farewelled him at the Trinity Methodist Church and then the burial service followed at the Old Napier Cemetery, on the highest ridge.

Alice and Robert Cobb 1911
Photos by Mrs Cobb
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

In September 1911, the Salvation Army held a 'Village Fair' fundraiser with a Swiss theme. Bob and Alice were both involved in running and organising stalls. Bob had a meat stall, and Alice was involved in organising a fancy goods stall. Bob's brother Alf and his wife also assisted. One of the competitions at the fair was a nail-driving contest for women. It was won by Alice!

By the end of 1911, Bob and Alice resided at 19 Ferguson Street, Palmerston North. They bought out The Wellington Meat Company store in the town square with a business partner, and renamed it Messrs Cobb & Co. Advertisements for shop assistants were put into the local paper in 1914 and 1916.

The delivery vehicle used by Ross & Cobb Butchers, Palmerston North, early 1910s.
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

The Manawatu Times of 8 January 1912, reported that the Salvation Army Church where Bob and his brother Alf attended, appointed them both to work with the youth. At this time, Alice was heavily pregnant with her second child, Dulcie Mabel Cobb, who was born on 8 May 1912.

Postcard of Lionel Cobb and his sister Dulcie
sent to Alice's brother, Frank Gardner and his wife, c1914
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Postcard sent to Frank Gardner and his wife, c1914
(Courtesy of G J Bland)

The postcard read:

Dear Frank & Nellie
This is just to let you know we have not forgotten you. Hope you are all well. Lionel is doing well at school He is in primer II. He only goes half time. Dulcie is talking nicely now and is a trick. With much love to you all.
Bob and Alice


The war years
In 1914 Bob and Alice moved their growing family to Morris Street, Palmerston North. Bob's widowed mother, Harriet Cobb and Alice's step-brother Thomas Jnr also lived with them. In August of the same year, war was declared. Bob's youngest brother, John (Jack) Wesley Cobb (6 April 1892 - 7 June 1917) promptly enlisted. Jack was involved in some pre-war training at the Awapuni Racecourse in Palmerston North, so the Cobbs would have seen him before he left for front line service at the end September. Sadly, this would be the family's last time they would ever see him.

On Thursday 4 February 1915 Alice and her sisters, Mary and Clara, took their children into the Billens studio in Palmerston North for a photo shoot. The following photo of the cousins was taken on this occasion. We know that a copy of the photo was sent to their brother Frank, and probably to their sister Emily as well.

Cousins 4 February 1915
From left: Mavis Arrow (7), Lionel Cobb (6), Mollie Arrow (5),
Dulcie Cobb (2 years, 9 months), Muriel Hazlehurst (5),
Joyce Arrow (10), Jack Hazlehurst (14 months)
Photo by Billens, Palmerston North
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Bob and Alice would have been both delighted and relieved to receive this personalised postcard and message from Bob's brother Jack who had just been discharged from a military hospital in Egypt. They had earlier been informed that he had been wounded in action on 27 April 1915 when the ANZACs tried to take over a ridge on the Gallipoli Peninsular, and knew he had been convalescing.

Postcard from Jack Cobb to his brother Bob, mid 1915
(Courtesy of G J Bland)

Postcard from Jack Cobb to his brother Bob Cobb, mid 1915
(Courtesy of G J Bland)

The message reads:
Dear Bob,
Just to let you know I am well but having plenty of rest it's (?) about 40 miles from Cairo's noise. I have received no mail yet but still in hopes. I hope all are well. I have recovered my lost property and have managed to get some pay. Now with best love to Alice and children, and hoping business with you is good. I remain yours etc Jack 
I had photo taken one night the first day out of the hospital at Luna Park. I had no clothes but I borrowed an Australian's uniform sooner than be beat.


On 11 November 1915, Alice's youngest sister, Mabel, was married (possibly in Waipukurau). She married Scotsman, James Preacher (14 July 1883 - 5 Oct 1918) who worked as a carpenter.

Alice's youngest step-brother, Fred Smith, enlisted for war on 6 March 1916. He served as a Private with the 14th Reinforcements Wellington Infantry Battalion, B Company. Fred departed from Wellington on 26 June 1916 on the troopship 'Maunganui' bound for Devonport, England.

On 28 June 1916, just two days after Fred left for the war, Alice (34) gave birth to her second son at home. They named him John (Jack) Arthur Reginald Cobb, probably after Bob's soldier brother Jack, and also in memory of Bob's paternal grandfather, John Cobb (1791 - 1847).

At the annual Salvation Army gathering in October 1916, Alice and her sister-in-law Laura Cobb were involved in organising and catering for the dinner. The husbands would have been in attendance at the dinner and public meetings to follow.

During 1916 the Cobb family resided at 20 Carroll Street, Palmerston North. Bob opened his own butchery, Cobb and Co, in the square, Palmerston North. Alice's step-brother, Thomas Jnr worked for Bob in his shop.

A terrible year
1917 was a year of tragedies for the Cobb household. Firstly, Alice's mother, Jane Smith, died aged 60, in Waipawa on 9 January 1917. She was buried in the Waipawa Cemetery next to her first husband George Gardner. On 20 January, less than two weeks later Thomas Jnr (28) died as a result of a motor cycle accident. He was buried at the Terrence End Cemetery, Block 9, Plot 33. Bob immediately advertised in the local paper for a worker to replace him in the shop. The findings of the coronal report can be accessed here.

More bad news arrived to the Cobb household in late May 1917. First, Bob was notified that his nephew George Lynch Darby Cobb (20 Jan 1897 - 27 May 1917) had tragically drowned in a freak accident while performing his duties as a army medic on board a hospital ship. Then on 15 June, they were told that Alice's step-brother Fred had been severely wounded in action. The following day, news came that Bob's youngest brother Jack Cobb, was missing, believed wounded. Sadly, less than a week later, the news arrived that regretfully he had been killed in action during the battle for Messines on 7 June.

Alice's brother-in-law, James Preacher enlisted for war on 14 September 1917. The following month he was training in Wellington and departed New Zealand for front line duties on 23 April 1918 leaving his wife and baby daughter, Gladys Mary Preacher (7 July 1917 - 1994) behind.

A new start 
Sometime before November 1917, Bob and Alice made the decision to give their family a new start so they moved to New Plymouth. The reasons for this move are unclear. Bob's mother initially stayed behind in Palmerston North with one of her other sons, but she later moved to her own house in New Plymouth to be nearer to Bob and Alice's family.

The bright spot in an otherwise sombre year was the birth of  Freda Kathleen Cobb, who was born in New Plymouth on 1 November 1917.

1918
The devastation of war affected the Cobb family yet again. Sadly, Alice's brother-in-law, James Preacher was only at the front line for eight days before he was fatally wounded on 5 October 1918 near Le Cateau, France. He was 35. Later, James's widow Mabel, took their daughter, and moved to New Plymouth and they settled near Alice and her family.

The influenza pandemic struck New Zealand between October and December 1918 taking more than 8600 casualties. One of those that succumbed to the disease was Bob's sister-in-law Charlotte (Lottie) Mary Cobb, nee Drury (1881 - 13 Nov 1918) who died suddenly in Palmerston North hospital aged 37, leaving a distraught husband and three mother-less daughters. Like Bob and Alice, Lottie and her husband Percy were Salvation Army members. Lottie was buried at the Terrence End Cemetery, Palmerston North.

Robert and Alice Cobb and their young family c1918-19.
From left: Dulcie, Robert, Jack, Lionel, Alice with baby Freda.
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Getting established in Taranaki
It would not have been easy to get established in a new community at the end of the war. The 1919 Electoral Roll shows Bob and Alice living on Devon Street East, New Plymouth. Bob's occupation is listed as butcher.

In March 1919, Bob's brother George Cobb who was the clerk of Featherston, may have briefly visited him. George was part of a delegation from the Featherston County who were visiting Taranaki to learn about roading.

The Cobbs were involved in the Salvation Army Church in New Plymouth. The Taranaki Daily News of 28 November 1919 reported on the Salvation Army Band League Festival that was held the previous evening. As part of the programme a "Master Cobb" performed a recitation. This was probably Lionel who would have been 11 at the time. The following year, the Taranaki Daily News, 28 January, told the story of the farewell for the Commandant of the New Plymouth Salvation Army. It mentioned that "Sergeant Major Cobb" (presumably Bob) presided over this event.

Lionel Cobb with his parents Alice and Bob Cobb,
dressed in Salvation Army uniform c1920.
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

The Cobb children were musical. We know that Freda played the violin, Dulcie, the cello and that Jack learnt the cornet. Here is a photo showing the older two girls and their cousin, Gladys Preacher, playing in the Salvation Army orchestra.

The New Plymouth Salvation Army orchestra, late 1920s.
Freda Cobb (violin), back row, first on the left.
Dulcie Cobb (cello), front row, on right.
Gladys Preacher (violin), second row, third from the left.
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Changes
In 1922 the Cobbs moved to 220 Gill Street, New Plymouth. In the late 1920s there was another move, this time to 153 Molesworth Street. Around this time, Bob's mother, Harriet, lived at 158 Leach Street and Bob's nephew Harry Clarence Cobb (Alf's son) lived in Vogeltown.

Bob and Alice's last child, Esma Mary Cobb was born on 8 May 1928. Around this time Alice's widowed sister, Mabel Preacher and her daughter Gladys moved to New Plymouth. The Electoral Roll for 1929 show them living at 158 Leach Street. (Perhaps this was the home where Harriet Cobb lived.) They later moved down the road to number 113.

Bob's mother, Harriet Cobb passed away on 19 December 1929 at her daughter's home in Otahuhu, Auckland. She was buried at the Otahuhu Cemetery.

The Cobb family c1930
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Bob and Alice celebrated 25 years of marriage in December 1932. The professional photograph below was taken to mark the occasion:

Alice and Bob on their silver wedding anniversary 1932
Photo by Oakley, NP
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)b

Family weddings
Bob and Alice's eldest son, Lionel, married Lilian (Lil) Annie Lambert (1 Mar 1912 - 20 June 1989) in 1934.

The wedding of Lionel Cobb and Lilian Lambert.
From left: Jack Cobb, unknown woman, Lionel Cobb, Lilian Lambert,
Lilian's father (?Alan Eric Lambert), Elsie Lambert, unknown man.
Photo by Brandon Houghton, Hawera 1934
(Photo by G J Bland)

Dulcie married electrician, Eric George Lambert (20 Mar 1907 - Oct 1984), in 1935. 

The wedding of Dulcie Cobb and Eric Lambert 1935.
From left: Lionel Cobb, Elsie Lambert, unknown man, Freda Cobb,
Eric Lambert, Dulcie Cobb, Robert Cobb
Photo by Swainson's Studios, New Plymouth
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Around the same time, Bob moved to Manaia and opened a butchery in Manaia there. Bob, Alice and seven year old Esma lived at Reimenschneider Street. 

Jack (25) married 26 year old Jean Catherine Archibald (13 Feb 1916 - 27 Apr 2010) on St Patrick's Day 17 February 1942 at the Balmoral Seventh-day Adventist Church in Auckland.

The wedding of Jack Cobb and Jean Archibald 17 March 1942
Photo by Clagg Studio
From left: Anthony Bott, Lionel Cobb, Jack Cobb, Jean Archibald,
Valmae Forte, Olwyn Keymer
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

The Cobb family c1942
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Esma, who had just celebrated her 17th birthday, married Maurice Edward Hitchcock (23 June 1914 - 25 Apr 1997) in the Methodist Church, Manaia, on 14 May 1945

Esma Cobb with her parents on her wedding day 14 May 1945
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

The Electoral Roll of 1946 lists Bob and Alice as living on Te Rau Street, Manaia. Daughter Freda and Bob's brother George Cobb (clerk) were also listed as living there. 

On 4 December 1947, Bob and Alice celebrated 40 years of marriage. Their family got together to celebrate the milestone. The following photo shows their children, some grandchildren, and three of Bob's surviving siblings:

Bob and Alice's 40th wedding anniversary celebrations, December 1947
Back row, from left: John (Jack) Cobb, Esma & Maurice Hitchcock, Dulcie & Eric Lambert, Freda Cobb, Lionel Cobb
Seated, from left: George Cobb, Elsie Ashcroft, Robert & Alice Cobb, Alf Cobb, Rod Lambert
Children at front, from left: Ian Lambert, Pete Lambert, Bev Hitchcock
Photo by Tru-Tone, Hawera
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

The Cobb family 4 December 1947
Back from left: Jack, Freda, Dulcie, Lionel
Front from left: Esma, Bob, Alice

Photo by Tru-Tone, Hawera

(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

End of an era
Bob died on 20 December 1949. He was buried in Hawera, Taranaki, aged 79 in the Hawera Cemetery, General Methodist Section, New Plot ID 8301, Block XXXIV, Old Plot No. 12.

Alice (68) was staying at her sister Mary's house in Mt Eden, Auckland when she suffered a cerebral aneurysm. She was taken to hospital where she died on 10 May 1950. Alice's body was returned to Hawera where she was buried next to her husband at the Hawera Cemetery General Methodist Section, New Plot ID 8300, Block XXXIV, Old Plot No. 11

The family of Robert and Alice Cobb

Cobb siblings c1960s
From left: Lionel, Esma, Freda, Dulcie, and Jack
Photo by David Paul Studio, Hawera
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

• Lionel Robert Cobb (10 Aug 1908 - 19 July 1970)

• He married Lilian (Lil) Annie Lambert (1 Mar 1912 - 20 June 1989). in 1934. Lily's brother Eric married Lionel's sister, Dulcie the following year.

Lionel Cobb's wedding to Lilian Lambert, 1934
From left: Jack Cobb, ?, Lionel Cobb, Lilian Lambert, ?, ?, ?
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

• Lionel and Lily had a son and two daughters.
• He worked for the Post Office as a telegraphist and post master, and was moved around the country for his job. Some of the places they lived were Te Kuiti, Ohura, Pokeno, Opanake, Greymouth, Hamilton, Whakatane, 
• Lionel was a talented singer and Lil was a great cook.
• Lionel died aged 61 and was buried at the Hamilton Park Cemetery MAGN-20-11.
• Lily died in 1989 aged 77. She was buried with her husband at plot MAGN-20-12. Her last known address was 5 Ford Street, Hamilton.
• Dulcie Mabel Cobb (18 May 1912 - 11 Oct 1990)

Dulcie Cobb c1930s
Photo by Oakley, New Plymouth
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland

• She married Eric George Lambert (20 Mar 1907 - 22 Oct 1984) in 1935. Eric's sister Lily married Lionel Cobb the previous year.

Dulcie Cobb's wedding to Eric Lambert, 1935
From left: Lionel Cobb, ?, Lambert boy, Eric Lambert, Dulcie Cobb, Bob Cobb
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

• They lived in Manaia where Eric was an electrician and ran a small business. 
• Dulcie was an amazing seamstress and taught sewing and embroidery.
• Eric and Dulcie had four sons, the eldest died three days after birth.
• Allan Trevor Lambert (? - 8 Feb 1939)
• Buried at the Manaia Burial Old Lawn, New Plot ID 917, Block XIXB, 

Eric and Dulcie Lambert with their boys c1940
Photo by Tru-Tone, Hawera
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Dulcie and Eric Lambert
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

• Eric died in 1984 aged 77. He was cremated. Dulcie died six years later in 1990 aged 78. She too was cremated.

• John (Jack) Arthur Reginald Cobb (28 June 1916 - 23 Oct 2007)
• He was born in Palmerston North.
• Jack (25) married 26 year old Jean Catherine Archibald (13 Feb 1916 - 27 Apr 2010) on St Patrick's Day 17 February 1942 at the Balmoral Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Wedding of Jack Cobb and Jean Archibald 1942
From left: Anthony Bott, Lionel Cobb, Jack Cobb, Jean Archibald,
Valmae Forte, Olwyn Keymer
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

• Shortly before the wedding, Jack was called up for army service. He appealed on the grounds that he was a conscientious objector. On 4 Mar 1942 he was ordered to perform non-combatant duties, firstly at the records office in Trentham then in the stores at Ravensthorp.
• Jack and Jean had one daughter, then adopted three more children. Both sons have passed away:
• Brian Cobb (1946 - 2005)
• Robert Cobb (was Thrupp) (19 Nov 1954 - 31 July 2017)

The Cobb family c1964
Photo by
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

• Jack worked as a painter, then a builder.
• Jack WWII
• Very involved in charities eg Salvation Army, Homai College for the Blind...
• Jack was a keen singer and conducted a choir. 
• Jean was a good cook and loved showing hospitality. She was always having visitors over for meals and to socialise. She worked for some time doing sewing alterations from home.
• Jack died at the Hayman Rest Home (Trevor Hoskin Drive, Wiri) in 2007 aged 91. Jean died at the same rest home three years later, aged 94. They are buried together at the Manukau Memorial Gardens, QANON-C-017.
• Freda Kathleen Cobb (1 Nov 1917 - 2008)

Freda Cobb
Photographer and date unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

?Elsie Lambert & Freda Cobb
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Sisters Elsie Lambert and Freda Cobb c1990
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

• Freda never married. 
• She owned a bakery in Manaia which was later bought out by Yarrows. 
• Freda died in Wellington in 2008.
• Esma Mary Cobb (8 May 1928 - 11 Jan 1992)
• She married Maurice Edward Hitchcock (23 June 1914 - 25 April 1997), an electrician, on 14 May 1945 at the Methodist Church in Manaia. Esma was just 17 at the time of her marriage. Maurice was 30. 

Esma Cobb's wedding to Maurice Hitchcock 1945
From left: Maurice Hitchcock, Esma Cobb, Ngaire Cobb, either Ronald or Lindo Hitchcock, Freda Cobb
Photographer unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

• Maurice and Esma had four children. Two of them have since died:
• Yvonne Kaye Hitchcock (1949 - 7 Sep 1998)
• Yvonne's married name was Palmer. She had a son and a daughter.
• She died aged 49 in Hawera, Taranaki, and was buried at the Manaia General Interdenominational Section, New plot 2010, Block XXVI. Her cemetery record states that she was a sickness beneficiary prior to her death.
• Esma died as a result of cancer. She was cremated on 14 January 1992. 
• Maurice died on Anzac Day 1997, aged 83. His ashes, and those of his wife, were interred on 19 May 1997 at the Manaia Cremation Returned Service Association Section, New Plot ID 115.

Esme & Maurice Hitchcock
Photographer & date unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

The Hitchcocks sisters
Photographer & date unknown
(Photo courtesy of G J Bland)

Sources of Information
Family records and photos courtesy of G J Bland
Ancestry.com
Papers Past
South Taranaki District Council Cemetery Register
The 1918 Influenza Pandemic