Name/Title

Photograph, Two sawmillers in the bush

About this object

A mounted hand-coloured photograph of two men standing next to a tree with tree felling equipment. The name Alf Bonney has been written at the top right of the mat, indicating he is the man on the right.

Alfred Bonney was born in 1873 in Tasmania, Australia. By age 19 he was in Southland with his parents, as his mother's death was recorded in Invercargill in 1893. Alf married Catherine Rubina McKillop in February of 1900. They went on to live at Riverton and later Longwood. During World War One was a reserve, with his occupation listed as 'Bushman'. Other records call him a labourer and sawmill hand.

Catherine and Alf had five children, two girls and three boys. Their two younger sons served in World War Two with both surviving the war and returning to live in the Riverton area. All five Bonney siblings outlived their parents.

Alf died in 1946, aged 72. Catherine died in 1952, aged 85 years. They are buried together in Riverton Cemetery.

We don't know who Alf is pictured with in this photo. Please get in touch if you can help identify Alf's friend.

Place Made

Oceania, New Zealand, South Island, Southland, Gore

Maker

Southland Photo Company

Maker Role

Photographer

Date Made

1900-1920

Inscription and Marks

Front, top right of photograph in blue pen: 'ALF BONNEY'
Reverse, circular WESA stamp
Reverse, yellow sticker '95/6'
Reverse, top right in black pen: 'P3.92.39'
Reverse, scratched into upper mat: could be 'Miss E Frew' ??

Measurements

Mount: h 202 mm x w 253 mm
Image: h 104 mm x w 154 mm

Period

1900s

Object Type

photographs

Subject and Association Keywords

Forestry and Sawmilling

Medium and Materials

organic, processed material, paper
organic, processed material, cardboard

Object number

RI.P3.92.39

Rights

Public Domain

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