The Cross Family
Gilbert Cross was a hardworking and innovative man who once ran a transport company in Timaru– And It was in Timaru where he met Olive Beatrice Barney—known as Beatrice—who came from Gisborne. The two were married in 1927, and together they began a journey that would later take them and their family to a very different life in Cronadun.
In 1950, Gilbert and Beatrice made the big decision to move to Cronadun with their entire family. There, they settled onto a farm where the house had originally been built around 1910. The home grew to include five bedrooms, a lounge, a kitchen, a separate toilet, and a laundry. At first, it had no electricity, so cooking was done on a coal stove with a wetback to heat water. A septic tank was installed early on, which made life a bit more comfortable.
Gilbert
June Keith Janice, Raylene Beatrice holding Jimmy Valmai, Douglas
Charley Olive Shirley Lynn
Lighting in the early days came from candles. Later, the family used kerosene lamps and eventually white spirit lanterns with mantels, which gave a brighter and steadier light.
When a power supply was known to be scheduled, Gilbert, thinking ahead, decided to wire the house for electricity even before it was officially available in the area. He attached a car generator to the five-horsepower Anderson engine that powered the milking machines. This clever setup allowed him to charge batteries and light the house during milking times.
When reticulated (mains) power finally reached Cronadun around 1952, Gilbert was ready. He changed all the light bulbs from 12 volts to 250 volts, removed the old coal range, and installed a wetback in the open fireplace. The hot water cylinder was also upgraded to run on electricity, making the home far more modern and comfortable.
Outside of his work and family life, Gilbert had just one vice—smoking—and one passion: harness racing. He even built a training track on the farm and achieved success at races in Nelson, Canterbury, and the West Coast. His dedication to both innovation and recreation showed the balance in his life and character.
The story of Gilbert and Beatrice Cross is one of change, hard work, and adaptability. From their early days in Timaru to their life on the farm in Cronadun, they showed what it means to build a future from the ground up, always finding ways to improve life for themselves and their family.
Mining timber was used for the purpose of shoring up the ceilings and walls where necessary in coal mines on the West Coast and no doubt elsewhere.
Our family, or parts of it, variously worked in the business of cutting it and generally it was railed from Reefton to mines at Waimangroa, Ngakawa and Granity north of Westport.
The required product was young beech trees cut to lengths decided by the particular contract and of girths, likewise.
Lengths ranged from seven feet usually to 24 but occasionally up to thirty feet, and girths anything from a minimum four inches on long props to a maximum of eight inches on short ones measured at the smaller end. Mostly they were in between these extremes and even split props were cut from some of the larger trees.
Lynn's memories
Working with his Father and brother Douglas in the business of Mining Timber / Pit Props
The best source of product was from regrowth areas where trees had regenerated after a fire or previous cutover, and were of uniform size.
Dad got into the business a few years after we moved to the West Coast and I have clear recollections of going into the bush with him and various brothers when I started at Reefton School in 1952
At that point he had bought a McCormick Deering 10-20 tractor with a winch mounted at the rear. He fitted chains to the driving wheels and used it for a few years on props. One of the by– products - if you could call it that - if you were working a patch of bush and it contained log trees; you could generally harvest them for milling if the bush was on private land, which sometimes it was. Invariably the owner of the land was paid a royalty on every stick of timber taken and the same applied to the State forests.
When all things were favourable it was a good earner.
The first patch cut over was on the left side of Burkes Creek Road on a property owned by Harry Lockington.
At that stage our only vehicle was a model AA Ford - good for only one and a half tons maximum load. It was only ever used for transport and the cartage to rail was by contractor truck and driver.
Wendy Barrow photo collection
When that patch was cut out we went to another patch on the north side of Larrys Creek upstream from the highway. I think this was a government block and the same method was used ie. wheel tractor and contract cartage.
This product was probably railed from Rotokohu or maybe Cronadun.
The resident of the hut was Charlie Hume (not sure of the spelling) or to us "old Charlie Hume” he appeared to be a recluse. The only time I actually saw him was at the Cronadun sports where he turned up with a banjo or some other instrument and was singing to it "After the Ball Was Over". He probably had been fortified in the refreshment tent.
Parts of the track into the skid site had been corduroyed ie there had been saplings laid across it to provide buoyancy in boggy places and driving over these sections was like driving over a continuous cattle stop. It did however serve the purpose and I never heard of any truck getting bogged.
Another enduring memory of that patch was the main snig track.The land was all river silt and, once the surface was broken, became quite soft and boggy in places. one part of the track got continually deeper and from time to time the centre between the wheel tracks had to be dug out with a shovel and tossed aside to stop the front axle and belly of the tractor from scraping and bringing the tractor to a halt. In the later stages the track looked like a canyon with the top of the tractor lower than the built-up sides. The mud in the bottom got very stodgy so Dad did a bit of lateral thinking and pumped water onto the track to lubricate the mud and each time the tractor came down the track after that it brought a bow wave of mud and slush which ended up in the creek just before the skids.
The pump was driven by a 5 HP Anderson engine which had driven the milking machines prior to the power being connected. (This was 1953 or 1954.) They used a longer route to go back into the cutting areas.
When Larrys Creek was worked out we did a patch on the back of our farm at the top end of the Frying Pan Gully. Some of this may have been beyond our boundary. I'm not sure. At this stage Dad bought a 1934 3 ton International truck and it was used to transport to the rail at Cronadun.
This area was all shingle so there were never any traction problems and the wheel tractor was used for hauling to the skids.
Next on the list was Rainey Creek. This had been the site of gold mining operations in times past and had a bridge across the Inangahua River just beyond Crushington and a narrow tortuous track up the gully to where a skid site was established near where there had been a stamping battery. Beyond this was a narrow bridle track only wide enough for a horse. A draught horse was obtained and used for the haulage to the skids. Initially only a shoe was used at the front of the load but Douglas soon devised a jinker system to improve the haulage
The jinker was comprised of a pair of car wheels about three feet apart with an upright A frame between them and a horizontal A frame forward to the pulling hitch which was kept above the ground by a metal skid. The shoe was loaded with props which were connected to the front of the shoe with individual chains and dogs then chained across the top of the load. The shoe and consequently its load was lifted clear of the ground by tipping the jinker onto its back end, chaining the shoe to the back A frame, then tipping it back down to horizontal with one's body weight whereby the weight was hung forward of the wheels to keep the front down.
Then the front of the shoe was chained forward to maintain that balance. The horse could then pull considerably more. The jinker itself was quite light and could be maneuvered easily by one man.
ABOUT THE SHOE
The shoe is an implement which has probably been around as long as there have been horses or bullocks and a blacksmith to make one.
At its most basic it is a fat semi-circular piece of metal bent up at the front and with a hole near the front to pull from and also to tie the load to. Its purpose is to keep the front end of a log or any other dragged load from digging in and making the haulage more difficult. They could be made to any size and shape, and having the sides curved up also helped on bends in the tracks
Rainey Creek, due to its difficult access, required a more compact truck using a jinker trailer with the load on bolsters which pivoted at both ends and a sliding adjustable length pole. The load was shared by the truck and trailer, which articulated and was very manoeuvrable.
The truck purchased for the job was a 1938 WHG Bedford 2 and a half ton which had been a dump truck, I believe ex Christchurch City Council. It carted a load out to Reefton Railway Station daily for a long period. The only shortcoming was in its braking system which required a heavy pressure coming down the bush track which was quite steep.
Initially the wooden bridge over the Inangahua River made access look easy but it got washed away within the first few weeks of them starting there and thereafter necessitated fording of the river.
On one occasion the river rose during the working day and was too high to attempt to ford. The men had to hike miles down the other side of the river in the rain and the dark unti they could cross a bridge and then ring for a ride home.
The truck, when purchased, had a tip deck with a cam and roller hoist. At one period when Chandlers were roading through the bottom end of the farm to access logs up "due north" it was used to cart and spread shingle from our pit. The loading was done by a rope operated excavator, probably a Raston Bucyrus.
After Rainey Creek was cut out a piece of bush on Andersons Road at Reefton was next. Sometime about then, I think, Pop passed the mining timber business over to Douglas. The Bedford WHG was replaced by a Bedford OLB 5 ton truck ex Habgoods Transport in Canterbury.
I have no recollection of where the WHG went.
Douglas at this point purchased the first chainsaw in the family. It was an IEL Pioneer one man saw. I think he bought a short bar for props and a larger one of about 24 inch cut for logs.
Picture shows a similar AA Ford
Douglas must have had access to both props and logs on that property which at the time was owned by Ron Dick and nowadays is the Reefton Golf Course.
About this time Douglas had a block up Soldiers Road just south of Reefton. It must have been State forest because the forestry men used to mark selected trees to be left standing for the purpose of seeding.
It was while working there that Douglas got sconned by a sailer. (In our language a sailer is a branch or part thereof, usually a dead one, which is dislodged either from the falling tree or one nearby. They don't always fall vertically but sometimes sail at an angle due to any number of reasons. The Yanks call them widow makers.)
Douglas had always been cautious about sailers and from the time he started in the bush always wore a helmet. Originally he used a miner's helmet but later obtained a bushman's helmet once they had become available. In this instance, it was an aluminium one with an all-round brim. It certainly saved him from a serious head injury or death. The helmet itself suffered serious denting and I think his neck was displaced.
He had had the chainsaw a very short time when a log rolled onto it and pretty much wrecked it He
repaired or replaced it immediately. Obviously he was sick of the years of hand sawing. The requirement for props was that one end had to be sawn.
The chainsaw incidentally weighed 24 pounds without the bar chain (13 kg) which today feels like a lump of lead in comparison.
Andersons Road was a small patch and didn't last long
The next lot was on Hunter Road near Springs Junction. This required a trip over the Rahu Saddle each way each day carting a load back to be put on the rail at Reefton.
I think it was the first day hauling out of there the motor overheated and was damaged. It was bored out and refitted to the truck with a six blade fan and the bonnet side flaps were thereafter left off to allow better motor ventilation.
Shortly after that Douglas obtained a 3 speed transfer box ex a tandem drive International. He modified it and fitted it, giving the OLB twelve speeds forward and three reverse. The great benefit of it was the overdrive gear which made the truck much more user friendly especially when running light or downhill. It was while working on the Hunter Road bush that a topdressing plane crashed in a nearby paddock, killing the pilot. That was October 1957.
At some point Douglas purchased a small crawler tractor - a T6 International to which he mounted a winch at the rear and made and fitted a hydraulic blade. He used this in the bush for years and then later on the farm.
I'm fairly sure he paid 84 pounds for it at a time when a tradesman was earning between 15 and 20 per week consider that today (2019) a small chainsaw can be bought for as little as four hours trades mans pay.
Similar IEL Pioneer chainsaw Douglas owned.
Having cut out the Maruia Valley patch next on the list was another bit of Maruia bush, this time on the Reefton side of Springs Juncion in the vicinity of Charlie Johnson's mill, just downhill from Palmers Bend (hardly a bend, more of an acute hairpin).
Douglas continued there until after taking over the farm at Cronadun about the time of his marriage at the end of 1960.
The one constant was Douglas all through the business which was started by Pop – Gilbert George Cross.
At times others were employed - Keith early on and off, partly through the Rainey Creek block Charlie was employed thereafter at Rainey Creek, Hunters Road and Maruia Valley, I was employed on occasional Saturdays and neighbour Arthur Borrell on a casual basis in the last year or two.
Lynn Cross
Lynn’s schooling began in Tinwald and continued at Cronadun until part way through Standard 3. He then moved on to Reefton Primary and later attended Reefton District High. Growing up in a farming family, Lynn and his siblings each had their share of chores, which increased with age. When one child left school, the next took over responsibilities such as milking before and after school. Farm life also involved tending to pigs and more than a thousand laying hens. Despite the work, holidays were filled with the freedom of the outdoors—swimming, eeling, and exploring nature. These experiences built a strong foundation of discipline and a love for the land that would stay with him throughout life.
Early Work and Career
Lynn’s working life began at Jack Brothers’ sawmill at Oweka, just south of Inangahua Landing. Later, he and his brother Charley worked for Nolan Brothers in Ukuru—Charley in the bush and Lynn in the sawmill. These early jobs were physically demanding but instilled in him a strong work ethic.
Beyond his professional life, Lynn has made a remarkable impact on his community. After moving to Waipukurau, he became involved in service organisations, including the Jaycees and Lions Club. His leadership skills were quickly recognized—he chaired the local branch of St John for sixteen years and was honoured as a “Serving Brother” and later “Officer of the Order” for his contributions.
Lynn has also given his time as a driver for both and Blind & Low Vision New Zealand, assisted with community patrols, and helped paint over graffiti, always stepping in where help was needed. His deep commitment to public service has earned him numerous awards, including the Jaycee International Senatorship, multiple honours from Lions International, a Civic Award from the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council, and recognition from Kiwibank as one of New Zealand’s 100 Local Heroes in 2021.
Lynn’s hobbies are as diverse as his service. He played rugby during his school years and boxed until the age of 20. A lover of sports and recreation, he has played golf and continues to enjoy snooker and golf croquet. His passion for vintage cars led him to join the local Vintage Car Club, where he now serves as chairman of the local branch. He also continues to enjoy shooting, a hobby he picked up in his youth.
Lynn’s story is a example of how one person can influence and uplift an entire community. From his early days on the farm to a career spanning decades, and through his tireless volunteer work, Lynn has consistently shown up for others. His life is not just one of personal achievement but of meaningful contribution.
Douglas's truck with a full load
Lynn later moved into contract fencing in the Kotuku/Bell Hill area, before taking a significant career step in 1963 by joining the Post Office Lines Branch in Greymouth. That same year, he left Cronadun, and met Sandra Elizabeth Agnew at a dance in Greymouth and in 1964, they married –In earlier years Sandra had won the McBrearty award for top pupil on the West Coast while at Greymoth High School
Douglas Cross
Douglas Cross was born in Timaru on the 25th of February, 1932, and from his earliest years, his life was marked by hard work, community involvement, and a wide range of talents. Schooled first at Claremont Primary and then Timaru High School, Doug’s early years laid the foundation for a life rich in practical skills and quiet achievements.
At 17 years old, Doug moved with his family to Cronadun. By then, his days of "growing up" were largely behind him, and he quickly became involved in the demanding work of developing and improving the family farm. At around 18 or 19 years of age—circa 1950 or 1951—Doug was called up for Compulsory Military Training (CMT), which was then in practice for New Zealand males. This involved a 14-week camp at Burnham Military Camp, followed by several weekend training sessions over the subsequent years. This experience added a layer of discipline and service to Doug’s already hard-working character.
Around 1952, Doug expanded his work beyond the farm, taking on casual employment with the Post & Telegraph Department and possibly the Grey Electric Power Board. These jobs were part of broader efforts to build and extend communication and power lines from Reefton to Cronadun and further into the region. After these stints, Doug turned his focus toward the timber industry, mining timber—a line of work that would remain a part of his life for many years.
This period marked the beginning of a lifetime of dedication to both the land and his local community.
Demonstrating his entrepreneurial spirit, Doug also developed a lime quarry and crushing plant, which led him into the lime spreading business, servicing other local farms in the area.
Beyond his working life, Doug had a rich and varied set of hobbies and interests. He was a talented pianist and occasionally played the piano accordion. His musical abilities were well-known in the community, and he often provided entertainment at local dances, playing piano during the supper break while the band rested. His musical talent was a gift to many and a testament to his multifaceted abilities.
Doug also gave back to his community through his involvement in several organisations. He was a member of the Odd Fellows Lodge in Reefton, an organisation known for its charitable work and community service. Later in life, he became a Rotarian, continuing his pattern of civic engagement and local support.
In addition to farming and music, Doug found success and enjoyment in competitive wood chopping at shows and fetes—an activity that reflected his physical strength and rural roots. His hands-on skills extended even further: he was a capable blacksmith and farrier, and was also skilled in engineering, mechanics, and welding. These abilities made him not just self-reliant but also a valuable resource to others in the farming and rural communities of the West Coast.
Doug Cross's life was one of quiet achievement and meaningful contribution. Whether developing land, building businesses, entertaining neighbours with music, or giving his time to community organisations, Doug embodied the values of hard work, versatility, and service. His legacy is one of dedication to his family, his craft, and his community—a life truly well-lived.
After their marriage, Doug took over full responsibility for the family farm.
Under his stewardship, the farm continued to grow and evolve. He purchased an adjoining property to expand the enterprise and carried on with timber work on a smaller scale.
Lynn Charley Shirley Olive Keith June Douglas Valmai Raelene holding Jan
J
Jimmy wasn’t yet born. This photo was probably taken late 1945 or early 1946.
Doug met Karen Bolitho at a dance at the old Band Hall by the swimming Baths – dances were held every weekend on a Saturday, Karen was 17 years old and remembers all the girls would sit together around the hall while the boys would be standing by the door and when the music started they would come over and ask for a dance.
Karen and Doug married 31 December 1960, in the Methodist Church Reefton– Karen was 18 years old and Doug was 28 – The wedding breakfast reception was held New Years eve in the Community Centre (which was the only date and venue available that year) after the reception Doug and Karen drove off over the gravelled Rahu saddle with a caravan.
Karen and Doug had two children Michelle born 1963 and Brent born 1965
The couple relocated to Waipukurau in 1969, where Lynn continued his career in telecommunications as a linesman, cable jointer, foreman, and ultimately as an overseer—a role he held until 1993– They have three children Sean born 1968, Nigel born 1971 and Vincent born in 1973
Photo circa 1950's
Photo circa 1970's
Lynn, Bob Jolly, Gordon Anderson...Circa 1962
When the Hunter Road bush was worked out he moved to another patch north of Springs Junction again in the Maruia Valley which was cut over for mining timber and logs. These were taken to Charlie Johnson's mill on the eastern side of the Rahu Saddle near Palmers Bend.
During this period Douglas purchased a two man chainsaw secondhand. It was a red IEL two cylinder, two stroke of course and geared drive ie the motor crankshaft is at right angles to the log and drives a reduction bevel gear to the chain. This type of saw had models by several other makers eg. Diston and McCulloch though the McCulloch was a single cylinder.
The drive gear, bar and chain was able to be swiveled in relation to the motor which allowed the motor to be run more or less level. The bar was about six feet and had a handle for the assistant to control the far end. Despite the weight and cumbersome size of such a saw, they were a delight to use on the bigger logs. The extra handle could be removed and the bar and chain withdrawn in the event of the cut pinching or being wedged.
Whilst working this area Douglas also purchased a brand new truck a Bedford D six ton. It was the first Bedford to use the 300 cubic inch petrol motor in a normal control vehice. (Previously it had only been used in the seven ton semi-forward control S series trucks and buses from 1952 on.)That would be 1958.
Similar Tractor to Dougs
work still in progress
Karen and Dougs Wedding was filmed by Karens cousin Vic Bolitho using 8 mm film.