Crepuscular rays at sunset along the coastal walkway near Dashing Rocks, Timaru, Nov. 2011
He sought truth for it's own sake.
John Hardcastle, an amateur geologist, who was self educated, equipped himself with a rich store of knowledge, of which he made full use to the end of his days. He formulated original theories about the formation of the landscape. In 1889 he recognised that the Timaru loess (clay) deposits indicated several periods of past glacial climates. This was decades before the theory was accepted elsewhere in the world.
Star 3 October 1890, Page 4
An ordinary meeting of the Philosophical Institute of Canterbury was held in the
Public Library last evening. There was a moderate attendance, the President, Mr
J. T. Meeson, in the chair. The Secretary read a paper by Mr J. Hardcastle, of
Timaru, on "The Loess of Timaru as a Climate Register." He stated his conclusion
that the loess is a formation of dust belonging to the second glacier period,
and certain bands, which mark pauses in the process of deposition, are
interpreted as registers of considerable variation of climate within that
period. Professor Hutton criticised the paper, and considered that the
conclusions were unwarranted. Mr Dobson said he had been pretty well acquainted
with Timaru, and did not recognise the place geologically from Mr Hardcastle's
description.
Crepuscular rays at sunset along the coastal walkway near
Dashing Rocks, Timaru, Nov. 2011
GEOLOGY IN SOUTH CANTERBURY
Papers Past Ashburton Guardian, 23 July 1908, Page 2
Mr John Hardcastle, well known throughout Canterbury as a member of the literary
staff of the Timaru Herald, has sent us a pamphlet that contains a
series of tersely-written and informing articles, which he modestly calls "Notes
on the Geology "of South Canterbury." But modesty is as a rule, characteristic
of scientist's and, of men imbued or touched with the scientific spirit, and Mr
Hardcastle, without affectation, justifies this honcurable tradition.
Mr Hardcastle has arranged his matter under twenty-five
captions, the first of which is "The Mountain Rocks" and the last "The Human
Period"; and, as he says, his articles are the fruit "mainly of personal
observations made in odd days of leisure during a quarter of a century, aided by
much reading of geological writings, very little of which, however, had
reference to South Canterbury. The method of treatment is unusual. Geological
writers, as a rule, divide the subject according to changes in the life forms
preserved as fossils; but in Mr Hardcastle's notes changes of climate and of
land and sea have been adopted as the lines of demarcation; hence no knowledge
of fossils is required to enable the reader to follow the story as worked out"
by Mr Hardcastle, whose method —combined with his practical experience as a
journalist—has enabled him to avoid the cumbrousness that is frequently
found in connection with the treatment of scientific subjects. As a specimen of
Mr Hardcastle's method, and manner, and matter, we quote a paragraph from his
article on "The Mountain Rocks": "The whole of our ranges are formed, of
materials that were once loose and incoherent, sand and mud, shifted about by
rivers and seas—chiefly by rivers and smaller streams. The rocks were therefore
originally laid down flat, as sea-beds; lake-beds, and river plains, and
probably when in that condition were at no great elevation above sea level. The
soft water-laid deposits were-afterwards consolidated by loading and by lateral
pressures, were cemented by infiltrations and chemical processes, and
subsequently, by the enormous forces that are operative within the earth's
crust, were squeezed and folded, and crushed and broken, and uplifted into
ridges that in the Alps rose many thousands of feet above sea level and above
the surrounding land. In many places strata that were laid down flat have been
broken and tilted, so that they are now standing on edge. The Alps and other
ranges are only remnants of the original folds, after frost and thaw, flowing
water and flowing ice, and other destructive agencies have acted upon them for
an immeasurable period of time. It is quite likely that as much material has
been removed— worn away—from our mountains as they now contain, for in many
cases the tops of ridges of the present day were the bottoms of the original,
folds. It is bewildering to try to, grasp the fact, but a fact it is, that the
whole of the materials of the earth's crust accessible to observation in South
Canterbury have been shifted many times since the earth was formed. Some of the
materials may have travelled long distances; some of the rocks have certainly
been made and re-made many times over. And to-day the Alps and lesser eminences
are being slowly worn down and drifted away on fresh journeys, to be formed into
new rocks once more. Whence came all the sand and mud that went to make up our
mountain rocks originally, still remains to be discovered. Sir Julius Von Haast
believed that some of it, at all events, came from a land now submerged beneath
the sea to the eastward; unless, indeed, the Chatham Islands are a remnant of
it."
With this as a foretaste, many of those who read this notice
should become sympathetic and appreciative, readers of Mr Hardcastle's very
unpretentious, yet very interesting booklet, which is on sale at Ashburton
bookshops.
Pamphlet Collection Auckland War Memorial Museum Library.
Author/Creator: Hardcastle, John, d.1927
Title: Notes on the geology of South Canterbury / by J. Hardcastle
Publisher: Timaru, N.Z. : Timaru Herald Company, Printers, 1908
Physical Description: 62p. ; 23cm. Note: Reprinted from the Timaru Herald.
Subject: Geology - New Zealand - Canterbury
Otago Witness 5 August 1908, Page 87
NOTES ON THE GEOLOGY OF SOUTH CANTERBURY.
By J. Hardcastle. (Reprinted from the Timaru Herald.) Timaru: The Herald Co.
(Ltd.) Dunedin R. J. Stark and Co. (Is.)
The study of field geology is a fine, health-giving pursuit — none more so ; —
and it can be followed up anywhere on land and by anybody having time and
intelligence enough, both being undoubtedly required in those taking to this
fascinating branch of scientific study. Much time and exceedingly keen
intelligence have been given and exercised by Mr J. Hardcastle in his reading of
" the great stone book " of the South Canterbury region. Mr Hardcastle's
researches, speculations, and conclusions are embodied in a bulky pamphlet
entitled "Notes on the Geology of South Canterbury," and the whole is the
outcome of the author's holiday hobbying during a period of 25 years. The
articles originally appeared in the Timaru Herald, and, being
reproduced from the original newspaper type, the contained matter is by no means
so well set out as it deserved to be. That, however, does not alter the fact
that the whole, of these six and-twenty chapters are rich in interest,
pleasantly and clearly written, and well calculated to arouse and stimulate the
observing and reasoning faculties of the thoughtful reader. There is an element
of novelty in the author's method of treatment in that he does not, as is usual,
divide the subject according to changes in the life-forms preserved as fossils
in the rocks. Instead, we find that in these notes "changes of climate and of
land and sea have been adopted as the lines of demarcation ; hence no knowledge
of fossils is required to enable the reader to follow the story as here worked
out." It is truly a wonderful story of far-reaching change and wonderful
metamorphosis that has here been transcribed with surpassing patience by one
whom we may call, without offence, a king hobbyist. For the greater part the
author's observations have been confined to the more recent formations, but in
an introductory paper a good account of the old. rocks has been summarised.
Along with his first-hand studies, Mr Hardcastle has read extensively in
geological literature, and the fruit of this is seen in frequent cultured
allusions to this or that authority, to geological theorisings, analogous
instances, and so on. His views, too, are fresh, modern, and free from faddery,
while his remarks upon the probable aboriginal inhabitants of New Zealand,
former land extension, climatic alterations, volcanic action, the ages of ice,
the moa, etc., are expressed with moderation and imbued with common sense. The
work deserves to have been turned out in proper book form, with maps and
diagrams, but even in the plain garb it wears it should be in possession of
every Nature-lover in the Dominion. Dinornis.
Along the coastal
walkway near
Dashing Rocks, Timaru, Nov. 2011. Note the old lava stream
from Mt. Horrible met
the sea.
Hardcastle in print
Timaru Herald 8 June 2022
Timaru Herald, 10 October 1873, Page 1
A meeting of the Geraldine School Committee, was held on Wednesday evening last,
in the schoolroom. Present Dr Fish (Chairman), Messrs Megson aud Sherratt. A
letter was read from Mr John Hardcastle, in which he tendered his resignation as
schoolmaster, the sole reason for so doing being "that he was going to give up
his profession as a schoolmaster." After some conversation with Mr Hardcastle,
it was resolved "That this committee accept the resignation of Mr Hardcastle as
schoolmaster with regret." It was resolved -"That the chairman inform the Board
of Education of the matter."
Clutha Leader, 3 March 1882, Page 6
On dit that Mr Herbert Belfield has disposed of his interest in the Timaru
Herald to a company, but still retains a large share in the venture. Mr
Wakefield, who will also be a large shareholder in the company, is to occupy the
editorial chair, and Mr J. Hardcastle, late editor of the South Canterbury
Times goes back to his old love, the Herald, vice Mr Geo. Collins, who has
left the latter journal.
John Hardcastle 1918 "Herald"— Applied Classics
Beneath the rule of men entirely great,
The pen is mightier than the sword.
Lord Lytton.
Grey River Argus, 19 November 1898, Page 1
The following letter which appears in the current issue of the Mines Record is
probably well worth consideration and is at least of sufficient local importance
to warrant reprinting "Sir, I have on two occasions written to the people of
Westland urging that there must exist in the northern part of their district,
buried beneath the marine deposit, the blue reef the local representative of the
quartz gravels which are so rich in gold in Otago and Nelson, and that these
gravels should be; sought; for as deep leads. They do not seem to have grasped
the idea yet.... I know that it is difficult to convey novel ideas through the
medium of print convincingly, but here the problem is so simple, the data so
clear, that it needs no great sweat of intellect to arrive at the conclusion
that, on a reasonable estimate of the probabilities there ought to be a little
Klondyke" beneath the blue reef of North Westland I am, &c,
John Hardcastle. Timaru, Oct 1st, 1897.
Timaru Herald, 30 May 1896, Page 2
The ordinary fortnightly meeting of the Wesleyan Mutual Improvement Society was.
held on Thursday, evening. There was a good attendance, and the president, Rev.
C. E. Beecroft occupied the chair. Routine business including five nominations
for membership having been disposed of, the chairman announced that the business
for that evening was a paper by Mr J. Hardcastle on "geology" and he was sure
that the audience would extend a hearty welcome to that gentleman for so kindly
acceding to the request made to deliver the address. He had much pleasure in
introducing Mr Hardcastle. The lecturer commenced by explaining that geology may
be described as historical physical geography, and that the difficulties it
presents are due to the fact that the climates of the earth have varied greatly.
The changes which have occurred in South Canterbury were described m order,
beginning with the first Opal Age, when the coal beds of the West Coast and of
Otago were formed, and this was said to be also the Gold Age, when the alluvial
gold was being set free by chemical decomposition of the rocks. Then came a
Marine Age, when most of the country was let down beneath the sea followed by an
uplift and a second Coal Age, when the Albury and some other brown coals of
Canterbury were formed. So far the climate had been hot, as shown by the
luxuriant vegetation of the land, and the coral reefs of the marine age which
formed the limestones. Then came an age of frost, when the mountains were broken
down, and the shingle plains were spread out by the rivers. A long warm period
followed allowing the plains to become good agricultural country on which the
earliest known moas lived. During this period the Mount Horrible and Geraldine
volcanoes ; poured out their lava sheets. Again the climate became cold and a
true Glacial Period set in, which buried the mountains under ice, and a local
glacier flowing from Mount Misery carved the west and south sides of Mount
Horrible into "horrible" steepness. More shingle was spread over the plains, but
it did not reach the present coast at all points, and some of the best
agricultural land— Longbeach for instance—was stated to be unburied areas of the
older plains. The Glacial Period came to an end, and the last geological
incident mentioned was the smoothing of the surface of the rough river laid
plains by "Noah's flood." At the conclusion Mr R. Orwin moved, and Mr Blackwood
seconded a hearty vote of thanks to the lecturer, which was carried by
acclamation. The meeting was then closed in the usual way.
New Zealand Free Lance, 14 July 1900, Page 3
Ernest Hardcastle, who looks after the agricultural department of Christchurch
Press, and is therefore Bissett's rival, was even less obtrusive than the
latter. Hardcastle is a young man for the position he occupies, but has already
made his mark in a particularly dry department of a journalist's work. He has
taken a course of Agricultural College at Lincoln, in order to qualify for his
special work, and, like his elder brother John (editor of the South
Canterbury Times, Timaru) has quite a scientific bent of mind. John
Hardcastle is a geologist in his spare moments, and carries as many stones in
his coat pockets as Sir James Hector. It may be mentioned that Ernest Hardcastle
recently won the second prize in an essay competition on "Farming as applied to
Cheviot," promoted by the Cheviot Farmers' Association.
In June 1919 John Hardcastle was the night-editor of
the "Herald" but once a he was a reporter.
The "old days" were the days when Hardcastle was a news gather.
On
the Cause of Volcanic Action [1886]
The
Tarawera Eruption [1887] A criticism
On a Stereoscopic Aspect of the Moon [1887]
pdf
On the Drift in South Canterbury [1890]
pdf
On Glacier-motion [1890]
pdf
On
the Timaru Loess as a Climate Register [1890]
pdf
Origin of the Loess Deposit of the Timaru Plateau [1889]
Notes on the Geology of South Canterbury / by J. Hardcastle. Timaru [N.Z.]
: Timaru Herald Co., Printers, 1908. 62p
Lunar theories : a heliocentric suggestion : is it new? / by J.
Hardcastle. Timaru, N.Z. : Timaru Herald Print, [1917]
Timaru Main School jubilee, 8th October 1874, 8th October 1924 : sketch of
school history : reminiscences of former teachers : messages of congratulation.
Souvenir of the jubilee of the Main School, Timaru, Oct. 1924. Publisher:
Timaru Herald 95 p. An elementary school. Other Contributor: Hardcastle, J.
John Hardcastle : 1891-1991 : one hundred years of loess stratigraphy.
[Leicester, England] : Centre for Loess Research and Documentation, [1988]
Handing back the keys
NZ Truth 2 September 1922, Page 1
Forty years ago Mr John Hardcastle entered the office of the Timaru "Herald" as
a junior member of the staff. This week he handed back the office keys, worn
smooth, with many turnings, but gladly will, he be welcomed should he drop in as
he passes. Forty years of service, given loyally, thoroughly and willingly, have
earned for him that welcome. The Hardcastles are well-known in Canterbury, for
the old people, Mr and Mrs Edward [sic: Thomas] Hardcastle, were among the first
of those who broke new ground in the tussock land round Geraldine in the very
early days, with headquarters at Castlewood, the name of which still survives,
though the old homestead lands have long ago, been divided up. John Hardcastle
received the education of the day, readin', 'ritln' and 'rithmetic, but having
sampled the R's he thirsted for the alphabet. There were no schools in the
district not till he opened the first at Woodbury years later and farm work
filled the day. No matter, a bookrest may be fitted to a plough, but if the
alphabet was mastered the thesaurus of science had scarcely been opened.
Australia boasted a library at Melbourne, and to Australia John Hardcastle went
to work by day and to browse upon the text books, he sought when the day's work
was done. Back in New Zealand again, he tried his luck on the West Coast
diggings, an inquirer and a worker both. Then back to Geraldine and the school
at Woodbury. He is still remembered by many a Woodbury man as The Schoolmaster,
to the disadvantage of schoolmasters of to-day. Journalism made a call, as it
also made to a brother, Mr E. Hardcastle, for many years with the Christchurch
"Press,", and now enjoying a rest as Mayor of Geraldine, and later to three
sons, one in Auckland and two in Wellington, and since that day, with the
exception of a short period at Napier, Mr John Hardcastle has been in the same
office, as reader, reporter, sub-editor, editor of the now extinct South
Canterbury "Times," and for a time Editor of the "Herald." The book of science
is large and is writ small, and his retirement on well earned superannuation
finds him with years, many, we hope, of quiet inquiry before him. His has been
an unselfish and loyal life; he has helped many, in journalism and out, directly
and by kindly example. We join with his very many friends in the wish:.- Long
may his holiday be pleasant.
Obituary - he came out to N.Z. in
1858
Born in 1847 in Beverley, East Yorkshire s/o Thomas & Caroline Hardcastle
nee Hebb
Evening Post, 13 June 1927, Page 8
There died in Timaru last night Mr.
John Hardcastle, one of New Zealand's veteran journalists. He was
eighty years of age, but was well and active and the end came suddenly
and unexpectedly. He came to New Zealand at the age of eleven with his
father, the late Thomas Hardcastle, who acquired "Castlewood," a
well-known property at Pleasant Valley, near Geraldine. Lacking modern
opportunity for acquiring education easily
Mr Hardcastle studied
independently and assiduously and equipped himself with a rich store of
knowledge, of which he made full use to the end of his days. After a
varied life, part of which was spent as a schoolmaster in Geraldine; he
joined the staff of the "Timaru Herald" in 1879, and with a brief break
during which he was employed by a Napier paper, he served the "Timaru
Herald for over forty years. He retired in September, 1922, when the
proprietors and staff and the paper itself paid a unusually fine tribute
to his work and character. As reporter he became intimately acquainted
with the history of South Canterbury and later as editor of the "South
Canterbury Times" - many years defunct - and sub-editor of the 'Herald'
he helped maintain a high standard of journalism in the town.
Notwithstanding the arduous work which a newspaper demanded - far more
arduous than the newer generation of pressmen is apt to realise - Mr
Hardcastle was able to do a vast amount of other work, and he was an
active student of science and philosophy. He was an ardent geologist and
made a close study of the geology of South Canterbury in particular.
This work fully occupied the closing years of his life, and he offered a
fine example of the value of congenial occupation in maintaining the the
spirit of youth in an aged body, and the ability to maintain unimpaired
a multitude of friendships among and old and young. The family consists
of Mrs. Hardcastle, three sons and two daughter. The sons are Harry,
John, and Alan, all journalists; and the daughters are Mrs A.H. Squire
(Waitohi) and Mrs. T. P. Wooding, jun. (Rangitata).
Auckland Star, 14 June 1927, Page 5
The death at Timaru on Sunday, of Mr. John Hardcastle, aged 80 years, removes
one of the veteran Pressmen of New Zealand. He joined the staff of the Timaru
"Herald" as a render and junior reporter in 1870, and retired in 1022. Mr.
Hardcastle was born in Yorkshire, and came to New Zealand with his father, the
late Mr. Thomas Hardcastle, one of the earliest settlers in the Geraldine
district. Mr. John Hardcastle worked for some years on his father's farm, and
then had a turn hunting for gold on the Otago and Westland fields. Later he
qualified at Christchureh and Melbourne for the teaching profession. While at
Temuka he assisted a friend with the Temuka "Lender," and eventually took charge
of both the literary and business side of that journal, until he joined the
staff of the Timaru "Herald." Five years later Mr. Hard| castle joined the staff
of a newly started paper at Napier, hut as it only I lasted a few years he
returned to the Timaru "Herald" in 1888. Mr. Hardcastle, prior to joining the
Press, was at one time cradling for gold on the Molyneaux. Later he was for a
short while running a threshing mill in North Canterbury. After he had started
school teaching, he spent six months in Melbourne studying, and another six in a
Victorian forest living in a hut ant earning his living at bushwhacking. Apart
from his journalistic work, Mr. Hardcastle devoted much time to scientific
studies, being particularly interested in the geology of South Canterbury. He
was blessed with physical and mental vigour until his death, which occurred
suddenly. He is survived by Mrs. Hardcastle, three sons (who are journalists)
and two daughters.
Evening Post, 10 July 1935, Page 18 MR. E. HARDCASTLE
Mr. E. Hardcastle, a veteran journalist and an authority on agricultural
science, died at his home at Cashmere, Christchurch, yesterday morning, in his
75th year. Born at Longbeach, he was the fifth son of Mr. Thomas Hardcastle, of
Castlewood, Pleasant Valley, one of the pioneer farmers of South Canterbury.
Early in his career he showed a literary bent, leading to an appointment to the
reporting staff of the Christchurch "Press" about 1882. His agricultural
upbringing gave him a flair for sheep husbandry and pastoral science, and he was
made agricultural editor of the "Weekly Press," and established arid carried on
its farming features. His judgment on all questions affecting stock was sound
and much valued, and it was he who established the system of recording
transactions at the Addington market which has been a notable feature of the
Christchurch daily papers. He was a frequent contributor to agricultural
journals overseas, and was at one time New Zealand correspondent of the
"Pastoral Review," the well known Australian authority on stock. On his
retirement from the "Weekly Press" in 1919, Mr. Hardcastle took up a small farm
at Geraldine and entered the public life of the district, serving terms as Mayor
of the borough and as a member of the South Canterbury Hospital Board. With
advancing years he decided to dispose of his property, and returned to
journalism in Christchurch as agricultural editor of the "Lyttelton Times," a
position which he relinquished three years ago. Mr. Hardcastle was at one time a
keen deerstalker, making frequent expeditions to the Dingle country of Otago,
and was recognised as an authority on New Zealand's sporting resources in that
respect. He is survived by his widow, who was formerly Miss Barbara Boswell, of
Geraldine.
John Hardcastle m. Rose Mundy in NZ on 27 October 1882
Children:
1. Henry Hardcastle b: 6 July 1883 in Timaru
2. Hester Cecilia Hardcastle b: abt. 1885 in Napier [Albert Henry Squire b. 29
June 1887 Upper Washdyke m. Daisy Hardcastle in 16 Aug.1920 at St. Mary's
Timaru. His parents were Henry and Martha Rebecca Squire nee Ford. Albert died
June 1971. Daisy was cremated 8 Jan. 1973, Timaru]
3. Catherine Hardcastle b: abt. 1887, d. at the age of three months
4. John Marryatt Hardcastle b: 5 Feb. 1889 in Timaru m. Alice Helena BURNETT b:
abt. 1889 in Invercargill. John was editor for the NZ Herald.
5. Alan Arthur Hardcastle b: abt. 1892 in Timaru d. 26 Sept. 1978, buried Karori.
m. Sophia Josephine Maud FINDLAY b: abt 1900
6. Dorothy Clare Hardcastle b: abt. 1896 in NZ m. Thomas Percival Wooding in
1925
Otago Daily Times 2 December 1912, Page 4
HARDCASTLE - BURNETT - On November 12, 1912, at St. Mary's Church, Mornington,
by the Ven. Archdeacon Neild, John Marryatt, second son of John Hardcastle,
Timaru, to Alice Helena (Lal), younger daughter of George Burnett, Dunedin.
John Hardcastle was born in Sep. 1846 in Beverley, East Yorkshire, ENG. He was buried at the Timaru Cemetery on Wednesday 15 June 1927 with the Rev. Hughes officiating. His wife Rose Keturah Hardcastle nee Mundy c: 30 Sep. 1824 in Leven, East Yorkshire, ENG died 16th April 1952 aged 89 years. On their headstone is written - He sought truth for it's own sake.
Sunrise from Moore St. Timaru 25th Nov. 2011
Bradshaw, Margaret A. Beneath our feet: the geology of Canterbury. Christchurch: Canterbury Museum, 1985.
