SPECIAL VILLA #2:
9 Mays St, Devonport. Built 1908 by Selwyn Mays, son of Oliver Mays. Selwyn was a Chief Crown Prosecutor and younger brother of my Grandfather, Howard Mays (see tomorrow's "Special Villa"). The street was known then as Grey St but was renamed after the Mays brothers who were well-known identities in Devonport The house was owned from 1926 to 1985 by the Mason family who were related by marriage to the Mays family.
Classic features of the villa include a distinctive filigreed facade and upper and lower balustraded veranda with cast iron decorations. The tower was built by the present (2007) owners but something similar had apparently had been planned by Selwyn. (photographs by Paul Knight.) Purely by coincidence, Helen and Catherine Knight, daughters of my Father's brother Denis, each lived here while they were at university, not knowing anything of the admittedly indirect family connection. About 1926, Selwyn dived off the Devonport wharf to rescue a drunk and scraped his arm on barnacles under the wharf lavatory. He almost died from the resulting septicaemia and, unable to make a full recovery, his career ended.
Poll: Should we be giving the green light to new mining projects? 💰🌲
The Environmental Protection Authority announced this week that a proposed mine in Central Otago (near Cromwell) is about to enter its fast-track assessment process. A final decision could come within six months, and if it’s approved, construction might start as early as mid-2026.
We want to know: Should mining projects like this move ahead?
Keen to dig deeper? Mike White has the scoop.
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53% Yes
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47% No
Make the holidays easier this year!
We’ve pulled together a few clever Christmas hacks thanks to Ryman resident, Sullen - simple ideas to save time and stress so you can enjoy more of the festive fun.
A few favourites:
- Hang tree lights vertically for an even glow
- Use reusable gift bags for quick, eco-friendly wrapping
- Prep food ahead to keep Christmas Day relaxed
Click read more for the full list of tips.
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