
OLEO
Now the above photo has been sitting in my files for a little while and with all the varnish boys waking up at anchor in Patio Bay, with a dull head, post the CYA party, today could be a good day to get some help from the Work Boat woodys.
The photo of Oleo was sent in by Ray Morey, ex Dave Stanaway, showing her on the hard at Awanui earlier this year – can we learn more about her?
Harold Kidd Input – OLEO was built for R H Harnett of Whangarei by Tyler & Harvey in December 1910. Her original engine was a 20hp Union.
R H Harnett lived at Parua Bay and was a trader on the harbour. He sold OLEO to R B S Hogwood in 1915 and owned MOERANGI for passenger and mail work from 1912 until he died in 1936.
K1
The photo above came to me as part of a selection of sailing photos, sent in by Mike McGehan. Nothing spectacular about the photo but its a good segue to remind you all to put a circle in the diary for Monday 9th December for the launch of Jenni Mence’s book named, no prizes here, K-Class.
Invitation below – but please if you are attending, to help with catering – RSVP to Jenni at jenni@kclass.co.nz

Hi, everyone, I am the late Tommy Walkers wife. Rose. The Oleo has been left to mine and Tommy’s son Grant. He does not have the confidence that his father had and even though he is very proud to own the Oleo he would prefer her to go to someone who loved her like his Dad did and would take good care of her. You can contact me on. 09 4067084 or email us on rosewalk@xtra.co.nz for any information.
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Hi all my name is Brian Cosson i come from Awanui and lived with Tommy and Rose Walker in my teens. It is with much sadness that Tommy passed away earlier this year. The photo provided my Captain Dave Stanaway was taken by me Dave and I were at sea together. Tommies Wife and son Grant are thinking about selling Oleo is there any one here that could put a fair price on her or is any one interested?
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R H Harnett lived at Parua Bay and was a trader on the harbour. He sold OLEO to R B S Hogwood in 1915 and owned MOERANGI for passenger and mail work from 1912 until he died in 1936.
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Thank you Harold. I think Mr. Harnett was the resident magistrate or some such person of note of the Mangaia district.
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OLEO was built for R H Harnett of Whangarei by Tyler & Harvey in December 1910. Her original engine was a 20hp Union.
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Alan, that photo was sent me by Dave Stanaway, please credit him. Al McR. yes she was owned by the Wright family for years at Whangarei and Parua Bay before going to Tommy Walker but you are thinking of the “Opaia” very similar in looks. She did the Limestone island work when owned by Fisher Bros. Jack and Kay
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The “Oleo” was on the Whangarei Harbour for years, i remember it back in the 50s, I think it was towing barges of limestone from Limestone Island
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Give Tommy Walker a ring awanui harbours master built for parua bay tavern
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