More on Springheel Jack

With reference to 'Faulkner's Corner” (Weekend Sun 18 Sept) Bill Faulkner has mistakenly referred to Springheel Jack as Frances Hodgkins. Springheel Jack's real name was Geoffrey Michael William Hodgkins, known as ‘Michael'. He was a nephew of Frances Hodgkins the well known artist.
He was certainly well known around the Tauranga area in the 1940s & 50s & up until the time of his death in 1965. He and Angus the Scots terrier walked many miles together ( in fact I think he outwalked more than one 'Angus”) & Michael supplied local schoolchildren with detailed drawings and neatly pencil-written notes on pretty much any subject they might ask of him. It was unfortunate that he was ultimately banned from the schools as he had a wealth of knowledge to impart. I seem to remember he collaborated with a Dr Childs on a book many years ago, which I think was entitled 'Shellfish of the Bay of Plenty.”
Trish Simpson, Sterling Gate.

You may also like....

0 comments

Leave a Comment


You must be logged in to make a comment.