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AddBy: Jack Dobbs22nd Jan 2022 7:55PMYes that is me with Charlie Rhodes and the bloke with back to camera would be Brian Gough. I think it may have been taken on the Ikamatua site of the Of the Reefton saddle late morning on the day of the Inangahua earthquake. It was as far as we could go by car and had to walk over the saddle and be picked up my Reefton Constable Murray Le Fevre. Picked up from Reefton by Nelson helicopter and first Police into Inangahua. Charlie had transported four of us police SAR members from Greymouth. Sgt Peter Grooby lus one other member who’s name escapes me made up out team. My pack is visible in the boot of the car.
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West Coast police - Charlie Rhodes and a young Jack Dobbs.1968 PHOTO ALBUM*
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DescriptionJust sorting out photos of my Dad Charlie Rhodes, policeman in Westport and Greymouth in the 1950's 1960's.
Jack Dobbs.."Yes that is me with Charlie Rhodes and the bloke with back to camera would be Brian Gough. I think it may have been taken on the Ikamatua site of the Of the Reefton saddle late morning on the day of the Inangahua earthquake. It was as far as we could go by car and had to walk over the saddle and be picked up my Reefton Constable Murray Le Fevre. Picked up from Reefton by Nelson helicopter and first Police into Inangahua. Charlie had transported four of us police SAR members from Greymouth. Sgt Peter Grooby lus one other member who’s name escapes me made up out team. My pack is visible in the boot of the car.
Hi Brian Borg - didn’t make it to Inspector, just a Sergeant.. Have some photos of that tube race somewhere.
New Zealand Police Museum
pdeornsSto
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045t7aa04
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47h
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y
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d
mf
3
ml5
e
r
3
t
1ci
a
1
m
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5h023
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·
The Recognition Project within New Zealand Police continues to research how our people have died while performing their duty. Today for the first time we acknowledge the tragic death of Senior Constable Charles Rhodes 56 years ago. The New Zealand Police Museum would like to thank Charlie's family for their generosity in waiting so long to tell his story. Moe mai rā Senior Constable Rhodes, you were a great police officer and a community stalwart. You should be remembered. Always.
Name & rank: Senior Constable Charles Mauger RHODES
Born: 1 January 1922
Police Number: 2137
Years in New Zealand Police: 17
Stationed: Greymouth
Died: 3 April 1969
Age: 47
Married with five children
Charlie’s story:
Charlie was born in Christchurch, at 18 he enlisted in the Defence Force and served during WWII in the Pacific and the Far East. As a Temporary Lance Corporal he was sent to Egypt, his first engagement there was as Special Prisoner of War Escort. Charlie never talked about his time during the War, he attended each ANZAC Day ceremony.
Before joining New Zealand Police in 1952, Charlie was an upholsterer for New Zealand Railways. His first two years with Police were spent in Christchurch and Lyttelton. He was a member of the Police rugby team and represented Canterbury in softball, winning a South Island championship, he was also a member of the New Zealand Softball Council. A hugely social and service driven man, Charlie was a member of the Returned Services Association and Masonic and Druid Lodges.
In 1954 Charlie was transferred to Westport. Keeping the community safe and youth occupied was a big focus. With the first Police Youth Club (PYC) having started in Westport, he became heavily involved with the organisation and its various activities. He also played a big part in the revival of softball. Charlie was an official of the Buller Marching Association and was the PYC marching coach. Ham radio was also a special hobby, Charlie’s call sign was ZL3BY.
During the Royal Visit in 1953/4, Charlie was assigned to Greymouth and the security of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during their overnight stay. He was stationed on duty outside their suite at Revington’s Hotel.
In 1962, Charlie was transferred to Greymouth. His duties included Arms Officer, Inquiry Office, relieving CIB duties and an authorised Police driving tester. It was well known that Charlie was one of Westport and Greymouth’s most popular and well-regarded police officer. He was involved in a whole host of community organisations including Secretary of the Grey District Police Association, senior coach rugby league. As a sportsman he fostered and coached the women’s rugby league team and was manager/coach of West Coast schoolboys under 14 softball team. Charlie was a member of the West Coast champion-of-champions bowling team. He felt that participation in sport was hugely important, along with a keen sense of humour. He firmly believed when youth were engaged in sport and other activities it kept them off the streets and out of borstal. Encouraging respect for those who have gone before, Charlie mustered a group of youths to clean up the local cemetery - grounds and headstones.
His ham radio hobby was used to good effect, he taught amateur radio operator licensee’s morse code to help them pass their exam. He was a sectional leader of Westland’s Amateur Radio Emergency Corps, supporting the Local Authority Civil Defence communications schemes. He also operated the base radio for many search and rescue exercises and searches with SAR and AOS.
In 1966, Constable Charlie Rhodes was awarded the Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal for 14 years of outstanding service.
The Strongman Mine Disaster at Rūnanga on 19 January 1967 was particularly difficult, Charlie was one of the first police officers to attend the scene. Nineteen miners died. Charlie was also one of the constables that visited the families of those killed in the tragedy, to tell them their loved one had died.
On 24 May 1968, a 7.1 magnitude 12km deep earthquake shook Īnangahua. Ensuring his family were safe first Charlie headed off, part of the SAR team helicoptered in to determine what had happened to the small township and to provide crisis management. Charlie was part of the team that recovered the body of a deceased woman buried in a massive landslip.
In another incident, a young man wielding a gun along the main streets of Greymouth was threatening people with it. Charlie was in the station watchhouse when the gunman walked in and threatened him. Using his powers of appeal and persuasion, Charlie managed to talk him down, and he handed over the firearm.
In late February 1969, two offenders stole two Sten guns, 900 rounds of ammunition and two bayonets from a Defence Force armoury. Their intention was to steal gold bullion from the Taramakau dredge. An extensive search was mounted in the Lake Brunner area near Mitchells for the fugitives. The weather was wet and freezing cold, described as adverse field conditions, and Charlie was forced to wear a wet uniform throughout a lengthy shift on the search. Charlie developed pneumonia and complications set in. He died at Greymouth Hospital on 3 April 1969, as a result of performing his duty. Because he was denied dry clothing during his time in the field, Charlie’s family received some financial compensation.
The fugitives were eventually tracked and caught, after ten days, by two police dog handlers from Christchurch.
Charlie’s values included kindness, honesty, fairness and the desire to help others. He was a great family man, dearly loved. While his life was short, he crammed a lot into it. His wife Irene was very supportive and equally involved in the community and sport, as were their children. His family are so proud of him, the respect he was held in, and what he achieved in the community and as a positive influencer on youth. Charlie’s family report that boys who knew him, and those that attended the Police Youth Club, still mention what a positive role-model he was and that he changed their lives for the better, keeping them out of trouble.
A large Police funeral was held, and Charlie was buried at Karoro lawn cemetery in Greymouth. He was survived by his wife Irene, daughters Adrienne, Shirley, Margaret, Carol and son Barry. See less
Date of Photo1968Map[1] ContributorShirley Farrell
Jack Dobbs.."Yes that is me with Charlie Rhodes and the bloke with back to camera would be Brian Gough. I think it may have been taken on the Ikamatua site of the Of the Reefton saddle late morning on the day of the Inangahua earthquake. It was as far as we could go by car and had to walk over the saddle and be picked up my Reefton Constable Murray Le Fevre. Picked up from Reefton by Nelson helicopter and first Police into Inangahua. Charlie had transported four of us police SAR members from Greymouth. Sgt Peter Grooby lus one other member who’s name escapes me made up out team. My pack is visible in the boot of the car.
Hi Brian Borg - didn’t make it to Inspector, just a Sergeant.. Have some photos of that tube race somewhere.
New Zealand Police Museum
pdeornsSto
:
045t7aa04
e
47h
Y
y
t
a
d
mf
3
ml5
e
r
3
t
1ci
a
1
m
A
M
5h023
9
3
a
8
s
·
The Recognition Project within New Zealand Police continues to research how our people have died while performing their duty. Today for the first time we acknowledge the tragic death of Senior Constable Charles Rhodes 56 years ago. The New Zealand Police Museum would like to thank Charlie's family for their generosity in waiting so long to tell his story. Moe mai rā Senior Constable Rhodes, you were a great police officer and a community stalwart. You should be remembered. Always.
Name & rank: Senior Constable Charles Mauger RHODES
Born: 1 January 1922
Police Number: 2137
Years in New Zealand Police: 17
Stationed: Greymouth
Died: 3 April 1969
Age: 47
Married with five children
Charlie’s story:
Charlie was born in Christchurch, at 18 he enlisted in the Defence Force and served during WWII in the Pacific and the Far East. As a Temporary Lance Corporal he was sent to Egypt, his first engagement there was as Special Prisoner of War Escort. Charlie never talked about his time during the War, he attended each ANZAC Day ceremony.
Before joining New Zealand Police in 1952, Charlie was an upholsterer for New Zealand Railways. His first two years with Police were spent in Christchurch and Lyttelton. He was a member of the Police rugby team and represented Canterbury in softball, winning a South Island championship, he was also a member of the New Zealand Softball Council. A hugely social and service driven man, Charlie was a member of the Returned Services Association and Masonic and Druid Lodges.
In 1954 Charlie was transferred to Westport. Keeping the community safe and youth occupied was a big focus. With the first Police Youth Club (PYC) having started in Westport, he became heavily involved with the organisation and its various activities. He also played a big part in the revival of softball. Charlie was an official of the Buller Marching Association and was the PYC marching coach. Ham radio was also a special hobby, Charlie’s call sign was ZL3BY.
During the Royal Visit in 1953/4, Charlie was assigned to Greymouth and the security of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Phillip during their overnight stay. He was stationed on duty outside their suite at Revington’s Hotel.
In 1962, Charlie was transferred to Greymouth. His duties included Arms Officer, Inquiry Office, relieving CIB duties and an authorised Police driving tester. It was well known that Charlie was one of Westport and Greymouth’s most popular and well-regarded police officer. He was involved in a whole host of community organisations including Secretary of the Grey District Police Association, senior coach rugby league. As a sportsman he fostered and coached the women’s rugby league team and was manager/coach of West Coast schoolboys under 14 softball team. Charlie was a member of the West Coast champion-of-champions bowling team. He felt that participation in sport was hugely important, along with a keen sense of humour. He firmly believed when youth were engaged in sport and other activities it kept them off the streets and out of borstal. Encouraging respect for those who have gone before, Charlie mustered a group of youths to clean up the local cemetery - grounds and headstones.
His ham radio hobby was used to good effect, he taught amateur radio operator licensee’s morse code to help them pass their exam. He was a sectional leader of Westland’s Amateur Radio Emergency Corps, supporting the Local Authority Civil Defence communications schemes. He also operated the base radio for many search and rescue exercises and searches with SAR and AOS.
In 1966, Constable Charlie Rhodes was awarded the Police Long Service & Good Conduct Medal for 14 years of outstanding service.
The Strongman Mine Disaster at Rūnanga on 19 January 1967 was particularly difficult, Charlie was one of the first police officers to attend the scene. Nineteen miners died. Charlie was also one of the constables that visited the families of those killed in the tragedy, to tell them their loved one had died.
On 24 May 1968, a 7.1 magnitude 12km deep earthquake shook Īnangahua. Ensuring his family were safe first Charlie headed off, part of the SAR team helicoptered in to determine what had happened to the small township and to provide crisis management. Charlie was part of the team that recovered the body of a deceased woman buried in a massive landslip.
In another incident, a young man wielding a gun along the main streets of Greymouth was threatening people with it. Charlie was in the station watchhouse when the gunman walked in and threatened him. Using his powers of appeal and persuasion, Charlie managed to talk him down, and he handed over the firearm.
In late February 1969, two offenders stole two Sten guns, 900 rounds of ammunition and two bayonets from a Defence Force armoury. Their intention was to steal gold bullion from the Taramakau dredge. An extensive search was mounted in the Lake Brunner area near Mitchells for the fugitives. The weather was wet and freezing cold, described as adverse field conditions, and Charlie was forced to wear a wet uniform throughout a lengthy shift on the search. Charlie developed pneumonia and complications set in. He died at Greymouth Hospital on 3 April 1969, as a result of performing his duty. Because he was denied dry clothing during his time in the field, Charlie’s family received some financial compensation.
The fugitives were eventually tracked and caught, after ten days, by two police dog handlers from Christchurch.
Charlie’s values included kindness, honesty, fairness and the desire to help others. He was a great family man, dearly loved. While his life was short, he crammed a lot into it. His wife Irene was very supportive and equally involved in the community and sport, as were their children. His family are so proud of him, the respect he was held in, and what he achieved in the community and as a positive influencer on youth. Charlie’s family report that boys who knew him, and those that attended the Police Youth Club, still mention what a positive role-model he was and that he changed their lives for the better, keeping them out of trouble.
A large Police funeral was held, and Charlie was buried at Karoro lawn cemetery in Greymouth. He was survived by his wife Irene, daughters Adrienne, Shirley, Margaret, Carol and son Barry. See less
Date of Photo1968Map[1] ContributorShirley Farrell
Shown in this image
Location (city or town)IkamatuaReeftonPersonCharlie Rhodes Landmark (Place)Jack DobbsEventWest Coast police
From Facebook
CommentsDavid Burnside
65 HD Holden.
Lynette Purves
I remember your Dad think we may have lived in same street in Westport.
Shirley Farrell
Lynette Purves we lived in Colvin St
Lynette Purves
Same I was Lyn Gear.I so remember you Shirley and your family.xx
Rob Lunn
Not sure guys but the tail lights on the car look like a HK Holden 1968 if that helps
Dan Madden
Rob Lunn based on taillights not a HK but a HT 1969+
Shirley Farrell
Dan Madden Dad died in April 1969 so would the car be 1969+
Shirley Farrell
Rob Lunn looks like it was when Dad was in Greymouth. Thanks
Wayne Leckie
It’s not me lol
Michael Nottingham
Surely one of them is Barry Crumps fictitious character Harvey Wilson, can't comment with any certainty on the other bloke........
Chris Bennett
Michael Nottingham shades of porkpie...
Charlie Buist
Recognise Charlie Rhodes and a young Jack Dobbs.
Reply
18h
Brian Borgfeldt
Charlie Buist Yep. Jack Dobbs. Served at Westport 68/69 then Greymouth. Went onto be Inspector.
Bede Brown
Charlie Buist I agree one certainly looks like Jack Dobbs I new him at Westport and worked under him at Bluff where he was Sgt in Charge. Sure looks like him to me.
Roger Sloan
Those shorts look like 70s.!length.
Sharon Cohen-Manley
I love the car!!!
Kevin Oregan
Barrie Crump for me. They made a movie based in Hari Hari 63_4 A lot was filmed on Franz Glacier. Was called "Runaway" Crumpie sprung to fame with his first book called "A good keen man" on derstalking and culling tales in the NI. Was mostly BS but funfunny as for a camp fire read. The police were filmed often in various scenes but had stand ins in the close ups. Maybe wrong, but for me "Crumpie Sth Westland somewhere" Kevin O'Regan
John Sweeney
Kevin Oregan certainly not Crump. He was never that young at that time . That kid hasn't got a hook nose. I knew Barrie through the majority of his time in South Westland. Agree he did do the film Runaway. Most of the time early 60s was spent south of Fox.
Kevin Oregan
Thanks John. Stand corrected. Cheers Kevin
Richard Pringle
Car HD I had one,wish I still had it great car lift up the bonnet you cold see all the workings,disstribulater,fuel pump,spark plugs,bit different today,
Glenn Milner
That's an HK Holden. Look at the taillights. 1969 they came out, used to own a couple back in the day.
Brian Borgfeldt
Definitely Jack Dobbs. Been trying to find a photo of he and I standing on the bank of the Buller at Hawkes Craige before the tube race to the bridge at Westport. We came in fourth out of about 30.
Kevin Oregan
Thank you Brian. Solved. Kevin
John Oakley
The good old days. Got chased out of Greymouth Hotels for being under age a few times by Charlie
He was always a good guy.Yes that is me with Charlie Rhodes and the bloke with back to camera would be Brian Gough. I think it may have been taken on the Ikamatua site of the Of the Reefton saddle late morning on the day of the Inangahua earthquake. It was as far as we could go by car and had to walk over the saddle and be picked up my Reefton Constable Murray Le Fevre. Picked up from Reefton by Nelson helicopter and first Police into Inangahua. Charlie had transported four of us police SAR members from Greymouth. Sgt Peter Grooby lus one other member who’s name escapes me made up out team. My pack is visible in the boot of the car.
Jack Dobbs
Yes that is me. The bloke with his back to the camera would be Brian Gough I think. Crumple was definitely not there. At a rough guess I think we were looking for a couple of lads from a hot car from Christchurch. They had taken to the bush with a fiirearm after we chased them from Greymouth up the road towards Otira. Charlie Rhodes was the Greymouth Enquiry Constable and a great mentor to young cops.
Hi Brian Borg - didn’t make it to Inspector, just a Sergeant.. Have some photos of that tube race somewhere.
Jack Dobbs
Yes that is me with Charlie Rhodes and the bloke with his back to the camera would be Brian Gough. I think it may have been taken on the Ikamatua side of the Reefton Saddle, late morning on the day of Inangahua earthquake. It was as far as we could go by car and had to walk over the Saddle and be picked up by Murray Le Fevre of Reefton Police. Picked up from Reefton by Nelson helicopter and first Police into Inangahua. Charlie had transported 4 of us Police SAR members from Greymouth. Sgt Peter Grooby was in charge and the 4th members name escapes me. That is my pack in the boot of the car.
Shirley Farrell
Jack Dobbs wow thank you Jack. You have made my day.We are putting together a timeline of our Dad's activities as he would have been 100 on New Years Day. We were told he was flown to the site where the lady had been buried by the landslide Adrienne Chenery Margaret Pratt Carol Lamb.
John Oakley
I knew him in Greymouth in my teens.
Charle use to chase us out of hotels for underage. But was always good about it.
He had an easy smile and a great personality.
He was a person most people would like. We all thought he was a good man.
Good to read the whole story.
RIP Charlie
John Oakley
Sandra Mike Moore
Thank you for this post.i lived in Westport at the time constable Rhodes was stationed there and do remember the name.
What a great tribute to him in this feature.We often forget the people who give service and often theiri life in the course of duty. Humble and not wanting g any praise. Just doing their duty.
After all thise years I can say Thank you
Constable Rhodes.Thanks now to your family who share allot of you in the case of defending often a thin blue line.
Blessings and thoughts to family
Sandra Moore.
Yvonne Smith
Such a lovely man and neighbour when we lived in Cobden....
Cherie Liddell
He sounds like a lovely man. The Recognition Project is a very important project to families of police officers who've died while performing their duty. They still gave their life for their community no different to an officer murdered. Thank you for sharing
Kevin Fleming
My first wife was Leader of the PYC Marching team Charlie coached in Westport and he was such community focussed guy and he had a great rapport with his young marchers.Thank you for that Charlie and the success those girls enjoyed under your tutelage.
Leonie Ward
What an amazing, community minded gentleman who was taken far too early. I didn’t realise what a privilege it was to be befriended by his daughter Shirley at Westport South School during his time in town.
Karla Skates
What an outstanding man
Donna Newman
An amazing man,father and policeman. His lifetime achievements will always be remember - now. Thankyou for sharing
Maureen Shaw
What a full achieving life this gentleman had, well done Sir.
Sharon Bennie
Such a lovely man from all accounts. My father was serving in Greymouth. We lived in the huge flat on top of the Police Station in those days
Maree Lewis
Thankyou for posting this story. I’m proud of his memory too, and send thoughts to his family.
Craig Adair
Respect to you Charlie and a good man lost unfortunately. Your family can be very proud of someone that gave more than most to his community. Again Respect to you RIP
Margaret Becker
What an outstanding man .
Keith Williams
Aside from knowing the whole family,it was widely known that you could call in of an evening and sit in with Charlie while he was talking to people all around the world as a radio ham.A very,very good man that was sadly missed.
Murray Saunders
Respect
Christine Rose Ashdown
Ditto John
Logan Edwards
Need more men like him around
Joy Meyer
Such an interesting story.
Lynette Purves
Amazing man .Remember his family and how wonderful to have had a great dad .
Pauline Naylor
What a wonderful man. The West Coast is grateful for having him here.
David Howe
So easy to catch pneumonia wearing wet clothing. Did no one think of getting dry clothing to him? Another good man lost, in the course of duty. His family must have been shattered by his loss.
Fiona Harrison
Can this post be made shareable please.
Paul Soster
I was in that under 14 softball team that Charlie coached,we went to a tournament in wellington,he was a top man.
65 HD Holden.
Lynette Purves
I remember your Dad think we may have lived in same street in Westport.
Shirley Farrell
Lynette Purves we lived in Colvin St
Lynette Purves
Same I was Lyn Gear.I so remember you Shirley and your family.xx
Rob Lunn
Not sure guys but the tail lights on the car look like a HK Holden 1968 if that helps
Dan Madden
Rob Lunn based on taillights not a HK but a HT 1969+
Shirley Farrell
Dan Madden Dad died in April 1969 so would the car be 1969+
Shirley Farrell
Rob Lunn looks like it was when Dad was in Greymouth. Thanks
Wayne Leckie
It’s not me lol
Michael Nottingham
Surely one of them is Barry Crumps fictitious character Harvey Wilson, can't comment with any certainty on the other bloke........
Chris Bennett
Michael Nottingham shades of porkpie...
Charlie Buist
Recognise Charlie Rhodes and a young Jack Dobbs.
Reply
18h
Brian Borgfeldt
Charlie Buist Yep. Jack Dobbs. Served at Westport 68/69 then Greymouth. Went onto be Inspector.
Bede Brown
Charlie Buist I agree one certainly looks like Jack Dobbs I new him at Westport and worked under him at Bluff where he was Sgt in Charge. Sure looks like him to me.
Roger Sloan
Those shorts look like 70s.!length.
Sharon Cohen-Manley
I love the car!!!
Kevin Oregan
Barrie Crump for me. They made a movie based in Hari Hari 63_4 A lot was filmed on Franz Glacier. Was called "Runaway" Crumpie sprung to fame with his first book called "A good keen man" on derstalking and culling tales in the NI. Was mostly BS but funfunny as for a camp fire read. The police were filmed often in various scenes but had stand ins in the close ups. Maybe wrong, but for me "Crumpie Sth Westland somewhere" Kevin O'Regan
John Sweeney
Kevin Oregan certainly not Crump. He was never that young at that time . That kid hasn't got a hook nose. I knew Barrie through the majority of his time in South Westland. Agree he did do the film Runaway. Most of the time early 60s was spent south of Fox.
Kevin Oregan
Thanks John. Stand corrected. Cheers Kevin
Richard Pringle
Car HD I had one,wish I still had it great car lift up the bonnet you cold see all the workings,disstribulater,fuel pump,spark plugs,bit different today,
Glenn Milner
That's an HK Holden. Look at the taillights. 1969 they came out, used to own a couple back in the day.
Brian Borgfeldt
Definitely Jack Dobbs. Been trying to find a photo of he and I standing on the bank of the Buller at Hawkes Craige before the tube race to the bridge at Westport. We came in fourth out of about 30.
Kevin Oregan
Thank you Brian. Solved. Kevin
John Oakley
The good old days. Got chased out of Greymouth Hotels for being under age a few times by Charlie
He was always a good guy.Yes that is me with Charlie Rhodes and the bloke with back to camera would be Brian Gough. I think it may have been taken on the Ikamatua site of the Of the Reefton saddle late morning on the day of the Inangahua earthquake. It was as far as we could go by car and had to walk over the saddle and be picked up my Reefton Constable Murray Le Fevre. Picked up from Reefton by Nelson helicopter and first Police into Inangahua. Charlie had transported four of us police SAR members from Greymouth. Sgt Peter Grooby lus one other member who’s name escapes me made up out team. My pack is visible in the boot of the car.
Jack Dobbs
Yes that is me. The bloke with his back to the camera would be Brian Gough I think. Crumple was definitely not there. At a rough guess I think we were looking for a couple of lads from a hot car from Christchurch. They had taken to the bush with a fiirearm after we chased them from Greymouth up the road towards Otira. Charlie Rhodes was the Greymouth Enquiry Constable and a great mentor to young cops.
Hi Brian Borg - didn’t make it to Inspector, just a Sergeant.. Have some photos of that tube race somewhere.
Jack Dobbs
Yes that is me with Charlie Rhodes and the bloke with his back to the camera would be Brian Gough. I think it may have been taken on the Ikamatua side of the Reefton Saddle, late morning on the day of Inangahua earthquake. It was as far as we could go by car and had to walk over the Saddle and be picked up by Murray Le Fevre of Reefton Police. Picked up from Reefton by Nelson helicopter and first Police into Inangahua. Charlie had transported 4 of us Police SAR members from Greymouth. Sgt Peter Grooby was in charge and the 4th members name escapes me. That is my pack in the boot of the car.
Shirley Farrell
Jack Dobbs wow thank you Jack. You have made my day.We are putting together a timeline of our Dad's activities as he would have been 100 on New Years Day. We were told he was flown to the site where the lady had been buried by the landslide Adrienne Chenery Margaret Pratt Carol Lamb.
John Oakley
I knew him in Greymouth in my teens.
Charle use to chase us out of hotels for underage. But was always good about it.
He had an easy smile and a great personality.
He was a person most people would like. We all thought he was a good man.
Good to read the whole story.
RIP Charlie
John Oakley
Sandra Mike Moore
Thank you for this post.i lived in Westport at the time constable Rhodes was stationed there and do remember the name.
What a great tribute to him in this feature.We often forget the people who give service and often theiri life in the course of duty. Humble and not wanting g any praise. Just doing their duty.
After all thise years I can say Thank you
Constable Rhodes.Thanks now to your family who share allot of you in the case of defending often a thin blue line.
Blessings and thoughts to family
Sandra Moore.
Yvonne Smith
Such a lovely man and neighbour when we lived in Cobden....
Cherie Liddell
He sounds like a lovely man. The Recognition Project is a very important project to families of police officers who've died while performing their duty. They still gave their life for their community no different to an officer murdered. Thank you for sharing
Kevin Fleming
My first wife was Leader of the PYC Marching team Charlie coached in Westport and he was such community focussed guy and he had a great rapport with his young marchers.Thank you for that Charlie and the success those girls enjoyed under your tutelage.
Leonie Ward
What an amazing, community minded gentleman who was taken far too early. I didn’t realise what a privilege it was to be befriended by his daughter Shirley at Westport South School during his time in town.
Karla Skates
What an outstanding man
Donna Newman
An amazing man,father and policeman. His lifetime achievements will always be remember - now. Thankyou for sharing
Maureen Shaw
What a full achieving life this gentleman had, well done Sir.
Sharon Bennie
Such a lovely man from all accounts. My father was serving in Greymouth. We lived in the huge flat on top of the Police Station in those days
Maree Lewis
Thankyou for posting this story. I’m proud of his memory too, and send thoughts to his family.
Craig Adair
Respect to you Charlie and a good man lost unfortunately. Your family can be very proud of someone that gave more than most to his community. Again Respect to you RIP
Margaret Becker
What an outstanding man .
Keith Williams
Aside from knowing the whole family,it was widely known that you could call in of an evening and sit in with Charlie while he was talking to people all around the world as a radio ham.A very,very good man that was sadly missed.
Murray Saunders
Respect
Christine Rose Ashdown
Ditto John
Logan Edwards
Need more men like him around
Joy Meyer
Such an interesting story.
Lynette Purves
Amazing man .Remember his family and how wonderful to have had a great dad .
Pauline Naylor
What a wonderful man. The West Coast is grateful for having him here.
David Howe
So easy to catch pneumonia wearing wet clothing. Did no one think of getting dry clothing to him? Another good man lost, in the course of duty. His family must have been shattered by his loss.
Fiona Harrison
Can this post be made shareable please.
Paul Soster
I was in that under 14 softball team that Charlie coached,we went to a tournament in wellington,he was a top man.
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West Coast New Zealand History (4th Apr 2025). West Coast police - Charlie Rhodes and a young Jack Dobbs.1968 PHOTO ALBUM*. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 7th Apr 2026 02:22, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/30560