A Special Unveiling of a Memorial Plaque in Purewa’s Historic Old Section on Sunday Honours the Memory of a Long-forgotten Victorian Girl

🖋️“My Dear Mother…If I should ever have a tombstone, put hymn No. 349 on it…I must now say good-bye to all I love. Hoping you will forgive me; good-bye—Yours for ever….”

These were the last recorded words of nineteen-year-old Mabel Helander. She had ingested phosphorus match heads after being arrested on the charge of arson and died in hospital on June 19, 1893. Her farewell letter to her mother was found tucked inside a prayer book.

The fire occurred while Mabel was working as a maid in the service of Martin and Caroline Lush, who at the time lived with Martin’s brother, the Reverend Edward Lush. Mabel’s father, sea Captain Charles Helander, had been swept overboard the previous year. Presumably to help support herself and not burden her family, Mabel soon took up employment with the Lush family.

Investigators pointed to the peculiar circumstances surrounding the fire and were convinced of Mabel’s guilt. They also deemed her to be of unsound mind.

They were probably right. Her farewell letter revealed that she understood herself to be troubled too: “No one knows, only myself and my God in Heaven, what I did at the dead hours of night. I have been nothing but a trouble since I have been born. My brain is quite dazed. I hope my God will forgive me.”

Facing imprisonment or committal to an asylum, Mabel acted out of desperation. Alas, there were few options for a young woman suffering with mental illness in 1890s Auckland.

Along with her request for the hymn, Mabel asked in her letter that Rev. Lush bury her. According to Purewa Cemetery’s records, he did so. However, no gravestone was erected—her plot remained unmarked.

Purewa was unaware of Mabel until the story was noticed in newspaper clippings by someone working with Heritage New Zealand at Ewelme Cottage. Thanks to their efforts and a contribution from Purewa and other donors, sufficient funds were raised to cast a plaque to honour Mabel, bearing the words of Hymn 349. We hope that by telling her story we may be reminded to reach out, to comfort those in need, and to not leave those in crisis isolated and hopeless, that by remembering Mabel, something of the meaning and purpose of her life may be redeemed.

There will be a small gathering this Sunday 15th March at 4pm, where we will unveil the newly placed plaque and share a moment remembering Mabel and her niece (also buried in the plot). Tea & coffee will be provided afterwards.

Plot A/11/021 ~ https://purewa.discovereverafter.com/profile/37106528

All are welcome 🤍