What is the etymology of the word "howwa", meaning "that thing"?

In the North-East of England, where I live, the word "howwa" is used to mean "that thing".

It is pronounced like "shower" and could be used in the following contexts:

Can't you get it to work? Pass the howwa here.

or

I was trying to find the pub but it was an hour before I found the howwa!

or even about a person:

He's the howwa who sold me the car.

Although I hear it regularly, I have no idea where it comes from. Any ideas?

I couldn't find much about howwa in the way of etymology or even a definition (but I'll keep looking), and suspect the word is much older, but the oldest references I could find on the Sunderland Message Boards at readytogo.net are from 2010. Here's four referring to things or people:

anar man.. I was so excited at making a joke the howa backfired :eek:

Berek, May 17, 2010

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/jewels-remain-still-gleaming.495464/#post-7862277

super cup football for me la!! thrashed ivvry howwa aswell

concourseboy, Jun 15, 2010

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/toy-day-at-school-la.501311/#post-7981560

Never heard of the howa la.

woollyback, Sep 13, 2010

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/the-inbetweeners-the-neet.524094/#post-8455786

Some howwa should gan write SMB in the sand :lol: go on man Derg

super sleeves, Sep 28, 2010

http://www.readytogo.net/smb/threads/anyone-fancy-streaking-along-roker-beach.527848/#post-8537546