AUDIO

Interview with Ngaira Cox

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Date

27 March 1997 - 27 Mar 1997

By

Cox, Ngaira Eulalie, 1914-2008

Reference

OHInt-0423/06

Description

Ngaira Cox (nee Begg) born Christchurch. Recalls early childhood when family lived on farm at Swannanoa near Rangiora, moving to a farm at Kirwee in 1927. Describes social and sporting activities after leaving school. Recalls involvement with Caversham Girl Guide Sports team while living with aunt in Dunedin. Discusses working for retired school master, Mr W A Kennedy, a well known mountaineer and photographer, and getting interested in mountaineering. Talks about Kennedy's photography and her own photography.

Recalls climbing Avalanche Peak and Mount Rolleston in 1939 with Jim Estall and Bert Esquilant. Describes other climbs and her accident at De La Beche when she was taken to Christchurch. Refers to Christopher Johnson who got help. Describes first trip after accident with Bill Vaughan and Jim Estall. Recalls being in a hut with Elva Cox during big earthquake in the 1940s. Describes first climbing school run by New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) led by Jock Sim at the Hermitage. Refers to group leaders, Dan Bryant and Fred Chapman. Mentions the Cobergers at Arthur's Pass, Neil and Madeleine Hamilton, Doug Dick, Jack Ede, Warwick Newton, Fred Tozer (killed at Takapo) and Sadie Barnett (killed at Port Hills). Briefly mentions her experience as a tram conductor in Christchurch during World War II.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Interviewer(s) - Jennie Gallagher

Arrangement: Tape sequence - OHC-007345-007350

Quantity: 6 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 5.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1755.

Photocopies of 4 b&w photographs: (i) Photograph of Madelene Hamilton, Jean Dick, Mardi Hart and Ngaira Cox (nee Begg); (ii), (iii) and (iv) unidentified mountain climbers and huts.

Additional description

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-006638 - OHLC-006643

Use/Reproduction

Public use may require the written permission of the copyright holder Copyright: Jennie Gallagher

Access restrictions

Partly restricted material

Part of

Women and mountaineering in New Zealand 1920-1950

Format

6 C60 cassette(s), 1 printed abstract(s), 1 interview(s), 5.30 Hours and minutes Duration, Oral histories, Illustration: Photocopies of 4 b&w photographs: (i) Photograph of Madelene Hamilton, Jean Dick, Mardi Hart and Ngaira Cox (nee Begg); (ii), (iii) and (iv) unidentified mountain climbers and huts.

There are 7 items in total.

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