Interview with Vera Morgan

Vera Morgan was born in 1917 in Hokianga. Describes her rural upbringing in relative poverty, working hard on the farm, including milking the cows before school. Talks about her father, a bushman, her mother, who instilled the value of hard work, and her grandmother who taught her about spirituality. Talks about growing vegetables to last the whole year with a share given to the marae. Mentions that Maori was her first language, noting that only the schoolteacher, the butcher and the grocer spoke English in the area. Recalls teaching her grandmother some english words. Mentions that learning was valued in the family but lack of money precluded further education after Proficiency.

Describes why she left the Hokianga, despite her mother's resistence, and her move to Wellington to stay with her father's Pakeha mother and sisters. Recalls the cultural shock of urban migration, having to speak English and friction with her father's family. Describes staying in Wellington, when her uncle found her work as a live-in housekeeper. Talks about working at the government buildings tea rooms. Discusses how childhood disadvantages taught her how to be strongly equipped for life. Recalls the loneliness young Maori faced when they moved to the city. Talks about meeting friends and being part of a whanau through Ngati Poneke, which provided a spiritual haven for her Maori values of wairua, aroha, respect, appreciation and gratitude. Describes Kingi Tahiwi as a man of character and discipline, encouraging values of manaakitanga and karakia. Talks about Maori who didn't become part of Ngati Poneke not having that same sense of belonging. Talks about Lady Pomare and mentions Ma Heketa and Mrs Black.

Other - The third (C90 tape appears to have been recorded on a different day, but no date given. Likewise the third section of the abstract. For ease, these have been kept together). - VH

Interviewer(s) - Patrica Grace

Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Dennis

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC 10533-4

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 C90 cassette(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3648; MSDL-0153 (file VMorgan.doc, tape one only).

Search dates: 1937 - 1948

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLCD-1488 - OHLCD-1491

A digital copy of the recording is available