Cox, Ngaira Eulalie, 1914-2008

Date: 25 Mar 1994

From: Arthurs Pass Oral History Project

By: Cox, Ngaira Eulalie, 1914-2008

Reference: OHInt-0049/6

Description: Ngaira Cox was born in 1914. Talks about joining the New Zealand Alpine Club (NZAC) but climbing mostly with Canterbury Mountaineering Club (CMC) members. Talks about the CMC rule of no women members. Describes her accident at De Le Beche Hut in 1939. Talks about knowing most climbers in New Zealand but there being not enough women to go climbing with. Describes W A Kennedy, mountaineer and alpine photographer, for whom she was housekeeper. Recalls climbing Mt. Williams at Arthurs Pass six months after her accident, climbing Sefton and the Minarets with Andy Anderson and Jack Moore and attempting to climb Franklin with Fred Towser. Mentions Charlie Warden, the Cobergers, Con Hodgkinson, Jack Ede and Harper Clarke. Talks about catching the railcar from Christchurch to Klondyke Corner. Describes time at Arthur's Pass with Elva Cox during an earthquake. Talks about her first climb of Mt Rolleston; NZAC jubilee; car taken up the Waimakariri; other trips; comments on her preference for climbing rather than tramping. Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Kay Holder Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1372.

Date: 27 March 1997 - 27 Mar 1997

From: Women and mountaineering in New Zealand 1920-1950

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.