Sheep-shearing - New Zealand - Manawatū-Whanganui Region

Date: 10 Mar 1994

From: The Men in Our Lives oral history project

By: Reynolds, Keith Ernest, 1904-1997

Reference: OHInt-0406-12

Description: Born in Clareville 1904. Received his education in Carterton, Masterton and Rangitikei where his family farmed, mostly sheep. Recalls his love for farm work especially driving teams of horses. Mentions Clydesdales, owned by a neighbour. Recalls mother boiling clothes in a copper and the use of flour bags for clothing. On leaving school, Keith helped his father until he left home in the 1920s. Recalls at the age of 27 getting a job looking after 3,000 ewes, later taking on the management of the McGregor Estate which he continued for 18 years, making it a profitable farm. After his success he was offered management of a farm in the Turakina Valley with the option to buy when the owner died which he did after 7 years and farmed successfully for 17 years. Describes the flu epidemic in 1919. Talks in detail about Barney the Swagger who was also known as Russian Jack and Barney the Russian. Thinks he was Polish. Describes shearing and eeling in the Wanganui River. Recalls being Chairman of the Rangitikei Forest and Bird Protection Society for 17 years. During his farming years took up wood-carving as a hobby and was quite successful. When his wife died he taught wood carving in Vanuatu for seven years ending in 1987 to return and teach it in Wanganui. Refers to police badge and Wanganui Coat of Arms which he presented to Police and City Council. Describes sailing trip to the sub-antarctic which he did at the age of 86 years. Also talks about his religion and how much it influenced his life. Abstracted by - Susan Hawes Interviewer(s) - Susan Hawes Recorded by - Susan Hawes Venue - 88 Virginia Road Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006778-006779 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1536.

Date: 13 Oct 1993

From: Slices of lives oral history project

By: Henaghan, Patrick John, 1939-; Henaghan, Joan Elizabeth, 1940-

Reference: OHInt-0407-09

Description: Patrick Henaghan outlines his family background - grandparents came from Ireland and bought farm at Waiata. Joan was born in Palmerston North, the daughter of a salesman and real estate agent. Recalls boarding school at Silverstream and mentions caning. Describes the physical nature of farming in his father's day and his father's early death. Talks about shearing and docking sheep. Describes his mother's hard work feeding shearers. Mentions death duties which had to be paid on his father's death in 1959 and the need for Pat to take over the farm rather than go to Massey. Discusses his interest in innovation in farming including the breeding of ewes which are able to lamb unassisted and rotational grazing (mob stocking). Talks about the effect of the removal of subsidies in 1984, farm amalgamation and an improved awareness of the land among farmers which has meant the planting of more trees and reduced use of chemicals. Joan describes the part she plays on the farm and bringing up three daughters who have developed a great feeling for the farm. Abstracted by - Susan Hawes Awards/funding - Award in Oral History Interviewer(s) - Susan Hawes Recorded by - Susan Hawes Venue - Finnis Road Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006823-006824 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.20 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1580 and OHA-1580a (Additional material). 2 Photographs Search dates: 1939 - 1993

Date: [ca 1910]

From: Tesla Studios :Negatives of Wanganui and district taken by Alfred Martin, Frank Denton and Mark Lampe (Tesla Studios)

Reference: 1/1-016378-G

Description: Four men shearing sheep with hand shears, circa 1910. Photograph taken by the Tesla Studio, probably in the Wanganui District. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).

Date: ca 1910

From: Tesla Studios :Negatives of Wanganui and district taken by Alfred Martin, Frank Denton and Mark Lampe (Tesla Studios)

By: Denton, Frank James, 1869-1963

Reference: 1/1-020875-G

Description: Shearers at work in a wool shed. Taken in the Wanganui district by Frank J Denton circa 1910. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s).

Date: [ca 6 January 1953]

From: Evening post (Newspaper. 1865-2002) :Photographic negatives and prints of the Evening Post newspaper

Reference: EP/1953/0034-G

Description: Godfrey Bowen shearing a sheep at the Akers station at Opiki, Manawatu, taken ca 6 January 1953 by an unidentified Evening Post staff photographer. Caption - Original caption reads "Husky 32-year-old Godfrey Bowen whips the fleece off one of the 456 sheep that went through his hands yesterday when he set a new world's shearing record for a nine hour day." Inscriptions: Marginal notes on negative - beneath image - 1953 34 Godfrey Bowen set a world record by shearing 456 ewes in nine hours on this occasion Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Glass negative Finding Aids: Print available in Turnbull Library Pictures Evening Post illustrations files at EP-Obits-Bo (18/4).