Places

Date: 1992-1996

By: Apatu, Marei, active 1992-1996

Reference: OHColl-0347

Description: Waipatu marae kaumatua talk about their memories of early life in the Heretaunga region of the Hawkes Bay. Primary topics discussed are iwi and hapu links, the Waipatu Marae, local beaches and food sources. Interviewer(s) - Marei Apatu Accompanying material - OHA-4569 and OHA-4570 are in one folder and also contain accompanying information called Background to "Te Kotahitanga - First Maori Parliament" a Chronological Timeline, Glossary and Poroporoake. Quantity: 4 C90 cassette(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 6 printed abstract(s). 1 folder(s) - Accompanying materials. 6 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.

Date: Sep 1997 to May 1998

By: McConnochie, Helen, 1925-

Reference: OHColl-0445

Description: Talks to eleven survivors of the 1931 Napier earthquake who were mainly teenagers at the time of the earthquake. Interviewees are Gordon Amner, Keith Dick, John Hohepa, Althaea Sheppard, Russell Spiller, Agnes Terrill, Dorothy Beddows, Christina Ennor, Leonora Martin, Kenneth Spiller and Douglas Storkey. Other - Agreement form says tapes held at Hawkes Bay Museum Archive (Alexander Turnbull Library not mentioned) Interviewer(s) - Helen McConnochie Quantity: 13 C60 cassette(s). 11 printed abstract(s). 11 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete Summary provided.

Date: 1993-1994

By: Haami, Bradford Joseph Te Apatuoterangi Maaka, 1966-

Reference: OHColl-0453

Description: These recordings were made as source material for the written biography `Dr Golan Maaka : Maori doctor' (1995). Dr Maaka practised medicine in the Whakatāne district for 35 years and combined Pākehā and traditional Māori medical practices. He also did medical rounds in the Ureweras. Interviews are with Tangi Maaka, Maanu Paul, Willie Aarons, Bill Davis, Helen Draper, Ted and Pauline Butt, Jumbo Chadwick, Dr Staverley, Roger Maaka, Ching Tutua, Florence Maaka, Puti O'Brien, Derek Asher, Bob Burgess, Jock Young and Graeme Howard, Leslie Stewart, Inia and June Maaka, Rowena Paku, Koa Murdoch and Manurere Dimitrof. Interviewer(s) - Brad Haami Quantity: 13 C60 cassette(s). 10 C90 cassette(s). 20 interview(s). 28 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: Oct 1983

By: Chalmers, Jocelyn Margaret, 1951-; Smith, Ann Gladys, 1905-1996

Reference: OHColl-0695/1

Description: Ann Gladys Smith was born in West Otago in 1905. Describes her childhood, family and moving from Glenkenich to Tapanui when she was five. Recalls schooling and attending Sunday School. Describes being housekeeper at the age of twelve, returning to high school, becoming a student teacher at the Glenkenich School and then going to Dunedin to work at the Nisbet Home for children in Andersons Bay. Talks about her decision to become a deaconess and training before going to St Andrew's Church in Hastings in 1932. Comments on the effect of the 1931 Napier earthquake on local people. Recalls her time at Auckland at St David's Church during World War II. Discusses the Emergency Precautions Services (EPS) for civilians in the event of a Japanese attack. Describes going to Inglenook Home for children in Gore in 1948 and then to Knox Church in Dunedin. Discusses her work as a deaconess particularly at Knox Church in Dunedin. Publication - Entry in 'Southern people : a dictionary of Otago Southland biography' Interviewer(s) - Jocelyn Chalmers Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstract(s) to come.

Date: 2002 - 2005 - 01 Jan 2002 - 31 Dec 2005

From: Nga Morehu oral history project

By: Apiti, John Whatu, 1915-2007

Reference: OHInt-0776-01

Description: Interview with Hone Apiti (Aged 89) born 1915 in Aotea. Sixth child of Te Whatu a Apiti and Raiha Paki, he was brought up by his grandparents. Refers to his grandmother being blind and knowledgeable in Maori herbal medicine. Mentions his original name Hone Paki, the ferntree house he grew up in, and the subsistance lifestyle of collecting seafood, growing vegetables and milking cows. Discusses his grandparents not speaking English and teaching them as he learnt the language at school. Describes his education including gaining a proficiency certificate and attending Maori Agricultural College. Recalls the Napier and Hastings earthquake and how it destroyed his school. Describes working in a flax mill in the Hauraki Plains. Mentions first meeting his first wife when she was 8 years old, and his second wife who was Pakeha. Discusses his disbelief in the supernatural world and taniwha and his religious beliefs. Talks about a serious accident, the operations he underwent, and his desire to complete certain jobs. Quantity: 2 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available in English OHA-5102.

Date: 1975 - 01 Jan 1975

From: Williams Family Interviews

By: Warren, Greville Williams, 1899-1992; Williams, Brian Leslie, 1904-1975; Williams, Charles Athol, 1899-1990

Reference: OHInt-0174/1

Description: Charles Athol Williams, B L Williams and Greville Warren talk about the Williams Family of Te Aute Station, Hawkes Bay. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Tony Stark Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000466 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: 21 and 27 Aug; 8 Oct 1986; 24 Mar 1988 - 21 Aug 1986 - 24 Mar 1988

From: New Zealand Medical Women's Association: Records

By: Gillies, Ellensleigh Denny Gordon (Dr), 1902-1989

Reference: OHInt-0019/04

Description: Dr Denny Gillies talks about her family background, her childhood, her reason for choosing medicine as a career, university education, Otago Medical School, Dr Fitchett, holidays and social life, tuberculosis, hydatids, time as house surgeon at Palmerston North, Napier Earthquake, reasons for going to England and not into private practice, post graduate study at Cambridge University studying radiology, return to New Zealand as radiologist at Palmerston North Hospital and then move into private practice in Wellington, type of work, attitudes of patients. Accompanying material - Attached to printed abstract are a number of copies of newspaper articles about Dr Denny Gillies, unsourced; a copy of article entitled 'The Rita Gillies Gardner Memorial Fund' from NZ Medical Journal, vol 62 no 372, August 1963, pp. 383-384 Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Neville Glasgow Venue - 12 Newman Court, 16 Tinakori Road, Wellington. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001782 - OHC-001785 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 279.

Date: 4 Mar 1995-13 Jun 1996 - 04 Mar 1995 - 13 Jun 1996

From: Hawkes Bay oral history project

By: Cowan, Dianne Lee, 1958-

Reference: OHInt-0438-01

Description: Dianne Cowan was born in Wellington in 1958. Recalls the family's move to Marton. Describes leaving school at the age of fifteen, short-term office jobs, falling in love and getting engaged. Talks about her parent's background including time spent by her father, Brian Furness, as a child in institutional care. Mentions family history research being done. Describes the childhood of her mother, Anita Hill, and how her mother left school to help in the family milkbar. Describes how her mother met her father while he was married, her birth and their marriage. Recalls the day of the `Wahine' storm in detail. Describes her son's autism and work to help his development. Discusses `Tomorrow's schools' and its effect on communities. Comments on issues between the towns of Napier and Hastings including location of the hospital. Talks about parochialism and attitudes in the area to feminism and gender issues. Discusses class and racism. Talks about the economic situation and being a one income family. Mentions the Employment Contracts Act (ECA). Discusses politics in Hawkes Bay. Interviewer(s) - Joyce Paton Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2132. Search dates: 1958 - 1996

Date: 14 Feb 1995 - 1 May 1995 - 4 Dec 1996 - 04 Dec 1996

From: Hawkes Bay oral history project

By: Lockhart, Pamela Mary, 1930-

Reference: OHInt-0438-09

Description: Pamela Lockhart was born in Auckland in 1930. Mentions her father was a surgeon and she attended Bayfield School and Woodford House. Recalls the Depression, World War II and life at boarding school. Describes her first job at a travel agency, travelling to England on a boat, her job in London and travel in Europe in 1951. Discusses being a New Zealand woman in London, being presented at Court and her return to NZ after three years. Describes working in Auckland before marriage in 1955 and being on a farm in Bombay (South Auckland) with husband John. Recalls helping on the farm, loneliness, a limited social life, having four children and being involved with the local school. Describes their move to a farm in Porangahau in 1979, her husband's illness after being there a year and the sale of the farm. Describes their move into Hastings. Talks about widowhood and her job with Red Cross for twelve years and association with Woodford House Old Girls. Comments on her preference for Single Tranferrable Vote (STV) over the MMP electoral system. Discusses the location of the Hawkes Bay Hospital and the local body elections. Talks about gardening, the local harvest, painting, a writing group and her role in Speaker Forum organising women speakers from around the country to come to speak in Hawkes Bay. Talks about her grandchildren. Discusses Jim Bolger going to the Asian Pacific Trade Organisation meeting, the health sytsem and the arrival of Canadian firm McCains in Hawkes Bay. Describes the purchase of a new car. Interviewer(s) - Robert Paton Interviewer(s) - Joyce Paton Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2140. Search dates: 1930 - 1996

Date: 24 Feb 1995 - 4 May 1995 - 22 Nov 1996

From: Hawkes Bay oral history project

By: Sinclair, Ronald Yelverton, 1930-

Reference: OHInt-0438-13

Description: Ron Sinclair was born in Eltham in 1930. His early life was spent in Taranaki where his father was a school teacher. Recalls being keen on sport, being dux, going to Ardmore Teachers College and teaching at Inglewood. Talks about when his mother died, his father broke his neck, his brother and sister were in hospital and he went to work on his sick uncle's dairy and cropping farm near Dannveirke. Recalls that this was 1952 and he stayed on the farm for twenty years. Mentions marrying in 1954 and having three children. Comments on his interest and involvement in church life. Recalls being a lay reader, being encouraged to go into the church and being ordained a priest in 1976. Mention his withdrawal from the Masonic Lodge and giving up divining water. Recalls working in the Anglican ministry at the hospital, putting a share-milker on the farm and becoming minister at Porangahau. Discusses the challenge of getting to know Maori, attending tangi, services on the marae and baptism of Maori. Describes a move to New Plymouth, family discussions and chaplaincy at the Taranaki Base Hospital. Recalls returning to Hawkes Bay to care more for his father. Mentions industrial chaplaincy and being minister at Hastings. Talks about his children's occupations. Comments on boundary changes in the new electorates, local body politics, art deco buildings and Jeremy Dwyer, Mayor of Hastings. Comments on parochialism between Napier and Hastings, the need to combine sewerage systems, the Hastings hospital and the proposed motorway. Mentions the growth of the local polytechnic and the move to degree courses. Discusses the Maori occupation of Moutoa Gardens, Maori sovereignty, the need for more consultation, the proposed Maori Council and Ken Mair. Discusses the first MMP election, the wait for the coalition, the power of Maori and New Zealand First. Comments on being retired but continuing with church work. Mentions Lions. Talks about the integration of girls into Te Aute College. Recalls training with the first women to be ordained in the Church, Cherie Baker and Bishop Penny (Jamieson). Talks about communion and the Church. Interviewer(s) - Pamela Lockhart Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2144. Search dates: 1930 - 1996

Date: 5 May 1995 - 22 Nov 1996 - 05 May 1995

From: Hawkes Bay oral history project

By: Shaw, Alasdair Archibald, 1944-

Reference: OHInt-0438-12

Description: Alasdair Shaw was born near Hastings in 1944. Mentions he is third in the family and his parents had a small orchard. Recalls going to Twyford School, Scots College and Hastings Boys High School. Mentions injuries from playing rugby and shepherding. Describes jobs on a station near Gisborne, at Tomoana Works and Maraetotara. Describes a sheep diploma course at Massey University in 1965 and three months in the army at Waiouru in 1966. Comments on enjoying the discipline in the Army. Mentions his love of rugby and returning to work at his father's orchard. Describes high insurance premiums and hailstorm damage to fruit. Talks about the irrigation system, moisture testing of soil, packing, developing new apples, apple varieties and market changes. Talks about his daughters and ski-ing holidays. Discusses electoral changes and MMP. Comments on labour shortage on orchards and orcharding costs including costs of bringing in new varieties. Discusses a hearing on submissions about a proposed bridge over the Ngaruroro River and culverts under the motorway by his house. Mentions the role of the Regional Council and Transit New Zealand. Talks about Apple Fields (company), the Apple and Pear Board and overseas markets. Comments on the necessity of such a board. Interviewer(s) - Pam Lockhart Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2143. Search dates: 1944 - 1996

Date: 30 Oct 1995, 18 Jun 1996 - 30 Oct 1995 - 18 Jun 1996

From: Neville Lambert Memorial oral archive

By: Black, Arthur Gordon, 1919-2011

Reference: OHInt-0585/06

Description: Arthur Gordon Black recalls earliest recollections when he was a boy of four at Porangahau (Southern Hawkes Bay) in 1923 living on a soldier's resettlement farm. Mentions grandfather who lived with them and who had served in Afghanistan war. Describes childhood activities, traversing much of the countryside on foot and pony, finding a bird's nest which contained a human skull with a stone axe in it, and which is now in Napier Museum. Also describes Porangahau School and mentions Miss Tracey who taught there from 1924-1945 and Alf Mudgway. Mentions itinerant gentleman who took music. Other aspects of Porangahau discussed includes: Six o clock closing and Maori rule of not being allowed to take liquor away from hotel; 1931 Earthquake; Proficiency exam; lack of co-educational schools; camps for unemployed; Depression; college uniforms and church parades. Describes Wellington Teachers' College which re-opened after the Depression in 1938 and refers to New Education Conference. Mentions Frank Lopdell, Frank Coombs, Walter Scott and Ron Lockhart. Refers to First Labour Government in 1935. Outlines teaching career, commencing with probationary year at Te Awa School followed by sole charge at Tarawera. Explains how sole charge operated. Talks about experience in Air Force, spending three months in Mounted Rifle camp and refers to Sir Andrew Russell. Mentions Conscription. In 1942 joined Navy and talks about trip across Pacific to Canada, referring to `HMS Philomel' and `Capetown Castle'. Recalls two months course at St Vincents; flying Tiger Moths, Harvards and Barracuda (flying bomber) and learning to dive bomb and drop torpedoes. Talks about experience when at Crail. Recalls returning to New Zealand on HMS 'Illustrious'. Mentions wife, Margaret, having to wait for ship bringing war brides. Recalls having to undertake refresher course [post war] before taking a teaching position at Te Karaka District High School. Mentions A E Manning (Principal). Talks about involvement in Institute (NZEI). Other aspects of teaching career discussed include: Currie Report; Ruatoria School which was used as a model school for Maori education; Grading systems; first parent teacher group; Truant Officers; role of visiting teacher; Basic equipment scheme; Maori schools which were administered by Maori Affairs Department with separate Maori inspectors; teacher welfare; corporal punishment; Ministers of Education, with reference to Phil Amos and discussion on maternity leave [early 1970s]. Considers NZEI has helped teachers immeasurably in conditions of service. Mentions Dr Beeby and his philosophy. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Roger Dougls Caley Venue - Massey Street, Hastings Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008898-008899, OHC-008900; OHLC-004545-004547 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2763.

Date: 28 Apr 2001

From: Interviews with Patricia and Trevor Mickell

By: Mickell, Patricia, 1922-

Reference: OHInt-0594-01

Description: Patricia Mickell is interviewed by her grand daughter, Kathryn Mickell, about her life's stories. Talks about her family, the 1931 Napier earthquake, sport, working as a land girl in World War II, marriage, homemaking, life in the 1940s and 1950s, and life in the South Island with her family. Interviewer(s) - Kathryn Hazelwood Accompanying material - 2 copies of bound volume of quotes and photos Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009342, OHC-009343 Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3018. Photocopies on A4 sheets throughout. Search dates: 1922 - 2001

Date: 13 Nov 1991

From: Maori Women's Welfare League: Interviews

By: Rangiihu, Myrtle Tahiti, 1918-2003; Szaszy, Mira, 1921-2001

Reference: OHInt-0602-03

Description: Tahiti Rangiihu nee Chadwick, born 1918 at home in Kohupatiki in Hastings. Father, Te Hore Ngarangi Chadwick of Ngati Mananui of Ngati Tuwharetoa and Ngati Maniapoto; mother, Erana Rapana (Robin) of Ngati Maniapoto and Ngati Kahungunu-ki-Heretaunga. Talks about schooling, leaving at a young age to work in the family home and farm. Recalls marriage to a minister, Hamiora Rangiihu in 1938 and gives details of their 4 adopted children. Mentions contact with Apirana Ngata and talks about the role of Bishop Bennett in establishing the Te Awapuni Institute. Describes setting up a Chadwick family trust and comments on the effects of 99-year land leases on Maori. Discusses the importance of church, community and marae in her life. Describes establishing an orchard on family land, picking apples for export and creating employment for the local people. Talks about joining the Huramua branch of the Maori Women's Welfare League in Wairoa and mentions Rangi Royal, Turi Carroll and early members of the branch. Mentions role as a branch president in the Hastings area. Describes ways in which the League has benefitted the lives of Maori women. Quantity: 1 transcript(s). Search dates: 1991 Processing information: No recording received. Transcript only

Date: 06 Dec 1993

From: Maniapoto Archives Oral History Project: He Taonga Tuku Iho

By: Tauariki, Sonny, active 1992; Munro, John Leslie, 1919-2015

Reference: OHInt-0085-20

Description: John Leslie Munro was born in Gisborne, in 1919. Provides ancestry affiliations. Discusses early life with parents in Gisborne including father's work as a shepherd, chores, schooling, girlfriends, sports, social events and dances. Outlines poor conditions during the Depression. Touches on memories of the Napier earthquake in 1931. Recounts training and admittance to New Zealand Air Force in 1941 and further training in Canada and England. Describes bombing raids over Germany naming the Dam raid. Discusses return to New Zealand, marriage to Betty Joan Hill in 1948 and his children. Outlines community work, chairmanship of Mapiu School and time as Mayor of the Waitomo District. Talks about Maori affairs. Interviewer(s) - Sonny Tauariki Accompanying material - Abstract contains fascimile photographs of John Leslie Munro, his wife Betty Jean Munro, Waitomo District Mayor and Councillors 1991, souvenir programme of 'The Dam Busters' and biographical article on Squadron Leader L.L. (Les) Munro. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-013531 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 50 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4758.

Date: August 1995

From: Kahungunu Kaumatua of the late 1900s

By: Hapi-Smith, Huia, active 1995-

Reference: OHInt-0591/13

Description: He korero mo te Mahia Talks about te Mahia Quantity: 15 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: August 1995

From: Kahungunu Kaumatua of the late 1900s

By: Hungahunga, Reremoana Chum, active 1995-

Reference: OHInt-0591/16

Description: E korero ana mo te kura tuatahi o Omahu i Heretaunga Talks abut the first Omahu school in Hastings Quantity: 19 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available.

Date: 26 Sep 1993

From: Memories of the Kaipara oral history project : Part one

By: Davidson, Edna Marie, 1910-2000

Reference: OHInt-0430/04

Description: Edna Davidson was born in Herne Bay in 1910. Her father was Charles Ravenhall and her mother Mary Rashleigh, a tailoress. Describes how her parents met, married in Auckland in 1907 and lived in Herne Bay. Recalls boating and fishing as a child and attending plays and concerts at His Majesty's Theatre where her father was first violinist. Describes education at Bayfield and Meadowbank Primary Schools. Recalls the 1918 flu epidemic and having `gas stuff' blown down their throats as a preventative. Discusses how her father did not believe in higher education for girls so she left school at the age of twelve and worked at Smith and Caughey's lace department. Talks about a subsequent job with Remuera draper Amy Moore. Describes learning to drive and meeting her future husband, W T Davidson who she married in 1929. Gives details of her wedding dress. Talks about her husband's contract to dig soil for the waterfront road, his work excavating for the Civic Theatre and their financial sacrifice to purchase a navvy (motor shovel). Describes taking this machine down to Napier for work after the 1931 earthquake and subsequent work at Galatea. Describes moving to Kaukapakapa and sometimes living from their Dodge truck. Talks about moving to Woodhill in 1935, getting a farm which was part of the Casement Aickin estate and her husband continuing to do some contracting. Describes building a house in 1944 and building up a dairy herd. Talks about the war effort at Woodhill, the school, the Country Womens Institute (CWI) and their social life. Describes how there was a forestry settlement at Woodhill but it has since closed. Interviewer(s) - Gabrielle Hildreth Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3326.

Date: 31 Jan 2001

From: Upper Hutt Uniting Parish Millennium Project

By: Shakespeare, Edith Bohannon, 1917-2015

Reference: OHInt-0593/43

Description: Edith Shakespeare was born in Napier in 1917. Gives reasons for changing churches from Brethren to the Upper Hutt Uniting Parish, St. David's, St. Andrew's, the Baptist Church, Church of Christ and subsequently Iona. Relates that she sang in the St. David's choir, travelling there by bicycle or bus. Talks of St. Andrew's becoming part of the uniting parish and mentions the loss of the church building. Relates her enjoyment of services at the Wallaceville Church. Explains her faith and prayer mentioning Rev. Archie Kirkwood. Mentions that her family have moved away from Upper Hutt. Describes the Hawke's Bay earthquake, her father's injury, being evacuated to Palmerston North. Describes the church she attended in Ahuriri. Talks of attitudes by various denominations to each other, mentions a variety of buildings used for worship. Recalls Mr. Purvis building a Sunday School in Trentham, later used for church services. Recalls big families of six or eight children. Talks of her faith at the time of her husband's death and during the illnesses of two children. Describes the treatment for her mother's cancer, being cared for by her older sister after her mother's death. Describes available medicines, dental treatment. Recalls knowing people with TB, polio and diphtheria, breast cancer. Explains that she was President of the Ladies' Fellowship, a Church elder and that she goes sit dancing. Relates her preference for old hymns and outlines the format of services. Talks of changes in numbers of young people attending church impacting on Bible classes and Sunday School. Describes changes in social life, church attitudes to dancing. Talks of women ministers, mentioning Ann Thomas and Doug Lendrum who took over from her. Interviewer(s) - Elaine Bolitho Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009298 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) - printed. 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3006, OHDL-000961. Portrait photograph taken at the time of the interview Search dates: 1931 - 2001

Date: 20 Sept 2001 - 20 Sep 2001

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Swabey, Barbara Vernon, 1910-2003; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-01

Description: Barbara Swabey was born in Wellington in 1911. Talks about her grandparents. Talks about how her grandmother Frances Simcox, nee Colenso, grew up on a mission station in Hastings, and spoke fluent Maori. Talks about her grandparents moving to Otaki in 1878, farming and building a homestead on leased Maori land at the Forest Lakes, and having a tennis court and a cook. Refers to her grandfather William Simcox, playing the organ at the Rangiatea Church, when Bishop Hadfield ran the Anglican mission. Mentions the missioners, the McWilliams. Refers to her parents settling in Otaki, and her father working at the butter factory. Mentions attending Miss Baber's (later Marsden) School, and boarding to attend Wellington Girls College. Mentions a governess. Describes holidays at the family's camping bach, her mother learning to drive a car, hotels, and shops. Talks about Karitane training in Wanganui, working as a Karitane nurse in Wellington during the Second World War, and returning to Otaki to nurse her mother until she died in 1958. Mentions travel was difficult during the war. Talks about being a life member of the golf club. Talks about writing articles for the Otaki Historical Society journal. Talks about her mother's family, who came from Birmingham. Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Accompanying material - Notes written by Barbara prior to interview in 2001 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11058 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3866. Photo of Barbara ca 2000; photo of Lincoln Imp, bought from England by mother; photocopies of family holiday camp built by Barbara's grandmother (Frances Simcox); photocopy of photo of Barbara as child in a boat Search dates: 1870 - 2000