Interview with Jean Andrews

Jean Andrews was born in Otaki on 23 October 1914. Gives details of her family, particularly her mother, her Te Ati Awa background and childhood in Otaki. Describes use of Maori medicine and family values. Talks about shift to Paekakariki on to land that is now Queen Elizabeth Park. Describes mother's negotiations with the Government over this land and being told that if they did not sell the land it would be taken under proclamation.

Talks about the Maori Battalion being based in Palmerston North during World War II and the American Marines stationed around Paekakariki. Notes that at one point there were 26,000 Marines in the area. Describes at length their family's close and ongoing association with these soldiers many of whom were welcomed in to the family home. Describes entertainment of the troops by Ngati Poneke. Relates how her mother did washing for American soldiers and family members cleaned the Liberty trains. Comments on relationships, including sexual relationships, between local women and soldiers, lack of contraception and her ongoing role in helping children find their American fathers. Recalls the collision of transport ships in a storm off Mana Island which resulted in 103 soldiers being drowned. Talks about the kindness of most of the American soldiers, the racism of a few and a brawl that broke out between members of the Maori Battalion and American soldiers. Talks about pilgrimages made back to the area by many Marines.

Talk about her six daughters and one son, her involvement in kohanga reo and teaching korowai. Describes her welfare work with Social Welfare and the Probation Department and briefly mentions her QSM.

Venue - Wellington : 1991

Interviewer(s) - Queenie Hyland

Venue - Peakakariki

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004732; OHC-004733; OHC-004734

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 839.

Colour photograph of Jean Andrews in 1991