Interview with Kathleen Adams

Kathleen Mary McCulloch Adams born at the farm at Waitete Bridge, Waihi. Outlines family background: mother came to Waihi 1919 as a war bride; maternal grandmother was Irish; great grandfather worked on station owned by Sir Heaton Rhodes; grandfather spoke fluent Maori which he learned on Banks Peninsula; father worked in mine and also ran a 50 acre dairy farm until 1943, when he went droving. Describes the culture shock experienced by mother on arrival in New Zealand. Refers to Mrs Giddons, another war bride in the area. Recalls: concern for mother's relatives during war; trauma at station to farewell or welcome troops; other effects of war and the depression.

Trained as a primary school teacher and recalls teaching at Thames Central and appointment to Peachgrove Intermediate, Hamilton before returning to Waihi 1958-1968. Refers to Hilton Thompson, head of Peachgrove Intermediate School, Hamilton. Discusses parental involvement in education.

Adopted two children and describes procedure of adoption at that time.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Waihi

Other - Very little biographical information available

Interviewer(s) - Rose MacBeth

Venue - Waihi

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-00528A; OHV-0271

Quantity: 1 Interview(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB-1235.

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