Interview with Polly Teki

Polly Teki talks about her birth in 1908, attending Turakina Maori Girls' College in 1924 and being taken from school to live in Ranana by her father, who died in 1932 from pneumonic influenza. Speaks of her large family, doing a man's job and hard farm work. Mentions the riverboat Whakapai, its bar and items sold on board, the passengers. Refers to land being 'dry' - alcohol free.

Talks of deckhands, Temo Ponga, Captains Anderson and Robinson, the riverboat accidents when Bob Gray and Captain Anderson died. Describes Pipiriki House, its dinners, concerts and why it burnt down. Mentions Ranana Post Office, the telephone exchange and mail transported by riverboat. Mentions the catholic nuns' work.

Topics discussed include the opening of the road and the cessation of the boat service with some unemployment as a result. Refers to Pipiriki and Gurneys Store, the Waimarie restoration, the voyages up the length of the river and timtables.

Recalls bus drivers. Talks of Maori spoken in Ranana and her use of the language. Mentions Mrs. Jack Reweti, the Governor-General, James K. Baxter's Jerusalem commune and Julie Felix's visit.

Mentions the transportation of cream and milk by river in 1930's, talks of 27 farmers in the area. Describes milking by hand and later machine with a diesel engine not electricity in 1932.

Describes Sir Apirana Ngata's development scheme. Refers to church attendance, social life, dances and concerts with the nuns. Recalls Mr. Marumaru's advice to her about the house and farm.

Interviewer(s) - David Charteris

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008401

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1. 1.30 interview(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2617.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-006136, OHLCD-1500