Interview with Jean Robinson

Jean Robinson was born in 1909. Describes how her parents were immigrants who married on their arrival in Auckland. Describes Helensville in the 1920s. Mentions Verona House and other boarding houses. Recalls primary school days including riding a horse to school, subjects taught and having one teacher. Describes high school picnics to Shelly Beach. Mentions how her brother died of infantile paralysis. Recalls that Dr Meinhold was the only doctor in the community during the 1918 flu epidemic. Describes leaving school and working on the farm and doing housework. Comments that this was what most girls did until marriage. Recalls getting their first car and having to push it on muddy unmetalled roads. Talks about family holidays at Waiuku.

Describes how her husband drove his father's truck. Recalls their marriage about 1935, living in Helensville and then sharemilking for her father before buying her uncle's farm at Mairetahi. Describes how the children went to school at Waioneke. Mentions the original Waioneke school was in Lupton's woolshed. Discusses the post World War II rehabilitation settlement. Comments on the effects of World War II including rationing, transport difficulties and labour shortage. Recalls the Home Guard. Describes fundraising for the war including baby contests and knitting. Recalls the end of war party. Mentions her children attended Kaipara College. Describes her husband's death in 1962 and her involvement in Red Cross, Women's Division Federated Farmers (WDFF) and the church.

Describes the voyage to New Zealand of her grandparents Isaac and Janet McLeod on the `Seagull'. Mentions difficulties on the trip and assistance given by local Maori on their arrival. Mentions John and Helen McLeod, after whom Helensville is named. Describes her father's community involvement on the Kaipara Dairy Board, the Rehabilitation Board, the Agricultural Show, the Racing Club and the Masonic Lodge. Talks about social activities including films and hearing Al Jolson.

Interviewer(s) - Harriet Taylor

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3332.

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