Sheep-shearing - New Zealand - Waikato Region

Date: 1930

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

Reference: PAColl-0001-2-2-172

Description: Newly-shorn sheep in a pen outside the shearing shed at Mangatoi Station photographed in 1930 by Robert E Wells. Inscriptions: Verso - centre - One of Sunday's. Their trials are over for another year - newly-shorn sheep in the pen outside the shearing shed. Note door through which new arrivals are pushed.; Verso - bottom centre - 1930 shearing at Mangatoi Station Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Gelatin silver print 10.2 x 7.9 cm

Date: [Beteen 1950 and 1963]

From: McWhannell, Rhoda, 1898-1996: Diaries, journals and photographs, particularly relating to forestry, farming and domestic life at Ōhaupō

Reference: PA1-o-566

Description: Album of photographs, moslty of family and friends, chiefly taken by Rhoda McWhannell. Family and friends include a gathering at the christening of Malcolm McWhannell (son of Joan and John McWhannell), Bill and Kathleen Haines of `The Croft', Wiltshire, England; Elizabeth and Jane Geddis as teenagers; John McIlrea, a very young boy watching shearing; Mike and Jill Carter; and the home of Mrs Mavis Commons. Scenes relating to `Rozel', the farm owned by Frederick and Rhoda McWhannell, include the felling of a huge aspen poplar in 1963, and working with Mr Gerlach, with a trailer filled with bamboo. Two images show a gingko tree having been transplanted at the age of 30, from the lake at Hamilton, into the city. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with mottled green and navy cover, entitled `Photographs' in gold lettering; 21 x 24 cm

Date: 24 May 1998

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Foley, Jacqueline, 1951-; Quinn, Brian Patrick, 1941-

Reference: OHInt-0509/13

Description: Brian Quinn was born at New Plymouth in 1941. Describes moving to Otorohanga, Rangiatea, South Waikato, King Country and Aria because of his father's work on stations (farming). Talks about the family Pontiac, a Fordson tractor, their home, the importance of music in the home and his sister being in a band. Describes going to Otorohanga school, `wagging' and going to Aria School. Comments on his father's frustration at not being able to go to World War II. Mentions the impact of his parent's getting land though it was `hard country'. Describes driving cows from Otorohanga to Aria. Discusses childhood activities including Christmas. Mentions his mother's relatives. Describes leaving school at the age of fifteen, going shearing, the challenge of shearing, working with Stuart and Hilton Cheeseman, open and contract shearing, the atmosphere in the shed, the second shear, shearing Romneys and Border Leicesters, attitudes to the farmers, the relationship between shearers and shed hands, wages and wet weather. Mentions Tom and John Brough, Murray McSkimming, Bing Macdonald and Malcolm Barclay. Refers to his physique for shearing and conserving energy. Discusses entering local shearing competitions. Comments on the career highlight of winning the 1962 senior Golden Shears then the open championship in 1965. Talks about preparing for the Golden Shears by shearing round Masterton and Pahiatua. Discusses shearing gear. Comments on not being able to go on the overseas trips which were part of the prize. Talks about not entering the Golden Shears in 1969 and helping George Potae. Describes meeting his wife Lyn. Discusses dances and the pictures at Te Kuiti and Piopio. Recalls going for a trip to Gore and Alexandra, staying at Alexandra and getting a job with Murray McSkimming. Comments on the Shearers' Union in the south and how contractors looked after shearers. Talks about the role of the woolclasser. Discusses improvements in shearing technology including safety features the worm drive and spline drive. Talks about his contracting business with wife Lyn Quinn and having 50 to 60 employees. Discusses sorting out staffing difficulties. Mentions shearers' use of alcohol, changes in shearers over the years and having been a shearer for forty one years despite his original intention to shear to make money to buy a farm. Describes his move to Clyde. Details his children and their ages. Mentions the importance of family support at competitions particularly at the 1980 World Championship at Masterton where he won. Describes finding winning the Golden Shears emotional and not liking the limelight. Comments on Maori shearing style and the absence of racial discrimination. Talks about female shearer Michelle Harrex. Comments that he is known as `Snow' Quinn. Interviewer(s) - Jacqueline Foley Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2523. Photos of Brian Quinn, Golden Shears champion in 1965, 1967, 1968, 1970, 1971 and 1972 competing in competitions. Photo of Brian Quinn in 1998.

Date: 29 Oct 1999

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: Ngataki, Martin Matekino, 1943-; O'Shaughnessy, Phil, active 1999

Reference: OHInt-0509/11

Description: Martin Ngataki was born in 1943 and has lived in Tuakau most of his life. Briefly describes his farm next door to the original family farm. Recalls Tekohanga Primary School, being told not to speak Maori and Onewhero District High School. Mentions that the school was 50% Maori. Talks about playing rugby at school and for Counties. Recalls playing against Don Clarke. Describes how his father was a farmer and a plumber. Describes working at Southdown freezing works as a butcher and other casual work before starting shearing and going go shearing school. Mentions Ivan Bowen. Describes marrying Tia Taonga in 1962, shearing around Mercer, Maramarua, Hauraki Plains, Pukekohe and Onewhero. Mentions his wife's adjustment to shearing life. Talks about early shearing competitions, help from Tom Brough and the excitement of getting in the Golden Shears final for the first time. Comments that except for one year he was in every final from 1973 until 1979 when he won. Mentions running, rowing and swimming as training. Recalls the 1979 final and other finalists Samson Te Whata, Tom Brough, Bob Michie, Ivan Rosandich and John Fagan. Describes winning a trip to Australia in the New Zealand team, shearing at Euroa, using narrow gear, shearing merinos and being beaten. Compares his style with that of others and discusses whether there is a Maori shearing style. Tia Ngataki comments about her family, the impact of shearing on family life and her preference for the open shed. Comments on the Golden Shears. Discusses women shearers Barbara Marsh, Michelle Harrex and Jillian Burney. Mentions having eighteen grandchildren. Discusses the family marae (Paimaria), marae involvement and being Tainui. Comments on MMP and some politicians. Discusses judging, golf and rowing. Interviewer(s) - Phil O'Shaughnessy Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2521. Photos of Martin Ngataki as Golden Shears champion 1979

Date: 7 April 1999

From: Past champions oral history project - The Shear History Trust Golden Shears Open Champions

By: King, Colin McDonald, 1949-; Vallance, Nikki, 1968?-

Reference: OHInt-0509/09

Description: Colin King was born at Leeston in 1949. Gives details of his Scottish background. Discusses death of siblings. Recalls growing up on a dairy farm in Lincoln. Comments that his parents were fervent Jehovah's Witness. Describes his education and enjoying school and school sports. Talks about working on his father's farm and his interest and involvement in running. Mentions he was a Canterbury representative in 1966 and 1968. Talks about his father selling his farm and giving him a handpiece, comb and cutters. Recalls shearing with Roger Corby in Oxford, North Canterbury. Gives his impressions of the shearing shed. Discusses wages, clothing work, physical demands, shed routines, an open shed system and union involvement. Recalls buying a Mark II Zephyr and meeting Lynne and getting married in 1971. Describes moving to Alan Reid's contract run in Rangiora, buying a property and beginning a family. Discusses the pecking order of shearers. Recalls the 1974 shearers' strike, meeting at Trade Union Hall and his role. Describes entering a show at Rangiora and the competitors. Discusses records, tallies, sheep types and shearing styles. Mentions he is a left handed shearer. Discusses his first time at the Golden Shears in 1981, moving to Otorohanga and his first shed in Te Kuiti. Describes the 1982 Golden Shears final which he won. Compares King Country shearers with Canterbury shearers. Discusses the beginning of the King Country Shears competition in 1985, becoming NZ Shearing Champion in 1987 and winning the Golden Shears again in 1987 and 1988. Discusses the wide and narrow comb controversy of the mid 1980s. Gives opinions on the judging. Mentions both he and wife Lynne King were judges. Talks about his children and mentions that Nickolas is a competitive shearer. Describes being in the United Kingdom for a few years then returning to the South Island. Comments on shearing now being NZQA recognised. Comments on the vision and drive of Godfrey Bowen. Comments on originally shearing to buy a farm, struggling on the farm and farming with his son-in-law. Recalls shearing in Western Australia. Discusses comb use, blade shearing, spline drive and the quality of shearing gear. Discusses occupational safety and health (OSH), retraining, the future of the wool industry and the Fernmark Quality Programme(FQP). Interviewer(s) - Nikki Dalziell Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2519.

Date: 9, 24 May 1996 - 09 May 1996 - 24 May 1996

From: Ngahinepouri oral history project

By: Finlayson, Shirley Elizabeth, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0635/04

Description: Shirley Elizabeth Finlayson born Matamata 1939. Recalls first contact with Ngahinepouri on meeting Ian Finlayson (husband) and gives first impressions of farm. Describes wooden villa built in 1908. Talks about different roles of farm wives; mother, mother-in-law and self. Describes major farm activities including, sheep and beef farming; shearing twice a year, sending wool to Dalgetys; growing maize for silage and work on asparagus farm. Mentions leasing part of farm to A E L Corporation for live animal export. Recalls motor cars owned by husband - Triumph sports car; Zephyr Zodiac and Morris 1100. Mentions biggest changes in district - subdivision of land, dairy conversion and modern facilities at school. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Vicki Jones Venue - Ngahinepouri Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009677-OHC-009680 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3212.

Date: 8, 15, 22 Jul 1996 - 08 Jul 1996 - 22 Jul 1996

From: Ngahinepouri oral history project

By: Henderson, Samuel Bruce, 1938-

Reference: OHInt-0635/09

Description: Samuel Bruce Henderson born Hamilton 1938. Talks about family first contact with Ngahinepouri. Describes family farm `Craigmore', clearing of land, developing peat land, effect of electric fencing on grazing practices, changes in crops, shearing and drenching techniques. Recalls father's involvement through Federated Farmers in Farm Labour Scheme. Talks about role of women in farm partnership, farm ownership by women in family and comparison of partnership of parents doing farm work with later generations. Other farm topics mentioned include: control of rabbits; gorse; veterinary services; computers in farming; diversification of land use in district and changes in district due to changes in transport. Describes aspects of school at Ngahinepouri, military training at high school, Bible class and youth group activities, career choices and social life. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Vicki Jones Venue - Ngahinepouri Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009697-OHC-009702; OHLC-004949-004954 Quantity: 6 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 5.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3217.

Date: 27 Feb, 12 Mar, 4 Apr 1996 - 27 Feb 1996 - 04 Apr 1996

From: Ngahinepouri oral history project

By: Vickers, Martin Samuel, 1961-

Reference: OHInt-0635/20

Description: Martin Samuel Vickers born Hamilton 1961. Outlines family background - family one of first settlers, farm from Captain Peacock four generations ago. Describes school activities at Ngahinepouri School; dental care, eye and ear testing; calf club day and parent involvement with school. Discusses Melville High School, subject choices and career choices on leaving school. Mentions Farm Cadet Scheme. Recalls involvement with Te Awamutu Young Farmers Club. Describes homestead and facilities; stables etc; water supply; shearing; use of electric fencing; veterinary services; pests - rabbits, ragwort, gorse, possum; fertiliser application; goats - crossed Angora with ferals. Other topics covered include: Church and Sunday School; Community celebrations; Transport and overseas travel; business and rural deliveries and services. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Vicki Jones Venue - Ngahinepouri Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009751-009754 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3228.

Date: 1929-1930

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

Reference: 1/4-057823-G

Description: Sheep being returned to pasture after they have been shorn, Mangatoi Station, photographed by Robert E Wells in 1929 or 1930. Inscriptions: On negative envelope - 'Mokau River Mangatoi Station. Shorn sheep being returned to pasture.' Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 4.25 inches

Date: 1929

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

By: Wells, Robert Ernest, 1905-2006

Reference: 1/4-057836-G

Description: Mr AG Mowat, manager, and Mr JL Witheroe, headshepherd, take tally after shearing at Mangatoi Station photographed by Robert E Wells in 1929. Original print from the negative at PAColl-0001-2-1-104. Inscriptions: On negative envelope - 'Mokau River 1929, Mangatoi Station. AG Mowat, manager on left, JL Witheroe, headshepherd. Taking tally after shearing.' Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 4.25 inches

Date: 1929

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

Reference: 1/4-057827-G

Description: Shearing shed and yards at Mangatoi Station on the Mokau River photographed in 1929 by Robert E Wells. Original print from this negative at PAColl-0001-2-1-017. Copy negative at 1/2-146211. Inscriptions: On negative envelope - 'Mokau River 1929. Shearing time at Mangatoi Station. Woolshed and yards.' Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 4.25 inches

Date: 1929

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

Reference: 1/4-057829-G

Description: Two men mustering sheep on horseback for shearing at Mangatoi Station photographed by Robert E Wells in 1929. Inscriptions: On negative envelope - 'Mokau River 1929. Mangatoi Station Mustering stock for shearing'. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 4.25 inches

Date: 1929

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

Reference: 1/4-057834-G

Description: Newly shorn sheep in yards outside shearing shed at Mangatoi Station photographed by Robert E Wells in 1929. Original print from the negative at PAColl-0001-2-1-001. Copy negative at 1/2-146184. Inscriptions: On negative envelope - 'Mokau River 1929. Shearing time at Mangatoi Station.' Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 4.25 inches

Date: 1929

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

Reference: 1/4-057828-G

Description: Shorn sheep coming out of shearing shed at Mangatoi Station photographed by Robert E Wells in 1929. Inscriptions: On negative envelope - 'Mokau River 1929. Shearing time at Mangatoi Station.' Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 4.25 inches

Date: 1929

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

Reference: 1/4-057831-G

Description: Sheep outside shearing shed at Mangatoi Station. Photographed by Robert E Wells in 1929. Inscriptions: On negative envelope - 'Mokau River 1929, Mangatoi Station. Woolies being pushed into shed for shearing' Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 4.25 inches

Date: 1929-1930

From: Wells, Robert E, 1905-2006 :Photographic negatives, prints and transparencies of the Mokau and other rural North Island districts, and scenic views of New Zealand

Reference: 1/4-057825-G

Description: Sheep in pen outside shearing shed at Mangatoi Station photographed by Robert E Wells in 1929 or 1930. Inscriptions: On negative envelope - 'Shearing time at Mangatoi Station.' Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Dry plate glass negative 3.25 x 4.25 inches