Interview with Kate Harcourt

Kate Harcourt born North Canterbury, outlines family background. Describes early education by governesses in her own home and Amberley House where she received some of her primary education, before going to Woodford House School for secondary education (1940-1944). Recalls life as a boarder at Woodford House and later, as a teacher, when she returned for a year (1957-1958). Mentions other schools in the Canterbury area: Rangi Ruru, St Margaret's or Craighead and Selwyn House where children got a PNEU, education which she describes. Refers to the war effort at Woodford and the `honey fund'. People mentioned include: Dr Elizabeth Gunn, who lived in Wellington and hosted some South Island students as they passed through Wellington to Woodford ; Miss Padbury, a maths teacher with a great appreciation of art; Miss Hamber (Matron), Miss Robins, Steve Waymouth (the parson), and Miss Hogg. Also mentions Judy Weston (now Judy Williams) who, with her brother, attended school at Kate's house and shared the governess. Explains that the government made a contribution towards the governess.

Refers to her Dip Mus, from the Melbourne University Conservatorium.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Wellington

Interviewer(s) - Mary Varnham

Venue - Thompson Street, Wellington

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005670-005671; OHLC-001652-001653

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB-1177.

One coloured photograph of Kate Harcourt and three photocopies of b&w photograps with annotations: (1), Catherine Fulton (later Kate Harcourt) at Woodford House, 1942. (2) Katherine Fulton (later Kate Harcourt) and the 1944 Woodford House prefects and (3) Arden (known as Hodge House after its official opening on February 24, 1944) where Catherine Fulton (later Kate Harcourt) studied home science at Woodford House.

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