Interview with Beryl Wood

Beryl Doreen Wood born Palmerston North. Recalls joining the Tararua Tramping Club (TTC) in 1948. Refers to sisters, (Peggy) Marguerite Matthews, Betty Matthews and Shirley Evelyn Matthews who joined TTC at the same time. Mentions Bert Hines, club president at the time. Discusses: shared values; occupations of other members; predominant ethnicity and relationship between genders - men and women sleeping in segregated rooms in Tararua Hut on Mt Ruapehu. Recalls women being mainly on Social Committee and chief guide always being a man. Recalls a male member being asked to leave the club because of his homosexuality. Mentions feelings towards those in leadership positions. Talks about the requirement to be involved in working parties in the Tararua Mountains. Mentions Alpha Hut, Cone Hut and Totara Hut.

Mentions club members who died in the Tangiwai Disaster and how supportive club members were to each other. Mentions how tramping relieves stress and worry.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Interviewer(s) - Melanie Martin

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009600; OHLC-004861

Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3113.

Photocopies of one b&w photograph of Peggy, Beryl, Shirley, Betty (Matthews) 1952 and one coloured of Betty, Peggy, Mavis Davidson and Beryl 1944 - Club's 75th anniversary

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

Alternative form available: A listening copy is available at OHLC-004861