Interview with Cynthia Bell

Cynthia Bell was born in Levin on 4 September 1922. Gives some details of her whakapapa and growing up at the accommodation house at the Otaki Maori Racing Club Race Course where her father was caretaker and her mother did the catering. Describes family life, chores, involvement in sport, religion and her mother's beliefs about bringing up children on the marae. Talks about her education at Otaki and Palmerston North.

Talks about the outbreak of war and being given a position in Base Records in the War Office in 1941. Explains the work which included typing telegrams prepared from casualty lists and involved some secrecy. Recalls her involvement with Ngati Poneke and their role in entertaining troops. Talks about Peni Tahiwi and the arrival of American troops in Wellington. Recalls her clothing, hair and reading,leisure and sport involvement.

Talks about her father who fought at Gallipoli and played in the Maori Pioneer Rugby Battalion which toured England and France at the end of World War I. Notes that he also played for the New Zealand Maori rugby team and was an All Black. Describes the ability of her brother Ranfurly and members of the Winiata family (her mother's side) at playing rugby.

Describes meeting and marrying Benjamin Raniera Bell at Rangiatia (Rangiatea) Church on his return from war. Talks about the Maori Battalion, tikunga (tikanga), attitudes to sex, the birth of her daughter and the role of Dr Atmore (a woman doctor) in helping Maori women overcome their fear of doctors. Mentions the local sanatorium and the incidence of tuberculosis. Describes working at the tobacco factory and then as a stenographer.

Talks about the RSA and her love of golf, the involvement of Ben Bell and herself in horse racing, fashion and hats at the races and meeting Governors-General Freyberg and Fergusson as a result of his role as President of the Otaki Maori Racing Club.

Describes her increasing involvement with Raukawa (Te Wananga o Raukawa). Talks about her use of traditional Maori medicine, love of Maori food and her mother's support of Raukawa and Maori Women's Welfare League.

Venue - Otaki : 1991

Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rawinia Hyland

Venue - Mill Road, Otaki

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004675; OHC-004676; OHC-004677

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 820.

Photograph of Cynthia Bell in the War Records Office; photograph of Cynthia Bell in 1991