Interview with Myra Cowan

Myra Cowan was born in Christchurch in 1921. Describes schooling at St Margaret's College, becoming a dental assistant and meeting Bernie Cowan from Okuru in Christchurch. Talks about visiting Okuru before they married, moving down there, the old family home, being `tin kettled' by the neighbours and being homesick. Mentions sandflies and no electricity. Discusses the coal range, getting a diesel generator and some conveniences. Describes being thought of as a snob and concessions she made to this. Mentions enjoying the company of new arrivals such as the Ministry of Works people. Discusses getting some supplies from the Jacksons Bay shop, growing vegetables and some food being flown in. Describes the dance in the old hall that followed the arrival of alcohol supplies by boat. Mentions local musicians and making the supper. Discusses the whitebaiters ball which went on until daylight.

Describes having her children in Greymouth or Christchurch and leaving for hospital a month before the birth. Talks about the death of one of her children from cancer. Discusses learning to drive the truck and getting a car when the road went in. Talks about the family whitebaiting and fishing. Mentions the impact of the opening of Carter's Mill near Haast.

Interviewer(s) - Julia Bradshaw

Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2899.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copy OHLC-006215