Interview with Frances Warren

Frances Warren was born in Westport. Mentions her father's death from the influenza epidemic on return from World War II. Discusses tribal links with Ngai Tahu, Ngati Apa, Rangitane, how her mother was a Mahuweka, and her father Rihari Watson and grandmother Heni Turoa. Mentions that at home the adults spoke Maori, but English to the children. Mentions writing to a Maori trust board on land rent issues for her mother. Mentions her whanau in the McDonald, Watson, Matai, Fitzgerald, and Te Awiawi whanau. Describes moving to Wellington, work at Levy's tailoring, poor pay, and a Newtown boarding house. Mentions Mrs Grey, Lady Pomare, Henry Ngata, Jock McEwan, Bill Parker, the Sinclairs and her friend Lucy Gunson.

Recalls meeting people and whanau at Poneke Club nights. Mentions Club elders and leaders such as Mrs Heketea, Dovey Katene, Kingi, the Bennetts. Talks about singing lessons with Mrs Potiki, and monthly church services. Mentions Apriana Ngata, Pakeha interest in the Club, and talks about Ngati Raukawa predominence. Recalls Tahiwi family, Bella Winiata, and Sammy Tahiwi, and playing hockey for the Club. Mentions the Club's original name, 'Poneke' and the original committee members, costumes and fund raising. Mentions entertaining the troops in World War II songs, action songs and poi, and being the first group to use electric light bulbs on the long fishing poi.

Interviewer(s) - Patricia Grace

Interviewer(s) - Irihapeti Ramsden

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3651; MSDL-0153 (files Warren.doc, Warren2.doc).

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

Alternative form available: Listening copy OHLCD-1485

A digital copy of the recording is also available