Cory-Wright, Derek Wade, 1921-2013

Date: 1922-1923

From: McWhannell, Rhoda, 1898-1996: Diaries, journals and photographs, particularly relating to forestry, farming and domestic life at Ōhaupō

Reference: PA1-o-554

Description: Collection of photographs created and probably taken by Rhoda McWhannell, from the time of her marriage to Frederick McWhannell. The first scene shows them on their honeymoon, at One Tree Hill in Auckland, on 13th November 1922. From there they go to Whangarei, with views of the Whangarei Hospital, men playing tennis, a group of three men and a woman entitled `The foundations of "Fairview" Onerahi', and Whangarei Falls. Following Whangarei are a number of views of Russell, including the jetty and `The Gables', and the yacht `Kitty fraser'. Later in November they reach the Coromandel Peninsula, and photographs include Cyril Cory-Wright in the launch `Eilepa', and a photograph of Mrs Cory-Wright with her children Patsy and Derek; and the Reverend Norrie (minister of the Coromandel Peninsula). The next group of photographs show Mrs Shires, and scenes of sheep mustering at `Oruru', Kaitieke in the King Country. At the front of the album is an envelope with mostly unidentified people, taken much later, most of them being coloured. Also inserted in the album is a newspaper cutting from the Herald (Section 2, Wednesday 13 June 1984), on a young couple (Tony and Sue Clark) who had managed to create a successful farm from very rough hill country on the Kawhautahi Road, near Kaitieke. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with red cloth cover, entitled `From my camera' in white cursive script; 25 x 30 cm

Date: [1916 to 1931]

From: McWhannell, Rhoda, 1898-1996: Diaries, journals and photographs, particularly relating to forestry, farming and domestic life at Ōhaupō

Reference: PA1-o-555

Description: Family snapshots, with many images of the young children of friends. One group at the beginning show `Kew', a large house used as hospital in Dunedin, children in wards, and several of groups of nurses in uniform. Also one of a group of dignitaries visiting the hospital, including Sir Charles and Lady Fergusson, Sister Hoggart and Miss Tennent, in 1929. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Album with mottled brown cover, entitled `Holiday snaps' in gold, inset in oval picture; 18.5 x 14.0 cm

Date: 13 Aug 2004 - 4 Oct 2004 - 04 Oct 2004

From: Tairua Oral History Group project

By: Cory-Wright, Derek Wade, 1921-2013; Geddes, Jenny, active 2004-2005

Reference: OHInt-0806-05

Description: Interview with Derek Cory-Wright, born Auckland, 1921. Discusses his family background, including his grandfather George Henry Wright (b. ca 1860) who changed his name after marrying a Miss Cory. Mentions that George Cory-Wright emigrated to New Zealand and settled in Tairua at the start of the 20th century, where he died of TB in 1917. Refers to his uncle Silston who was born in Yorkshire and qualified as an engineer in Switzerland before following his parents to New Zealand. Mentions that his grandmother sent his father to work at the Opotiki Dairy Factory for a year before World War I, and then to Southern Rhodesia where he got malaria and was not allowed to go to war. Recalls other family members, including his mother's family, and that his parents met in Tairua when she was holidaying there. Discusses staying with grandparents during his schooling at Morrinsville, Remuera Primary, Auckland Grammar and Kings College. Refers to working in a bank after leaving school, and then milking cows on his father's farm. Mentions seeing a Japanese submarine when he was mustering sheep on the farm in 1942. Recalls that his father, unbeknown to him, used influence to prevent him being sent overseas during World War II. Mentions working at freezing works after the war, and in 1952 (1951?) working on the Auckland waterfront in a scab union. Refers to marrying his wife Doreen when he was 38 and then returning to Tairua. Details the Cory-Wright land at Tairua (3,288 acres) bought by his grandfather from the Kauri Timber Company, some of which was later sold to Bill Brewster's father. Refers to property development at Tairua. Mentions that he inherited the family farm at Tairua when his father died. Discusses, with his wife Doreen, the land his father gave for community use, including the football field, church, fire station, ambulance and hall. Tells the story of the first car driven to Tairua, and refers to timber mills and hotels in the district. Mentions his mother's book reflecting the isolation of women in Tairua when she first went there at the end of World War I. Mentions the fishing industry, starting a Bed and Breakfast, dairying, and his wife's arts and crafts business in the old cowshed. Talks about the Maori history of the area, and one of Hone Heke's chiefs, Katui, being buried at Tairua. Interviewer(s) - Jenny Geddes Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014704, OHC-014705, OHC-014706, OHC-014707 Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s) over 2 days. 3.02 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5303. Search dates: 1921 - 1900 - 2004