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Abstract of Francis Hope Glenaray WATT [Glenaray Watt only], 2007

 Item — Box: 8
Identifier: H00430004

Abstract

Glenaray Watt

Interviewer: Cathy Macfie

Date: 18 July 2007

Abstract: Cathy Macfie

00:10 BORN two weeks early at GLENARAY STATION. Cook, MRS CARROLL was midwife. HOPE PINCKNEY, daughter of GEORGE PINCKNEY drove to nearest telephone exchange at RIVERSDALE. Explains. Describes doctor’s arrival after the birth which should have taken place at GORE HOSPITAL. Origin of names: Francis, Hope, Glenaray. Details.

2.13 Father JIM DILLON (born 1892) was cabinet maker. Shifted to Glenaray Station as tractor driver March 1925 with wife and 4 daughters. Details. Worked as teamster, tractor driver and handyman for nearly 30 years. Woodworking skills used for station building works. Glenaray was 6th of 7 girls; lived in house she was born in for about 20 years.

4:01 Describes HOME. Father built on 3rd bedroom. No bathroom. Used outside wash-house (with bath). Explains. Not all girls were home together. Recalls helping eldest sisters with their own families.

5:42 HOUSEHOLD JOBS included helping to milk house cows and tending large vegetable garden. Describes. FOOD. Self sufficient in vegetables; some stored in pits. Details. Each family received ¼ sheep per week from Cookshop at 3 pence per pound. Diet supplemented by venison shot by father. Describes COOKING.

9:18 JOBS (continued) included dragging manuka down hill for firewood. Describes coalpit down road providing LIGNITE for cooking as well as heating. Describes ‘big black range’ for cooking.

10.58 Station provided father with horse for hunting. Glenaray and sister Forrest taught themselves to ride while mother was in hospital. CLOTHING Can’t remember first dress not handed down. Mother made clothes. Material bought from TRAVELLING SALESMEN. Details.

13:44 WORLD WAR II had no material effect. Describes. Recalls those who fought. 13 years old when war started.

15:31 EDUCATION at Glenaray School attended by local families. One teacher for Primers to Standard 6. School paid Evelyn and Glenaray for cleaning. Mother sewing teacher. ‘I’d much rather be rabbiting.’ Left school at approx. 14 years; no requirement for secondary education.

18:40 EMPLOYMENT First job at Glenaray Homestead paid 10/- per week. Details work involved. Sister also employed in senior role. Describes work and conditions.

21:25 RABBITING started as young as 8-9 years, after school and in holidays. Describes. 1 pence paid per young rabbit. Recalls 11 pence bought tin of Golden Syrup. Describes night trapping with sister Forrest. ‘Good money’ from skins. Explains. Mother dictated how money would be spent. Details. Describes purchase of horses from savings.

24:57 HORSE RIDING around high country. Describes accident and difficulties of isolation. No drivers. Family relationships at Glenaray with JIM FERRIS.

27:32 Weekly Friday visit to Gore with George Pinckney. Describes. Later TRANSPORT in mail car and bus from Waikaia to Gore. Describes. Local food deliveries from Waikaia. ‘HOLIDAYS’with older sisters.

30:15 ENTERTAINMENT Recalls first visit to cinema in Gore between 13-15 years old. Circus at Waiakaia memorable for elephants going ‘beserk’ in Waikaia River. Recalls dances at Glenaray hall 1-2 times per annum. Met Bill at a table tennis evening at Glenaray.

Dates

  • 2007

Conditions Governing Access

For access please contact the Southland Oral History Project Coordinator at sohp@ilibrary.co.nz

Conditions Governing Use

The contents of Southland Oral History Project collections are subject to the conditions of the Copyright Act 1994. Please note that in accordance with agreements held with interviewees additional conditions regarding the reproduction [copying] and use of items in the Southland Oral History Project collections may apply. Please contact the Southland Oral History Project Coordinator for further information at sohp@ilibrary.co.nz.

Extent

From the Record Group: 1 folder(s)

Language of Materials

From the Record Group: English

Creator

Repository Details

Part of the Southland Oral History Project Repository