Overview This interview is part of the Gorge Road Collection. In this interview Mary talks of her family history and immigration from Ireland. Her family moved to a farm close to the Waituna Lagoon. She describes Kapuka South School, transport to school, classroom setup and general school day of the era. The family had an orchard in Roxbourgh. Mary began playing the piano when at secondary school and details her various experiences playing in the community. She goes on to describe the family farm,...

Overview This interview was recorded as part of the Gorge Road Project. In this interview Pearl describes growing up on the family farm at Mokotua. She details her mother’s chores which included washing using the copper, growing a vegetable garden, general cleaning and making butter. Pearl was educated at Oteramika School and Southland Technical College before becoming a housekeeper. She married Jim and they lived on the Jefcoate farm, which was dairy and sheep. Pearl describes how old phones worked and...

Overview This interview was recorded as part of the Gorge Road Project. In this interview, Avis recalls her family’s long connection to Southland’s sawmilling and farming communities, particularly around Gorge Road, Haldane, and Otara. She describes her schooling, including travelling by train to Invercargill Southland Girls’ High School, and working at the Gorge Road Store and Post Office, which served as a vital community hub. Avis shares memories of local dances, the Women’s Division Debutante Ball,...