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 10 May 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.