We need 2 more volunteers to finish converting Dad's book of memories by typing out from his writing. We just need volunteers for November and December. You can view the progress below. The following example shows a conversion from September 1st. The date followed by the question and then the answer. The following took me about 5 minutes to type out.

September 1st
Did your children have tricycles or wagons? How did your children learn to ride bicycles? Who taught them? Where did they get their first bike? Were there "special" bikes?
Tricycle yes. Learnt to ride bikes mostly by falling off! Usually we held the bike balanced behind the seat and let go when the rider seemed balanced. The bikes those days weren’t multi-geared. Just one gear. We usually had 2 or 3 family bikes and the kids shared their use.

Email me at brasscast@gmail.com.com if you can type a month.
Thanks
Peter

Introduction
Here with is my contribution to "Grandpas Daily Book of Memories". I' m sorry it ,took so long.  I would like to think that "From Tipperary To Petone" the Ryan Story will, together with this epistle,  provide you with plenty of information about your paternal background. I must confess I haven't given full answers to all these "memories" questions, on the grounds that "full disclosure might incriminate me"!!  I suggest you read it through and if you want any expansion on items of interest perhaps you will come down this way with a tape recorder and ask me to expand on my comments.!! Beware when you open the pages. There are enclosures - photographs, certificates etc which could be of value to you in years to come. Its all a bit rough and ready but it is a first step which can be developed further if you are that way inclined.
God bless you. We love you all.
Dad and Mum
Grandad and Gran
November 28, 1997

JANUARY (Thanks to David Ross for Typing)
BEGINNINGS

January 1
WHAT IS YOU FULL NAME AND HOW WAS IT PICKED FOR YOU?
 Roberts who lived in Australia and second Christian name is after my father.
 
January 2
WHEN AND WHERE WERE YOU BORN AND WHAT TIME OF DAY, DATE ETC?
24th January, 1921, Petone.  Don’t know time or day of the week.  All I know was that a ship was wrecked near the entrance to the Wellington Harbour on that day so there must have been a storm raging.
 
January 3
WHAT WAS YOUR MOTHER’S NAME, WHO WAS SHE NAMED AFTER, AND WHERE WHEN WAS SHE BORN?
Refer to the Ryan Family history booklet, Page 53.  She always thought her name was Gwendoline Winifred Roberts until 1950 when she received a copy of her birth certificate showing her name as Gwenda.  It has since been confirmed that there is no record of a Gwendonline Winifred Roberts being born throughout Queensland, 1889/1893.
Don’t know who she was named after. Gwenda sounds welsh to me. Perhaps after her father’s parents or forebears?  She was born 10.10.1890 at Rockhampton, Queensland, Australia.  Refer to photo album showing Denison Lane etc, Pictures of Rockhampton which I visited in 1984.
 
January 4
WHAT WAS YOUR FATHERS NAME- WHO WAS HE NAMED AFTER-WHEN AND WHERE WAS HE BORN
Refer to Ryan Family history, pages 583-54.  His name was Michael Ryan.  Probably named after an Irish uncle named Michael.  Dad was born in Masterton N.Z. 13.12.1882
 
January 5
DO YOU HAVE BROTHERS, SISTERS-WHAT ARE THEIR NAMES, BIRTH DATES-NAMED AFTER?
Yes.  Brother, Michael John Ryan, born 3.3.1926 at Petone, probably named after his father. 
Marie Anastatia Ryan born 7.3.1917, Petone N.Z.
Mavis Gwendoline Ryan born 19.6.1918 Petone NZ.
Joan Pauline Ryan born 1.3.1929 Petone NZ.
Don’t know whom my sisters were named after.
Further details refer family booklet pages 54-68. 
(further referrals I will write ‘see booklet’)
 
January 6
WHERE WAS YOUR FATHER, BROTHERS, SISTERS  DURING YOUR BIRTH
Don’t know
 
January 7
WHAT WAS YOUR BIRTH WEIGHT COLOUR ETC
Don’t know
 
January 8
WHO WAS THE BIRTH DOCTOR, HOSPITAL, ANY DELIVERY STORIES?
A Doctor Harding in Petone NZ.  Incidentally his son and his grandson also became doctors, the grandson subsequently attending my mother when she was living temporarily in Johnsonville in about 1960ish.  I think I was born in my parents’ home in either Adelaide street or Riddlers Crescent, Petone which was common practice in those days.  No story.
 
January 9
ANY BIRTH PROBLEMS ETC – No
 
January 10
ANY SPECIAL BABY FURNITURE, CRADLE FROM WHERE ETC?
Not that I’m aware of.  Things were pretty basic in those days.
 
January 11
DESCRIBE THE HOUSE WHERE YOU LIVED AFTER BEING BORN
No Knowledge
 
January 12
DID YOU HAVE A NICKNAME AS A BABY?
No family nicknames but I was always called Paddy by the barber who cut my hair.
 
January 13
ARE THERE ANY SPECIAL STORIES ABOUT YOU AS A YOUNG CHILD?
No
 
January 14
WERE YOU BAPTISED? -WHERE-BY WHOM-GODPARENTS?
I would have been baptized in Petone but I am sorry I do not know any other details.  LATER details of baptism now attached.  Baptized 19.2.19 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church Petone, NZ b y Fr Patrick Quealy.  My Godfather was Alfred Llewellyn Roberts (my mother’s brother) and my godmother was Dorothea McJenkins, a relative of my mother by her first marriage.
 
January 15
WHAT JOBS DID YOUR PARENTS DO?
My father was a plumber, a registered master plumber.  Initially he worked in Wellington for a firm, J & A Wilson, then came to Petone where he established a plumbing business in partnership with a Mr. “Trimmer” Ryan (no relation).  Trimmer was not a tradesman but looked after the accounting side of the business.  They had a number of staff – say about 7 or 8.
 
January 16
WERE YOU IN A BABY CONTEST?
Not that I am aware of.
 
January 17
HOW OLD WERE YOU WHEN YOU SAID YOUR FIRST WORDS?
Don’t know?
 
January 18
WHAT WAS YOU EARLIEST MEMORY?
Probably when I was about 4.  My parents entered me in a fancy dress competition dressed as a rugby player and I won a box of chocolates as a prize.  I remember our home in 9 Queen street, Petone NZ.  My parents lived in the front bedroom, My brother Michael, and I were in the middle bedroom,  and my sisters were in the bedroom at the back of the house.  On the left side of the house were the lounge, sitting room and kitchen.  Wash-room and toilet were in the rear of the house.  The house is still standing in Petone.
 
January 19
WHAT DO YOU REMEMBER ABOUT YOUR FATHER AND MOTHERS APPEARANCE.
My mother’s warmth and tenderness and my father’s pride in his family.  Mum was proud of her Australian heritage and a gracious looking lady.  Dad was a keen sportsman.  He also loved music, especially choral work.  In my eyes he always seemed to be able to cope with any family situation, house repairs, furniture working etc.  He loved radios in the days when radios were in their infancy in NZ.  He built marvelous radio speakers and had a radio with big ‘stays’ etc which seemed to cover most of our property.
 
January 20
WHAT MEMORIES OF YOUR MATHER, FATHERS PERSONALITIES
See Jan 19.  On the physical side they were both average, Dad probably being very sporty in physical appearance having come from a sporting family.  See booklet Ch 7 Part 2.  M y mother and Father would have frowned on any uncouth behavior.  Bad language was never allowed in the house and in fact they were very stoic about good manners – more than the average family of its day.  Polite behavior was considered important.
 
January 21
WHAT PHYSICAL TRAITS DID YOU INHERIT FROM YOUR PARENTS
My Father’s love of music, and my father’s love of sport.  I was a very musical child and had a good boy soprano voice but I’m afraid there weren’t enough hours in the day to pursue all my sporting and musical interests so music came second.  Additionally Mum wouldn’t have me taught music theory and the piano because she said she had seen too many cases of pianists at parties given too much alcohol and becoming alcoholic.  Strange?
 
January 22
WHAT PERSONALITY TRAITS DID YOU INHERIT FROM YOUR PARENTS
Love of sport which I was good at, probably to my detriment and a love of music which I now enjoy very much listening to.
 
January 23
ARE THERE TRAITS ABILITIES, TALENTS ETC THAT YOU SHARE WITH OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS?
Probably Irish stubbornness.  Also my three sisters and my brother Michael and I were all very musical.  My three sisters were taught to play the piano along with music theory.  My brother Michael is a self taught pianist.  I’m too lazy to learn but I enjoy listening to music.
 
January 24
WERE THERE SPECIAL LULLABIES, SONGS STORIES AT BEDTIME, WHO SHARED THEM?
January 24 is my birthday.  Don’t know of any.  My earliest recollection of anything like that was travelling to Wellington (7 miles) and reciting a piece of poetry “In white dicky-ducks” on radio station 2YA during the children’s session between 5PM-6PM in about 1926.  Radio stations were in their infancy in NZ at that time.
 
January 25
WERE YOU A BREAST OR BOTTLE BABY  - don’t know
 
January 26
ANY CHILDHOOD ILLNESSES ETC? FAMILY DOCTORS, HOUSE CALLS?
Doctor Harding and Doctor Bakewell in Petone.  Yes, Harding made house calls.  Not allergic to anything in fact I have a good constitution.  At one stage I had trouble with my kidneys – it hurt me too pee – but rest from school cleared that up.  Also at one stage I had fluid on my knee.  Used to be called ‘water on my knee’.  My  knee was swollen.  The Doctors cure: place a cardboard box on the knee with cut-outs for the knee and an electric light lamp.  Heat the knee up and so withdraw the fluid.  Sounds like witchcraft but it worked.
 
January  27
WHAT TYPE OF NAPPIES, BABY CLOTHES?
Don’t know
 
January 28-29 missing....cannot locate it
 
January 30
WHAT TOYS DO YOU REMEMBER?
I remember my father making me a model locomotive steam train out of galvanised iron. It was very strong and lasted for years.  Size was about 2 ½ feet long.  Also I was given a meccano set for a birthday which previously belonged to my cousins Jack and Dan Ryan.  I built bridges, scooters, cars etc.  It was very robust.
I don’t think I was the teddy bear & doll type.  I don’t have any of them now.
 
January 31
SLEEPING HABITS AS A BABY
Don’t know

FEBRUARY (Pamela Thomson is typing)
Roots and Relatives
“Tell stories to us of the old folks,
Share what you know of life their way,
Tell stories to us of family and deeds,
In a time called yesterday.”
 
February 1st
When and from where did your ancestors come to NZ? How did they travel here? Where did they first live? What were their talents or trades?
My father’s forebears came from Ireland and my mother’s parents came presumably from Wales and Germany, although details are sketchy. For further details, refer to Family History Book Part 2, Chapter 7. The ones from Ireland came by sailing ship and landed in Nelson. They then came to Wellington, moved to Masterton and finally settled in Petone. My mother was born in Queensland, Australia. (Rockhampton) but her mother died when she was young and she was reared by her Aunty and Uncle in Sydney, NSW, Australia. My paternal grandfather was a carpenter.  

February, 2nd
Did your family have any special heirlooms? Do you know their origins? Where are they now?
No

February 3rd
Do you have any famous or ‘infamous’ ancestors? When and where did they live? What did they do?
Not that I am aware of.

February 4th
Who were your maternal great grandparents? When and where were they born? How did they earn a living? Did you know them? Do you have any special memories or stories of them?
No knowledge.

February 5th
Who were your paternal great grandparents? When and where were they born? How did they earn a living? Did you know them? Do you have any special memories or stories of them?
Refer to Family History Book part 1, Page 8, “The Ryans in Tipperary..” (Thomas Ryan and Margaret Deer)
 
February 6th
Name all your Great-Aunts and Great-Uncles, their relationships to your Grandparents and their approximate dates of birth. Where did they live and what did they do for a living? Where did they live when you were growing up?
My Great Aunts and Great Uncles would have been born in the early 1800s (over 150 years ago) so obviously I didn’t know them. The only comment I make is that my father always said some of his aunts or uncles migrated to America from Ireland, so perhaps this could be a good line of research. The Tipperary Research Unit in Ireland may have some record of inquiries from USA about Thomas’s (DOB 9.6.1839) brothers and sisters listed on page 5 in our Family History Booklet.

February 7th
Did you have a favourite Great-Aunt or Great-Uncle? Describe their physical and personality traits. Do you have special memories or stories of them?
No.

February 8th
Name your mother’s brothers and sisters and their approximate date of birth. What did they do to earn a living and where did they live when you were growing up? To whom were they married?
(p44)My mother had a brother, ……  ……. Roberts born 30th August, 1895, at Homebush, NSW, Australia. She also had a sister, Gertie, who died, aged about 12 years. Uncle Alf, as we called him, was, I think, a driver of big cattle trucks in NSW, Australia. (I have contact with my cousins in Australia from time to time.) They lived in Sydney, Australia, and my mother took me over there by ship in about 1925 to see them. I have been to Sydney several times since then of course. Uncle Alf’s wife’s name was Elma. She is still alive in a nursing home in Sydney, Australia.

February 9th
Name your father’s brothers and sisters and their approximate dates of birth. What did they do to earn a living and where did they live when you were growing up? To whom were they married?
Refer to the Ryan Family History Booklet.

February 10th
Name all your first cousins and their approximate dates of birth. Who were their parents? Where did they live when you were growing up? Where do they live and what do they do now?
Whew! There must be hundreds of them! Refer to the History Book for the Ryans. On my mother’s side, I have 3 cousins, Janice, Ken and Max. Don’t know dates of birth. Their parents were Uncle Alf and Aunty …….. (p46 of the original) They all live in and around Sydney, NSW, Australia and have always lived there. A contact address would be Mr Ken Roberts, Unit 14/8 Swan St., Revesby, New South Wales, 2212, Australia. (He and his wife are in their 70s, but they have grandchildren.)

MARCH  (Many thanks to Serena Artindale for typing)

Parents and Grandparents
“If one more time I could go back home I’d hug my Mom and my Dad, I’d kiss them and lovingly thank them For the life and the love I’ve had.”
“Grandma talked of Grandpa arriving home To the supper table spread, Their happy talk in cozy rooms With their children tucked in bed”

March 1
When and where were your maternal Grandparents born? What were their full names? Who were they named after?
Only known details are Grandfather:  Owen Roberts, a Wheelwright born in Wales.  At the age of 26 years was living in Rockhampton Queensland Australia
Grandmother:  Eva Roberts (maiden name Yenz) born in New South Wales Australia.  I understand her family originated from Germany.  For father details see History book page 53.

March 2
When and where were your maternal Grandparents married?  Do you know how they met?  Do you know of a wedding picture?
Don’t know details of marriage as other information.  All I know he was 26 years old and she was 24 years of age when my mother was born on 10 October 1890 at Denison Lane ( a street) in Rockhampton.

March 3
Where did your maternal Grandparents live during your childhood?  Describe their home and any special memories you have of visiting there.
None, they were dead

March 4
How did you maternal Grandparents earn a living?  What do you know of their youth, education, religious beliefs and interests?
He was a wheelwright ( a maker and repairer of wheels). No other information available.

March 5
Describe your maternal Grandparents physical appearances and personalities.
Don’t know.

March 6
When and where were your paternal Grandparents born? What were their full names?  Who were they named after?
See family history book pages 17&20

March 7 
When and where were your paternal Grandparents married?  Do you know how they met? Do you know of a wedding picture?
See family history book pages 17&20

March 8
Where did your paternal Grandparents live during your childhood?  Describe their home and any special memories you have of visiting there?
My grandfather was dead but my grandmother lived across the street from our house. See page 20 of history book.  She was in no 6 Queen St Petone, and we were in no 9 Queen St. She was a marvelous person, very Irish of course but warm hearted and capable.  She reared a large family. She lived a simple lifestyle centred around her family and her religion. She was much loved by the family who visited her constantly in her old age.

March 9
How did your paternal Grandparents earn a living? What do you know of their youth, education, religious beliefs and interests?
He was carpenter/builder.  In his days carpenters did all the work – no factories.  I’m told he worked in the bush at one stage – a bush carpenter.  I understand carpenters did all their own joinery work (window frames etc).  See history book page 17&20.  Both grandparents would have had very limited education but were very strong in their catholic faith.

March 10
Describe your paternal Grandparents physical appearance and personalities.
See photo on page 13 of family history book.  That’s all I know apart from Grannie when she was in her 70’s, when she was stooped but still warm hearted.  She had had an eye removed and wore a black shade over the cavity.  She had a very strong religious faith no doubt handed down from her earlier life in Ireland.  We were all very fond of “Grannie”

March 11
Where did your mother and father live when you were growing up? What do you know about their hometowns and neighbourhoods?
See family history book page 53 for my mother.  Dad lived in Petone, probably in Beach Street and finally Queen Street.   The family (his) on various times also lived in Fitzherbert and Ryan streets in Petone.  He was born in Masterton and lived there for 5 years before the family moved to Petone. I have visited Rockhampton Queensland Australia and seen Denison Lane but it is very run-down and uninteresting.

March 12
What was growing up like for your Mother and Father.  What did they tell you about their childhood experiences and their teenage years?  Did they tell you about specific friends, pets, hobbies and interests during those times?
My mother had a sad upbringing. Her mother dies when she was young in Queensland and and she was taken by her father to Sydney Australia where she was reared by her maternal Aunts and Uncles.  Nothing was further heard of the father.  Then she married at the age of 19 but her husband and their child dies of natural causes.  Later (don’t know when)  and so she came to NZ where she met and married Dad.  He on the other hand had a pretty solid upbringing.  Their marriage was a very good one. He was keen on sport and music and mum was a good pianist also.

March 13
What were your parents’ educational backgrounds?  What have they told you about their school days?
Nothing from my mother.
I understand Dad was one of the first pupils of the Primary Catholic School in Lower Hutt, but he also attended the Petone Central Primary school in Petone at one stage. His schooling probably finished when he was about 13 or 14 years old and thereafter he was apprenticed to the plumbing trade. He underwent technical trading at a technical school in Wellington for about 7 years before qualifying as a Master Plumber.  Mum must have learnt the ‘social graces” somewhere as she was quite strict about good social behaviour.  Good manners and etiquette were important in our home.

March 14
What jobs have your parents had?  What were their primary occupations?
Dad was a Master Plumber. He had his own business employing a number of staff. My mother never worked. Wives didn’t those days.

March 15
What do you know of your parent’s religious beliefs and activities?  Were there changes during their lifetimes?
Strong catholic faith.  Religion was big in our home as was eating and sleeping and working and playing.  It was interwoven into every activity.  We have always enjoyed our religion and I hope we are not narrow minded in our beliefs. The musical life of the church was particularly appealing to Dad.  He sang in choirs from about the tie his voice broke until he was too old to sing.  He was a self taught musician.

March 16
What were the political beliefs and affiliation of your parents and Grandparents?  Were they involved in political campaigns or activities?
We are not a politically minded family but Mum and Dad were Labour Party (left wing) supporters having been through the 1930’s Depression when the Labour Party turned the Economy around and gave working class people the opportunity to earn a decent living again.  They were never involved in political campaigns though (or activities)

March 17
What were your Mothers and Fathers favourite forms of entertainment?  Did they have favourite radio or TV programs?
There was no TV those days.  There was a radio programme called “Fred & Maggie Everbody” which was popular – English and Australian I think.  Another one “Dad & Dave” was an Australian comedy.  Mum being “Aussie” couldn’t stand it as she said it demeaned Australians who ‘were not like that’.  Their favourite form of Entertainment was the radio ( the only one those days) and love shows especially musicals. Then later the cinema started up and they always went to the pictures as they were called (films) on Saturday nights. Then occasionally they would go into Wellington midweek to see any films where were above average.

March 18
Did your Mother and Father have special skills, talents or athletic abilities?
 Both very musical – Mum on the piano and Dad had a good baritone voice as in the style of Peter Dawson.  Then also Dad was above average at Rugby (see family history book) .  Also he was a senior cricketer (wicket keeper) and also ran sprints at the track and field sporting events.  He swam a lot and would do ‘side stroke’ covering the length of the Petone Beach which was quite long.

March 19
What did your Mother and Father tell you of being disciplined as children? What did they tell you about the mischief they got into and what happened?
Nothing but I rather gathered Dad always stood up for himself at school. He wasn’t an aggressive person (except probably on the rugby field!) but as a member of a large family and at a time in history in Petone and NZ where things were pretty basic I think there were some rough people around who pick on weak individuals.  (It’s probably still the case today?) No doubt they both got into mischief but we never heard about it.  Don’t think they were ‘lily-white’.

March 20
What did your Mother and Father tell you about their family activities when they were growing up?
Nothing from Mum but Dad was involved in rugby particularly in the family... I heard a story once about there being a fight between two young boys about 13 on the Petone Beach one of whom was Dad’s brothers.  Suddenly one of the spectators shouted ‘look out here comes Mick’ (my Dad) and immediately everyone scattered elsewhere. Don’t know how true it is but it makes a good story.

March 21
What would your Mother and Father say was their proudest moment? What did your parents to that you are most proud of?
Don’t know. Probably several – their wedding day, birth of their children, probably Dad playing for the South Island at Rugby. They were especially proud of Peter’s brother Bill now in Tasmania_ who had such a beautiful treble singing voice as a 12/13 year old. I’m most proud of them because of the home they had where we felt comfortable and cared for.  We were very fortunate to have such caring parents.

March 22 
What impact did World Wars I& II have on your Grandparents and Parents?  Did they tell you of specific events, places or people?I know of at least two of Dad’s brothers who served in France in World War I and Dad went to England with the NZ Army for a time. I think single men went first and married men (mum and dad had two daughters at that stage) were called up after all the single men had gone. Naturally the grandparents would have been anxious.  I went to Samoa in 1941 and I know (my parents) they had suffered anxiety about my safety as of could any parent does when their children are in a dangerous situation.  The execution of 7 coast watchers by the Japanese at Tarawera in about 1942 didn’t help their anxiety. 

March 23
How and when did your Mother and Father meet? How old were they? What did they tell you about their first impressions of each other?
I don’t know details. Dad was 34 and Mum was 26 when they married. They use to joke about one occasion when Mum had a ‘double date’ – one with Dad and one with another guy  - this was before they were married and mum had to do a lot of ‘quick stepping’ to avoid any embarrassing situation arising. I don’t know which bloke she finally went out with!!   I think they met in Petone. I think it might have been in Church when Dad was singing in the Choir but I’m not sure.

March 24
 How long did they date before they got married?  What have they told you about their dates? Did they tell you about songs or places that were special to them during that time?
Don’t know but see previous page..(23.3)
Dad used to sing in concerts. He was a Baritone.  Some of his favourites were “Old Father Thames” ... High in the Hills .... Old Father Thames keeps rolling down to the mighty sea”  Another one was “I am a Warrior King of .... (don’t know title_)  In those days singing was very formal.  Peter Dawson was an Australian Baritone world famous.  Dad used him as his model.               

March 25
Do you know when and where your Father proposed to your Mother?   If there was an engagement ring, do you know where he got it?  Did families approve of their engagement?
Don’t know any details.

March 26
 When and where were your Mother and Father married? Who was the best man and maid of honour?  Who conducted the ceremony?  Where there wedding photos?
No wedding photos. For details of wedding see history book page 53.   Best man was Joseph Ryan and Maid of Honour was Margaret Parsons. Officiating Minister, Father Patrick Quealy.  Sacred Heart Church, Petone, NZ.

March 27
 Did they have a reception? What was it like? Where did they go on their honeymoon? How long were they gone?  How did they travel? Did they share other wedding memories with you?
Don’t know any details.

March 28
Where did you parents live when they first got married? What did they tell you about house, furnishings, and ‘newlywed’ life?
In Petone but don’t know street or house details.  I’ve heard that subsequently they lived in various addresses in Petone – Adelaide Road, Riddlers Crescent but finally they must have shifted to 9 Queen Street Petone which become firmly established as their home.   They never spoke about their ‘newlywed’ life.  It wasn’t done those days in our circles!  You can see we were a pretty conservative bunch!

March 29
Who were your Mothers and Fathers closest friends? What memories do you have of your Parents social events and activities?
Mum had a close friend called Donie Linton.  I think they may have been related through Mums’ first marriage.  Dad's friends were widespread through his work, rugby club, church and family.  He was well liked, outgoing and friendly. They were active through musical circles – The Petone Benefit Entertainers, Church Choir, Rugby Club and other sporting organisations in Petone.  (Cricket Club, Athletic Club).

March 30
What special or memorable anniversary celebrations have your Parents and Grandparents had?  Were you involved in planning those celebrations?
I note Dad died one month before their golden wedding Anniversary.  I don’t think – ( I was in Samoa when their 25th wedding anniversary). Perhaps they celebrated that one but it was during WWII (1941) and there were food restrictions (rationing)

March 31
If your Grandparents or Parents have died, how old were they and what were the circumstances surrounding their deaths?  Where are they buried?
See History Book .  Grandparents buried in Petone (page 20 & 29) (old age)
Parents see page 54 of History Book.  Dad of old age. 

APRIL (Many thanks to Jodi Thomson for Typing)
    "Share with me your childhood days
    When life was free of grown-up care,
    Let me look through this memory book
    And see you standing there."

April 1
Describe the house you best remember living in while growing up. Is it still there? What years did you live there?
9 Queen st Petone. It is still there (See photo [History?] Book page 69) I lived there approximately say 1925/1940 except a period in 1937 when I worked in Auckland. It was a 3 bedroom standard designer house but my father added a workshop at the back in about the 1930's where he ran his plumbing business after the 1930's economic depression. My father was good tradesman and made many improvements to the home over the years.

April 2
Draw a floor plan of that house. Were there outbuildings such as garages, barns, sheds or outhouses?
This is roughly from memory. (see page 69)
{attach map}

April 3
What kind of lights, heat and plumbing did it have? How did you keep it cool? Did your family make improvements or alterations to those systems?
Electric lighting. Heating was open fire in the living room + small "chip heater" (sometimes called an Independant boiler) used to burn all household rubbish in kitchen. It was very effective in the winter. Also had an open fire in sitting room but rarely used. The home was cosy. It was more a case of keeping house warm rather than cool.
Plumbing was standard galvanised iron plumbing pipes with standard taps. [...] method used in those days. Good water pressure. Sewerage system for toilets.

April 4
Do you remember special household appliances or furnishings? Did you have household items that are today considered obsolete?
I remember when the washing (weekly) was boiled in a copper usually on monday. Then Dad bought a washing machine (they were few and far between those days) He was also one of the early owners of a radio receiving set and had a huge aerial system which ran almost the length of our section of land. He also used to get a lot of fun out of making radio "speakers" as we called them trying to get a loud baffle. There were only a few radio transmitting stations those days. Ours was 2YA Wellington.

April 5
Did you have your own room? If not, with whom did you share? Describe the room and furnishings.
I shared my bedroom with my brother Michael who is is 5 years younger than I am 2 beds with a wardrobe & dressing table not very large. Anything extra we put under the bed.

April 6
What was your neighborhood like? Who were your closest neighbors?
Good neighbourhood. Well behaved people. We had lots of friends in Queen street. See history book page 28.
We had good relationships with people in 9 Queen st. The Simpsons, then the Rodwell then another lady (I had left home by then). Also 11 Queen st were nice but quiet people.

April 7
What pets did you and your family have while growing up? Did you ever go horseback riding?
We had canaries. Dad had a big Aviary. We were never a cat and dog family but the Canaries were popular.
Also Mum had several budgerigars from time to time in a cage in the kitchen. One of them learnt to say "Michael get up" because Mum would have to call my brother Michael several times each morning to get him out of bed to go to work.

April 8
How did your family obtain clothing? Were any articles "homemade"? How did your family obtain milk, eggs, meats and other groceries?
My mother made a lot of our clothing. This was during the 1930's depression years. Women often unpicked the stiching on garments so as to be able to turn the material into say a pair of pants. Then of course relations exchanged childrens clothing between one another particularily when children grew out of say a pair of pants. Groceries were bought at the grocer shop although we did have fowls which regularily laid our own supply of eggs. We didn't live in a rural area therefore couldn't have say a cow.

April 9
What did men in your family do for haircuts? Where and how did the women get their hair done? How much did such things cost? Were there ever "unauthorized" haircuts?
Mum would "trim" our hair but when it got too long we would got to the Barber. Women often did their own "PERM" as they called it using tongs which they heated up so as to make their hair curl. But they would also go to the hairdresser. My sister Joan became a hairdresser and ran her own business. Don't know how much hair cuts cost. About a shilling (20 cents) I think.

April 10
Where, how often and with whom did you attend Sunday School and Church? What did you wear? How did you get to and from Church services? What did you do after Church services?
When I was young I recall going to Sunday School but I think it died out. We were very regular in going to Church in our family and would never ever consider not going to Mass on a Sunday. Religion was treated very seriously those days. We walked to and from Church. My father always sang in the choir and in fact he was Choir Master for a period. We always wore our "best" clothes. After Mass we would come straight home.

April 11
Describe family cars or trucks you remember as a child. What forms of transportation did you and your family experience?
In about 1936 Dad bought his first car, a PLYMOUTH - CHRYSLER, second-hand for one hundred pounds. (Eqiuvalent to about NZ $200) He used it when necessary for his work and pleaure but we still walked to events as often as not. When I started work I qualified for a bicycle & I used it a lot. Later he had a small Ford Prefect.

April 12
Did you ever "run away" from home? Did you go alone? Where did you go, how long were you gone and why did you "come home"?
No. I knew when I was on a good thing! Of course I was transfered to Auckland in my work in 1937 when I was 16 years of age but returned to Wellington in my job later.

April 13
What are your earliest memories of radio and TV programs? Describe the physical appearances of the first radio and TV set you remember.
T.V. didn't arrive in our house until about 1962 - black & white standard appearence. Radio arrived in about the late 1929s. My Dad had a set about 2 1/2 feet long. There were 3 settings on dials. 60, 65 & 68 I think they were. Then he tuned in station 2YA Wellington using a vermeer tuning switch. There were only a few stations in N.Z. 1YA Auckland, 2YA Wellington, 3YA Christchurch & 4YA Dunedin. If one stayed up late at night one might here 2UE Sydney or 3?? Melbourne. Dad loved building big radio receiving speakers.

April 14
Did anyone read or tell you stories when you were a child? What were your favorites?
Don't remember but we loved comics. We were allowed to buy one every Friday afternoon & then would "swap" with brothers and sisters so that we could perhaps have 3 or 4 to read. They were especially good on cold days when we would jump into bed after school & read in bed to keep warm.

April 15
Did you ever have bad dreams or nightmares? Did you have any childhood fears or places you were afraid of? Did you ever walk or talk in your sleep?
I had the odd nightmare & bad dream but nothing I particularily remember. We used to call ghosts "spooks" I remember getting a big fright as say a 5 year old when I suddenly came across a [...] on a building or the east end of the Petone Beach but I soon got over the fright although it has remained in my memory.
Probably talked in my sleep as a child. I was once accused of walking in my sleep on a Scout Camp in Silverstream but I think it was lot of bunkum. I don't believe it ever happened.

April 16
What nicknames did others give you? How did you get them? Did you give nicknames to others? Are any of these nicknames still used?
Paddy - probably because of my Irish background & freckly face. I had lots of freckles as a child I'm told, in  Samoa I was called "Hairy Legs"! The hairs on my legs - we wore short pants - were dark whereas Samoans are normally clean-skinned. On the rugby field I stood out - probably hence the name

April 17
What kinds of mischief did you get into at home and in your neighborhood. How would your parents discipline you? Did you ever have a problem with a neighbor?
Our neighbourly relations have always been good except for a lady, Mrs McMahon in Johnsonville. She was a wierdo. Ask Peter, this He will fill you in. As for mischief. I don't know whether I should tell you this but I remember on one occasion in about 1934/35 when we were coming home from Wellington to Petone by train (Age 13/14?) We had carriages for school boys/girls. The boys would pinch the girls hats & throw them by hand to one another. Unfortunately my throw ended up out an open window. The girls parents contacted my parents & I was in "the gun". The bloke I threw the hat to was "Keen" on the girl and recovered the hat later so everything ended happily everafter.

April 18
Did you have babysitters? How often? Did you have a favorite or least favorite? Are the memorable or special stories about babysitters?
Yes. About weekly or two weekly our parents would go out to social functions. My father's brother Uncle Tom usually babysat. Sometimes my older cousin Jack or Dan. We didn't have any "least favourites" Re memorable or special stories see Family History page 31. Uncle Tom was a lovable character.

April 19
Who was your first "best" friend? How did you meet? Where are they now? Did you ever have any imaginary friends?
Jack Parker. We met at St Patricks College although he was a year ahead of me. His and my fathers went to primary school together. We had common interests in sport although he was much cleverer academically. He obtained his M.A. Hons when about 21 years old. He went away to WWII in the Middle East (army) & when he returned, entered the Marist brotherhood. He was Rector of St Patricks College Sileverstream when he died aged 46 on 27-9-1966. Jack was a good leg break bowler at cricket whereas I was a good batsman so my job was to "pick his wrong un" that is to know which way the ball was spinning - He was trying to hide or disguise it

April 20
What games did you and your friends play? Where did you play? Did you have a club house, tree house or special place "for kids only"? Did you have a swing or swing-set? Did you play in a sandbox?
Apart from organised sport, we used to go to the films or movies on a Saturday afternoon to watch "cowboys & Indians" ( [2am mix etc?]) & afterwards all the boys in our street (Queen St Petone) would re-enact what we had seen. Usually in the backyard of 25 Queen St Petone. Swings and sandboxes were "sissy" stuff we also spent lots & lots of hours on the Petone beach. Often driftwood from the Hutt River would end up on the foreshore & would produce lots of interesting natural fauna. We also spent lots of hours fishing on the end of the Petone wharf

April 21
What was your relationship with your brothers and sisters during your childhood? Describe their physical and personality characteristics. What were their interests, likes and dislikes?
Good. We were talented musically except Mavis who was tone deaf. She was good at sport however and clever academically. No particular likes or dislikes that I can think of. Marie was more artistically inclined. See Family History for picture of our family

April 22
Did you ever sleep outside or "camp out"? What camping equipment did you use? What did you eat? Did yo have a favorite or special location? Did you have special or memorable camping experiences?
We used to camp out in the Boy Souts. Favourite location were a place named BUTTERFLY in the hills behind Eastborne on the east side of the Wellington Harbour & also Silverstream in the Hutt Valley near to the Hutt River. Used tents & [palliases?] (a bag pillow with Hay to sleep on). We loved sausages cooked over an open fire also eggs & potatoes all fried. Plus a bill of tea. A billy was a tin pot with a handle. It was placed over the fire and filled with water. When water boiled tea leaves were put in & that made the tea. Think was also smoke content which gave it that special flavour marvellous! Known as BILLY TEA!

April 23
Were you ever a Scout? Did you belong to other groups or clubs? Did you ever "got to camp"?
Yes I was a foundation member of the ST ALOYSIUS Scout troop in Petone. In fact I proposed the toast to the Tropp at their 50th Anniversary just a few years ago. We used to camp on weekends & also had a week camp at Christmas although I enjoyed the weekend camps better. Also belonged to lots of other clubs. See Family History page 56.

April 24
Did you have a tricycle or wagon? How did you learn to ride a bike? Describe your first bike. Describe your favourite bike, where you got it and how much it cost.
I had a trike as a 7 year old. Learnt to ride a bike the hard way. I got my first bike at about age 13. Made up of bits & pieces which Dad & I put together. We did our own maintenance using second hand parts. My favourite bike was the new one I received in the Post Office when I was a Telegraph message-boy. Under the scheme we were given new bikes which we used on the job (44 hours a week) and were required to maintain then. After three years they became our own property.

April 25
What winter activities did you participate in as a youth? Were there special locations for these winter activities? What equipment did you use and where did you get it?
Rugby. Also table-tennis (ping-pong) as a minor second interest but rugby was my game. Equipment comprised of boots with sprigs (leather) sports short trousers & jersey which we had to buy. We also had to pay a club subscription. Everything was done on the cheap those days. If we played out of Petone we travelled to the venue on the tray of a truck singing lustily "We are Petone and we are the 'team', we can't be beaten so it 'seems', at the end of the 'season', you'll know the 'reason', Petone is the winning 'team'!!!"

April 26
What were the funniest and most embarrassing things you did as a child?
Once when at St Pat's Wellington when travelling home to Petone by train, one of the boys pinched a Wellington Girls College girls hat & was throwing it around the Carriage. Someone threw it to me & I threw it on. Unfortunately the guy I threw it to was sitting near to an open window & the hat went out the window. Of course I got the blame. Later the hat was recovered but that is another story. The girls parents got in touch with my parents & I was in the dog-box.

April 27
How, when did you learn to swim? Did you ever "skinny dip"? Where did you go to swim with family and friends?
At the Mckenzie baths Petone when they were opened in about 1932. We had a skinny dip once in Samoa after a route march across the island in the Samon Local Defence Force (army) & arrived about 8pm dog-tired after a long days march in hot humid conditions carrying machine guns & eqipment. Gee that swim was good. Family wise we swam on the Petone beach which was only 1 or 2 hundred yards from our family home.

April 28
Did you have music, dance or other lessons? Did you play any organized sports as a youth?
I was very musically inclined but my mother wouldn't allow (brother) Michael or I to learn music. Probably because of the cost but also because she had a real fear of pianists over indulging in alchohol at parties. I used to think that was strange but there it was. See family history re sport.

April 29
Did you ever try to "smoke"? Describe what happened.
No. The only time I ever smoked was cigars at parties in Samoa. I liked the smell of cigars but would only have a few puffs. Smoking never interested me. Probably 2 reasons came into it
1. The cost (I had no money)
2. I always kept in good physical shape for sport.

April 30
When and how did you learn about the "birds and the bees"?
The usual way.



MAY (John Ryan is typing)

June (Thanks for Kate Ross for Typing)
June 1
What inside and outside chores did you do when you were growing up? What chores did other members of your family do?  What were the consequences if you didn’t do them? Who and what was involved in “spring cleaning “?
I had to cut the lawns & keep the paths tidy. Also required to weed small flower gardens & cut & trim the edges of lawns with a hand clipper, make my bed. Reminded verbally if the jobs weren’t up to date. Our mother did the spring cleaning.

June 2
How much and how often did you receive an allowance or payment for chores? Who delegated duties and chores?
Paye as you earn those days.  Mum was the boss.

June 3
What types of part-time jobs were available during your childhood and teenage years? What was your first job “outside the family”? What other jobs did you have and what were typical wages? Did other members of your family have part-time jobs?
I worked one year when about 12, at a grocer shop (at the back of the shop) bagging sugar, flour etc.  & bottling kerosene etc.  Also went out in the van doing grocery deliveries (helping the driver). Enjoyed that. Also my parents paid me three pence per box if I collected coke (Not the drinking kind!) Which had been disposed of by the gas company into a rubbish dump. Coke is coal with the gas extracted from it & was used widely before the days of natural gas. We picked out the pieces of coke about the size of marbles from the rubbish called clinker & collected it into a cart which my father had made for me. I used it to collect groceries etc. From the shops.

June 4
Who prepared your family’s meals when you were growing up? Describe the kitchen, stove, refrigerator and other appliances in the house which you remember best. Where did your family eat meals? Did you eat at specific times? Who did the dishes? What did you do with the leftovers?
Mum. We had a gas stove and a little ‘chip heater’ which was used to heat he kitchen as well as heat water. In due course my parents bought a refrigerator, although earlier they were almost unknown in most households. We had an electric kettle & Mum had a vacuum cleaner. In due course my parents bought a washing machine but again they were rare commodities in households those days. I remember prior to that, the ‘copper’ which was used for Mondays wash. We ate in the kitchen which had a large family dining table. Ate at normal times. We all helped with the dishes. There were no leftovers.

June 5
Who did the laundry? Where and when was it done? Describe the equipment and detergents. How were clothes dried in both warm and cold weather?
Mum.
Initially using a ‘copper That is putting water in the copper bowl and heating the water by fire which was like a fire place beneath the copper bowl.  Monday was washing day although sometimes Saturday was also set aside and afterwards the water which was very soapy was put in the bath & we kids were given as scrub up. Ordinary soap was used – clothes dried on clotheslines in backyard. In cold weather often dried in front of the fireplace in sitting room.

June 6
If you had a garden, who planted and cared for it? How was produce harvested, preserved and stored? Did you ever sell any of it? If you did not have a garden, where did you get fresh produce?
Yes, My father looked after vegetable garden and Mum looked after flower gardens. I helped with weeding and cutting lawns. Produce used for family use. Never sold any of it. We also had fowls for eggs.

June 7
Did you have livestock or pets? Who cared for them? What were they fed? Where were they housed?
Fowls.  Also had a canary aviary at one stage. Fowls were fed daily with wheat and pollard mixed with food scraps from kitchen. (Wheat was fed in evening separately of course). We had a fowl house at the bottom of our property.  The fowl manure was also good on the garden of course.

June 8
Describe the financial condition of your family during your youth. Did conditions change much during the time you lived at home?
A little above average. My dad was a very practical man who could make most things himself.  Examples were, Carpentry & joinery – made his own window frames for the house, metal parts for our family car. Built 2 garages. Was keen on fashioning radio, built elaborate speakers, aerial                systems etc. Built me model yachts, model trains of a good size, etc, so that we never suffered from want.  The only bad time was the economic depression about the early 1930’s. There was no money around & everyone suffered – us included.

June 9
Were there things you weren’t able to do or obtain because your family couldn’t afford them? How was that explained to you? Were there special surprises which you received but were not expecting because you thought they were too expensive?
Not really. Although we were not rich, we made things happens by sheer determination . Where there was a will there was a way.
I remember receiving a Meccano set as a birthday present when I was about 7, which was an exciting surprise.  Also a tricycle when about 5 which was exciting.

June 10
Do you remember jobs or occupations from your youth that no longer exist today? Did you, or family members or relatives have such jobs?
One of my Post Office jobs in about 1940/49 was a radio operator sing Morse Key (dots and dashes) sending Morse code.
That form of communication has now died out, being replaced by modern communications equipment.
 
June 11
Did you have a ‘piggy bank’ when you were young? When and where did you obtain your first savings account, checking account and credit card what was the first thing or most special thing that you bought as a youth with your ‘own’ money?
No. I think I had a ‘money box’ but never had much in it. My first savings accounts was opened when I began working in the Post Office in about 1935/36.
Credit cards only came in very late. We always made it a policy of ‘PAY CASH’. If we didn’t have the cash to pay for an item, we didn’t buy it. Credit with high interest charges can sometimes get people into trouble! Bought a watch and camera (Box Brownie Camera) & wrist watch

June 12
Describe the first time you borrowed money. Who did you borrow from? What did you use the money for? How did you repay the money? Was there interest involved?
I was never one to borrow money. I saved up to buy my wristlet watch and also the camera.
My sister Marie was a great one to borrow money. She loved going to Restaurants in Wellngton for meals during the working week and was usually "stoney broke", so she would usual1y borrow from me until her next pay-day.

June 13
When did you first become involved in shopping for your personal items? When did you become financially responsible for your own clothing, entertainment and transportation? When and where did you first live on your own? Did you have a roommate?
When I first started work, my salary was forty-six pounds fourteen shillings PER ANNUM (that is about $93.40) PER ANNUM. Although it is argued these days that thing were a lot cheaper to buy - which is true -nevertheless we had to make things spin out. I was living at home so 1 paid my mother my pay and kept two shillings and sixpence a week (about 25). She provided the food, accommodation and clothing. I spent the 25 cents on going to the movies once 8 week (about 15 cents I think) 5 cents in the church collection and 5 cents on miscellaneous.'
I spent some months in Auckland in 1937 working in the Post Office and boarded in Parnell. Other than that the first time I lived away from home was when I went to Samoa in 1941. We lived in a private hotel and had single rooms.

June 14
Have you or someone in your family lost or misplaced money or a valuable possession? Have you loaned money to someone? Was the money repaid as agreed? Have you ever found money or something of value?
Nothing of a serious nature. I remember once when we were primary school kids, Marie, Mavis (my sisters) and I were allowed to go into Wellington from Petone on the bus. Marie and Mavis were about 13 and 12 years of age. I would have been about 8 or 9. Marie lost her purse containing all their money in a ladies rest-room in Kircaldie and Stains in Wellington. Fortunately I had kept my money which was just enough to get us 3 single tickets by bus back to Petone.
I've never been one to favour borrowing or lending money but have done so from time to time. I always make sure I get it back. Possibly I could be accused of being hard when it comes to money matters but I have found throughout life that some people are always looking for a soft touch.
I've never found anything of value that I can remember.

June 15
Describe experiences you and your spouse have had owning stocks, bonds, commodities or speculative real estate investments.
We have never been ones to speculate in such matters. we put all our investments into bringing up and educating a family.
Our investments included buying a family home and gradually making it freehold.
Since then we have relied on bank interest bearing investments which have born fruit.
We would probably be described as conservative investors.

June 16
How did your parents earn a living when you were growing up? Describe their primary occupations and employers? What memories do you have of them "coming home" from work? How did your parents relax after work?
My father was a master Plumber. By master I mean he studied at night school for about six years I think it was. He worked on a job during the day and went to night classes in the evenings in Wellington. At the end of that he passed the qualifying examination and subsequently ran a business in Petone. In those days most families were single-income families. That meant only one income coming into the house. Our mother stayed at home and did all the sewing cooking washing etc. No one had refrigerators etc those days although as we go older, vacuum cleaners, washing machines and electric stoves came into being.
Dad usually came home from work about six o'clock. He would sometimes get called out for an evening emergency job. He was usually very tired by the end of the day. We would have dinner then we kids would do our homework and go to bed about 9pm. Dad would read the paper till about 9pm. Then when we kids had gone to bed he would get his business accounts out and do his "paper work" until about lam. Often (about once a week) he and Mum would go to the pictures. (movies). They were also very musical and enjoyed live shows.

June 17
What has been your primary occupation as an adult? How did you choose the job and on what basis have you been paid? Describe your likes and dislikes of the job. Other than salary, what benefits has your primary occupation provided? How have these changed over the years?
As you probably know I worked for the Post Office for 41 years. I came by the job by applying for the position in the Post Office when I was about 13/14 years of age when jobs were extremely hard to get. A vacancy occurred in Lower Hutt for a position of Telegraph Message-boy and after being interviewed and getting onto the short list I was successful. I was 14.5 years of age and 5 feet 1 inch. I remember the Postmaster saying that if I had been only 5 feet I would have had to obtain a special medical certificate because of my short stature.
I enjoyed my time in the Post Office. I did all sorts of jobs and liked the people I worked with. There were three side. to the Organisation. The telecommunications, postal and Banking sides. I was involved in them all and learnt many skills. I even married people at one stage. Nowadays the New Zealand Post Office doesn't even exist any more. We have three separate businesses, Telecom N.Z. Limited, N.Z. Post and the Banking side is now owned by A.N.Z. Bank I an Australian company.

June 18
Describe your work place. How many people work there? Have you utilized special tools or machinery? Have you utilized special or technical skills? Have you been required to obtain continued education or training?
The old family home at 17 Cleveland St Brooklyn Wellington Noo Zealand. I hope you visit it sometime. Nobody works in our house. These days I spend the whole time "mucking around"

June 19
Have you hired, trained or supervised others? Have you ever reprimanded or fired anyone? What other supervisory duties have you handled?
I have hired and trained many people over the years. Towards the latter part of my career I ran, seminars, and Management Courses for Postmasters and Chief Postmasters. Additionally at head Office we had oversight of procedures used to suspend people from duty for malpractice. I had a staff of 58 people under my control when I retired.

June 20
Who are the dumbest and smartest people you have worked with? Who were the best and worst bosses you've had? Who was the most memorable person you have worked with?
The only person I wish to mention here was a man named Douglas Froggatt. He was an outstanding leader and retired as Chief Postmaster Auckland.

JULY (Courtney Ryan will type)

August 8
How did you and your spouse earn a living when your children were born? Where did you live? Did anyone stay at your home immediately after the children were born to help out?
I worked in the post Office full-time as a career and Joan stayed home and looked after the family. In other words we were a single income family. It didn't bring in as much i money as a two-income family but the dividends were gained by the children because of the guidance, love and work performed by Joan in looking after their daily needs. As the family (older members) grew up and were able to help with the chores around the house Joan was able to get part-time jobs like working in the Lower Hutt Public Library which brought In some additional income. Unfortunately the Post Office was not a highly paid organisation but at least it provided regular and full time work. As I gained higher-paid promotions, our family income improved and so by careful planning and working together I think we were able a to provide our kids with most of the needed things in life. I don't think anyone can say our kids missed out on the important things in life. Sometimes children can get too much with the end result they become greedy and selfish.

August 9
What physical and personality traits did your children inherit from you and your spouse? Were there physical or personality traits your children shared with other family members?
Love of sport, music and learning to share. If you look at our kids, they were and still are, musical. Joan's mother enjoyed music and Joan had a beautiful singing voice. My Mum and Dad were very musical and I had a good boy soprano voice.
We have always been good all-round sportsmen and women without being very good at any one sport but we have always been able to hold our own. I think the important thing there is how you play the game - learning to win or lose graciously. Sport for my book is only a means to end. It should not be an end in itself. However not everyone agrees with me on that one. Winning at all costs can be overdone sometimes.
Finally, there is the matter of religion. Joan and I enjoy our religion. I'm afraid the world attitude to religion has changed since Joan and I grew up. We taught our kids our religious beliefs and how they handle them in their adult life is over to them. All I know is that we have something solid to hang onto.
 
August 10
Do you remember special gifts you received when your children were born? Were there baby showers? Who organized them and where were they held?
I can't remember things like that. We probably received little gifts like bonnets and jackets knitted with loving care by friends of the family. Also booties. In fact yes I recall lots and lots of them around the house. Also I think we had nappies (sets) being given to us. I know there was always lots and lots of loving care showered on us by the members of the wider family and friends. We never had a big formal parties to celebrate the new born child but we always had an afternoon tea party after the christening of the child at the local church. They would be attended by the priest who performed the christening, the god-parents and family friends.

August 11
Where did you get baby furniture for your children? Were there special items such as a crib, cradle or high chair? Do you still have any of these items or know where they are?
I think. the first cot we had we either bought from a shop in Lower Hutt or obtained one second-hand from someone advertising in the papers. On reflection I think we obtained it from a shop in Lower Hutt. It would then have been used down the line for the remaining members of the family. The high chair was the same but we bought that new in Lower Hutt. Don't know where they are now.

August 12 to 31 is being  typed up by Matt Ryan

September (Many thanks to Tim  Ryan for typing)
September 1   
Did your children have tricycles or wagons?  How did your children learn to ride bicycles? Who taught them?  Where did they get their first bike?  Were there special bikes?
Tricycles yes.  Learnt to ride bikes mostly by falling off! Usually we held the bike balanced behind the seat and let go when the rider seemed balanced.
The bikes those days weren’t multigeared – just one gear.
We usually had 2 or 3 family bikes and the kids shared their use.

September 2
What outdoor winter activities did your children enjoy?  Where did those activities take place and what equipment did they use?  Were there special snowmen or snow forts?  Were there family or neighbourhood snowball fights?
Rugby and netball (basketball). St Pats for rugby (school) and St Mary’s for netball for Pamela and Mary.  Rosemary wasn’t  so keen but participated.  I think Peter was also into harrriers?
Just usual equipment but not as sophisticated as is used today.  Just the basics.
Our only snow country experience was in Ohakune but the kids were very young.  Had the occasional snow fight though and made snowmen.  No snow forts.

September 3
When did your children begin having overnights or spending the night at friends’ houses?  Were there memorable incidents?  Did anyone have bouts of “homesickness”. 
Overnight probably began in their teenage years.
Can’t remember anything memorable.
We usually went away as a family for holidays.

September 4
When and where did your children attend school – elementary through high school?  Describe the facilities and class sizes? How far did you live from the schools?  How did they get to and from schools?
Refer to family history for detail on schools.  They went to schools by train (Johnsonville, St Pats & St Marys) bus from Brooklyn walked.  Ohakune – just 2 or 3 houses away except that or Rangatane (near Ohakune).  Bill had to bike  miles often in snow conditions.

September  5
How did your children do academically and socially in school? Did they have favorite and least favourite subjects or teachers?
Generally I think can say our kids were better then average academically at school.  Socially they were OK.  Some were good at maths and not English & others vice versa. We usually helped with homework by giving guidance the kids had to work out the answers.

September 6
What special talents or abilities do your children have?  Are they musically, artistically or athletically inclined?
Bill: academically;
Pamela: sports;
Michael: music;
Peter:    ? ! ! (I’m just joking) maths and sports;
John: sports;
Rosemary: academically;
Mary: sports
Read pen picture description in our family history book.
One thing I am very pleased about is that they are all musical. Joan & I are musical.  I had a very good boy soprano voice but I am lazy musically.

September 7
From whom were these interests skills or talents inherited?  How were their talents developed?  Did they receive any recognition for their accomplishments?
Once again read family history.  Joan has a lovely voice & I was a good boy soprano.  My mother played the piano & dad sang in concert parties & choirs for years.  Joans mother & Joan’s sisters sang in the church choir so there was talent on both sides.
Sports wise probably most comes from me although Joan was a very good swimmer.  Courtney in Melbourne seems to have inherited that talent.

September 8
What clubs, organisations, sports and activities did your children participate in?  were you or your spouse involved?  Where did those activities take place?
Bill:     singing NZ Opera Company
Pamela:        tennis
Michael:        NZ Brass Bands
John:        School sports
Our main activities were as parents accompanying groups to school sports, summer and winter, and music groups, brass bands and school musicals (secondary & primary) and arranging venues.
It could take ages to give you all the details.

September 9
What were your children’s hobbies? Did they ever “collect” anything?  Were they avid readers or sports fans?
Peter collected coins at one stage.  We still have a number of 1st day stamp covers here.
All the kids were active at school in outside interests.

September 10
What sorts of mischief did you kids get into at home and in the neighbourhood?  Were there any problems with neighbours?  How were your children disciplined?
Generally the kids were pretty good.  We never had any serious trouble.  The only neighbour we ever had any trouble with in all our years was a lady neighbour in Johnsonville.  She had some funny ideas but fortunately we were able to ignore her as there was a thick fence and hedge between our properties.
If our kids misbehaved we usually stuck them in the bathroom and closed the door so they could cry their eyes out.  If they misbehaved further they got a whacking.

September 11
What sort of mischief did your children get up to at school and how were they disciplined?  Do any specific incidents stand out in your memory?
Nothing that I recall.

September 12
Did you children ever run away from home?  Did they go alone? Where did they go and how long were they gone?  Did your children have a curfew?
Yes we usually had a curfew depending on their age.  Usually in bed by 9:00 p.m. then when they went out socially it was usually home by about midnight depending on the circumstances.

September 13
What were your children’s attitudes about food, clothing, neatness, privacy, promptness and their possessions?  Were there changes in their attitudes as they grew older?
They were all required to clean their plate.  Generally clean and tidy in dress & well balanced when it came to privacy, promptness, etc.  Pretty good in their attitudes as they grew older.

September 14
What inside and outside chores were your children responsible for growing up?  How were those jobs delegated?  What were the consequences if their duties were not completed?
I had hopes, when the kids were 7/8 years older and keen to keep the garden that when they reached say 14/15 and would be responsible and helpful in the garden, that I would receive some useful assistance.  However, “woe to me”, they were off to ST. Pats or ST. Mary’s then involvement in sport, music or whatever.  “Woe is me” !
Probably I wouldn’t  have preferred to have it an other way.

September 15
Did your children receive an allowance or payment for chores?  If so, how much and how often?  What were their spending or saving habits?
I was always very proud (both Joan and I) of the way our kids were self reliant.  If they wanted anything, they would get out and earned enough money to pay for whatever they wanted.  Also in work habits , Peter for instance knitted floor mats out of small 4” pieces of woo; into patterns which we purchased.  We still have one here, size approximately 5’ x 2’. 
He also made one for Aunty Therese in Fort Lauderdale.  They have always been self reliant.  A good quality to have.  In that way you can learn to help others.

September 16
Did your children have jobs outside the household to earn money?  What were those jobs and how much did they earn?  Are there memorable employment stories?
Yes newspaper delivery rounds.  Working in wool stores.
Bill’s first job (about 16/17 years old) was working for the Reserve Bank of NZ.  His job was punching holes on old bank notes & thus destroying them.!  He thought it was a shocking waste.
Peter worked in a CATTERY (looking after cats) at one stage.  He STANK to high heaven when he came home so we made him change his clothes in the back porch and shower when he came home!

September 17
Describe the neighbourhood your children grew up in.  Who were your closest neighbours?  Were there clubhouses, tree houses, playgrounds or other special places to play?
Lower Hutt, then Ohakune.  Then Johnsonville and finally Brooklyn.
Peter was born in Lower Hutt, and then we moved to Rangatana (3.5 miles south of Ohakune) then into Ohakune, then Johnsonville where we built a new home and then Brooklyn in Wellington.  We have always got on well with our neighbours , except Johnsonville.
Relied a lot on ST Pat’s school activities, although in Johnsonville it was a rural atmosphere & the kids had a lot of scope for creeks, bush and trolleys, etc.
Ask Peter.

September 18
How did your children learn about “the birds and the bees”?  Did you or your spouse have a “talk” with them?  Were there memorable or funny questions or reactions?  DO you remember when your children first began to express an interest in the opposite sex?
We had a chat with our kids, although those days things were “TABOO” .  I regret I wasn’t more capable of being more “open” with our kids.  I think life in the country farms would have been a better atmosphere where kids saw lambs & calves being born.
What I always tried to highlight was that a man must respect the opposite sex.  Treat her with dignity as I have always tried to treat my wife.

September 19
Did any of your children have friends or habits you did not approve of?  How did you address those situations and what were the outcomes?
No

September 20
Did you disagree with your children about fads, hair or clothing styles?  Did your children try to “smoke” or “drink” without your permission?
Long hair used to get “up my nose” a bit.  However it was just a fad.
Also some dress styles in the 1960’s and 1970’s I thought were outlandish but they faded away.

September 21
Did you and your children go to carnivals, fairs, circuses and amusement parks?  Where and when?  What were their favourite rides?  Did anyone ever win a prize?  Did anyone ever get scared or sick on a ride?
Yes.  Ask Peter

September 24
Describe the house you consider as “home” when your children were growing up.  What years did you live there?  How much did you pay for it?  Did you make alterations and improvements to the house?  What was special about the house that made it “home”?
Ohakune:  Rented 3 bedroom “bungalow” home.   
Johnsonville:  built a new home – 4 bedrooms.
Brooklyn:  old house full of ??? and love.  Had a mortgage on Johnsonville house but freehold on Brooklyn home.  We were always proud of the fact that the kids helped us to freehold Brooklyn home with their savings.  (I subsequently repaid them plus interest but it was their willingness to help out that was so precious)  It made Joan and I feel very proud of our kids.

September 25
Describe the relationships between your children and their grandparents, aunts , uncles and cousins.  Was there interaction on a regular basis?  Were there special relationships?
Yes there was an excellent relationship.  Joan’s dad Willaim Marr of course died before our kids, except Bill & possibly Pamela were born but Joan’s mum and my mum and dad loved their grandchildren.  We have always been very “family” orientated.  We love our grandkids & wish we could see more of them.

September 26
What rules did you have for your children when they began socializing and dating?  Were there problems with those rules?  Do you remember special dates of theirs such as proms and home comings?  Do you recall their “first loves”?
They were good.
Whilst still at school we insisted “home buy midnight”.  Generally their behaviour was very good.

September 27
How and when did your children learn to drive an automobile?  Are there stories about thier early driving experiences?  Were there any motorcycle experiences?  What rules did you have concerning use of the family automobile?  Were there are any accidents?
We had a house rule.  You don’t get your drivers license until you get your U.E. (University Entrance)   (Therefore fourth year at St Pats or St Mary’s Colleges)
Some may say that was blackmail but the system worked!!  (usually about 16/17 years of age).  Peter rode a motorcycle but was a safe driver as was Mary.  Road safety was paramount.

September 28
What were your favourite and most memorable family automobiles?  Describe your least favourite.  Did your children own cars while still living at home?  If so, describe them, how much they cost and how they were paid?
My cars:  Morris 8H.P. Vauxhall (Wyvern) (new).  Wolseley (English) 1300c.c. new.  Nissans (3 new cars about 1500 / 1800c.c ).  Lada  (Samana) 1600c.c.
Peter had an Austin (2 of them).  Michael had Volkswagens – (he had a fire in his rented garage at one stage) and Bill was a Fiat fan.  Don’t ask me how they paid for them!

September 29
What did your children want to be when they grew up?  Did those plans change as they grew older?
Bill wanted to be an air pilot but his eyes weren’t up to standard.
The others took things as they came.
Ask them.

September 30
In what ways are your children alike?  How are they different?  What is the most memorable experience you shared with each of your children?  What is your single, most lasting memory of each of your children?
As different as “chalk and cheese”.  However I think Peter and Rosemary are not unalike.
John and Mary same.

October (Thanks Very Much to Mia Ryan for Typing)
October 1
Are you musically or athletically inclined? Do you have creative abilities? Have you taken lessons or received special training? Have you won awards or received recognition for your accomplishments?
Both Joan and I are musically talented. Joan has a lovely singing voice. I was a good boy soprano singing solos at school but I wasn’t allowed to learn singing (economic  depression of 1930’s). I was hopeless artistically but athletically above average. Our musical talents have come out in our kids of which we are very proud.

October 2
Can you identify events that you consider to be “turning points” in your life, marriage and career? Have there been “turning points” in your spouse’s life and career?
My “turning point” was when I met Joan. It was the best happening in my life.

October 3
Describe your spending and saving habits as a youth and as an adult. Please describe the same for your spouse.
Never had much money as a youth but enjoyed life to the full. Managed to pay subscriptions to various sporting clubs such as rugby, tennis, athletics and pingpong. In Fiji, Joan worked for Fijian governor earning 3 pounds (ie about $5 USA) per month.
Money isn’t really important. The less you have the happier you can be.

October 4
Describe your experiences riding trains, subways, buses and airplanes. Have you ever traveled on a large boat or ship? What is the most unusual thing you have ever ridden on?
Traveled to St Pat's College (Petone to Wellington) by train daily. By ship to Samoa from NZ in 1941. Samoa/NZ 1944 by ship. NZ/Fiji 1944 by ship. Fiji/NZ by RNZAF

October 5
What is the hottest and coldest you have ever been? In what situations have you been exposed to “extreme” elements?
Hottest 108 degrees Melbourne.

October 6
Describe your home town including notable industries, places, people and events. When was it established and how was it named? What did you like and dislike about it?
Ask Peter. My hometown was Petone. Approx 7,000 people. In our day was called “The Home of Champions”. It was a working-class town made up of genuine friendly compassionate people. Established about 1839. Original name Pito-One (in English means The End of The Beach). We loved the old place. Fondly referred to as THE VILLAGE.

October 7
What clubs and organizations have you been a member of? Describe you activities, duties and lengths of membership. What offices have you held?
Pre-world war II.
Petone Catholic Tennis Club. Petone Rugby Football Club. Petone Athletic Club. Petone Catholic Table Tennis Club.
After world war II.
Cricket Clubs. Eastern Cricket Club and Trafalgar Park Stop Out and Miramar Golf Glub

October 8
Where were you on November 22, 1963 and how did you learn of President Kennedy’s assassination in Dallas? What do you think really happened?
In NZ. It was a Saturday morning and I with about 10 other men were assembling for a St Vincent de Paul clothes and furniture drive in Johnsonville.
I think it was a political assassination.

October 9
What are some of the most memorable newspaper headlines or news that bulletins you remember? Where were you when you received the news of those events?
Phar Lap a famous NZ racehorse was poisoned in California in about 1925-1930.
Jack Lovelock winning the mile race in the Berlin Olympics in 1930?
Outbreak of  World War II

October 10
Do you have a fantasy? Have you ever had a dream or fantasy?
No

October 11
Have you, your spouse or your children ever served in the Armed Forces? Did anyone see combat? Where were they stationed? Was anyone wounded? Did anyone receive recognition or commendations?
Yes me.
Samoa and Fiji.

October 12
Who has been your best friend for the longest time? When and how did you first meet them? What do you admire and appreciate most about them?
Joan.

October 13
Have you ever been a victim of a crime or witnessed a crime being committed? Have you ever served on a jury? Have you ever been involved in other courtroom proceedings or litigation?
No

October 14
Have you or your spouse ever had any serious health problems, illnesses or injuries? Have either of you ever had surgeries or hospital confinements? If either of you wear glasses, when did you first get them?
Nothing serious. Joan. Gall bladder removed. Me. Hip operation. Prostate operation.
We both have reading glasses. Usually from about age of 40 onwards.

October 15
How tall are you and when did you stop growing? Did you physically mature early or late? What is your average weight? Has your weight fluctuated?
5’9.5”. Stopped about 17? Late maturer. Was constantly 12 stone up until retirement. Now 13 stone (and I don’t like it!) Would like to take off a stone but I’m too lazy!

October 16
What are your religious beliefs? Are you a member of a Church? When did you join? Are there certain scriptures, prayers or hymns which are special to you?
R.C. Yes. From birth. Religion is very important to Joan and me.

October 17
Are you a member of a political party? Have you ever worked on a political campaign? Have you ever campaigned for, been elected to or appointed to public office? Who were the first and last Presidential candidates you voted for?
No

October 18
How did you learn to drive a car? When and how did you get your driver’s license? Describe any automobile accidents you or your spouse have been involved in. Have you driven or ridden on a motorcycle?
Taught myself. Never ridden a motorcycle on the road. Had an accident once up near Wanganui. Tried to pass a car trailing a caravan and slid off unsealed road when I had to apply brakes. Hit a paddock fence and damaged it and the car.

October 19
Who is the most famous or “infamous” person you have ever met? How, when and where did you meet them? Outside of your immediate family, who has had the biggest influence on your life?
No one in particular who comes to mind. No one has “influenced” me to that extent. I’m my own man.

October 20
Have you ever visited a foreign country? Did you have problems with the currency or the language? Can you speak a foreign language? How did you learn?
Yes many.  About 13. Just the usual problems but used interpreters. Had to watch currency exchange people particularly Singapore area and Samoa. Can’t speak foreign languages (except American!)

October 21
What technological changes or advances in household appliances have you seen in your lifetime? Name the appliances in your home today which did not exist in your home when you were a child.
Lots. Started off with a “wringer”. (used for squeezing water out of clothes after washing) Refrigerators. TVs. My parents acquired their first washing machine when I was about 9 or 10.

October 22
Have you ever had experiences with an emergency or a natural disaster? Have you ever personally experienced a fire, flood, tornado, hurricane, earthquake or blizzard? Have you ever administered first aid or rescued someone?
In Greymouth once when I was Acting Chief Postmaster we lost all our telephone lines to the rest of NZ and I had to go to the Emergency Radio Station and contact Wellington. We had heavy flooding and roads and telephone lines were washed out.
Rescued a truck out of a garage in Ohakune once when a fire occurred nearby. I was written up in the local paper as a “hero”. I didn’t think I was!

October 23
Do you have a personal or family “ghost story”? Have you ever had a “déjà vu”, “ESP” or near-death experience? Have you ever had a “good luck” charm? Are you superstitious?
No

October 24
Describe the first telephone you remember from your childhood. Where was it located? Did you have a party line or and operator to place calls? How much did a postage stamp cost when you were a child? Have you ever received or sent a telegram?
My parents telephone in their home. Direct dialing. Postage was two pence for a letter. My job was sending and receiving telegrams. I was a morse operator in post office sending and receiving telegrams.

October 25
Describe your earliest memories of radio and television. Describe the equipment and its appearance. What channels and programs were available then?
Our first radio was battery operated using wet-cell batteries. Then Dad bought an electric powered one when they came on the market and speakers. Radio station 2YA Wellington. TV was black and white (no colour). One channel about 1962-ish. Old black and white films and local interest items. Everyone was very well behaved and polite.

October 26
What is the farthest you have ever walked, run, ridden a bike and swum? When, where, why and with whom did you do those things? What was the longest trip you ever took? When, where, why and with whom did you go?
My first job was riding a bicycle around Lower Hutt delivering telegrams, working a 44 hour week. Only a casual swimmer. Have jogged around race-courses (horse).
Longest trip was 1986 when I went around the world visiting 13 countries.

October 27
Describe your first experience drinking alcoholic beverages. Who were you with and how did you obtain it? What were the consequences of that experience?
/

October 28
What did you want to be when you grew up? Did your plans ever change? Are there mottos and rules you try to live by? Have those changed during your lifetime?
Nothing in particular when I started work in 1935, the world was coming out of an economic depression, and the aim was to get ANY job and keep it.
Do unto others what you would like have done unto you. That’s my motto.

October 29
Is there someone you really disliked? Why? Do you have any “pet peeves”? Do you have a “bad temper”? Have you ever been in a fight?
Yes I know people whom I have disliked it but I try not to show it. Yes I can have a bad temper but I try and control it also. Yes a Samoan hit me once in Samoa and he was subsequently imprisoned for assault.

October 30
Have you, your spouse or your children ever had a mustache, beard, goatee, tattoo, pierced ears or a change in hair colour? Do any of you have identifying physical marks or scars?
Not Joan or I but Peter and Bill have beards and goatees plus John has a mustache. I couldn’t imagine Joan having a beard!!!

October 31
Please list in chronological order all of the places including addresses, where you have lived in your lifetime. What periods of time did you live at each of these locations? Were any of the moves more difficult or memorable?
Petone – 1921 till 1940
Apia Western Samoa 1941-1944
Suva Fiji 1944-1947
1947-54 Lower Hutt (11 Matai Dr)
1954-57 Miro St Ohakune
1957-1958 9 ? St Petone
1958-8 July 1969 157 Broderick Rd Johnsonville
9 July 1969 – till present day 17 Cleveland St Brooklyn, Wellington, NZ
Each move had its moments – too long to describe (see page 56 family history).

Need a volunteer to type November and December

Mick Ryan (plumber) is bottom row 2nd left as you look at the photo.

Gwen was first married to Charles Edward McJenkins in NSW in 1909 at the tender age of 19. Charlie was born of that 1st marriage and both Charles and little Charlie died as a result of the influenza epidemic that ravaged NSW over those years. That is the child recorded in this photo. A sad but beautiful record of those times. This photo must have been near and dear to Gwen because it sat on Grans sideboard in Petone.

Joan, Mic (plumber) Mavis Ross (nee Ryan), John O'Connell Ross, Gwenda, (mother) Alf, Marie and the occasion was the wedding of Mavis in wartime, hence the naval attire on John.

The children of Mick and Gwenda...............from the right.....Marie, Mavis, Alf, Mike, Joan and the 6th child is a neighbor who wondered in.