New Zealand Memories Issue 180

Our 180th edition features 16 diverse stories. We explore the world of education through the eyes of both teachers and students, while John Stackhouse honours a New Zealand soldier who displayed “unexampled courage”. For a touch of glamour, Christopher Moor revisits Frankie Avalon’s promotional tour, and “Lovable Lionel” shares fond memories of driving Miss New Zealand contestants on the show trail. We also follow Ivan Tait’s harrowing 1942 escape attempt from New Britain Island, and continue our mystery series with the intriguing tale of the Kaimanawa Wall.

Ivan Howard Tait: A Life Interrupted
Ivan Tait’s harrowing escape attempt from New Britain Island during World War Two.

Rock Fishing at Anawhata
The West Coast of Auckland has long been a mecca for rock fishing writes Raymond Ryan.

An eye on the game
1956 was the year our national cricket team had its first-ever test victory, but for David Hill it was the year he received a cricket related injury.

Frankie Avalon’s disappointing New Zealand visit
Christopher Moor revisits American actor and singer Frankie Avalon’s promotional tour in 1965.

No VC for Johnny!
A tale of one New Zealander’s almost forgotten valour in January 1945 and the ensuing injustice that was done.

‘Loveable Lionel’ and the 1974 Miss New Zealand tour
Lionel’s six-week 4000-mile assignment as the coach driver for the 1974 Miss New Zealand Tour.

Two Golfers Remember
Two 84-year-olds reminiscing about the days they began playing golf – some 70 years ago.  

When catalogue won the Melbourne Cup
A poem about ‘Granny’ McDonald, a horse trainer working from stables in Pitama Road, Palmerston North.

A personal view of Minqar Qaim breakout and Ruweisat Ridge battles
Tom Andrews’ diary entries during the breakout at Minqar Qaim in June 1942 and the Battle of Ruweisat Ridge.

The Puzzling Kaimanawa Wall
A site where imagination has filled in the empty spaces between the facts, is the Kaimanawa Wall writes Ross Henderson.

The Genealogical Legacy of Noeline Shaw
Noeline was a passionate genealogist, publishing six books of family history and contributing to the Dictionary of NZ Biography.

The Newths of Nelson
Alan Papprill dives into the Newth’s family history in New Zealand which began in 1841 with their departure from Gravesend.

Claude Megson
A glimpse of the work and life of New Zealand architect and Auckland University lecturer Claude Megson.

Teaching English to Migrants
Dr. Ruth Dawson recalls coming to New Zealand in the late ‘60s to teach English to migrants.

The Reporting of King Dick
A look at the reporting of and the press’s relationship with Richard John Seddon.

Teaching in the Country sixty years ago; some impressions
Memories from serving in the the New Zealand Primary Teaching Services ‘country service’.

A Memorable, Itinerant Padre
Reverend Bill Trudson was a travelling padre described as an ‘institution’ and welcome wherever he went in Canterbury in the early 1900s.