Afraid of earthquakes?
Mar. 7th, 2007 08:10 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
xansNot normally scared of earthquakes... hell, I remember that 6.8 one all those years ago... but still, slightly freaky to hear ominous rumbling and then have the house start shaking, and not knowing how bad it's gonna be. Thankfully... not bad.
But speaking of earthquakes... There was that huge earthquake in Hawkes Bay on Feb 3, 1931. Like, every kiwi knows about it, right? Well, my grandmother was in that earthquake. And my mum has been reading through her old diaries, and came across the entries leading up to and just after that disaster.
Jan 2nd 1931
A whole fresh year to come! I wonder what it will bring – this is the one when it depends on us, teaching, to show of what we are made.
The hols have been very exciting so that I’ve been rushing here and there having a great deal of fun. A week before Xmas, cousin Wray, who has not seen us for eight years came in and seemed to think we’d improved for he spent most of his time here and took me to pictures, golf, and for walks and proved really interesting, but stayed only a few days although he remarked, on leaving, “It won’t be ten years before I’m here again”.
Xmas Day was fine and very happy. It brought many presents scent, bath salts, powder and puffs, and a ring with a greenstone tiki from Mum and Dad. We went up the harbour in the afternoon – came home to tea. Why do people eat so much Xmas day? Mrs Bachelor came and made herself very much at home although no one welcomed her. I was up early the next day and walked over the hill and caught a car to Havelock North to May’s. Alex doubled me and May rode her bike to the Tukituki and Rose and Iris White arrived later and we spent a gorgeous day just swimming, getting dry, and swimming again and when we wert back we all went early to bed. The holiday feeling so affected Frank (May’s brother in law) that the next day he offered to take us up in the Liz to the Horseshoe (I had not been permitted to go home) so we did and swam and lazed beneath many layers of coconut oil over sunburn. Nobody had a watch but when the sun grew low someone had a brainwave and suggested a trip into Hasting and the pictures to complete the day. So we dived into Liz, reached May’s at twenty five to eight, collected an assortment of clothes, and went on to Daisy’s where we changed. My protests against making a pest of myself called forth corporal punishment and we reached Hastings at ten past eight after singing all the way in. The moves were amusing but I paid the penalty for swimming too soon after meals by having awful cramp which lasted until after we got back.
Sunday was the hottest day I’ve ever experienced and we were too lazy to move but sat in the most comfortable chairs in doorways (to catch all breezes) and read or slept wishing we weren’t sunburnt. Evening brought no relief but dark clouds and a few large drops fell and then we were treated to a magnificent lightning display but though it thundered no rain fell and it was extremely hot still. I think it was cooler in Napier but one man out there said it was 98 deg F in the shade and 120 oF in the sun!
Monday morning we swam and in the afternoon May and I looked after the shop so that Mrs White could have a rest. I arrived home to find the news that I had passed C and therefore the Govt. would like 1 pound from me. There was also a note to say the Mr Anderson had called and would come down again before 7 pm. He was touring round and came to impart quite a lot of news as regards grading etc. This was strictly confidential. Iris’s was 203 and mine was 205 – I thought she’d beat me by more than that but we were both thrilled – I took Mr Anderson over there, pointing out all ye beauty spots at the same time. We spent most of the evening there and then I had to display our famous parade and so missed the last car and was taxied home. He is very jolly and certainly knows TC gossip and told many tales – often against himself and nearly all amusing.
New Year’s Eve was extremely quiet. We saw the New Year in and went to Iris’s, drank to the future and so, as old Pepys says, to bed. I arrived home at 9.30 and had to be on the jetty at 10 to go picnicking so I had to rush but one girl was 30 min late and I am sure her ears must have burned. Moral. Be punctual. We had a gorgeous day swimming, rowing and walking for the crowd was very jolly and there was no petting. We sang the whole way home without repeating ourselves. I was sunburnt again – soon I’ll be brown as a Maori. I was supposed to go to Ena’s for a sing song but Mum remarked that she was lonely (Spasms affect our parental peace) so I stayed in and read. Today I was supposed to play tennis but the crowd didn’t come so I had a hot bath and discussed art with Les Heyward who had come to get Hilary’s old tricycle (Father Xmas brought him a wonderful one with thick rubber tires, bell and reflector) for Rex.
Sunday Jan 4th 1931
Yesterday May came in but it was too hot to do anything but play the gramophone and talk. She is a dear, she stopped the night and today we all went to Dartmoor with some friends of Jean’s and Ena and Brian Magill, Ken Angus and Tom Bolesworth. It was quite a good day but not so jolly as New Years’ Day. Do adults always have to get catty? We spent most of the day in the water and the rest walking. I am so glad we took Freda and Hilary as they enjoyed it and weren’t a bother.
Tuesday played tennis ill eight and then set off with Ena to go to her place in company with George Latimer and Jim Paten but went beyond it to the dairy had ice cream and then to George’s where we investigated the new home and garden and various uniforms required by smart lieutenants and then played 5 handed euchre. Nearly midnight when I arrived and Mamma was a little peeved at having her beauty sleep broken.
Wednesday 7th
Went to see Phyllis Road today. She looks very thin and languid and has been in bed about 18 months. I hope it isn’t TB.
Thursday 8th
Played cards last night and taught Uncle Mark and Aunty Edie “Ricketty Kate”. Went to “Cuckoos” and was much amused. Speaking and colour were clear.
Friday 9th
Just came in from town after having been caught in the rain which though much wanted annoys me as I have to sleep indoors. Everything is burnt brown. In Gisborne water is being rationed and we have to be careful with our hoses. I hope it doesn’t last over the weekend. Went down to the beach this afternoon but it was too cold to swim much- I am becoming as tanned as a Maori.
Friday 15th
I had informed the family some time ago that I would need a room of my own and as we had a spare bedroom I knew it would be possible but the rooms has been used as a store room - tools, a motor boat engine in bits, toys, paper, old mattresses – all were in there but yesterday I summed up enough energy to clear it. Dad will cuss when he wants his tools but they’re all together and everything else is away tidily. It was such fun – I became covered in dust of all colours but as I was wearing only an old sleeveless blouse, a gym frock, and a scarf on my head and old shoes I didn’t worry but dived into a hot bath – with lavender bath salts as soon as I’d finished. Iris and I went to Kyra’s – played Parchesi had afternoon tea and gossiped and stayed to tea and then I went Ena’s and spent the evening there. Today I want to mix some paint – I’m going to put cream (?) Muresa (murals?) on the walls and paste some paper in the corners where it’s been torn.
Saturday
Painted the room yesterday morning and although it is a trifle patchy felt quite pleased with myself even though I had a crick in my back. Hilary came in to view the process and remarked “I think you’re painting yourself as well as the wall, don’t you Naomi? “ It was fun. I loafed all the afternoon to make up and then in the evening went to town with Iris. Received confirmation of our appointments. I go to Central, Iris to Hastings St where will also be Izzy! Today I scrubbed the floor and having learnt that a writing desk was to be auctioned at McGlashan’s took the cash I’d sent aside for my dentist when he presents his bill, bicycled to town and proceeded when the time came, with aid of Gladys’s Raven’s ma-in-law to buy it – price two pounds, four shillings. Now I am broke indeed! Still this year’s salary will be 136 pounds. Auction sales are very interesting – people bidding fascinate me. Having thus succeeded I visited Ena and Kyra both whom remarked on my energy in riding to town. This afternoon we went swimming and then to tennis. Ena is coming up (I’m looking after the infants and everyone else is out Freda’s foot has kept her in bed all day) and I must darn stockings before she comes.
I have visited quite a lot this week and even managed to find time to call on Grants. Nearly always conversation wanders to the slump and decline of wages. It is rather ghastly. Poor T. Aides go down 5 pounds per annum. I’m sure they’ll hardly manage at all. Why don’t they lower first the wages of the heads who can manage on much less than they receive?
Wednesday Jan 21st. It has rained spasmodically all day so I doubt if any more good has been done than laying of the dust. It is still hot. Last night though sleeping outside, I was warm with only one blanket and a sheet. I finished my two trays yesterday and this morning made up two rambling rose stencils for Ena. This afternoon went to Iris’s and played the gram till after afternoon tea when we combined forces to write the craziest letter we could to Ted Lunn.
The rain has had another good effect – the wave has returned to my hair in full force – salt water ruins it.
10 pm My evening pint of water disturbed by Mum’s calling me out to see if rag in fireplace was burning and I looked out of the window to see smoke and went outside to hear piercing shrieks so that I thought someone was caught but was merely Peter Port Chalmer’s nerves as he informed McCarthy’s what was up. Two good cars at a garage gone in 15 mins. Fortunately the grass is damp. A huge crowd gathered some even in pyjamas or nightwear covered with coats.
Saturday 24th
I have had a most interesting afternoon with Ena, Mavis Cogswell and Marge Lucas. We went to the beach for the early part and had two good swims – the water was deep, clear and calm and then we had 3 sets of tennis – all of which Ena and I won, not through cleverness but because Marge would dream and talk. Now I’ve the evening to myself as I must look after the infants. My room now has a wardrobe and a good long bookcase which I varnished today and will, I think, by cosy in spite of oil which has appeared on the wall. It will be ripping to have den of one’s own arranged as one likes and where quietness can be.
Wednesday 28th
I moved in today. That is to say, I unpacked my books and moved only a few clothes as the wardrobe has yet to be finished. I was not going to sleep there yet but it has turned southerly and the rain sweeps on to the verandah so my bed had to come in for tonight anyhow. I don’t think I’m honestly looking forward to a year at home. I’ve had more disagreements already this year than in my two away – perhaps my tongue runs away with me but sarcasm often keeps people quiet and I’m not going to have my friends run down nor will I have people say anything they like to me. Hang it all I must make my motto “DON”T GROUSE” but when almost everyone argues with someone it’s hard and I do, perhaps sit too hard on Freda. It seems to get worse and the effect on the young ones will be awful. Why worry – let’s adopt Pippa’s song “God’s in His Heaven all’s well with the world.”
Saturday 31st
After today I’m no longer a member of C.T.C which is really rather a terrible thought. Payday yesterday and the usual fuss of getting a Canty. Cheque cashed here. The bank wouldn’t take it undendorsed so we went to see Ena who couldn’t do it and then we went to the Educ. Board Office where a very young clerk informed us that all Mr. Dunn could do would be to take the risk and endorse it. Did we look such desperate characters? If he was sensitive to our laughter after he went out must have been hurt to his soul. A Mr. Melhuish who was kind and interesting came to the bank and cleared the path – we were duly grateful, and proceeded to celebrate with chocolate and cakes at Hobson’s and then to buy such necessary things as stockings.
Mum bought material for my quilt and wardrobe curtain and this morning I made a daisy stencil about 18” long to go on them. We played tennis all the afternoon as it was not very hot and quite a number were away at the Sailing Club Regatta. Ena is coming round and I intend to paint while she sews.
Monday 2nd Feb 1931
First day’s teaching over. Thank goodness! Now I know what I’m in for – P.3 with thirty odd infants (I don’t mean the infants are odd). And although I’m supposed to have done some special infant work I’m more scared over them than over any class. I set out this morn with a sinking feeling that I don’t think even Bovril would quench and arrived ever so early to have to wait till dozens of infants were enrolled but chummed up with Miss Mona Sisam who is P. assistant also – she comes from Auck. and is as fair as I am dark – seems very jolly. We were introduced to the staff, very few of whose names I remember, and then the bell rant and as Std 4 hadn’t a teacher we ambled in and read poetry to them (Mr. Hislop didn’t know where we were going), We kept them quiet and when the Head came in to ask what we’d been accustomed to we told of our incompetence to take an infant class – quoth he with a twinkle in his eye “ I’m afraid it’s infants for both of you.” Miss Sisam is with P. 2 but whereas she has to share a room with Miss Fellowes the mistress I have one to myself. Gee, I hope I can carry the job off. The teachers seem very kind, and offered, in some cases, to help me if I get stuck.
APRIL 1st
- and me at Motuihi in Auckland Harbour, an hour and a quarter from town and with boats calling only every other day and mails three times a week. The earthquake of Feb 3rd is responsible – we fled with our clothes and soon realized we’d like a lot of things we hadn’t. I and a Mr Mines are teaching children from H.B homes – 70 young imps. I have from P.1 – S. 2 inclusive five classes. I must attempt to sort out all that has happened – I asked Mum to keep my letters but she may not have.
- 4.30 Received notice today that Mr Mines and I are to report in H.B for duties. Good-bye to our dear little school- we’d just got it shipshape too.
May 18th
Looking back I saw. Went to see Phyllis Road today – shan’t put that in as she died two days after the quake – which is responsible for the death of more than one school friend- and for the rest this diary has had. I’d better begin with Feb 3rd.
It was a hot day and we’d sent the kids out of school for interval; Miss Fellowes came into my room to see about my registers when there came a bump and windows rattled. Miss Fellowes looked at them and then went for the door. My brain registered “quake” but I remained where I was as I thought would not be any worse than the Murchison one as felt in Ch’ch but when my cupboard tilted over at an angle of 45 deg – across the doorway- and stayed there. I thought I’d depart while the going was good as there was a lull. Just as I reached the verandah however , the upward thrust commenced again but I had enough sense to remain under the arch when the bricks flew past my had but when I saw walls of the main building tumble like curtains I forgot and just dived for the playground where everyone else was. I shall never forget the shrieks of the kiddies – thank Heaven the Head had given them 15 minutes extra play! We had over 600 on the roll and our only casualty was one broken leg. The kiddies answered to the whistle and were dismissed. They were very plucky and even when a bigger boy or girl was in tears it only needed a word for them to be off to help the little ones. We had, at first, quite a job to prevent the little ones running in for hats and coats – they were more afraid of what parents would say if they went home without them than of the building falling. A cloud of yellow lime swept up the valley from the lime kilns so that we could not see across the road. The shakes continued – I don’t think the ground was steady all the day and the little ones who were left grew anxious about parents and sisters. Plucky little things didn’t think of themselves but were terrified. I must have looked a picture sitting with a dirt streaked face (I know I was filthy) in the playground with three kiddies and reciting “Christopher Robin goes Hoppity”. I was worried about Mum who was home alone and the cliff behind our place. Anxious parents were soon up there- may Heaven forgive the lies I told that day – anyhow I know only one was hurt so I could day the kids were O.K. On t heir heels came people from the levels all terrified in case of a tidal wave- as we all were. Some ass told me that home was buried, and I, being an ass too, blubbed until the kiddy I’d collected broke up again so I dried up and set off down Burns Road seeing haggard groups (but none hysterical) of women, invalids in bath chairs and babies in various states of undress. It was not very terrifying until I passed the houses and had to go down the narrow road – well cracked – with hills on either side – gee, how I prayed then that there wouldn’t be another shake. (There wasn’t then either). I knew the kiddy lived down our way so I put her on my back but didn’t get home as two men turned me back saying that the home was okay but the road was too cracked so I went back to school. Neighbours arrived up there and stated that Mum had been hurt but that all the family had gone out to sea in the launch. I thought that they’d gone for good to escape a possible tidal wave, knowing I was safe on the hill; but I learnt later that they had gone out to the “Northumberland” for medical supplies so I decided to stay up there with four other lady teachers who were left. By this time smoke was coming up from both the town and the port side of the hill and we heard many explosions. We became very thirsty – all soft drinks were sold, ice creams were bought in penny cones to go round further and the water supply ran out so that we drank with great relish the water from the fire plugs. One dear old man brought along two bottles of champagne and handed us a little – saving half a bottle for those who felt faint. It commenced to rain but soon stopped, we huddled in the shade of the few trees but after about half an hour plucked up enough courage (3 of us into the infant building, which hadn’t tumbled, to get hats and coats.) We wouldn’t go alone though. Afternoon dragged on, we had no lunch but bought up raisins and plain chocolate keeping it in case of need, I didn’t have a penny with me. WE wandered to the hospital to see if we could help but they had plenty – the nurses’ home was a mass of masonry and beds and patients from wards had been hauled out to the gardens. Anything was better than sitting still so we wandered all over the hills. Miss Meyer and I, to her boarding house past the High School were A.M.A was organizing in her usual manner – she was quite cheerful over the fact that she had nothing left but what she stood in – her flat having been destroyed by fire. We saw how dry the inner Harbour had grown, the slips from Bluff Hill and the old town in flames. It hurt rather to see the buildings one knew from childhood becoming a mass of hot iron and embers. We eventually reached the school again. Miss Meyers boarding house wasn’t habitable so we were best back there. We learnt that telegrams could be sent so went down past shaky buildings, fallen, cliffs, chimney and poles to what remained of the town. And the ghastly ruins of the technical school and sent off telegrams but were not disposed to linger as the flames which were demolishing the town were getting inconveniently close to the road by which we had to return. We settled down for the night on eiderdowns in the schoolyard but didn’t sleep. There was a particularly heavy shock at nine and we expected to see the rest of the buildings crumble. There was no sleep for us; the moon shone brightly and showed smoke columns on either side. Dad came up for me about three in the morning and we went down Goldsmith Rd, which wasn’t much damaged, past home with a huge slip in the back yard, down Ossian St, where the front of the tobacco factory littered the road, much cracked to the wharf where I had to leap across the cracks to the cruiser “Veronica” where the family even unto the dog, were gathered. Poor Hilary was as white as a ghost but not a sound came from him. He was icy but I spent a lot of time before I could persuade him to come to the galley to get warm and have a slice of bread. Jean was there in the cook’s hammock – I believe she did great work the day before feeding babies; Mum was rather bad – she’d been thrown on her knees just in time to escape the cliff which slid into our backyard. I was given a cup of hot chocolate and a cigarette (nearly all of us smoked an unusual amount those days) and decided to remain in the galley. The sailors went out and the next thing I was aware of was a group of them laughing in the doorway – I’d been almost asleep on the bench but when I was put in a hammock – sleep fled. We served tea and bread and butter until I was heartily sick of the sight it. The sailors were doing marvelous work ashore so we found something to do. Drs and nurse arrived on the “Diomede” and “Dunedin” and of course required more tea. Oh the washing up! They were rather shocked when they discovered I’d had no sleep all night _ I wonder what they thought when they got ashore! The land had risen so that the boat was resting on the bottom and, with each quake, shivered from end to end. They had little hope of getting her out. About three in the afternoon we received the news that the town was to be evacuated and that we could leave by boat for Wellington or Auckland. Dad, the day of the shake had thrown any parts of the family’s wardrobe he could lay hands on into a quilt and bundled it into the “Naomi” which was the only easy means of communication with Westshore for the bridge had broken, so we were luckier than some who had only what they stood in but I decided to go home for suitcases but being a booby I required the cook to come with me. We couldn’t find Dad to get the key but hoped to find a window open. John’s was the only one and it was inconveniently near the cliff and Head’s washhouse. We climbed in and found the room in an awful mess- pictures askew or broken; and, to make things worse, the door was jammed. Fred (his name was Fred Ford) broke it open while I anxiously watched the ceiling and prayed that there wouldn’t be a heavy shake while was in there. It came open at last and went into the other rooms. The three chimneys had all tumbled inside, the stove was on the opposite side of the kitchen; the dining room mantelpiece was across the table and there a picture had turned completely upside down and still hung. The bathroom I wouldn’t enter but a pane of glass there was the only one broken in the house (the bird cage had come through it). I collected cases and a few belongings, my bankbook, birth certificate etc and almost wept over my room. All my books were on the floor and the wallpaper split in all directions. We didn’t stay there long and I was so nervy that I was glad to reach the open. As we climbed out Fred, being a bad bold sailor, said “do you know I am going to kiss you good-bye” I don’t know if he was surprised when I said “are you? Well you’d better get it now ‘coos I refuse to kiss you on the ship”. (Anyhow he had cases in his hand and couldn’t get too enthusiastic). We sorted things a bit and packed on the ship and then little launches from the “Diomede” came to take us out. We said fond farewells and some wept for we, none of us, knew what would happen and then got in (and the fool did kiss me again but I couldn’t help it). The sea was rough and some, especially the factory girls, lost their nerve when it proved difficult to get alongside. I suppose they weren’t used to boats though. I was terrified as I lifted Freda and Hilary up to the sailor on the gangway in case I dropped them before time. We were on the “Northumberland” which was a trading and cadet training ship so that the crew had given up their bunks. There were two state rooms and Mum and we girls were given one (Mum was already known there) and a Mrs Kilgarth and her family had the other. They had a hot meal ready for us and although I thought I’d never touch food again it proved very welcome. I made friends with the boatswain who was, I think, an Irishman, and very interesting, before I turned in. We would not undress beyond removing dresses and shoes but a good wash after the water shortage in town was most refreshing. We slept well but in the morning decided anything was better than inaction so four of us wandered kitchenwards again. We helped a bit with washing up and then I found myself in the kitchen proper and several pans of potatoes to be peeled. A youth and I peeled five buckets of them! Goodbye white hands. There was a tiny canvas swimming pool and two sailors lent us bathing suits and after sundry alterations we swam. Oh the blessed relief of it! Of course I would dive too deep and bark my nose on the bottom! That day passed; new arrivals came; we waited on tables but the last to arrive were so haggard and their eyes so full of despair I could have wept. The crowd got up a jazz band to cheer them and then the “Ruapehu” came up and after an exchange of signals we saw a lighter, the “Koutunui” come from the port and we were lowered, after more farewells (the men had been darling) in meat slings to it’s deck and there we sang, with rather shaky voices, “for they are jolly good fellows”. A severe shake reminded us of the mess ashore and we steamed over to the other ship and were raised in slings to its deck and then escorted to comfy cabins and supper. We set off immediately for Wellington. The ship was a fully equipped passenger vessel so there was nothing to do except think and that was beastly for we knew about few of our friends. In Wgton, which we reached about 4.30 Friday afternoon we found Red Cross people with bags of sweets for the kids and plans for our disposal if we had nowhere to stay (we went to Grandma’s) and first aid supplies. We were glad to get there and rest at Barber St. Wray Styles was there too and he and I went to send off telegrams to everyone we could think of.
Any and all errors are of my mother's making. :P
Fin.
But speaking of earthquakes... There was that huge earthquake in Hawkes Bay on Feb 3, 1931. Like, every kiwi knows about it, right? Well, my grandmother was in that earthquake. And my mum has been reading through her old diaries, and came across the entries leading up to and just after that disaster.
Jan 2nd 1931
A whole fresh year to come! I wonder what it will bring – this is the one when it depends on us, teaching, to show of what we are made.
The hols have been very exciting so that I’ve been rushing here and there having a great deal of fun. A week before Xmas, cousin Wray, who has not seen us for eight years came in and seemed to think we’d improved for he spent most of his time here and took me to pictures, golf, and for walks and proved really interesting, but stayed only a few days although he remarked, on leaving, “It won’t be ten years before I’m here again”.
Xmas Day was fine and very happy. It brought many presents scent, bath salts, powder and puffs, and a ring with a greenstone tiki from Mum and Dad. We went up the harbour in the afternoon – came home to tea. Why do people eat so much Xmas day? Mrs Bachelor came and made herself very much at home although no one welcomed her. I was up early the next day and walked over the hill and caught a car to Havelock North to May’s. Alex doubled me and May rode her bike to the Tukituki and Rose and Iris White arrived later and we spent a gorgeous day just swimming, getting dry, and swimming again and when we wert back we all went early to bed. The holiday feeling so affected Frank (May’s brother in law) that the next day he offered to take us up in the Liz to the Horseshoe (I had not been permitted to go home) so we did and swam and lazed beneath many layers of coconut oil over sunburn. Nobody had a watch but when the sun grew low someone had a brainwave and suggested a trip into Hasting and the pictures to complete the day. So we dived into Liz, reached May’s at twenty five to eight, collected an assortment of clothes, and went on to Daisy’s where we changed. My protests against making a pest of myself called forth corporal punishment and we reached Hastings at ten past eight after singing all the way in. The moves were amusing but I paid the penalty for swimming too soon after meals by having awful cramp which lasted until after we got back.
Sunday was the hottest day I’ve ever experienced and we were too lazy to move but sat in the most comfortable chairs in doorways (to catch all breezes) and read or slept wishing we weren’t sunburnt. Evening brought no relief but dark clouds and a few large drops fell and then we were treated to a magnificent lightning display but though it thundered no rain fell and it was extremely hot still. I think it was cooler in Napier but one man out there said it was 98 deg F in the shade and 120 oF in the sun!
Monday morning we swam and in the afternoon May and I looked after the shop so that Mrs White could have a rest. I arrived home to find the news that I had passed C and therefore the Govt. would like 1 pound from me. There was also a note to say the Mr Anderson had called and would come down again before 7 pm. He was touring round and came to impart quite a lot of news as regards grading etc. This was strictly confidential. Iris’s was 203 and mine was 205 – I thought she’d beat me by more than that but we were both thrilled – I took Mr Anderson over there, pointing out all ye beauty spots at the same time. We spent most of the evening there and then I had to display our famous parade and so missed the last car and was taxied home. He is very jolly and certainly knows TC gossip and told many tales – often against himself and nearly all amusing.
New Year’s Eve was extremely quiet. We saw the New Year in and went to Iris’s, drank to the future and so, as old Pepys says, to bed. I arrived home at 9.30 and had to be on the jetty at 10 to go picnicking so I had to rush but one girl was 30 min late and I am sure her ears must have burned. Moral. Be punctual. We had a gorgeous day swimming, rowing and walking for the crowd was very jolly and there was no petting. We sang the whole way home without repeating ourselves. I was sunburnt again – soon I’ll be brown as a Maori. I was supposed to go to Ena’s for a sing song but Mum remarked that she was lonely (Spasms affect our parental peace) so I stayed in and read. Today I was supposed to play tennis but the crowd didn’t come so I had a hot bath and discussed art with Les Heyward who had come to get Hilary’s old tricycle (Father Xmas brought him a wonderful one with thick rubber tires, bell and reflector) for Rex.
Sunday Jan 4th 1931
Yesterday May came in but it was too hot to do anything but play the gramophone and talk. She is a dear, she stopped the night and today we all went to Dartmoor with some friends of Jean’s and Ena and Brian Magill, Ken Angus and Tom Bolesworth. It was quite a good day but not so jolly as New Years’ Day. Do adults always have to get catty? We spent most of the day in the water and the rest walking. I am so glad we took Freda and Hilary as they enjoyed it and weren’t a bother.
Tuesday played tennis ill eight and then set off with Ena to go to her place in company with George Latimer and Jim Paten but went beyond it to the dairy had ice cream and then to George’s where we investigated the new home and garden and various uniforms required by smart lieutenants and then played 5 handed euchre. Nearly midnight when I arrived and Mamma was a little peeved at having her beauty sleep broken.
Wednesday 7th
Went to see Phyllis Road today. She looks very thin and languid and has been in bed about 18 months. I hope it isn’t TB.
Thursday 8th
Played cards last night and taught Uncle Mark and Aunty Edie “Ricketty Kate”. Went to “Cuckoos” and was much amused. Speaking and colour were clear.
Friday 9th
Just came in from town after having been caught in the rain which though much wanted annoys me as I have to sleep indoors. Everything is burnt brown. In Gisborne water is being rationed and we have to be careful with our hoses. I hope it doesn’t last over the weekend. Went down to the beach this afternoon but it was too cold to swim much- I am becoming as tanned as a Maori.
Friday 15th
I had informed the family some time ago that I would need a room of my own and as we had a spare bedroom I knew it would be possible but the rooms has been used as a store room - tools, a motor boat engine in bits, toys, paper, old mattresses – all were in there but yesterday I summed up enough energy to clear it. Dad will cuss when he wants his tools but they’re all together and everything else is away tidily. It was such fun – I became covered in dust of all colours but as I was wearing only an old sleeveless blouse, a gym frock, and a scarf on my head and old shoes I didn’t worry but dived into a hot bath – with lavender bath salts as soon as I’d finished. Iris and I went to Kyra’s – played Parchesi had afternoon tea and gossiped and stayed to tea and then I went Ena’s and spent the evening there. Today I want to mix some paint – I’m going to put cream (?) Muresa (murals?) on the walls and paste some paper in the corners where it’s been torn.
Saturday
Painted the room yesterday morning and although it is a trifle patchy felt quite pleased with myself even though I had a crick in my back. Hilary came in to view the process and remarked “I think you’re painting yourself as well as the wall, don’t you Naomi? “ It was fun. I loafed all the afternoon to make up and then in the evening went to town with Iris. Received confirmation of our appointments. I go to Central, Iris to Hastings St where will also be Izzy! Today I scrubbed the floor and having learnt that a writing desk was to be auctioned at McGlashan’s took the cash I’d sent aside for my dentist when he presents his bill, bicycled to town and proceeded when the time came, with aid of Gladys’s Raven’s ma-in-law to buy it – price two pounds, four shillings. Now I am broke indeed! Still this year’s salary will be 136 pounds. Auction sales are very interesting – people bidding fascinate me. Having thus succeeded I visited Ena and Kyra both whom remarked on my energy in riding to town. This afternoon we went swimming and then to tennis. Ena is coming up (I’m looking after the infants and everyone else is out Freda’s foot has kept her in bed all day) and I must darn stockings before she comes.
I have visited quite a lot this week and even managed to find time to call on Grants. Nearly always conversation wanders to the slump and decline of wages. It is rather ghastly. Poor T. Aides go down 5 pounds per annum. I’m sure they’ll hardly manage at all. Why don’t they lower first the wages of the heads who can manage on much less than they receive?
Wednesday Jan 21st. It has rained spasmodically all day so I doubt if any more good has been done than laying of the dust. It is still hot. Last night though sleeping outside, I was warm with only one blanket and a sheet. I finished my two trays yesterday and this morning made up two rambling rose stencils for Ena. This afternoon went to Iris’s and played the gram till after afternoon tea when we combined forces to write the craziest letter we could to Ted Lunn.
The rain has had another good effect – the wave has returned to my hair in full force – salt water ruins it.
10 pm My evening pint of water disturbed by Mum’s calling me out to see if rag in fireplace was burning and I looked out of the window to see smoke and went outside to hear piercing shrieks so that I thought someone was caught but was merely Peter Port Chalmer’s nerves as he informed McCarthy’s what was up. Two good cars at a garage gone in 15 mins. Fortunately the grass is damp. A huge crowd gathered some even in pyjamas or nightwear covered with coats.
Saturday 24th
I have had a most interesting afternoon with Ena, Mavis Cogswell and Marge Lucas. We went to the beach for the early part and had two good swims – the water was deep, clear and calm and then we had 3 sets of tennis – all of which Ena and I won, not through cleverness but because Marge would dream and talk. Now I’ve the evening to myself as I must look after the infants. My room now has a wardrobe and a good long bookcase which I varnished today and will, I think, by cosy in spite of oil which has appeared on the wall. It will be ripping to have den of one’s own arranged as one likes and where quietness can be.
Wednesday 28th
I moved in today. That is to say, I unpacked my books and moved only a few clothes as the wardrobe has yet to be finished. I was not going to sleep there yet but it has turned southerly and the rain sweeps on to the verandah so my bed had to come in for tonight anyhow. I don’t think I’m honestly looking forward to a year at home. I’ve had more disagreements already this year than in my two away – perhaps my tongue runs away with me but sarcasm often keeps people quiet and I’m not going to have my friends run down nor will I have people say anything they like to me. Hang it all I must make my motto “DON”T GROUSE” but when almost everyone argues with someone it’s hard and I do, perhaps sit too hard on Freda. It seems to get worse and the effect on the young ones will be awful. Why worry – let’s adopt Pippa’s song “God’s in His Heaven all’s well with the world.”
Saturday 31st
After today I’m no longer a member of C.T.C which is really rather a terrible thought. Payday yesterday and the usual fuss of getting a Canty. Cheque cashed here. The bank wouldn’t take it undendorsed so we went to see Ena who couldn’t do it and then we went to the Educ. Board Office where a very young clerk informed us that all Mr. Dunn could do would be to take the risk and endorse it. Did we look such desperate characters? If he was sensitive to our laughter after he went out must have been hurt to his soul. A Mr. Melhuish who was kind and interesting came to the bank and cleared the path – we were duly grateful, and proceeded to celebrate with chocolate and cakes at Hobson’s and then to buy such necessary things as stockings.
Mum bought material for my quilt and wardrobe curtain and this morning I made a daisy stencil about 18” long to go on them. We played tennis all the afternoon as it was not very hot and quite a number were away at the Sailing Club Regatta. Ena is coming round and I intend to paint while she sews.
Monday 2nd Feb 1931
First day’s teaching over. Thank goodness! Now I know what I’m in for – P.3 with thirty odd infants (I don’t mean the infants are odd). And although I’m supposed to have done some special infant work I’m more scared over them than over any class. I set out this morn with a sinking feeling that I don’t think even Bovril would quench and arrived ever so early to have to wait till dozens of infants were enrolled but chummed up with Miss Mona Sisam who is P. assistant also – she comes from Auck. and is as fair as I am dark – seems very jolly. We were introduced to the staff, very few of whose names I remember, and then the bell rant and as Std 4 hadn’t a teacher we ambled in and read poetry to them (Mr. Hislop didn’t know where we were going), We kept them quiet and when the Head came in to ask what we’d been accustomed to we told of our incompetence to take an infant class – quoth he with a twinkle in his eye “ I’m afraid it’s infants for both of you.” Miss Sisam is with P. 2 but whereas she has to share a room with Miss Fellowes the mistress I have one to myself. Gee, I hope I can carry the job off. The teachers seem very kind, and offered, in some cases, to help me if I get stuck.
APRIL 1st
- and me at Motuihi in Auckland Harbour, an hour and a quarter from town and with boats calling only every other day and mails three times a week. The earthquake of Feb 3rd is responsible – we fled with our clothes and soon realized we’d like a lot of things we hadn’t. I and a Mr Mines are teaching children from H.B homes – 70 young imps. I have from P.1 – S. 2 inclusive five classes. I must attempt to sort out all that has happened – I asked Mum to keep my letters but she may not have.
- 4.30 Received notice today that Mr Mines and I are to report in H.B for duties. Good-bye to our dear little school- we’d just got it shipshape too.
May 18th
Looking back I saw. Went to see Phyllis Road today – shan’t put that in as she died two days after the quake – which is responsible for the death of more than one school friend- and for the rest this diary has had. I’d better begin with Feb 3rd.
It was a hot day and we’d sent the kids out of school for interval; Miss Fellowes came into my room to see about my registers when there came a bump and windows rattled. Miss Fellowes looked at them and then went for the door. My brain registered “quake” but I remained where I was as I thought would not be any worse than the Murchison one as felt in Ch’ch but when my cupboard tilted over at an angle of 45 deg – across the doorway- and stayed there. I thought I’d depart while the going was good as there was a lull. Just as I reached the verandah however , the upward thrust commenced again but I had enough sense to remain under the arch when the bricks flew past my had but when I saw walls of the main building tumble like curtains I forgot and just dived for the playground where everyone else was. I shall never forget the shrieks of the kiddies – thank Heaven the Head had given them 15 minutes extra play! We had over 600 on the roll and our only casualty was one broken leg. The kiddies answered to the whistle and were dismissed. They were very plucky and even when a bigger boy or girl was in tears it only needed a word for them to be off to help the little ones. We had, at first, quite a job to prevent the little ones running in for hats and coats – they were more afraid of what parents would say if they went home without them than of the building falling. A cloud of yellow lime swept up the valley from the lime kilns so that we could not see across the road. The shakes continued – I don’t think the ground was steady all the day and the little ones who were left grew anxious about parents and sisters. Plucky little things didn’t think of themselves but were terrified. I must have looked a picture sitting with a dirt streaked face (I know I was filthy) in the playground with three kiddies and reciting “Christopher Robin goes Hoppity”. I was worried about Mum who was home alone and the cliff behind our place. Anxious parents were soon up there- may Heaven forgive the lies I told that day – anyhow I know only one was hurt so I could day the kids were O.K. On t heir heels came people from the levels all terrified in case of a tidal wave- as we all were. Some ass told me that home was buried, and I, being an ass too, blubbed until the kiddy I’d collected broke up again so I dried up and set off down Burns Road seeing haggard groups (but none hysterical) of women, invalids in bath chairs and babies in various states of undress. It was not very terrifying until I passed the houses and had to go down the narrow road – well cracked – with hills on either side – gee, how I prayed then that there wouldn’t be another shake. (There wasn’t then either). I knew the kiddy lived down our way so I put her on my back but didn’t get home as two men turned me back saying that the home was okay but the road was too cracked so I went back to school. Neighbours arrived up there and stated that Mum had been hurt but that all the family had gone out to sea in the launch. I thought that they’d gone for good to escape a possible tidal wave, knowing I was safe on the hill; but I learnt later that they had gone out to the “Northumberland” for medical supplies so I decided to stay up there with four other lady teachers who were left. By this time smoke was coming up from both the town and the port side of the hill and we heard many explosions. We became very thirsty – all soft drinks were sold, ice creams were bought in penny cones to go round further and the water supply ran out so that we drank with great relish the water from the fire plugs. One dear old man brought along two bottles of champagne and handed us a little – saving half a bottle for those who felt faint. It commenced to rain but soon stopped, we huddled in the shade of the few trees but after about half an hour plucked up enough courage (3 of us into the infant building, which hadn’t tumbled, to get hats and coats.) We wouldn’t go alone though. Afternoon dragged on, we had no lunch but bought up raisins and plain chocolate keeping it in case of need, I didn’t have a penny with me. WE wandered to the hospital to see if we could help but they had plenty – the nurses’ home was a mass of masonry and beds and patients from wards had been hauled out to the gardens. Anything was better than sitting still so we wandered all over the hills. Miss Meyer and I, to her boarding house past the High School were A.M.A was organizing in her usual manner – she was quite cheerful over the fact that she had nothing left but what she stood in – her flat having been destroyed by fire. We saw how dry the inner Harbour had grown, the slips from Bluff Hill and the old town in flames. It hurt rather to see the buildings one knew from childhood becoming a mass of hot iron and embers. We eventually reached the school again. Miss Meyers boarding house wasn’t habitable so we were best back there. We learnt that telegrams could be sent so went down past shaky buildings, fallen, cliffs, chimney and poles to what remained of the town. And the ghastly ruins of the technical school and sent off telegrams but were not disposed to linger as the flames which were demolishing the town were getting inconveniently close to the road by which we had to return. We settled down for the night on eiderdowns in the schoolyard but didn’t sleep. There was a particularly heavy shock at nine and we expected to see the rest of the buildings crumble. There was no sleep for us; the moon shone brightly and showed smoke columns on either side. Dad came up for me about three in the morning and we went down Goldsmith Rd, which wasn’t much damaged, past home with a huge slip in the back yard, down Ossian St, where the front of the tobacco factory littered the road, much cracked to the wharf where I had to leap across the cracks to the cruiser “Veronica” where the family even unto the dog, were gathered. Poor Hilary was as white as a ghost but not a sound came from him. He was icy but I spent a lot of time before I could persuade him to come to the galley to get warm and have a slice of bread. Jean was there in the cook’s hammock – I believe she did great work the day before feeding babies; Mum was rather bad – she’d been thrown on her knees just in time to escape the cliff which slid into our backyard. I was given a cup of hot chocolate and a cigarette (nearly all of us smoked an unusual amount those days) and decided to remain in the galley. The sailors went out and the next thing I was aware of was a group of them laughing in the doorway – I’d been almost asleep on the bench but when I was put in a hammock – sleep fled. We served tea and bread and butter until I was heartily sick of the sight it. The sailors were doing marvelous work ashore so we found something to do. Drs and nurse arrived on the “Diomede” and “Dunedin” and of course required more tea. Oh the washing up! They were rather shocked when they discovered I’d had no sleep all night _ I wonder what they thought when they got ashore! The land had risen so that the boat was resting on the bottom and, with each quake, shivered from end to end. They had little hope of getting her out. About three in the afternoon we received the news that the town was to be evacuated and that we could leave by boat for Wellington or Auckland. Dad, the day of the shake had thrown any parts of the family’s wardrobe he could lay hands on into a quilt and bundled it into the “Naomi” which was the only easy means of communication with Westshore for the bridge had broken, so we were luckier than some who had only what they stood in but I decided to go home for suitcases but being a booby I required the cook to come with me. We couldn’t find Dad to get the key but hoped to find a window open. John’s was the only one and it was inconveniently near the cliff and Head’s washhouse. We climbed in and found the room in an awful mess- pictures askew or broken; and, to make things worse, the door was jammed. Fred (his name was Fred Ford) broke it open while I anxiously watched the ceiling and prayed that there wouldn’t be a heavy shake while was in there. It came open at last and went into the other rooms. The three chimneys had all tumbled inside, the stove was on the opposite side of the kitchen; the dining room mantelpiece was across the table and there a picture had turned completely upside down and still hung. The bathroom I wouldn’t enter but a pane of glass there was the only one broken in the house (the bird cage had come through it). I collected cases and a few belongings, my bankbook, birth certificate etc and almost wept over my room. All my books were on the floor and the wallpaper split in all directions. We didn’t stay there long and I was so nervy that I was glad to reach the open. As we climbed out Fred, being a bad bold sailor, said “do you know I am going to kiss you good-bye” I don’t know if he was surprised when I said “are you? Well you’d better get it now ‘coos I refuse to kiss you on the ship”. (Anyhow he had cases in his hand and couldn’t get too enthusiastic). We sorted things a bit and packed on the ship and then little launches from the “Diomede” came to take us out. We said fond farewells and some wept for we, none of us, knew what would happen and then got in (and the fool did kiss me again but I couldn’t help it). The sea was rough and some, especially the factory girls, lost their nerve when it proved difficult to get alongside. I suppose they weren’t used to boats though. I was terrified as I lifted Freda and Hilary up to the sailor on the gangway in case I dropped them before time. We were on the “Northumberland” which was a trading and cadet training ship so that the crew had given up their bunks. There were two state rooms and Mum and we girls were given one (Mum was already known there) and a Mrs Kilgarth and her family had the other. They had a hot meal ready for us and although I thought I’d never touch food again it proved very welcome. I made friends with the boatswain who was, I think, an Irishman, and very interesting, before I turned in. We would not undress beyond removing dresses and shoes but a good wash after the water shortage in town was most refreshing. We slept well but in the morning decided anything was better than inaction so four of us wandered kitchenwards again. We helped a bit with washing up and then I found myself in the kitchen proper and several pans of potatoes to be peeled. A youth and I peeled five buckets of them! Goodbye white hands. There was a tiny canvas swimming pool and two sailors lent us bathing suits and after sundry alterations we swam. Oh the blessed relief of it! Of course I would dive too deep and bark my nose on the bottom! That day passed; new arrivals came; we waited on tables but the last to arrive were so haggard and their eyes so full of despair I could have wept. The crowd got up a jazz band to cheer them and then the “Ruapehu” came up and after an exchange of signals we saw a lighter, the “Koutunui” come from the port and we were lowered, after more farewells (the men had been darling) in meat slings to it’s deck and there we sang, with rather shaky voices, “for they are jolly good fellows”. A severe shake reminded us of the mess ashore and we steamed over to the other ship and were raised in slings to its deck and then escorted to comfy cabins and supper. We set off immediately for Wellington. The ship was a fully equipped passenger vessel so there was nothing to do except think and that was beastly for we knew about few of our friends. In Wgton, which we reached about 4.30 Friday afternoon we found Red Cross people with bags of sweets for the kids and plans for our disposal if we had nowhere to stay (we went to Grandma’s) and first aid supplies. We were glad to get there and rest at Barber St. Wray Styles was there too and he and I went to send off telegrams to everyone we could think of.
Any and all errors are of my mother's making. :P
Fin.
