Miri Merriman - Merivale Oral History

One hour interview with Miri Merriman (Maryanne Tehei Merriman) for the Merivale Oral History Project. Interviewed by Merewahia Rogers on 24 November 1993. Copied onto one(?) side of a TEAC CDX60 audio cassette tape.

Handwritten notes on cover:

• Childhood in Ōropi
• Teens leading to eventual residencey in Merivale
• Life in Merivale with "in laws"
• Diving Club

National Library item description: (OHInt-0329-08): MaryAnne Tehei was born in Ōropi in 1919. Backgrounds family and life on farm. Talks about father, a teacher at Ongaroto and later Ngawaro schools. Details social life of region including numerous dances including Spinsters Ball. Mentions clothing made from 50lb flour sacks. Recounts marriage to Charlie Merriman in 1940 and move to McMillans farm in Merivale. Discusses neighbours including Jim Pollock; the birth of her first child in 1941; relocating to Ōtūmoetai; husbands call up in World War II. Talks about coupons and rationing of food and petrol. Mentions war allowance. Recounts voluntary employment as accordian player at the Brown Owl Night Club. Outlines cohabitation with in-laws, hay making, her husbands return and move to Tanner Street, Merivale. Discusses household practices including the use of kerosene appliances, growing potatoes and driving a Model T Ford belonging to Robbie Paton. Mentions 'Dad & Dave' radio programme heard on Attwater Kent Radio. Details sale of Paton, Merriman and Mansel farms, all original pioneer families of the region. Talks about urban development in Merivale including roading infrastructures. Discusses involvement with Penguin Underwater Diving Club and diving experiences. Summarises current family size and circumstances.