Life on Mōtītī Island in 1934, by Mary Kirk

Reference NumberAms 428DescriptionCollection comprises:

Ams 428/1: Original manuscript, hand-written on Croxley ruled airmail pads and Pacific students’ 9B5 writing tablets.

Ams 428/2: Original typescript, in blue Collins ring binder.

Mary Kirk (née Cowan, later Cameron), lived from c. 1909 to 1996. As a newly-married young teacher Mary Kirk spent 1934 based at the school on Mōtītī Island.

The principal’s wife had died and Mrs Kirk and her husband, Leslie James Kirk (1911-c.1943), were jointly appointed to the school. However, the principal, Mr Cels, decided unexpectedly and at the last minute to remain in the job. As a result Mrs Kirk was sent to the island alone, while Mr Kirk went to teach at Waihī District High School. For a year they lived apart, with occasional meetings, until the end of the year when they resigned from their respective jobs in order to find a school where they could teach together.

Mary Kirk wrote a lively and detailed account of her time on the island, which was later typed up.

Leslie Kirk was killed in World War II; Mary married Charles Alfred Cameron (1908-2000) in 1949.LevelCollectionExtent2 documents Last edited by: Kate Charteris

Asset Location

RoomClimate controlled room Last edited by: Kate Charteris

Usage

Kaitiakitanga StatementPlease use taonga Māori materials provided by Te Ao Mārama: Tauranga City Libraries appropriately. This includes being respectful and mindful of the creator/s, as well as the mana and dignity of people, iwi and hapū group/s, and the environmental subjects depicted in the material.Access ConditionsNo access restrictions anticipated for this collection. To be reviewed upon next access request. AcknowledgementTe Ao Mārama - Tauranga City Libraries Ams 428

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Life on Mōtītī Island in 1934, by Mary Kirk