More Info →Group in Front of Thatched Slab Cottage, c.1910

Description

Written on back with blue ballpoint pen: “2nd from left – John Whitaker. 3rd from right – William Whitaker. Date unknown – probably before World War I. Thatched slab cottage, a style common to Maori and early pakeha small farmers leading a mainly subsistence life. Note garden tools and kits – either potatoes or kai moana. Original was in collection belonging to sister of Lorna Rolston, ‘Ouhero’, Lindsay Road, Levin (daughter of William Whitaker). Others in the collection were dated ‘about 1916’. The family came to the district in 1902. Mr Whitaker was a builder living in Queen Street near junction with Weraroa Road. This picture was labelled ‘Kawiu’, and there are foundations at back of Rolston farm adjacent to Kawiu pa.”

A group of five men, one woman and three children in front of thatched slab whare, c.1910. The man second fro the left has been identified as John Whitaker, while the man walking from the whare with a large teapot in each hand has been identified as William Whitaker. The whare is thought to have been situated at Kawiu, north of Levin.

1 B&W photo print, mounted

Any use of this image must be accompanied by the credit “Horowhenua Historical Society Inc.”

Identification