Interview with Margaret Young
(OHInt-0403-2)

Margaret Young (nee Purdie) was born in 1910 in the house in which she still lives. Gives details of her family background including the emigration to New Zealand of her paternal grandfather, George Purdie, and his subsequent employment. Notes that both he and her maternal grandfather, whose surname was Roberts, came to New Zealand in the gold rushes.

Describes her father's work as a warehouseman with Levin and Company, his interest in things Scottish, and death from influenza in 1919. Talks about not attending his funeral, the work load for undertakers during the epidemic, finances after her father's death and the difficulty of not having a father.

Discusses the layout of the house and garden to which her parents moved in 1903. Recalls changes to it, the arrival of electricity and early washdays. Describes attending Lyall Bay School from 1905-1922 and her route there on foot. Recalls the neighbouring Christie family and other neighbours along Childers Terrace. Describes her friendship with Kathleen Derby, her daily routine and brother Roy Purdie. Discusses tram routes, local shops, milk and mail delivery, birthdays, Christmas and holidays. Describes the role of her aunty when she came to live with the family. Recalls a polio epidemic about 1928-1929, and having diphtheria.

Discusses her education, being successful at school, the lack of sex education, leaving school and getting a job at the Correspondence School. Recalls that only men received salaries and were members of the permanent staff. Describes going to local dances and Evans Bay and Lyall Bay beaches. Recalls meeting her husband William Young, a seaman, being chaperoned, marrying in 1939 and living with him in her family home. Talks about the birth of sons Gordon and Graeme, family relationships, the death of her mother in 1957, her husband's employment as a messenger and his death in 1978 from osteomylitis. Notes that one of her sons lives with her. Describes neighbourhood changes, her interest in gardening and feelings about the district.