More Info →Evans Family Collection: Emma Catherine Evans and friends, 5 Mansford Place

A photographic series prepared by the Prime Minister’s Department in 1947 to attract British migrants. The Evans family of 5 Mansford Place, Palmerston North were selected to show the living conditions of a typical New Zealand family. Jack Evans’ mother, Cath, is shown seated second from left with neighbour Bill de Cleene (father of Trevor De Cleene M.P for Palmerston North 1981-1990) standing in the doorway. The others are believed to be friends of the photographer and the scene was arranged to show the lives of older citizens. The Social Security Act 1938 established a means-tested Age Benefit of £104 per annum payable at 60, providing security in retirement for lower paid workers. Jack’s father, David, not present, was a health inspector for the Palmerston North City Council.