More Info →Home Movie - Kurt and Hilde Gabriel

Description: Movie taken by Kurt Gabriel. Kurt and his wife Hildegard came from Berlin, Germany to Palmerston North in 1938. Hilde was a lawyer (Heidelberg & Zurich Universities) but unable to practise in New Zealand. In the early 1960s she became a teacher of German at Palmerston North Girls' High School. Kurt was a dentist (Berlin University) whose surgery was in the T _& _G Building on Broadway from 1938 until shortly before he died.

They lived almost their entire New Zealand life at 179 Fitzherbert Avenue.

Kurt died 25 May, 1976 aged 79. Hilde died 15 April, 1991 also aged 79. Their two daughters were born in Palmerston North. Both left New Zealand in their 20s.

The movie was created by Kurt pre WWII. No cameras were permitted to be in the ownership of refugees during the war.

The movie contains footage of:

Koputaroa: Koputaroa Railway Station with Hilde and Mr Kilsby, a local dairy farmer; Hilde with an ice cream tray and.Mr & Mrs Kilsby; the Kilsby's dairy farm; the Schenken 'lift' (container) marked Berlin/Wellington. This container had held Hilde and Kurt's European possessions and was given to the Kilsbys for their use as a farm shed; Foxton? Beach with the Kilsbys; Kurt with high hat waving; back to the farm for milking time.

The Esplanade, Palmerston North: Cherry Blossom; Hilde & Kurt walking towards the camera; views across the Manawatu River towards Massey College.

Palmerston North: Panorama from the roof of the T & G Building; streets, businesses and vehicles around the Square.

Awapuni Race Course Race Day.

Garden Party at number 18 of unknown street: Hilde with ice creams and (possibly) George Ormond Wilson; Hilde & Kurt with ice creams; Hilde with (possibly)Mesdames Castleberg and Nathan; Hilde with (possibly) Messrs Castleberg and Nathan.

Fitzherbert Avenue Palmerston North: Hilde &.Kurt in their first home between Ferguson Street and College Street prior to their purchasing 179 Fitzherbert Avenue in 1940.

Length: 16.13 minutes.

Sepia and colour segments.

No sound.