More Info →Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans vacuuming the living room, 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. Betty Evans, an early tenant of the Savage Crescent state suburb, is cleaning the lounge with Electrolux vacuum cleaner. Such ’labour saving devices’ were shown as features of the modern home enjoyed by state house tenants. The lounge suite, the carpet square and the beaten copper fire screen reflect popular styles of the 1940s and 50s. A tiled fire surround with native timber trim was included in most state houses in the suburb.