Manawatū Heritage

Evans Family Collection: Evans Family, 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 and Betty Evans and sons seated on the lawn of 5 Mansford Place, Palmerston North. Though Savage Crescent houses were designed in a variety of architectural styles, windows as shown here were a standard feature and mass produced in enormous numbers. These probably came from the local joinery factory of H.E Townshend, a firm which secured contracts to build a large number of the houses in the suburb.

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans at the Manawatu Cooperative Society shop

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 is buying groceries at the College St Co-op shop on the corner of Cook and College St. She is served by Ben Backholm (manager) and an assistant identified as Cliff (?) Entw(h)istle of Keeling St. The Manawatu Cooperative Society operated from 1935-1988, based on British models which returned profits to member shareholders by rebates on purchases. ‘The Co- op’ began with a grocery store in Broadway and developed a chain of grocery and butcher’s shops which operated in most suburbs.

Evans Family Collection: Palmerston North Mayor, Augustus Mansford, with Jack Evans

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 chats with Palmerston North Mayor, Augustus (Gus) Mansford, at the gate of his house in Chaytor Street. Betty Evans was a member of the Business Girls’ Club of which the Mayoress was patron and Mrs Mansford arranged for the Evans family to be chosen for the publicity photographs. Before her marriage Betty was a tailoress, working at the firm of Crawford and Neil in The Square. The photograph may also be intended to show the lack of class distinctions in New Zealand.

Evans Family Collection: Principal's residence, Massey Agricultural College

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. Massey Agricultural College was founded in 1928 and offered degrees in agricultural science and short courses on farm technology and management. By the 1940s it was noted for its major contribution to the development of New Zealand’s sheep and dairy industries and the photograph was probably included to promote careers in the farming sector. The building illustrated was part of the original homestead, called 'Turitea', which was shifted back from its original location and divided in two. This part was used as the residence of the Principal.

Evans Family Collection: Massey Agricultural College farm

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, with sons, John and Michael, is examining a sheep at one of the Massey Agricultural College farms with the assistance of a staff member. The College was founded in 1928 and offered degrees in agricultural science and short courses on farm technology and management. By the 1940s it was noted for its major contribution to the development of New Zealand’s sheep and dairy industries and the photograph was probably included to promote careers in the farming sector.

Evans Family Collection: Massey Agricultural College

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. Massey Agricultural College was founded in 1928 and offered degrees in agricultural science and short courses on farm technology and management. By the 1940s it was noted for its major contribution to the development of New Zealand’s sheep and dairy industries and the photograph was probably included to promote careers in the farming sector. The building illustrated was constructed as the main Science building, in 1931.

Evans Family Collection: John and Michael Evans off to school, 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 and baby sees John and Michael off to school. The family had two bikes which were in general use at this time. Betty and Jack Evans biked to work and the boys usually walked about a kilometre to West End School which adjoined the state housing suburb. The family bought a Model A Ford in the 1950s. There were also two younger boys in the family, Tony and Wayne. The baby is Julie Silvester, a neighbour’s baby, chosen to create a picture of the ‘typical’ family of two or three children.

Evans Family Collection:Palmerston North Hospital Physiotherapy pool

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. Michael Evans is shown for the photograph as receiving treatment in a hospital physiotherapy pool at the Palmerston North Hospital. The poliomyelitis (‘infantine paralysis’) epidemic of 1947 increased the need for such services. Free outpatient treatment in public hospitals was established in 1939.

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.

Evans Family Collection: Betty Evans at the letterbox, 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 collecting 2 ½ pints of milk and what may be ½ pint of cream, the quantity reflecting a good standard of living for a family of five. The letterbox is one of the standard types supplied to all houses in the Savage Crescent state suburb.

Evans Family Collection: School Medical Services, West End School

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 attends the examination of her son Michael at West End School by the visiting school doctor, Dr Talbot. Dr Lonie was the medical officer for the Manawatu District at the time. By the late 1940s all New Zealand children had a medical examination on entering school, were seen by a nurse at Standards 2 and 6 and could be referred to a medical officer. The Polio epidemic of 1947 underlined the need for preventive health care for children.

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans in the Shoe Department at CM Ross Co. Ltd

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. In the 1940s women dressed up for shopping in town and a well-groomed Betty Evans is shown in the shoe department of Roscos, the largest department store in the city. Betty was a trained tailoress and home dressmaking was almost universal at that time. Clothes rationing imposed during World War II was finally removed in 1947.

Evans Family Collection: Trade Union meeting at Labour Party Rooms

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 is shown (far right) attending a trade union committee meeting at the Labour Party Rooms in the Progress Buildings, Broadway, Palmerston North. The woman member is Mrs. Jarvis. From 1936-1961 membership of a union was compulsory in New Zealand.

Evans Family Collection: Mr Evans in a Palmerston North pharmacy

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 collects a prescription at Leary’s Pharmacy in the Square. The assistant has been identified as Campbell Aitchison. In 1947 medicine had become largely free on prescription from a range of pharmaceuticals determined by the Government. The series of photographs gave considerable emphasis to health services.

Evans Family Collection: School Medical Service at West End School

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. Michael Evans at West End School being seen by the visiting school doctor, Dr Talbot. Dr Lonie was the medical officer for the Manawatu District at the time. By the late 1940s all New Zealand children had a medical examination on entering school, were seen by a nurse at Standards 2 and 6 and could be referred to a medical officer. The Polio epidemic of 1947 underlined the need for preventive health care for children.

Evans Family Collection: Visit by Doctor to the Evans home, 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 greets a doctor making a home visit, a service necessary before car ownership was common. From 1941 a fee of 7s 6d was paid by the government for treatment by G.P.s though doctors were able to charge an additional fee.

Evans Family Collection: School milk at Normal Intermediate School

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. Children drinking school milk at Normal Intermediate School 1947. The free milk in schools scheme started in 1937 and supplied half a pint to children each day. This was part of the First Labour Government’s scheme to improve the health of New Zealand children and use some of the surplus milk supply during the Depression. By 1940 the scheme was available to 80% of schoolchildren. It was discontinued in 1967. John Evans is on the left, in the second row left with his eyes to the camera.

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans helping out at the West End Scout and Cub Gala Day

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 and Ruby Morgan (nee Bailey) making tea at West End Cub and Scout troop Gala Day. Betty’s son Tony a keen member of the Cubs, recalls hanging about at the kitchen door for spare cakes and sandwiches. The West End Scout troop established in 1913 is the longest surviving troop in Palmerston North. The Cub pack was formed in 1938. The year of the photograph was notable for the visit to Palmerston North of the Chief Guide, Lady Baden-Powell.

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans and baby at the Palmerston North Plunket Rooms

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. Baby Julie Silvester is weighed by a Plunket nurse at the Palmerston North Plunket rooms in King St. The Royal New Zealand Plunket Society founded by Sir Frederic Truby King was formed in 1907 for the education of mothers and the welfare of babies. Plunket Rooms were established throughout the country, staffed by specially trained nurses where advice was offered freely to mothers. Plunket record books showing graphs of weight gains were often treasured by families. As the Evans boys were no longer babies, Julie was ‘borrowed’ from a neighbour for some of the photographs. (Julie’s married name was Camden).

Evans Family Collection: Physical Education, Intermediate Normal School

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. A physical education lesson at Intermediate Normal School, Ferguson Street, Palmerston North, one of the earlier intermediate Schools in New Zealand. The School opened on 5 February 1941, with a roll of 676 pupils drawn from the Standards 5 and 6 pupils of West End School and other local contributing schools. Athletic and swimming sports days were popular annual events.

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans in the kitchen, 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, Palmerston North, in her modern kitchen. State house kitchens were functional with floor to ceiling cupboards, terrazzo bench tops and electric stoves such as the Atlas pictured here. The national state housing scheme was a huge stimulus to New Zealand manufacturers and between 1931 and 1957 200,000 Atlas stoves were produced by Christchurch based firm Scott Brothers.

Evans Family Collection: Evans family eating dinner, 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 and Betty Evans at dinner in the meal alcove in the kitchen of their state house, with sons Michael and John and Jack’s mother, Mrs Emma Catherine (Cath) Evans. The dining area was also used for activities such as games of cards and, before the advent of television, radio programmes, which provided general family entertainment. A photograph of Michael Joseph Savage, Labour Prime Minister (1935-1940) was prominent in many New Zealand homes at the time. A Singer sewing machine used by Betty Evans, a trained tailoress is on the left.

Evans Family Collection: At the Dental Clinic, Intermediate Normal School

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. The Dental Clinic at the Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School was opened in 1946. It was at first staffed by a qualified dentist and in 1947 by school dental nurses, A A Wilkinson and G H Duff. Ten year old John Evans is the patient but the nurse has not been identified. The School Dental Service was established in 1921. After 1935 it expanded rapidly and by the mid 1940s there were 456 dental clinics offering free treatment and dental education to over 226,000 children. The excellence of this service attracted overseas attention. The Dental Clinic termed by children ‘the murder house’ was a memorable feature of school life.

Evans Family Collection: Evans family walking in Victoria Esplanade

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. John and Betty Evans with two of their sons, Michael (left,) John (right) and baby, Julie Silvester (Julie was ‘borrowed' for the photograph. She later married and became Julie Camden) are visiting in the popular Victoria Esplanade which was about 5 minutes walk from their home in the Savage Crescent state suburb. The development of the Esplanade had begun in 1897 and by 1947 the main drive was marked by flowering cherries and a line of giant palms. Large areas of native bush flourished near the Manawatu River and were the playground for older Savage Crescent boys.

Evans Family Collection: Class at West End School

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. Most children from the Savage Crescent state housing area, developed between 1937 and 1945, attended West End School at the western end of the suburb. The school opened in 1913 and was the second public school to be built in Palmerston North after College Street School in 1893. The teacher is Mr. I A Charles.

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.

Evans Family Collection: Nurses at Palmerston North Hospital

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. In this photograph nurses from the Palmerston North Hospital, with supporters in the background, arrive for a gala day. When a new building opened in 1942 the hospital had 300 beds and a nursing staff of 165. Radiology and new forms of anaesthetics were introduced. The Social Security Act of 1938 introduced free hospital treatment and outpatient service at any public hospital.

Evans Family Collection: Nurses at Palmerston North Hospital

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. In this photograph nurses from the Palmerston North Hospital, arrive for a gala day. When a new building opened in 1942 the hospital had 300 beds and a nursing staff of 165. Radiology and new forms of anaesthetics were introduced. The Social Security Act of 1938 introduced free hospital treatment and outpatient service at any public hospital.

Evans Family Collection: Palmerston North Hospital physiotherapy pool

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. Michael Evans is shown for the photograph as receiving treatment in a hospital physiotherapy pool at the Palmerston North Hospital. The poliomyelitis (‘infantine paralysis’) epidemic of 1947 increased the need for such services. Free outpatient treatment in public hospitals was established in 1939.

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans at CM Ross Co. Ltd Tearooms

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 is posed with two staff members representing her friends in the Rosewood Tea Rooms on the second floor of Rosco’s department store in The Square. It was regarded as the height of elegance with polished rosewood panelling and in the evening it offered fine dining accompanied by a ladies’ trio performing classical music. The morning and afternoon teas served on delicate china and silver cake stands were well within the means of the residents of Savage Crescent state house suburb for special occasions.

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Evans Family Collection: Evans Family, 5 Mansford Place

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans at the Manawatu Cooperative Society shop

Evans Family Collection: Palmerston North Mayor, Augustus Mansford, with Jack Evans

Evans Family Collection: Principal's residence, Massey Agricultural College

Evans Family Collection: Massey Agricultural College farm

Evans Family Collection: Massey Agricultural College

Evans Family Collection: John and Michael Evans off to school, 5 Mansford Place

Evans Family Collection:Palmerston North Hospital Physiotherapy pool

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans vacuuming the living room, 5 Mansford Place

Evans Family Collection: Betty Evans at the letterbox, 5 Mansford Place

Evans Family Collection: School Medical Services, West End School

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans in the Shoe Department at CM Ross Co. Ltd

Evans Family Collection: Trade Union meeting at Labour Party Rooms

Evans Family Collection: Mr Evans in a Palmerston North pharmacy

Evans Family Collection: School Medical Service at West End School

Evans Family Collection: Visit by Doctor to the Evans home, 5 Mansford Place

Evans Family Collection: School milk at Normal Intermediate School

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans helping out at the West End Scout and Cub Gala Day

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans and baby at the Palmerston North Plunket Rooms

Evans Family Collection: Physical Education, Intermediate Normal School

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans in the kitchen, 5 Mansford Place

Evans Family Collection: Evans family eating dinner, 5 Mansford Place

Evans Family Collection: At the Dental Clinic, Intermediate Normal School

Evans Family Collection: Evans family walking in Victoria Esplanade

Evans Family Collection: Class at West End School

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

Evans Family Collection: Nurses at Palmerston North Hospital

Evans Family Collection: Nurses at Palmerston North Hospital

Evans Family Collection: Palmerston North Hospital physiotherapy pool

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans at CM Ross Co. Ltd Tearooms