Manawatū Heritage

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: 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. IA Charles.

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: 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: 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.From left Michael(7 years) Betty Evans, Tony (5 years), Wayne (3 years), Jack Evans and John (10 years). Only the elder boys John and Michael appear in the rest of the series.

Evans Family Collection: Evans family playing cricket, 5 Mansford Street

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 1938 the Evans family of 5 Mansford Place were one of the first tenants in the Savage Crescent state housing area, Palmerston North. Here Jack Evans plays cricket with sons John and Michael on the front lawn. Betty Evans is at the window with a baby, Julie Silvester, ‘borrowed from a neighbour’ to create a picture of more 'typical' family. The scene showed that state houses provided a safe and healthy environment for children. The trellis is a standard design supplied to all sections to divide the front and back of the section.

Evans Family Collection: Jack and Betty Evans leaving for a social evening with friends

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 and Jack Evans are shown at the front of the house of Mr. W D Cooksley, Burns Avenue, offering to take a friend, Beryl Watson, to the pictures (movies). The photograph shows the standard of house that could be a bought with a State Advances (government) loan available to those who could afford the mortgage. The car was provided for publicity purposes and the family would usually walk or take the bus to the centre of the city for entertainment.

Evans Family Collection: Loading butter cases at Palmerston North railway yards

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 loading cases of butter at the Palmerston North railway yards. The Awahuri Dairy Company may have been selected to illustrate the possibilities of jobs in the farming sector or because New Zealand butter was familiar to the British public. The company was first listed in 1897 and ceased trading in 1960 when it amalgamated with the Rongotea Co-operative Dairy Company. Jack, in fact, worked for the Manawatu Cooperative Society and as a delivery driver for the City Council. He also worked for Sheetmetal Productions (later Metalcraft Industries) in Church St.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Mrs Evans at Palmerston North Public Library

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 chooses books at the Palmerston North Public Library at the corner of the Square and Fitzherbert Avenue. Built in 1929, it was the fourth Public Library in the city. In 1938 the Council abolished subscriptions and offered a free service to residents.

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: Picnic 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. Women seated are Betty Evans (front right) and Mrs Nesbit. School picnics and sports days were held at the Esplanade and adjoining sports grounds. West End School was opened in 1913 and was at the western end of the area which became the Savage Crescent state house suburb built from 1937 to 1945. Like most of the children in the suburb the Evans children attended West End School, a short walk from home.

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: Palmerston North 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 Intermediate Normal School, Ferguson St. Palmerston North, opened on 5 February 1941, one of the earlier intermediate Schools in New Zealand. It had a role of 676 pupils. Parents participated in the School Committee and the Home and School Association which were both active in fund raising.

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 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: 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: 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 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: 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: 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: 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 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: Mrs Evans collecting the Family Benefit

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 collects the Family Benefit at a Post Office Savings Bank. The 1938 Social Security Act established the Family Benefit, payable for every child under 16 years or up to 18 years for full-time students. It was normally paid to the mother in cash or by credit to her Post Office Savings account. At this time the benefit was £26 per annum for each child.

Evans Family Collection: Wedding at All Saints’ Church, Church Street

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 wedding group is shown at All Saints’ Church, adjacent to the Square. This church, designed by Edward de Jersey Clere in the English Gothic style was consecrated in 1914 and became the major city church for the Anglican community. The Evans family do not appear in this photograph but Betty Evans attended the church and her son Tony Evans later sang in the choir.

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

Evans Family Collection: Class at West End School

Evans Family Collection: Massey Agricultural College farm

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

Evans Family Collection: Evans Family, 5 Mansford Place

Evans Family Collection: Evans family playing cricket, 5 Mansford Street

Evans Family Collection: Jack and Betty Evans leaving for a social evening with friends

Evans Family Collection: Loading butter cases at Palmerston North railway yards

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

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

Evans Family Collection: Evans family walking in Victoria Esplanade

Evans Family Collection: Class at West End School

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

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

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans at Palmerston North Public Library

Evans Family Collection: Massey Agricultural College

Evans Family Collection: Picnic at West End School

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

Evans Family Collection: Palmerston North Intermediate Normal School

Evans Family Collection: School milk at Normal Intermediate School

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

Evans Family Collection: Trade Union meeting at Labour Party Rooms

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

Evans Family Collection: School Medical Services, West End School

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

Evans Family Collection: School Medical Service at West End School

Evans Family Collection: Physical Education, Intermediate Normal School

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

Evans Family Collection: Mrs Evans collecting the Family Benefit

Evans Family Collection: Wedding at All Saints’ Church, Church Street