Biography

MUM AND DADS EARLY YEARS.

Grandad and Nanna Bainbridge managed Tuki Tuki Station from 1907 – 1913. Dad was born 1914. Died 1986. (72) My grandparents managed farms in Pukehou and Otane from 1920…one of which was Block 8…possible this was up College Road. Dad attended Te Aute Maori Boys College. He could attend as Grandad was on Board of Directors. In 1930… family moved to Wakarara managing Mangataura Stn [Station] on Matthew [Mathew] Road… Dad was about 15-16yrs at this time. Only Rex attended Wakarara School (possible Janet as well) It is probable that Dads photo album represents years 1932-35. Mum was born in 1920 and Lived on the family Farm at Springhill. Their Original farm house was built in 1924 and occupied ‘til 1936. Rex was born in 1928. After the death of Grandad Simmons in 1934 mum was taken out of school to help on farm aged about 14. The new farm house was built in Jan 1936. Electricity installed 1938. Later…Barton got married and moved away before the war. Dad qualified as a Herd Tester at Massey in Jan 1936 and later came to Simmons farm for herd testing…met mum and stayed on working there and they were married in 1940. In May 1942 Dad was called for Military training in Waiouru…and Later to Trentham Camp until May 1945. Around this time…Rex Boarded at Bill Hills dairy Farm on Wilson road while attending Hstgs [Hastings] boys HS… but after short time was taken out of school and back to farm. Late 1944 Nanna, Mum and Rex moved to Hastings…Nanna. Buying house at 1016 Tomoana road. Stan Simmons (the Butcher at Mahora Shops) did a house swap between Tomoana road and 204 Albert Street so not so much travel for each of them. Later on Nanna purchased house in Hastings Street. Kevin was born Jan 1944