DescriptionBack in the 1950s when ever I travelled through Kaiata and Dobson invariably I came across this slightly built man with tanned skin on the side of the road with no sign of any vehicle around him. On making enquires now I have just learnt that he was Giovani Comperini who lived in Kaiata directly opposite Golf Links Road. Giovani who was in the process of cutting the grass verge on both sides of the road with his long handled scythe and I often saw him sharpening that long curved blade of the scythe with what looked to be a long rounded oilstone on a handle. He would only give the blade a couple of wipes with the oilstone to keep a sharp edge on it, before carrying on cutting the grass with such an easy motion which he left looking like a lawn. The memory of this man has stayed in my mind now for over 50 years and although his was not a world changing event I feel that he should be recognised in our history as it is all of those small things together that are our history. Thank you for all of your hard work Giovani.ContributorBrian McIntyre. Date of story eventsBetween 1st January 1950 and 31st December 1950Map[1]
Relates to
Location (city or town)KaiataDobsonGreymouthPersonGiovani ComperiniEventGiovani Comperini the human lawnmower
West Coast New Zealand History (14th Jun 2015). Giovani Comperini the human lawnmower. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 10th Apr 2026 15:50, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/1244
