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Woolworths, Greymouth.
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Location (city or town)GreymouthOrganisation (eg business)Woolworths
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Date Created26th April 2019CommentsCatherine Moffitt Rowlands Omg,this is a blast from my past. Loved going there.
Geoffrey King Dominion Hotel on the left the sign said Dominion Hotel Ron King Prop....u can see the G
Mary Morgan It was next to Mackensies
Geoffrey King nope There was a shop in between that use to be Tymons / Millers from memory
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Delete or hide thisJulie Mann Wow yes, reminds me of the Caribbean down Albert St, dark little tearooms, one of Mum's favourites.
Leeanne Sneddon There was a tearooms where the real Estate is down by revvies too Julie Mann Poor ol Revvies,Geoffrey King Use to ride my trike around the counters until one day i ran into a lady who let out an almighty yell. Never went back in their with the trike got told off!
Heather Newby I used to love going in there to spend my pocket money..pencil cases, coloured pencils, rubbers,colouring in books.. cutout books
Can you remember doing our Xmas shopping at Woolworths and McKenzies,
Great fun,Mary Morgan Bev Freitas did you come from Hokitika
Kath Merv Moreton Bev Freitas Hi Bev,we did too.All of 10 shillings for all of our shopping!x
Julie Mann And that walkway in between Woolworths and McKenzies.
Geoffrey King One Xmas eve 1956 /58 Madge Lefevre my mothers friend left a 5 pound note on the cigarette tobacco counter, left set of doors, left side just inside the doors. Went back an hour later and it was still sitting there. The crowds on such a nite were shoulder to shoulder on the footpath. 5 pounds was probably a weeks wages back then.Elizabeth Mehrtens We used to go to Greymouth om the 6.pm railcar which took around an hr from memory and left Greymouth around 9.pm back to Refton. I sure the guard earnt his wages with us on board playing basketball up the isle.
Anne Hines Around where noel lemmings is now?
Geoffrey King I dont think McKenzies was as busy as Wollies
Delwyn Hughes Had a holiday job there worked with some lovely people, Betty Lobesy Lobesy Delwyn Hughes WOW Betty Langbein one of the most inspirational people from growing up in Greymouth, for me anyway.The lady had spirit and said it like it was . One of kind .Wish I had spent more time listening to her while she baked the best beef and mushroom pie I have ever tasted.
Delwyn Hughes Lobesy Lobesy She was an awesome lady and very dear family friend for many many years
Lobesy Lobesy Delwyn Hughes Awesome is just about the right word.❤
Pauline Naylor I didnt work with Betty, but I did know her very well. She was a wonderful lady, caring, loving and you always knew how she felt about things.
sh Briggs Yes that's our Bette Holly. Worked there over Christmas school holidays when I was 5th form. Frances Keating Josephine Wesley
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· Reply · Geoffrey King n in Hokitika
Geoffrey King yep thats it Eric ,tku. Nope never in Hoki always Greymouth Father came from Hoki
Geoffrey King Where the bike is parked that was the Olympic Milk Bar, my Cousin Durham Ogilvie and his wife Janice owned that and from memory on sold it to Graham Findlay of boxing renown when they shifted to Christchurch.
Pam Englefield-Absolum Yes, shopped there often.
Bobbie Johnson Yep. :-)Heather Gaulter Worked next door at McKenzies when I left school enny Schroder Was great shop could pick and mix chocolates
Lei-Anne Patricia Gaby Worked at McKenzies during school holidays 1964-66....best job ever, wonderful workmates and boss....and their staff discount was twice what Woolworths gave!!.....Just saying
Craig Benbow Got dragged up and down the aisles of both Woolworths and Mackenzies plenty of times as a kid. Lolly bins were always a good spot to look optimistic :)
Paddy N Belinda Blanchfield I remember the lolliesGlenice Hansen Worked in Woolworths
Murry McKendry Wollies, Millars, McKenzies, Think Ashby burges
Alan Sheehan Know exactly where the toys and lollies are Annette Mead Had half a crown to spend always brought a box of liquorice and and something for mum loved Woolworths.
Barbara Fitzsimmons Worked there 67 /68 .Nelly .Dundon was my boss beautiful person .great shop .better than the warehouse .
Jill Kramer Shopped there many times.
David Lindsay Pick n mix lollies Brian McIntyre Remember it well
Linda Howard Loved Woolworths and McKenzies.
David Carty My wife worked at Woolworths before we got married,way back in history!!alcolm Howell Worked in Woolies after school in 1963. Mr Sterm was the manager then. Great team spirit at this store.
Helen Joan Forrest Great shop
Gavin Case i helped teach the older peolpe learn dmc
Lorraine O'Donoghue Yep and McKenzies.
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Delete or hide thisPauline Matene My Mum worked there for years also
Sue Bishop That was my first job when i left school, good times
Sandra Skates My mum worked there as a window dresser in about 1945 maybe earlier
Heather Newby what a great job! a window dresser... how many hours a day did she work?
Sandra Skates She worked full time from leaving school and even had to do all the price tickets no printers in those days
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Delete or hide thisLynn-marie Thompson Sandra Skates I was a window dresser and ticket writer there in the early 70s and I had to spend 2 weeks in ChCh to train for it. I had my own little room out the back.
Lola Leckie The good old days.
Carolyn Luck Great shop, selling very good things.
I still have a sleeping bag bought there over 50 years ago
Glenda O'Donnell I can remember the as it is to day
Margaret McBride worked there in late1959.
John Rosanowski Was always a compulsory visit when we went to Greymouth as kids.
Fay Glasson Loved going their with my mum and dad in the 1950’s Mike Henderson Andrea Watson later to be DEKA
Geoffrey King Didnt Tainui or some Maori tribe buy Woolworths in the 70's maybe 80's and change the name to Deka then it went down hill to oblivion.
Andrea Watson Mike Henderson aww the memories Margaret Wright No Kevin Lalor " Millers Drapery" was between Woolworth's and McKezies I bought quite a lot of my Glory Box linen from there in those days, You could walk from Mackay street through to Mawhera Quay down the back was the mens Department
Margaret Wright We bought my Husbands first suit from there.
Brian McIntyre Margaret Wright from Woolies or Millers
Margaret Wright Miller's it cost 6 pounds and 9 shillings and was a light grey, it was a lot of money in 1970's.
Margaret Wright It stll had th eold money on the sales ticket on Jacket sleeve with the new Decimal cuurncy over top we thought it was a bargin.
Brian McIntyre Margaret Wright mine was 9 guineas about 1959 from Sam McCara's. I was robbed.
Mary Costello Mum would take me & my brother to Woolworths & McKenzies when we were little.....Retail Heaven was where we were.. FOND MEMORIES❤
Denise Bell Woolworths had the best “pic n mix” lollie bar Sonja Macfarlane I remember Woolworths and McKenzies!
Yvonne Lawson After Easter you could buy left over eggs for two shillings and get a brown paper bag full. Each family member that was there would go get them. Would go home with 3 or 4 bags full. Can’t remember if it was Woollies or McKenzies. Had Easter eggs for months.
Heather Newby I remember the "piped icing" easter eggs. I was so envious when other kids got them. I think they were more expensive than the ordinary eggs.
Brian McIntyre Heather Newby didn't taste very nice though Heather
s a young teenager spent a lot of time in those shops ..Midnight in Paris perfume and those mini lipsticks lol
Heather Newby Lyn Thompson and Moonlight Mist talc
Sue Scott Heather Newby I remember seeing them in Becks window way after Easter... fading ...
Carol Cook Sue Scott me too! Every time I see such an egg I think of those in Becks window
Maye Dunn Great photo just as I remember it
Heather Newby anyone remember "Moonlight Mist" Talc?
Fay Boyd yes & Evening in Paris
Heather Newby whoaarr!!! now youre talking!Margaret Crowley Yes worked there once
Linda Sutton-Williams Valda May Pattinson yr first job
Valda May Pattinson Linda Sutton-Williams yes loved Woolworths. They transferred me to the Blenheim store.
Linda Sutton-Williams Yea I remember U lived with Margret and Jim RobertsonSheryl O'Leary I worked on the confectionery counter Christmas 1973.
Elaine Lawson Stone My first job there in the 60,s then became the window dresser/ticket writer Sheryl O'Leary I worked on the confectionery counter Christmas 1973.Linda Valentino I think my brother Ramond mckain worked there before he was shot by a madman with a gun in greymouth
Sandra Skates Linda Valentino so sad my brother had just left Raymond after being at the movies he and my brother worked there.
Linda Valentino Sandra Skates wow I’m the youngest in the family and was born after he died, I never knew him . But grew up in a damaged family after that it is such a tragic thing to have happened. I wish I had known him .
Linda Valentino One day il get down to greymouth to visit his resting place I’ve never been.
Debbie Fraser What about Deka
Diane Allen Debbie Fraser It became Deka after Woolworths. In Nelson Woolworths and Mackenzies merged and became Deka. Not sure about the rest of the the country. I remember Woolworths-Deka in Westport until it closed down.
Debbie Fraser Diane Allen thanks that's right just had to shake the brain a bit. Lol
Getting old sucks
June Griggs Hi Kay there was a milk bar next to Woolies and the pub on the corner,The Dominion I thing. Then there was theTudor tea rooms towards the station.
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Elaine Lawson Stone
Elaine Lawson Stone Kay Brewer yes was a very popular place. Graeme Finlay had it.
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Owen Winstanley
Owen Winstanley Elaine Lawson Stone Yes. Called the Olympic Milk Bar for obvious reasons.
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Kay Brewer Hi June yes it was a small tea room between woolies and the hotel on corner
So pleased someone remebers it i was beginning tl think it was a dream. Thank u
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Diana Mattingly
Diana Mattingly Kay Brewer I remember going there as a child. It was definitely a tea rooms and was a treat to go to it. You had to bag your seat or you missed out, it was very popular with the ladies after a morning shopping. The few children there sat ul and behaved ☺
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Diana Mattingly
Diana Mattingly Diana Mattingly sat up
Dele
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Diana Mattingly And if you were really lucky you got a cream cake ☺
Barb Rodway Woolworths and Mackenzie. Great shops
Judy Collins My 1st job.
Patricia Atkinson
Patricia Atkinson Tudor tea rooms Denis Mellett i remember that,i still have a fold up slattered table my mother brought there in the late 50s made in Czech Republic and cost her 22 shillings for memory
Helen Argyle Was a great shop were sll over NZ
Kathryn Ward We lived in South Westland and a once a year trip to Greymouth was so exciting. Ages spent in Woolworths and Sonia Dando I remember McKenzies shop I worked there after school bagging lollies and
Pete Muir Millers was between Woolworths and McKenzies
Lorraine Phillips McKenzies was one shop over.
Angela Oliver Hargreaves I remember the one in Westport.
Lyn Gosling I loved Woolies and McKenzies when i was little. I loved how they had things set out.
Wendy Ritchie So did I Lyn. Occasionally I would sneak when Mum was busy serving a customer and wander around Woolworths and McKenzies looking longingly at all the toys. :)
Kevin Bell Two shops you had to visit shopping in Greymouth were Woolworths and McKenzies.
Diane Allen Kevin Bell but are no more Diane Allen Kevin Bell but are no more Debbie Fraser
Debbie Fraser Diane Allen thanks that's right just had to shake the brain a bit. Lol
Getting old sucks
Kay Brewer Can anyone remeber the tea rooms next to woolies?
June Griggs Hi Kay there was a milk bar next to Woolies and the pub on the corner,The Dominion I thing. Then there was theTudor tea rooms towards the station.
Elaine Lawson Stone Kay Brewer yes was a very popular place. Graeme Finlay had it.
Owen Winstanley Elaine Lawson Stone Yes. Called the Olympic Milk Bar for obvious reasons.
Kay Brewer Hi June yes it was a small tea room between woolies and the hotel on corner
So pleased someone remebers it i was beginning tl
Diana Mattingly Kay Brewer I remember going there as a child. It was definitely a tea rooms and was a treat to go to it. You had to bag your seat or you missed out, it was very popular with the ladies after a morning shopping. The few children there sat ul and behaved ☺
Diana Mattingly And if you were really lucky you got a cream cake ☺
Barb Rodway Woolworths and Mackenzie. Great shops
Judy Collins My 1st job.
Patricia Atkinson Tudor tea rooms Denis Mellett i remember that,i still have a fold up slattered table my mother brought there in the late 50s made in Czech Republic and cost her 22 shillings for memory
Helen Argyle Was a great shop were sll over NZ
Kathryn Ward We lived in South Westland and a once a year trip to Greymouth was so exciting. Ages spent in Woolworths and Margaret Reisinger Kathryn Ward same here! Highlight of the year!
Kathryn Ward It sure was Margaret Reisinger
Sonia Dando I remember McKenzies shop I worked there after school bagging lollies and on the Lolly counter Friday night late shopping
Pete Muir Millers was between Woolworths and McKenzies
Lorraine Phillips McKenzies was one shop over.
Angela Oliver Hargreaves I remember the one in Westport.
Lyn Gosling I loved Woolies and McKenzies when i was little. I loved how they had things set out.
Wendy Ritchie So did I Lyn. Occasionally I would sneak when Mum was busy serving a customer and wander around Woolworths and McKenzies looking longingly at all the toys. :)
Kevin Bell Two shops you had to visit shopping in Greymouth were Woolworths and McKenzies.
Melva Crampton The pic-a-mix selection always seemed amazing!
Roseanne Winstanley My father Wink Walklin was the Manager at McKenzies 1949 to 1951, then worked as the Salesman at Westland Breweries. My mother Honor Walklin worked at Millers from the 1960’s until ....
Lyn King They were my 2 favs back in the 70s. And when Woolworths bought in food we were so excited. 3 graveyard mixes. for a dollar.
Jillene Magee Stephen Magee, this is where Noel's is now
Mary Moffitt I worked at Harley's across the road and earlier at McKenzies- totally different types of shops. I loved the way both McKenzies and Woolworths had double aisles with counters the whole length of the long shops. We salespeople had to move up and down behind the counters. It was magic to see all of the wares spread out on the counters and not up on shelves.
Bev Freitas All these memories so good to read,
I remember sitting on Father Xmas knee upstairs at Harley’s,
Mike Minehan I´ll never forget Friday nights in town, drove over from Cobden in the old Bedford truck and wandered around the shops. No money to spend, but a bar of Fruit and Nut for the parents back home at the fire. The only chocolate we ever bought! Woolies was a fav!
Sandra Margaret Kilkelly Suzanne Lee Bali your mum worked here
Suzanne Lee Bali Sandra Margaret Kilkelly fabulous..
Pamela Jones Loved going to Woolworths and McKenzies on a Friday night!!
Noeline McCaughan living out in the sticks a trip to Greymouth was a great treat,we readily trudged round town with and became laden with parcels and eventually when we reached Woolworths we were allowed to spend the threepenny piece that mum handed to each of us. As it was wartime and sweets were rationed, nine times out of ten I spent mine on a bar of coloured toilet soap.
Anne Kelly That was my 1st. job after I left school about 1964.
Jeannie Preddy Friday after school spending pocket money on a new book to read then a cake at the Tudor Tea Rooms with Elaine King. The start of my love of reading!
Myron Caldwell Where there was a Woolworths, there always seemed to be a Mckenzie's nearby. Throughout the country.
Bev Boucher Worked at Woolworths behind the make up counter after school.Caught a lady stealing a pair of jeans once.Worked thru tea hour Friday nights and got a meal allowance.Remember a lady always coming in buying loads of vaseline and bandaid.
Chris Sinclair I loved the pick an mix lollies.
Lindsay Forrest
Yes I did a Christmas holiday job there towards the end of my high school years, McKenzies was a couple of shops along!!
Elaine Lawson Stone
I also had a job in school holidays and ended up with a full time job and then became a window dresser and ticket writer.
Delwyn Hughes
My first school holiday job
Tony Pascoe
Delwyn Hughes I can't think what the hotel next door was ?
Delwyn Hughes
Me either but I remember Roy Anderson being behind it and then he built on the corner
Sue Abbott
I loved that shop, so much stuff
Sandra Hughes
Woolworths and McKenzies with sewing shop between cant remember the name
Alison Hibbs
Sandra Hughes was it Millars
Ave Muir
Sandra Hughes Miller’s
Mary Fenemor
Sandra Hughes that Shop in the middle, One could walk, right though, open up the door, and u were in another street
Ave Muir
Sandra Hughes Went from one street to the other, remember the menswear department being at the other end of the entrance on Mackey Street
Sandra Hughes
Mary Fenemor yes what was it called
Sandra Hughes
Ave Muir yes
Sandra Hughes
Thought it was Millers but hubby said no
Ave Muir
Sandra Hughes tell hubby it was Millers. Remember it whe
Carol Mutch
Up one aisle, down the other, dreaming of what your little money could never buy
Lorraine O'Donoghue
Woolworth and McKenzies not far apart but both great shops. Those were the days when we had a complete town and didn't need to go over the hill to shop.
Debbie Groot
I used to work there. Seems like many moons ago
Kathleen Ranger
Millers in between.
Lyn Whittle
I do remember going to town on Friday nights with Dad
Debbie Groot
I worked with Betty Langbein. She was a lovely lady
Delwyn Hughes
Debbie Groot me too she was my godmother
Pauline Naylor
Debbie Groot she really was, somebody special for me too.
Bob Ilton
My mum worked there with Betty Langbeim in the mid sixties.
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Bob Ilton she did two .I remember her well .I went and seen her in the rest home .shared whitebait sandwich .
Valda Ford
I remember whe I was really young .. mum used to take me from Ruatapu to Greymouth to visit her sister.. and every time she’d have a treat at Harpers.. meringues to die for!!…a bit like the ones at chocolate frog!!!!
Joan West
Yes I remember Woolworths. I worked there 1962-63 and then went to McKenzies very similar shop. If my memory is correct there was one shop inbetween them. They were very competitive with each other.
Trish Rennie
Millers was the shop in between and Ashby Berghs the other side of McKenzies
Trish Rennie
Worked there after school with a lovely crew in 68/69...great memories
Jenny Jones
Awesome shop still have things I bought from there.
Karen Da Via
I always loved both Woolworths and McKenzies stores.
Che Norris
What about DEKA???
Brian McIntyre
Che Norris Deka hadnt been invented back then
John Armstrong
Did Greymouth also have a McKenzies
Bill Garth
McKenzies almost next door
Garry Chapman
Bob Ilton Think I remember your Mother working there
Bob Jamieson
And always next door...McKenzies.
Josephine Wesley
My first job was McKenzies mum worked at Woolworths on lolly counter with a few of her Cobden mates.
Linzi Woods
Josephine Wesley my 1st job was Mckenzies Greymouth 1969
Jillene Magee
The middle shop was Miller's.
Annette Haile
Jillene Magee and Mckenzies was on the other side, great shops they were!
Bronwen Skates
wish we still had decent shops and choices such as this with Farmers and Hallensteins , Postie plus , Dellacas etc . Used to love going to town back then , loved Woolworths , Millers and McKenzies .
Jillene Magee
Yes going to town was exciting back then, so many more choices.
Bronwen Skates
Jillene Magee not anymore though , hardly go shopping now
Ken Campbell
I remember Mackenzie’s next door. It was a similar shop at the time
Diana Ackland
Yes I remember Woolworths
Annette Haile
My very first job was at Woolworths, fun times!
Karen Green
Sure do
Cheryl Heiskanen Fazzini
Love this
Sandra Skates
My first job was McKenzie and loved it ,my mum used to be the window dresser at Woolworths about 1942
Lorraine O'Donoghue
Sandra Skates McKenzies sold lovely fine China teacup saucer and plate sets and I still have what is left after clumsy people broke some.
Jim O'Donoghue
I remember pick n mix. (Lollies of course)
Selwyn Leitch
Yes. One of my favorite places as a child.
Tina Marie Bertacco-Morton
Yes they did John
Biddy Manera
Us Totara Valley kids (Maneras), would be loaded into the MK2 zephyr to spend up at Woolleys and Mckenzies in the school holidays....one of our major buy ups was the 'windmill on a stick'...and we would all be leaning to closest car window on the way home to have those things spinning round, not to mention the pop guns and the rolls of ammo.....
Janice DaVia
Yes I remember Woolworths I loved going there
Cheryl Townsend
I used. To go to greymouth with my foster father on a Friday nite Woolworths was the best place I was very spoiled
Christine Rose Ashdown
Yes and McKenzies next door but one
JaniceMike Bonner
Yes I remember it was our go to shop those were the days
Carol Jones
While still at school we would have to go to Greymouth the dentist. We always went on the railcar. I absolutely loved Woolworths. I had very little money to spend but would spend most of my time there. I know I always bought a scribble pad cause I loved drawing. You could really make your money stretch there.
Isobel Bodenham
My first job in the school holidays was here - packing lollies out the back in the lolly room.
Rick Barker
I used to be a cleaner for Crothalls and cleaned and polished to floors every Wednesday evening.
Peter East
Rick Barker Remember moppy sloppys?
Rick Barker
Peter East I certainly do
Peter East
How is Greg anyway?
Rick Barker
Peter East Greg is on chemo. 12th load. Seems chirpy.
Brent Tomlinson
Rick Barker which Greg are you talking about?
Rick Barker
Brent Tomlinson Greg Holmes
Brent Tomlinson
Rick Barker sorry to hear that is he at home now?
Peter East
Me too. Say hello if you are in contact.
Rick Barker
Brent Tomlinson Thanks for that, I will and he will be chuffed
Rick Barker
Peter East ditto pet
Stephen Lee
Worked there during the school holidays
Helen Carrington
Stephen Lee me too
Susan Ann James
Awesome shop
Sue Bousfield
My dad was the manager there for a time.I remember the Friday night trips into town with my grandmother. There was always a stop in at Woolworth for pick and mix lollies. Those were the days.
Christine Stewart
Sue Bousfield remember that so well!
Sue Bousfield
Christine Stewart
Brenda Yorston
oh I remember it's still fresh in my mind we would always go there wth mum shopping lo
Sharyn Symons
There and Mackenzie’s two doors along. Pub on the corner.
Lyn Thompson
how could i possibly forget the place to go in the 50s for us teenagers ....seems like 100 yrs ago ....
Robin Gibbens
Getting the matchbox toys when they come in as a boy. Always exciting
Elaine Lawson Stone
I worked there after leaving school for approx ten years. I was Window Dresser/ Ticket Writer for a few years in the sixties. Very busy in those days.
Kathleen Ranger
Loved going to Woollies.
Kim Blanchfield
Pretty sure my Mum worked here when she was a young lady
Isabel Pentecost
My mum worked at Woolworths
Pauline Schafer
Yep, caught the Friday night bus into town in the 60s. Loved having a look through Woollies and McKenzies. Going to the pictures. Catching the 9pm bus home. Lots of people used to go to town on Friday nights just to hang out and see who they could meet.
Maria Delury Smith
Pauline Schafer I loved to do that too
Bev Johnston
Pauline Schafer i can also remember going into town on a Friday night can you remember the name of the hotel beside woollies please
Pauline Schafer
Sorry no, I can't. Maybe someone else can.
Sue Bousfield
Bev Johnston it was the Dominion. I asked my dad.
Judy Tawhiti
Pauline Schafer Good times Pauline.
Mary Morgan
She did kim
Reply3h
John Kelly
First job there in school hols ,lied about age ,was 14.
$14 a week . Girls got $11.
Shona Ratana
Spent hours in this shop?
Sue Vaukins
The Salvation Army use to play on the corner
Josephine Wesley
My mum Nelle Dundon worked on the lollie counter with mate Joy Goodal both from Cobden plus Mrs Griffin Mrs Longley worked at Wollies. My first job was at McKenzies.
Glenda O'Donnell
I remember that shop
Richard Howe
Woolworths and McKenzies shops were great. Does anyone remember MacDuffs before they became Woolworths? Not sure if there was one in Greymouth, but i remember the one in my home town in Hawke's Bay. 1950 ish.
Terry MJ
Used to look forward to my Mum coming home to Cobden after being in town on a Friday night in the late 1940's and early 50's. No money in those days but we never knew what sort of "goodies" Mum would pull out of her bag. Couple of years later I was the one hanging around Mackay St on a Friday night, lots of fun in those days, no fights, safe streets, etc. What the hell has gone wrong with the place. ????
Enid Holley
Ernest Adams cake shop Friday nights..great town in the day
Enid Holley
Diana mattingly..thank you ..
Murry McKendry
the lolly counter was for a kid to die for
Geoffrey King Dominion Hotel on the left the sign said Dominion Hotel Ron King Prop....u can see the G
Mary Morgan It was next to Mackensies
Geoffrey King nope There was a shop in between that use to be Tymons / Millers from memory
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Delete or hide thisJulie Mann Wow yes, reminds me of the Caribbean down Albert St, dark little tearooms, one of Mum's favourites.
Leeanne Sneddon There was a tearooms where the real Estate is down by revvies too Julie Mann Poor ol Revvies,Geoffrey King Use to ride my trike around the counters until one day i ran into a lady who let out an almighty yell. Never went back in their with the trike got told off!
Heather Newby I used to love going in there to spend my pocket money..pencil cases, coloured pencils, rubbers,colouring in books.. cutout books
Can you remember doing our Xmas shopping at Woolworths and McKenzies,
Great fun,Mary Morgan Bev Freitas did you come from Hokitika
Kath Merv Moreton Bev Freitas Hi Bev,we did too.All of 10 shillings for all of our shopping!x
Julie Mann And that walkway in between Woolworths and McKenzies.
Geoffrey King One Xmas eve 1956 /58 Madge Lefevre my mothers friend left a 5 pound note on the cigarette tobacco counter, left set of doors, left side just inside the doors. Went back an hour later and it was still sitting there. The crowds on such a nite were shoulder to shoulder on the footpath. 5 pounds was probably a weeks wages back then.Elizabeth Mehrtens We used to go to Greymouth om the 6.pm railcar which took around an hr from memory and left Greymouth around 9.pm back to Refton. I sure the guard earnt his wages with us on board playing basketball up the isle.
Anne Hines Around where noel lemmings is now?
Geoffrey King I dont think McKenzies was as busy as Wollies
Delwyn Hughes Had a holiday job there worked with some lovely people, Betty Lobesy Lobesy Delwyn Hughes WOW Betty Langbein one of the most inspirational people from growing up in Greymouth, for me anyway.The lady had spirit and said it like it was . One of kind .Wish I had spent more time listening to her while she baked the best beef and mushroom pie I have ever tasted.
Delwyn Hughes Lobesy Lobesy She was an awesome lady and very dear family friend for many many years
Lobesy Lobesy Delwyn Hughes Awesome is just about the right word.❤
Pauline Naylor I didnt work with Betty, but I did know her very well. She was a wonderful lady, caring, loving and you always knew how she felt about things.
sh Briggs Yes that's our Bette Holly. Worked there over Christmas school holidays when I was 5th form. Frances Keating Josephine Wesley
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Geoffrey King yep thats it Eric ,tku. Nope never in Hoki always Greymouth Father came from Hoki
Geoffrey King Where the bike is parked that was the Olympic Milk Bar, my Cousin Durham Ogilvie and his wife Janice owned that and from memory on sold it to Graham Findlay of boxing renown when they shifted to Christchurch.
Pam Englefield-Absolum Yes, shopped there often.
Bobbie Johnson Yep. :-)Heather Gaulter Worked next door at McKenzies when I left school enny Schroder Was great shop could pick and mix chocolates
Lei-Anne Patricia Gaby Worked at McKenzies during school holidays 1964-66....best job ever, wonderful workmates and boss....and their staff discount was twice what Woolworths gave!!.....Just saying
Craig Benbow Got dragged up and down the aisles of both Woolworths and Mackenzies plenty of times as a kid. Lolly bins were always a good spot to look optimistic :)
Paddy N Belinda Blanchfield I remember the lolliesGlenice Hansen Worked in Woolworths
Murry McKendry Wollies, Millars, McKenzies, Think Ashby burges
Alan Sheehan Know exactly where the toys and lollies are Annette Mead Had half a crown to spend always brought a box of liquorice and and something for mum loved Woolworths.
Barbara Fitzsimmons Worked there 67 /68 .Nelly .Dundon was my boss beautiful person .great shop .better than the warehouse .
Jill Kramer Shopped there many times.
David Lindsay Pick n mix lollies Brian McIntyre Remember it well
Linda Howard Loved Woolworths and McKenzies.
David Carty My wife worked at Woolworths before we got married,way back in history!!alcolm Howell Worked in Woolies after school in 1963. Mr Sterm was the manager then. Great team spirit at this store.
Helen Joan Forrest Great shop
Gavin Case i helped teach the older peolpe learn dmc
Lorraine O'Donoghue Yep and McKenzies.
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Delete or hide thisPauline Matene My Mum worked there for years also
Sue Bishop That was my first job when i left school, good times
Sandra Skates My mum worked there as a window dresser in about 1945 maybe earlier
Heather Newby what a great job! a window dresser... how many hours a day did she work?
Sandra Skates She worked full time from leaving school and even had to do all the price tickets no printers in those days
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Delete or hide thisLynn-marie Thompson Sandra Skates I was a window dresser and ticket writer there in the early 70s and I had to spend 2 weeks in ChCh to train for it. I had my own little room out the back.
Lola Leckie The good old days.
Carolyn Luck Great shop, selling very good things.
I still have a sleeping bag bought there over 50 years ago
Glenda O'Donnell I can remember the as it is to day
Margaret McBride worked there in late1959.
John Rosanowski Was always a compulsory visit when we went to Greymouth as kids.
Fay Glasson Loved going their with my mum and dad in the 1950’s Mike Henderson Andrea Watson later to be DEKA
Geoffrey King Didnt Tainui or some Maori tribe buy Woolworths in the 70's maybe 80's and change the name to Deka then it went down hill to oblivion.
Andrea Watson Mike Henderson aww the memories Margaret Wright No Kevin Lalor " Millers Drapery" was between Woolworth's and McKezies I bought quite a lot of my Glory Box linen from there in those days, You could walk from Mackay street through to Mawhera Quay down the back was the mens Department
Margaret Wright We bought my Husbands first suit from there.
Brian McIntyre Margaret Wright from Woolies or Millers
Margaret Wright Miller's it cost 6 pounds and 9 shillings and was a light grey, it was a lot of money in 1970's.
Margaret Wright It stll had th eold money on the sales ticket on Jacket sleeve with the new Decimal cuurncy over top we thought it was a bargin.
Brian McIntyre Margaret Wright mine was 9 guineas about 1959 from Sam McCara's. I was robbed.
Mary Costello Mum would take me & my brother to Woolworths & McKenzies when we were little.....Retail Heaven was where we were.. FOND MEMORIES❤
Denise Bell Woolworths had the best “pic n mix” lollie bar Sonja Macfarlane I remember Woolworths and McKenzies!
Yvonne Lawson After Easter you could buy left over eggs for two shillings and get a brown paper bag full. Each family member that was there would go get them. Would go home with 3 or 4 bags full. Can’t remember if it was Woollies or McKenzies. Had Easter eggs for months.
Heather Newby I remember the "piped icing" easter eggs. I was so envious when other kids got them. I think they were more expensive than the ordinary eggs.
Brian McIntyre Heather Newby didn't taste very nice though Heather
s a young teenager spent a lot of time in those shops ..Midnight in Paris perfume and those mini lipsticks lol
Heather Newby Lyn Thompson and Moonlight Mist talc
Sue Scott Heather Newby I remember seeing them in Becks window way after Easter... fading ...
Carol Cook Sue Scott me too! Every time I see such an egg I think of those in Becks window
Maye Dunn Great photo just as I remember it
Heather Newby anyone remember "Moonlight Mist" Talc?
Fay Boyd yes & Evening in Paris
Heather Newby whoaarr!!! now youre talking!Margaret Crowley Yes worked there once
Linda Sutton-Williams Valda May Pattinson yr first job
Valda May Pattinson Linda Sutton-Williams yes loved Woolworths. They transferred me to the Blenheim store.
Linda Sutton-Williams Yea I remember U lived with Margret and Jim RobertsonSheryl O'Leary I worked on the confectionery counter Christmas 1973.
Elaine Lawson Stone My first job there in the 60,s then became the window dresser/ticket writer Sheryl O'Leary I worked on the confectionery counter Christmas 1973.Linda Valentino I think my brother Ramond mckain worked there before he was shot by a madman with a gun in greymouth
Sandra Skates Linda Valentino so sad my brother had just left Raymond after being at the movies he and my brother worked there.
Linda Valentino Sandra Skates wow I’m the youngest in the family and was born after he died, I never knew him . But grew up in a damaged family after that it is such a tragic thing to have happened. I wish I had known him .
Linda Valentino One day il get down to greymouth to visit his resting place I’ve never been.
Debbie Fraser What about Deka
Diane Allen Debbie Fraser It became Deka after Woolworths. In Nelson Woolworths and Mackenzies merged and became Deka. Not sure about the rest of the the country. I remember Woolworths-Deka in Westport until it closed down.
Debbie Fraser Diane Allen thanks that's right just had to shake the brain a bit. Lol
Getting old sucks
June Griggs Hi Kay there was a milk bar next to Woolies and the pub on the corner,The Dominion I thing. Then there was theTudor tea rooms towards the station.
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Elaine Lawson Stone
Elaine Lawson Stone Kay Brewer yes was a very popular place. Graeme Finlay had it.
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Owen Winstanley
Owen Winstanley Elaine Lawson Stone Yes. Called the Olympic Milk Bar for obvious reasons.
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Kay Brewer Hi June yes it was a small tea room between woolies and the hotel on corner
So pleased someone remebers it i was beginning tl think it was a dream. Thank u
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Diana Mattingly
Diana Mattingly Kay Brewer I remember going there as a child. It was definitely a tea rooms and was a treat to go to it. You had to bag your seat or you missed out, it was very popular with the ladies after a morning shopping. The few children there sat ul and behaved ☺
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Diana Mattingly
Diana Mattingly Diana Mattingly sat up
Dele
te or hide this
Diana Mattingly And if you were really lucky you got a cream cake ☺
Barb Rodway Woolworths and Mackenzie. Great shops
Judy Collins My 1st job.
Patricia Atkinson
Patricia Atkinson Tudor tea rooms Denis Mellett i remember that,i still have a fold up slattered table my mother brought there in the late 50s made in Czech Republic and cost her 22 shillings for memory
Helen Argyle Was a great shop were sll over NZ
Kathryn Ward We lived in South Westland and a once a year trip to Greymouth was so exciting. Ages spent in Woolworths and Sonia Dando I remember McKenzies shop I worked there after school bagging lollies and
Pete Muir Millers was between Woolworths and McKenzies
Lorraine Phillips McKenzies was one shop over.
Angela Oliver Hargreaves I remember the one in Westport.
Lyn Gosling I loved Woolies and McKenzies when i was little. I loved how they had things set out.
Wendy Ritchie So did I Lyn. Occasionally I would sneak when Mum was busy serving a customer and wander around Woolworths and McKenzies looking longingly at all the toys. :)
Kevin Bell Two shops you had to visit shopping in Greymouth were Woolworths and McKenzies.
Diane Allen Kevin Bell but are no more Diane Allen Kevin Bell but are no more Debbie Fraser
Debbie Fraser Diane Allen thanks that's right just had to shake the brain a bit. Lol
Getting old sucks
Kay Brewer Can anyone remeber the tea rooms next to woolies?
June Griggs Hi Kay there was a milk bar next to Woolies and the pub on the corner,The Dominion I thing. Then there was theTudor tea rooms towards the station.
Elaine Lawson Stone Kay Brewer yes was a very popular place. Graeme Finlay had it.
Owen Winstanley Elaine Lawson Stone Yes. Called the Olympic Milk Bar for obvious reasons.
Kay Brewer Hi June yes it was a small tea room between woolies and the hotel on corner
So pleased someone remebers it i was beginning tl
Diana Mattingly Kay Brewer I remember going there as a child. It was definitely a tea rooms and was a treat to go to it. You had to bag your seat or you missed out, it was very popular with the ladies after a morning shopping. The few children there sat ul and behaved ☺
Diana Mattingly And if you were really lucky you got a cream cake ☺
Barb Rodway Woolworths and Mackenzie. Great shops
Judy Collins My 1st job.
Patricia Atkinson Tudor tea rooms Denis Mellett i remember that,i still have a fold up slattered table my mother brought there in the late 50s made in Czech Republic and cost her 22 shillings for memory
Helen Argyle Was a great shop were sll over NZ
Kathryn Ward We lived in South Westland and a once a year trip to Greymouth was so exciting. Ages spent in Woolworths and Margaret Reisinger Kathryn Ward same here! Highlight of the year!
Kathryn Ward It sure was Margaret Reisinger
Sonia Dando I remember McKenzies shop I worked there after school bagging lollies and on the Lolly counter Friday night late shopping
Pete Muir Millers was between Woolworths and McKenzies
Lorraine Phillips McKenzies was one shop over.
Angela Oliver Hargreaves I remember the one in Westport.
Lyn Gosling I loved Woolies and McKenzies when i was little. I loved how they had things set out.
Wendy Ritchie So did I Lyn. Occasionally I would sneak when Mum was busy serving a customer and wander around Woolworths and McKenzies looking longingly at all the toys. :)
Kevin Bell Two shops you had to visit shopping in Greymouth were Woolworths and McKenzies.
Melva Crampton The pic-a-mix selection always seemed amazing!
Roseanne Winstanley My father Wink Walklin was the Manager at McKenzies 1949 to 1951, then worked as the Salesman at Westland Breweries. My mother Honor Walklin worked at Millers from the 1960’s until ....
Lyn King They were my 2 favs back in the 70s. And when Woolworths bought in food we were so excited. 3 graveyard mixes. for a dollar.
Jillene Magee Stephen Magee, this is where Noel's is now
Mary Moffitt I worked at Harley's across the road and earlier at McKenzies- totally different types of shops. I loved the way both McKenzies and Woolworths had double aisles with counters the whole length of the long shops. We salespeople had to move up and down behind the counters. It was magic to see all of the wares spread out on the counters and not up on shelves.
Bev Freitas All these memories so good to read,
I remember sitting on Father Xmas knee upstairs at Harley’s,
Mike Minehan I´ll never forget Friday nights in town, drove over from Cobden in the old Bedford truck and wandered around the shops. No money to spend, but a bar of Fruit and Nut for the parents back home at the fire. The only chocolate we ever bought! Woolies was a fav!
Sandra Margaret Kilkelly Suzanne Lee Bali your mum worked here
Suzanne Lee Bali Sandra Margaret Kilkelly fabulous..
Pamela Jones Loved going to Woolworths and McKenzies on a Friday night!!
Noeline McCaughan living out in the sticks a trip to Greymouth was a great treat,we readily trudged round town with and became laden with parcels and eventually when we reached Woolworths we were allowed to spend the threepenny piece that mum handed to each of us. As it was wartime and sweets were rationed, nine times out of ten I spent mine on a bar of coloured toilet soap.
Anne Kelly That was my 1st. job after I left school about 1964.
Jeannie Preddy Friday after school spending pocket money on a new book to read then a cake at the Tudor Tea Rooms with Elaine King. The start of my love of reading!
Myron Caldwell Where there was a Woolworths, there always seemed to be a Mckenzie's nearby. Throughout the country.
Bev Boucher Worked at Woolworths behind the make up counter after school.Caught a lady stealing a pair of jeans once.Worked thru tea hour Friday nights and got a meal allowance.Remember a lady always coming in buying loads of vaseline and bandaid.
Chris Sinclair I loved the pick an mix lollies.
Lindsay Forrest
Yes I did a Christmas holiday job there towards the end of my high school years, McKenzies was a couple of shops along!!
Elaine Lawson Stone
I also had a job in school holidays and ended up with a full time job and then became a window dresser and ticket writer.
Delwyn Hughes
My first school holiday job
Tony Pascoe
Delwyn Hughes I can't think what the hotel next door was ?
Delwyn Hughes
Me either but I remember Roy Anderson being behind it and then he built on the corner
Sue Abbott
I loved that shop, so much stuff
Sandra Hughes
Woolworths and McKenzies with sewing shop between cant remember the name
Alison Hibbs
Sandra Hughes was it Millars
Ave Muir
Sandra Hughes Miller’s
Mary Fenemor
Sandra Hughes that Shop in the middle, One could walk, right though, open up the door, and u were in another street
Ave Muir
Sandra Hughes Went from one street to the other, remember the menswear department being at the other end of the entrance on Mackey Street
Sandra Hughes
Mary Fenemor yes what was it called
Sandra Hughes
Ave Muir yes
Sandra Hughes
Thought it was Millers but hubby said no
Ave Muir
Sandra Hughes tell hubby it was Millers. Remember it whe
Carol Mutch
Up one aisle, down the other, dreaming of what your little money could never buy
Lorraine O'Donoghue
Woolworth and McKenzies not far apart but both great shops. Those were the days when we had a complete town and didn't need to go over the hill to shop.
Debbie Groot
I used to work there. Seems like many moons ago
Kathleen Ranger
Millers in between.
Lyn Whittle
I do remember going to town on Friday nights with Dad
Debbie Groot
I worked with Betty Langbein. She was a lovely lady
Delwyn Hughes
Debbie Groot me too she was my godmother
Pauline Naylor
Debbie Groot she really was, somebody special for me too.
Bob Ilton
My mum worked there with Betty Langbeim in the mid sixties.
Barbara Fitzsimmons
Bob Ilton she did two .I remember her well .I went and seen her in the rest home .shared whitebait sandwich .
Valda Ford
I remember whe I was really young .. mum used to take me from Ruatapu to Greymouth to visit her sister.. and every time she’d have a treat at Harpers.. meringues to die for!!…a bit like the ones at chocolate frog!!!!
Joan West
Yes I remember Woolworths. I worked there 1962-63 and then went to McKenzies very similar shop. If my memory is correct there was one shop inbetween them. They were very competitive with each other.
Trish Rennie
Millers was the shop in between and Ashby Berghs the other side of McKenzies
Trish Rennie
Worked there after school with a lovely crew in 68/69...great memories
Jenny Jones
Awesome shop still have things I bought from there.
Karen Da Via
I always loved both Woolworths and McKenzies stores.
Che Norris
What about DEKA???
Brian McIntyre
Che Norris Deka hadnt been invented back then
John Armstrong
Did Greymouth also have a McKenzies
Bill Garth
McKenzies almost next door
Garry Chapman
Bob Ilton Think I remember your Mother working there
Bob Jamieson
And always next door...McKenzies.
Josephine Wesley
My first job was McKenzies mum worked at Woolworths on lolly counter with a few of her Cobden mates.
Linzi Woods
Josephine Wesley my 1st job was Mckenzies Greymouth 1969
Jillene Magee
The middle shop was Miller's.
Annette Haile
Jillene Magee and Mckenzies was on the other side, great shops they were!
Bronwen Skates
wish we still had decent shops and choices such as this with Farmers and Hallensteins , Postie plus , Dellacas etc . Used to love going to town back then , loved Woolworths , Millers and McKenzies .
Jillene Magee
Yes going to town was exciting back then, so many more choices.
Bronwen Skates
Jillene Magee not anymore though , hardly go shopping now
Ken Campbell
I remember Mackenzie’s next door. It was a similar shop at the time
Diana Ackland
Yes I remember Woolworths
Annette Haile
My very first job was at Woolworths, fun times!
Karen Green
Sure do
Cheryl Heiskanen Fazzini
Love this
Sandra Skates
My first job was McKenzie and loved it ,my mum used to be the window dresser at Woolworths about 1942
Lorraine O'Donoghue
Sandra Skates McKenzies sold lovely fine China teacup saucer and plate sets and I still have what is left after clumsy people broke some.
Jim O'Donoghue
I remember pick n mix. (Lollies of course)
Selwyn Leitch
Yes. One of my favorite places as a child.
Tina Marie Bertacco-Morton
Yes they did John
Biddy Manera
Us Totara Valley kids (Maneras), would be loaded into the MK2 zephyr to spend up at Woolleys and Mckenzies in the school holidays....one of our major buy ups was the 'windmill on a stick'...and we would all be leaning to closest car window on the way home to have those things spinning round, not to mention the pop guns and the rolls of ammo.....
Janice DaVia
Yes I remember Woolworths I loved going there
Cheryl Townsend
I used. To go to greymouth with my foster father on a Friday nite Woolworths was the best place I was very spoiled
Christine Rose Ashdown
Yes and McKenzies next door but one
JaniceMike Bonner
Yes I remember it was our go to shop those were the days
Carol Jones
While still at school we would have to go to Greymouth the dentist. We always went on the railcar. I absolutely loved Woolworths. I had very little money to spend but would spend most of my time there. I know I always bought a scribble pad cause I loved drawing. You could really make your money stretch there.
Isobel Bodenham
My first job in the school holidays was here - packing lollies out the back in the lolly room.
Rick Barker
I used to be a cleaner for Crothalls and cleaned and polished to floors every Wednesday evening.
Peter East
Rick Barker Remember moppy sloppys?
Rick Barker
Peter East I certainly do
Peter East
How is Greg anyway?
Rick Barker
Peter East Greg is on chemo. 12th load. Seems chirpy.
Brent Tomlinson
Rick Barker which Greg are you talking about?
Rick Barker
Brent Tomlinson Greg Holmes
Brent Tomlinson
Rick Barker sorry to hear that is he at home now?
Peter East
Me too. Say hello if you are in contact.
Rick Barker
Brent Tomlinson Thanks for that, I will and he will be chuffed
Rick Barker
Peter East ditto pet
Stephen Lee
Worked there during the school holidays
Helen Carrington
Stephen Lee me too
Susan Ann James
Awesome shop
Sue Bousfield
My dad was the manager there for a time.I remember the Friday night trips into town with my grandmother. There was always a stop in at Woolworth for pick and mix lollies. Those were the days.
Christine Stewart
Sue Bousfield remember that so well!
Sue Bousfield
Christine Stewart
Brenda Yorston
oh I remember it's still fresh in my mind we would always go there wth mum shopping lo
Sharyn Symons
There and Mackenzie’s two doors along. Pub on the corner.
Lyn Thompson
how could i possibly forget the place to go in the 50s for us teenagers ....seems like 100 yrs ago ....
Robin Gibbens
Getting the matchbox toys when they come in as a boy. Always exciting
Elaine Lawson Stone
I worked there after leaving school for approx ten years. I was Window Dresser/ Ticket Writer for a few years in the sixties. Very busy in those days.
Kathleen Ranger
Loved going to Woollies.
Kim Blanchfield
Pretty sure my Mum worked here when she was a young lady
Isabel Pentecost
My mum worked at Woolworths
Pauline Schafer
Yep, caught the Friday night bus into town in the 60s. Loved having a look through Woollies and McKenzies. Going to the pictures. Catching the 9pm bus home. Lots of people used to go to town on Friday nights just to hang out and see who they could meet.
Maria Delury Smith
Pauline Schafer I loved to do that too
Bev Johnston
Pauline Schafer i can also remember going into town on a Friday night can you remember the name of the hotel beside woollies please
Pauline Schafer
Sorry no, I can't. Maybe someone else can.
Sue Bousfield
Bev Johnston it was the Dominion. I asked my dad.
Judy Tawhiti
Pauline Schafer Good times Pauline.
Mary Morgan
She did kim
Reply3h
John Kelly
First job there in school hols ,lied about age ,was 14.
$14 a week . Girls got $11.
Shona Ratana
Spent hours in this shop?
Sue Vaukins
The Salvation Army use to play on the corner
Josephine Wesley
My mum Nelle Dundon worked on the lollie counter with mate Joy Goodal both from Cobden plus Mrs Griffin Mrs Longley worked at Wollies. My first job was at McKenzies.
Glenda O'Donnell
I remember that shop
Richard Howe
Woolworths and McKenzies shops were great. Does anyone remember MacDuffs before they became Woolworths? Not sure if there was one in Greymouth, but i remember the one in my home town in Hawke's Bay. 1950 ish.
Terry MJ
Used to look forward to my Mum coming home to Cobden after being in town on a Friday night in the late 1940's and early 50's. No money in those days but we never knew what sort of "goodies" Mum would pull out of her bag. Couple of years later I was the one hanging around Mackay St on a Friday night, lots of fun in those days, no fights, safe streets, etc. What the hell has gone wrong with the place. ????
Enid Holley
Ernest Adams cake shop Friday nights..great town in the day
Enid Holley
Diana mattingly..thank you ..
Murry McKendry
the lolly counter was for a kid to die for
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West Coast New Zealand History (31st Dec 2022). Woolworths, Greymouth.. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 4th Apr 2026 17:33, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/25240