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Hays Corner, Greymouth.
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DescriptionFriday night on Hays corner. The big meeting place in the 50s early 60s.PhotographerBrett McLeanMap[1] ContributorBrett McLean
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Location (city or town)GreymouthLandmark (Place)Hays Corner
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CommentsAnne Honey Friday night on Hays corner. The big meeting place in the 50s early 60s.
Lyn Galvin Loved going shopping there with Mum in the 50s Upstairs to get a new frock or a nice hat to wear to church on Sunday
Don Hutton Used to be White's Corner.
Trish Leckie yes it was the big meeting place. Also remember shopping there with my Mum
Sue Maree Aitken I still say Hays corner
Rose Green It will always be Hays corner
JohnandKathleen Ranger Rose Green yes always metat Hayes Corner.
Percy Billett Meet you on hays corner
Wayne Leckie Some meet on Hays some meet on Begs corner
Jennifer Gaskell I worked at Hays Ltd upstairs in the Womens fashion Dept, Mrs Conner was in charge, that would have been 1965, Mr Johnston was the
Kuan Tai Lucas I remember the wires to take the docket to the cashier
Shona Ratana yes remember this
Ken Campbell and that was a busy day
Sonia Dando That was the catch cry in the 60s
Trevor Keith Scott Used to meet young ladies on that corner......Long time ago!! now 73 but still remember!!
Garry Wick Was a great hang -out !
Trevor Keith Scott Got that right Garry.....How are you Mate? been a long time now! your Mum & Dad and my Parents used to empty a few glasses together at the old RSA. They were great days!!
Jeannie Preddy The place to go at midnight on New Years Eve and sing "Auld Lang Syne" holding hands in a circle. Early to mid 60s!
Kath Merv Moreton Always loved shopping at Hays
Sandra Sands Friday night Hays corner
Brian Beban Who remembers the billiards room on the second story ?
Sonia Dando That was the catch cry in the 60s
Trevor Keith Scott Used to meet young ladies on that corner......Long time ago!! now 73 but still remember!!
Garry Wick Was a great hang -out !
Trevor Keith Scott Got that right Garry.....How are you Mate? been a long time now! your Mum & Dad and my Parents used to empty a few glasses together at the old RSA. They were great days!!
Kath Merv Moreton Hi Trevor.Kath ,Garry's sister here.I remember those good old days when you and Mary used to visit at Dobson and we used to run amuk!!Cheers.
Trevor Keith Scott Well Well Well, I was going to ask Garry what happened to you!! it has been a little while now and that's for sure! Glad to hear from you Kathy.
Jeannie Preddy The place to go at midnight on New Years Eve and sing "Auld Lang Syne" holding hands in a circle. Early to mid 60s!
Kath Merv Moreton Always loved shopping at Hays
Sandra Sands Friday night Hays corner
Brian Beban Who remembers the billiards room on the second story ?
Mary Moffitt Another place I worked when home in the long 'vacation'. My mother was good at getting jobs for us!
Bruce Knight I recall when Hay’s Corner seemed like the hub of the planet. Used to I be “cool” hanging out there on a Friday evening, when I was at high school.
Helen Brennan I still call it Haywrights corner
Mike Minehan I remember well the Friday evening drive in the old Bedford "pig" truck to town, ( we used it daily to collect scraps from various hotels, green grocers and butchers to feed our porkers ),to check out the sights, then buy a cake of Cadburys fruit and nut to take home to Mum and Dad sitting at the fireplace. What a luxury!
Pamela Jones Those were the days! Plenty of choice.
Robin Gibbens Where’s the V8s
Helen Brennan I still call it Haywrights corner
Laurie Anisy Great times. Yes every Friday night into town.
Brenda Crooks I have a pic of my parents dressed like that.
James Codyre Our first stop on a Friday night was Mundy's for a feed of flounder eggs and chips or oysters in season then a few tours of the main drag.
Greg Mait Yeah I remember the iridescent socks
Karla Haussmann Sounds like the town was really humming back then
Paul Agnes Smith Yer had to have a MK1 Zephyr in my day, with the pram ornamental strip in the back window, animal skin seat covers, a 12 ft aeriel in the left front guard, red reflectors on the mudflaps, always drove with yer right arm out the window and holding the roof in place....and a fergie tractor muffler....This car was always around the town....later graduated to Mk2..
Gary Williams Did yah have a chrome dipstick????
.???.???
Maurice O'Flaherty i use to go to Greymouth on a friday night with my MK1 it was two tone blue had the spinner hub caps. it was very fast car.
Shirley Farrell Remember it well. Even getting moved on by the police for blocking the footpath
Karen Potter I still love winkle pickers.
Murray Webber Did my laps around town in various vehicles
Reid Mallinson Coolest car in their day, parked up near Maruia on our way to Hanmer. Oops sorry Paul, forgot to put up airial
Alan Ware Lime green, burnt orange, ming blue and shocking pink (socks)
Bruce Knight I spent many an hour at Hay’s Corner in the 60’s. I would normally catch the railcar from the Karoro station into Greymouth, it arrived around 6PM. I can’t remember how many times I just made it home on the 9PM Road Services bus before having to run to the toilet... those were the days. There is no place on Earth like The Coast, no matter how long I’ve been gone. Great people and lots of natural beauty.
Martin Burt I cleaned those dam Windows a lot lol..worked at Hays after school from 67 to 69
Richard Leach Great memories and not to forget the bell bottom trousers
1
Anthea Keenan I think Val used to work at Hays, wish I could visit Rest Home - I'd ask her... !!!!!!..
Murray Hay I just painted the exterior of that building last month, it's still in great condition
Murray Hay Heather Newby a local clothes shop into jeans on ground floor and a few small offices upstairs
Heather Newby Murray Hay ok.. interesting.. I havent been down there for 4 years since my husband died.. we used to go down twice a year.One day I will bite the bullet and go down there.. alone..
Susan Barlow Ah! Yes! I remember it well. From there to the Regent.Paul Agnes Smith Yer had to have a MK1 Zephyr in my day, with the pram ornamental strip in the back window, animal skin seat covers, a 12 ft aeriel in the left front guard, red reflectors on the mudflaps, always drove with yer right arm out the window and holding the roof in place....and a fergie tractor muffler....This car was always around the town....later graduated to Mk2..
Gary Williams Did yah have a chrome dipstick????
.???.???
Paul Agnes Smith Gary Williams Twin overhead glovebox handle....Chrome rocker cover to match the dipstick.
Maurice O'Flaherty i use to go to Greymouth on a friday night with my MK1 it was two tone blue had the spinner hub caps. it was very fast car.
Shirley Farrell Remember it well. Even getting moved on by the police for blocking the footpath
Karen Potter I still love winkle pickers.
Murray Webber Did my laps around town in various vehicles
Reid Mallinson Coolest car in their day, parked up near Maruia on our way to Hanmer. Oops sorry Paul, forgot to put up airial
Dorothy Wills Great memories
Brenda Crooks Here’s my mum and dad, Noel Crooks and Margaret Morland. Dad always told us about his lime green socks and 2 inch cuffs.
Heather Newby ha ha... and there were orange socks as well
Alan Ware Lime green, burnt orange, ming blue and shocking pink
Heather Newby Alan Ware thanks for that.. i could only remember orange and green.. those were about when i was 10 in 1962
Bruce Knight I spent many an hour at Hay’s Corner in the 60’s. I would normally catch the railcar from the Karoro station into Greymouth, it arrived around 6PM. I can’t remember how many times I just made it home on the 9PM Road Services bus before having to run to the toilet... those were the days. There is no place on Earth like The Coast, no matter how long I’ve been gone. Great people and lots of natural beauty.
Martin Burt I cleaned those dam Windows a lot lol..worked at Hays after school from 67 to 69
Heather Newby ha ha.. I remember you..
Susan Barlow Burt! Any relation to Ken Burt?
Martin Burt Susan Barlow he is my older brother..
Susan Barlow Martin Burt Ken was in my class at Grey High. :)
Martin Burt Susan Barlow he is hiding somewhere on fb. Can't tag him
Susan Barlow Martin Burt Pity :)
Kevin Bell In other words the good old days.
Richard Leach Great memories and not to forget the bell bottom trousers
Heather Newby yes.. i made a pair of bell bottoms
Anne Honey Oh Glenys didn't we look smart
Anthea Keenan I think Val used to work at Hays, wish I could visit Rest Home - I'd ask her... !!!!!!..
Martin Burt Anthea Keenan there was a Val there when I was there...
Anthea Keenan :) Did you work their too Martin ?
Murray Hay I just painted the exterior of that building last month, it's still in great condition
Heather Newby whats in there now?
Murray Hay Heather Newby a local clothes shop into jeans on ground floor and a few small offices upstairs
Heather Newby Murray Hay ok.. interesting.. I havent been down there for 4 years since my husband died.. we used to go down twice a year.One day I will bite the bullet and go down there.. alone..
Paul Buchanan theres no 'i' in team muzz!!lol.
Murray Hay Paul Buchanan thought I might get in trouble over that one!! ok, ( WE The Hay Brothers Painters ) painted the exterior of that building last month, it's still in great condition.
Susan Barlow Ah! Yes! I remember it well. From there to the Regent.
Mary Findlay Susan Barlow Then home to Camerons on Kennedy’s bus
Susan Barlow Mary Findlay And then running up the Bundi in stockinged feet. Hi Mary :)
Hi Susan keep safe in your bubble - life in Camerons in the 50-60’s was like life in a bubble- we didn’t travel far afield
Susan Barlow Mary Findlay It truly was! A TV series could have been made about Camerons ... a bit like Coronation St.... Bill Maher as Ken Barlow. Such colourful characters and we knew them all. Ours was the last generation to really experience those slower times, I think. I am glad that I did. :)
Mary Findlay Susan Barlow Same life is certainly faster now days but not better
Charlie Cleghorn Remember those days well
Glenys Elizabeth Martin We were born and lived thru the best years I know teens of today don t think so but we were safe but had fun,
Ron McCann Good old Hays corner
Lynn Hopkins Ron McCann is it even there now
Ron McCann Lynn Hopkins sorta not the same Hays corner but
Lynn Hopkins Ron McCann yes last time I was home it was raining and cold,spent most of the time in Hokitika,as thought I might quite like to live there so will have take another trip down,when all this is over,
Hope all well with you and Family
Ron McCann Lynn Hopkins all good thanks Lynn can't beat the coast, stay safe
Jason Murly and was still being done in the 80s lol
Robert Hilton Marsh now you are showing your age Heather
Carmen Hampton Fond mamories.
Denis-Pat Pilkington My first holiday job was working in The Cedar Room, the restaurant there. I can remember having to polish the silver teapots
Miles Reay Some of us clutching 78’s or 45’s of current hits we’d just bought at Beggs.Nova Hichens
Brings back memories.
Josephine Wesley
I remember those days!
Alan N Barb Cochrane
wow what memories
Gareth And-Gill Davies
The town would be so busy all the shops opened. It was the night to goe out
Karen Potter
Wish it was still like that.
Rob Lunn
Karen Potter yep it’s pretty sad now even if you’re car didn’t have enough power the boys would lift a side so that you could get a sqeal on take off great times sometimes finished off with an egg fight around town then a hose off at the anzac park dump before the boys in blue had time to zero in on you
Alison Hibbs
And the sexy lookin boys standing on the opposite corner - just lookin.
Les Bryce
Alison Hibbs And then Young Norman drove up an said" Gidday
Kyle Webster
Les Bryce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkLUCMHsQ94
The Newcastle song~Bob Hudson
YOUTUBE.COM
The Newcastle song~Bob Hudson
The Newcastle song~Bob Hudson
Les Bryce
That's the one
Ave Muir
Alison Hibbs John stood on that corner every Friday night, waiting for Joyce to finish at Truman’s
Josephine Wesley
No shops no people just depressing old buildings only traffic I seen an heard was about 20 bikes roaring past Hays on both sides of the road ....Cobden looked awful nothing like when we lived there...so sad. Nothing like I remember my hometown...
Helen Cain
Chip Robinson
Paul Buchanan
Remember stalling the pa Vauxhall on hays corner trying for a burnout! boys had to get out and push start it!! Battery dead!!
· Reply · 21h
Karen Potter
Paul Buchanan were you doing a mole patrol paul
· Reply · 21h
Paul Buchanan
Karen Potter no we were good runanga boys Karen!!
· Reply · 20h
Karen Potter
Paul Buchanan
Yvonne Lawson
Paul Buchanan must have been good being Runanga boys
Phillip Lee
Paul Buchanan happened to me one Friday night, sitting the corner looking cool and didnt hear the engine stop, went to go forward," Nothing " there were 3 girls in the car and they had to push start me.
Garry Woods
Good old days in the 36 Morris 12 bonnet off & fitted with a copper muffler especially designed to cackle for the time. Used to wear black corderoys with leopard pattern on front white shirt & string tie with beatle boots
Grant Ellingford
Wouldn't be too many cars around in that era that could do a burnout may be a wheel spin or skid. Still good fun
Pauline Burrows
Ooooh yes. such awesome times way back then..
Greymouth was a really lovely place to spend the early years of my life there
Sonia Dando
Only Friday nights when I went to town was with mum I seen those widgees. Much to mums horror
Image what those parents would think today 60 years later
Ave Muir
Wow and Beggs on the corner, Woolworths , and McKenzies across the road,Miller’s between. Pub on the corner?? Going back to late 50s. Late 60s??
Linda Maika
Ave Muir I remember the pub on the corner opposite Hays. It was painted green. A vivid memory I have from when I was little is on Christmas Eve when the streets were shut to traffic & being a bit scared of the drunks coming out of the pub.
Janet Kilkelly
Ave Muir Dominion
Bruce Anderson
Hi yes remember it well
Alison Hibbs
No anymosity then .
All friends forever. Wish it was still like that now.
Suzanne Nelson
Alison Hibbs yes Alison we had the best years,
Craig Jarden
kerry keating arnt you still a boggie
Lyn Thompson
My era lol ..and late night movies at the Regent..pie cart just around the corner ..
Wayne Leckie
Lyn Thompson many a punch up at the pie cart lol
Lyn Thompson
Wayne Leckie probably never saw one actually
Peter Moore
60s .70s On the coast .I consider myself so lucky to have been brought up in kumara in that era. Still go back for the westland rally and odd weekend and love every minute of it.
John Webster
Not me,I plead innocent,I wasn't there,no way
John Webster
Wayne Leckie
Those were the days! Done a few lefties around there in the old 52 prefect don’t no how we never tipped over
Bazza Morland
Seen many 'one wheeler peelers' on that corner !
Lyn Steppy
Great times
Ken Winchester
Remember that well
Denis King
Did biggest wheely. Around Hays to Kilgours in a 1967 HR Holden, (wet day) I was with Steve Richards this happened 1975.
Bazza Morland
..... one that Stan Jones missed Denis
Denis King
Bazza Morland correct
Stephen Lee
Denis King Hi Denis long time since I seen you cheers
Helen Brennan
Still call it Haywrights corner
Bazza Morland
Always will be 'Hays' corner Helen .
Heather Reid
Helen Brennan I do to Helen lol
]
Martin Burt
I used to clean those windows after school.....
Barbara Levick
Remember it well
Heather Reid
Barbara Levick hi Barbara how's life treating you just saw the name an hello it rang a bell in thick head lol
Barbara Levick
Yeah good days and some not so good but i woke up this morning so all good. What about you where are you living now.
Heather Newby
the Bodgies in their Ford Coupes
Heather Newby
the boys showing off in their cars in front in front of the girls who were hanging around Hays Corner.
Paul Francis Richardson
Just down the road form Frank Bell's Milk Bar, their hangout place.
Heather Reid
Me to more fun
Wendy Larsen
Town open with late night shopping till 8.30 even a public bus service to blaketown cobden etc to get everyone home .ABC quicklunch a popular spot for a milkshake
Heather Newby
Wendy Larsen i remember the Blaketown bus.
Wendy Larsen
Heather Newby Jack Sheehan (legend of a driver top guy ) lot of laughs
Margaret Mulloy
Those were the days
Naireen Bass
Now that's some memory!
Denis King
67, HR Holden in 1974, had Stev Richards with me, smoked the old girl up down Mackay street to Kilgours around H
Ross Jellyman
Yep, always managed to get a squeak out of the back tyres of the ‘65 Vauxhall Viva on Friday nights, town used to be busy then, like a ghost town now
Valda Ford
I can smell it … as we speak!!
Murray Webber
I remember doing the circuit in my cars and motorbike
Gypsy Rover
Joe Gillman could make tyres chirp smokey Joe Gillman woo hoo
Pete Wanrooy
Gypsy Rover still can
Gypsy Rover
Pete Wanrooy that i would not doubt
Vern Pattinson
Great days
Kerry Wildermoth
F
Linda McTigue
Robin Gibbens
I remember the V8s and Triumph motor bikes all outside Frank Bells milk bar next to dads panel shop and to this day l drive V8s and still like Triumph bikes.All Joe Gillman fault. wouldn’t change a thing, great memories
Julie Ann White
Those were the days!
Graham Messenger
Must have done a few thousand Friday night laps between the St James and the roundabout via Hays Corner in the day.
John White
December 2nd 1966. Met my Robyn on Beggs corner opposite for first date. Still together coming up 55 years.
Anne Miller Mcmillan
The good old days
Rae Woods
Garry Woods
Judy Tawhiti
We sure had the best years,happy with what we had...
Miles Reay
Friday was certainly THE night,
Margaret Standen
Used to work at Hays upstairs and couldn’t wait until finish time to get out and about with Denise Hickling
Jude Nicoll
I remember those days well
Isobel Bodenham
Yep - my days !
Lexine Jarden
Emma Cornish shop looks a little different
Pete Mulloy
Remember that night a very nervous John White
Wjohn Sweney
Not a mark 1 zodiac in sight!!
Shona Ratana
Ah memories never grow old aye?
Priscilla-Chang Newton
I remember Moe and me on break up day driving around Hays corner seeing Tommy Dunn and his wife standing on the corner he said what are you louts doing, we jumped out of the car and hoisted him onto the first roof, his wife yelling get him-down,we just drove off lol.
Karen Potter
Priscilla-Chang Newton imagine if you did that today. You'd get more time than a murderer.
Maurice O'Flaherty
did that on a friday night
Phillip Lee
If only that corner could talk,lads used to pour diesel on it.
Bazza Morland
.... and the 'roudabout' Phillip .
Phillip Lee
Bazza Morland now that would be fun or dangerous for the unexpecting
Helen Brennan
Runanga bus stopped by steeles shoe shop
Brenda Brown
Car was doing them down Cobden tip head yesterday was hoping he didn't loose control
Kenny Williams
Guilty.
Kelvin Henham
Kenny Williams more than guilty hahaha
Kenny Williams
Kelvin Henham and fun was had.
Kelvin Henham
Kenny Williams sure was they were good days I'll never regret
Murray Thomson
Great times.
Michael James Keating
Murray Thomson the old J tomo
Les Holmes Germanicus
I had lime green socks, stovepipe pants and winkle pickers. I was reacting to those baggy trousers with cuffs we were forced to wear like our fathers. then I went on to brothel creepers and and a duffle coat.
Sheryl O'Leary
Les Holmes Germanicus what are brothel creepers?
Kevin Bell
Ah the good old days.
Warwick Harrison
I remember working there after school and on friday nights in the appliance department about 1965
Phillip Russ
That chev u laid one up tainui st I was on hay’s corner that night it was great l
Trevor Keith Scott
YEP That was when I was young and innocent???
Ave Muir
There’s no hats on the top floor??
Sonia Moore
I remember it well. I worked at Hays, and I was a widgee
Denis King
Sonia Moore is that “tight undies??”
Lynnette Beirne
I got a heap of my baby stuff cheap there in their closing sale in 1982
Diane Craig
Great shop.
Jude Nicoll
Diane Craig yes i loved going to Hays roof
Bill Parlane
also, remember the military and police cleaning them out should still do to the gangs of today
Craig Willis
Always in my thoughts mid seventies was and is a beautiful place and ppl
Ken Campbell
my first thought duffle coats and gumboots
Heather Newby
Ken Campbell i had a duffle coat
Ian A Cox
I remember having a nifty 50cc motorbike a group of us used to ride round together we were in town doing wheel stands a cop stopped and talked to us he said just because you have these bikes doesn't mean you can go around doing handy stands it took all our strength not to laugh Handy Stands.
Lois McMillan
What about the mods and rockers
Heather Newby
Author
Admin
Lois McMillan were they just after the bodgies and widgies?
Lois McMillan
Heather Newby my boyfriend was a mod, Paisley shirts, white bell bottom pants, I met him when he was 18 I guess, so around 1967/68
Lynda Dando
No mods and rockers in Greymouth that's to push only bodgies and naughty boys
Stephen Lucas
As a kid I was fascinated with the overhead wire system to take the money to the cashier
Heather Newby
Stephen Lucas me too
Barry Ward
Good old Hays corner, as the cars drove past, then turned round by Bus station, then another lap round to the Regent round about, and back again
Jo Hart
Standing on Hay St corner,
watching the boys slowly drive by,
Got offered a lift home to Runanga
By Stephen Lee in his Mk2 Zephyr.
Me - mid-winter- in white hot pants and matching bomber jacket and white Beatle boots! Ya had to be tough to withstand the Barber.
Lois McMillan
Jo Hart my boyfriend had the mark one zephyr convertible
Murry Cave
before my time!!
Tony Becker
I worked in Hays Display department at the main store in Christchurch. We prepared much of the presentation gear for Greymouth branch opening 1953(?)
Heather Newby
Author
Admin
Ford Coupes speeding around the corner on Friday nights,
Heather Reid
yes always there an remember the man's shop down a bit an had marrior put leg out doing splits lol
Trish Rennie
And Beggs corner where they would stand and check out the current “talent” that was “available “ on Hays corner
Christopher Morresey
Standing on Hays corner on a Friday night watching all the girls go by, far better than looking at a phone .
Murray Thomson
Yea great times good memories
Michelle Gaultier
Mum worked at Hays
Phillip Russ
Great place to smoke the tyres on a Friday night aye
Sonia Smith
I met my future husband outside the pub opposite Hayes. Friday night then we went to the movies. 1963
Irene Quy Merv Pascoe
Pauline Walsh
Mum used to take me sn my sister's over to Christchurch to hays every Xmas
Vern Pattinson
Remember it well
Wayne Leckie
We used to be on Begs corner it was better.
Brian Steele
Yes those were the days.
Every shop was Open.
Everyone came to town on Friday night.
Pubs did a roaring trade .
Some had bands.
Anne McMillan Miller
Those were the days .
Lesley Oakley
Yes I remember Hays corner.
Christine Stewart
I remember Hays Roof, loved it especially at Christmas.
Kenny Williams
The Great Hays Corner play zone in the centre of town an Era gone by BUT I was there then HOORAY!!!
Judy Tawhiti
Them were the days,and Friday Saturday nights...Hayes corner.
Maurice O'Flaherty
parked on the other corner in my mark 1 zephyr
William Mcdonald
Rember it well
Richard Leach
The best little town in the best little country
I wonder what happened
Carolyn Luck
Friday nights were always very busy in town.
Beverley Hooper
I remember doing a St John's demonstration on the roof one Friday night.
Alan Beck
"Felt dummies". Concise term for window display mannequins.
Anne Honey
Then picked up by my family. usually a crowd waiting
George McKenzie
Used to have a clock on top of the veranda
at one time. Hays, Harleys, Truman's along with Woolworths and McKenzies were the go to shops when I was a lad (more than a couple of years ago!).
Kenny Williams
The Great Hays Corner play zone in the centre of town an Era gone by BUT I was there then HOORAY!!!
Sonia Smith
I met my future husband outside the pub opposite Hayes. Friday night then we went to the movies. 1963
Wayne Leckie
We used to be on Begs corner it was better.
James Codyre
We used to meet outside Findlay's shop across the road from Hay's.
Maurice O'Flaherty
parked on the other corner in my mark 1 zephyr
Heather Reid
yes always there an remember the man's shop down a bit an had marrior put leg out doing splits lol
Lyn Galvin Loved going shopping there with Mum in the 50s Upstairs to get a new frock or a nice hat to wear to church on Sunday
Don Hutton Used to be White's Corner.
Trish Leckie yes it was the big meeting place. Also remember shopping there with my Mum
Sue Maree Aitken I still say Hays corner
Rose Green It will always be Hays corner
JohnandKathleen Ranger Rose Green yes always metat Hayes Corner.
Percy Billett Meet you on hays corner
Wayne Leckie Some meet on Hays some meet on Begs corner
Jennifer Gaskell I worked at Hays Ltd upstairs in the Womens fashion Dept, Mrs Conner was in charge, that would have been 1965, Mr Johnston was the
Kuan Tai Lucas I remember the wires to take the docket to the cashier
Shona Ratana yes remember this
Ken Campbell and that was a busy day
Sonia Dando That was the catch cry in the 60s
Trevor Keith Scott Used to meet young ladies on that corner......Long time ago!! now 73 but still remember!!
Garry Wick Was a great hang -out !
Trevor Keith Scott Got that right Garry.....How are you Mate? been a long time now! your Mum & Dad and my Parents used to empty a few glasses together at the old RSA. They were great days!!
Jeannie Preddy The place to go at midnight on New Years Eve and sing "Auld Lang Syne" holding hands in a circle. Early to mid 60s!
Kath Merv Moreton Always loved shopping at Hays
Sandra Sands Friday night Hays corner
Brian Beban Who remembers the billiards room on the second story ?
Sonia Dando That was the catch cry in the 60s
Trevor Keith Scott Used to meet young ladies on that corner......Long time ago!! now 73 but still remember!!
Garry Wick Was a great hang -out !
Trevor Keith Scott Got that right Garry.....How are you Mate? been a long time now! your Mum & Dad and my Parents used to empty a few glasses together at the old RSA. They were great days!!
Kath Merv Moreton Hi Trevor.Kath ,Garry's sister here.I remember those good old days when you and Mary used to visit at Dobson and we used to run amuk!!Cheers.
Trevor Keith Scott Well Well Well, I was going to ask Garry what happened to you!! it has been a little while now and that's for sure! Glad to hear from you Kathy.
Jeannie Preddy The place to go at midnight on New Years Eve and sing "Auld Lang Syne" holding hands in a circle. Early to mid 60s!
Kath Merv Moreton Always loved shopping at Hays
Sandra Sands Friday night Hays corner
Brian Beban Who remembers the billiards room on the second story ?
Mary Moffitt Another place I worked when home in the long 'vacation'. My mother was good at getting jobs for us!
Bruce Knight I recall when Hay’s Corner seemed like the hub of the planet. Used to I be “cool” hanging out there on a Friday evening, when I was at high school.
Helen Brennan I still call it Haywrights corner
Mike Minehan I remember well the Friday evening drive in the old Bedford "pig" truck to town, ( we used it daily to collect scraps from various hotels, green grocers and butchers to feed our porkers ),to check out the sights, then buy a cake of Cadburys fruit and nut to take home to Mum and Dad sitting at the fireplace. What a luxury!
Pamela Jones Those were the days! Plenty of choice.
Robin Gibbens Where’s the V8s
Helen Brennan I still call it Haywrights corner
Laurie Anisy Great times. Yes every Friday night into town.
Brenda Crooks I have a pic of my parents dressed like that.
James Codyre Our first stop on a Friday night was Mundy's for a feed of flounder eggs and chips or oysters in season then a few tours of the main drag.
Greg Mait Yeah I remember the iridescent socks
Karla Haussmann Sounds like the town was really humming back then
Paul Agnes Smith Yer had to have a MK1 Zephyr in my day, with the pram ornamental strip in the back window, animal skin seat covers, a 12 ft aeriel in the left front guard, red reflectors on the mudflaps, always drove with yer right arm out the window and holding the roof in place....and a fergie tractor muffler....This car was always around the town....later graduated to Mk2..
Gary Williams Did yah have a chrome dipstick????
.???.???
Maurice O'Flaherty i use to go to Greymouth on a friday night with my MK1 it was two tone blue had the spinner hub caps. it was very fast car.
Shirley Farrell Remember it well. Even getting moved on by the police for blocking the footpath
Karen Potter I still love winkle pickers.
Murray Webber Did my laps around town in various vehicles
Reid Mallinson Coolest car in their day, parked up near Maruia on our way to Hanmer. Oops sorry Paul, forgot to put up airial
Alan Ware Lime green, burnt orange, ming blue and shocking pink (socks)
Bruce Knight I spent many an hour at Hay’s Corner in the 60’s. I would normally catch the railcar from the Karoro station into Greymouth, it arrived around 6PM. I can’t remember how many times I just made it home on the 9PM Road Services bus before having to run to the toilet... those were the days. There is no place on Earth like The Coast, no matter how long I’ve been gone. Great people and lots of natural beauty.
Martin Burt I cleaned those dam Windows a lot lol..worked at Hays after school from 67 to 69
Richard Leach Great memories and not to forget the bell bottom trousers
1
Anthea Keenan I think Val used to work at Hays, wish I could visit Rest Home - I'd ask her... !!!!!!..
Murray Hay I just painted the exterior of that building last month, it's still in great condition
Murray Hay Heather Newby a local clothes shop into jeans on ground floor and a few small offices upstairs
Heather Newby Murray Hay ok.. interesting.. I havent been down there for 4 years since my husband died.. we used to go down twice a year.One day I will bite the bullet and go down there.. alone..
Susan Barlow Ah! Yes! I remember it well. From there to the Regent.Paul Agnes Smith Yer had to have a MK1 Zephyr in my day, with the pram ornamental strip in the back window, animal skin seat covers, a 12 ft aeriel in the left front guard, red reflectors on the mudflaps, always drove with yer right arm out the window and holding the roof in place....and a fergie tractor muffler....This car was always around the town....later graduated to Mk2..
Gary Williams Did yah have a chrome dipstick????
.???.???
Paul Agnes Smith Gary Williams Twin overhead glovebox handle....Chrome rocker cover to match the dipstick.
Maurice O'Flaherty i use to go to Greymouth on a friday night with my MK1 it was two tone blue had the spinner hub caps. it was very fast car.
Shirley Farrell Remember it well. Even getting moved on by the police for blocking the footpath
Karen Potter I still love winkle pickers.
Murray Webber Did my laps around town in various vehicles
Reid Mallinson Coolest car in their day, parked up near Maruia on our way to Hanmer. Oops sorry Paul, forgot to put up airial
Dorothy Wills Great memories
Brenda Crooks Here’s my mum and dad, Noel Crooks and Margaret Morland. Dad always told us about his lime green socks and 2 inch cuffs.
Heather Newby ha ha... and there were orange socks as well
Alan Ware Lime green, burnt orange, ming blue and shocking pink
Heather Newby Alan Ware thanks for that.. i could only remember orange and green.. those were about when i was 10 in 1962
Bruce Knight I spent many an hour at Hay’s Corner in the 60’s. I would normally catch the railcar from the Karoro station into Greymouth, it arrived around 6PM. I can’t remember how many times I just made it home on the 9PM Road Services bus before having to run to the toilet... those were the days. There is no place on Earth like The Coast, no matter how long I’ve been gone. Great people and lots of natural beauty.
Martin Burt I cleaned those dam Windows a lot lol..worked at Hays after school from 67 to 69
Heather Newby ha ha.. I remember you..
Susan Barlow Burt! Any relation to Ken Burt?
Martin Burt Susan Barlow he is my older brother..
Susan Barlow Martin Burt Ken was in my class at Grey High. :)
Martin Burt Susan Barlow he is hiding somewhere on fb. Can't tag him
Susan Barlow Martin Burt Pity :)
Kevin Bell In other words the good old days.
Richard Leach Great memories and not to forget the bell bottom trousers
Heather Newby yes.. i made a pair of bell bottoms
Anne Honey Oh Glenys didn't we look smart
Anthea Keenan I think Val used to work at Hays, wish I could visit Rest Home - I'd ask her... !!!!!!..
Martin Burt Anthea Keenan there was a Val there when I was there...
Anthea Keenan :) Did you work their too Martin ?
Murray Hay I just painted the exterior of that building last month, it's still in great condition
Heather Newby whats in there now?
Murray Hay Heather Newby a local clothes shop into jeans on ground floor and a few small offices upstairs
Heather Newby Murray Hay ok.. interesting.. I havent been down there for 4 years since my husband died.. we used to go down twice a year.One day I will bite the bullet and go down there.. alone..
Paul Buchanan theres no 'i' in team muzz!!lol.
Murray Hay Paul Buchanan thought I might get in trouble over that one!! ok, ( WE The Hay Brothers Painters ) painted the exterior of that building last month, it's still in great condition.
Susan Barlow Ah! Yes! I remember it well. From there to the Regent.
Mary Findlay Susan Barlow Then home to Camerons on Kennedy’s bus
Susan Barlow Mary Findlay And then running up the Bundi in stockinged feet. Hi Mary :)
Hi Susan keep safe in your bubble - life in Camerons in the 50-60’s was like life in a bubble- we didn’t travel far afield
Susan Barlow Mary Findlay It truly was! A TV series could have been made about Camerons ... a bit like Coronation St.... Bill Maher as Ken Barlow. Such colourful characters and we knew them all. Ours was the last generation to really experience those slower times, I think. I am glad that I did. :)
Mary Findlay Susan Barlow Same life is certainly faster now days but not better
Charlie Cleghorn Remember those days well
Glenys Elizabeth Martin We were born and lived thru the best years I know teens of today don t think so but we were safe but had fun,
Ron McCann Good old Hays corner
Lynn Hopkins Ron McCann is it even there now
Ron McCann Lynn Hopkins sorta not the same Hays corner but
Lynn Hopkins Ron McCann yes last time I was home it was raining and cold,spent most of the time in Hokitika,as thought I might quite like to live there so will have take another trip down,when all this is over,
Hope all well with you and Family
Ron McCann Lynn Hopkins all good thanks Lynn can't beat the coast, stay safe
Jason Murly and was still being done in the 80s lol
Robert Hilton Marsh now you are showing your age Heather
Carmen Hampton Fond mamories.
Denis-Pat Pilkington My first holiday job was working in The Cedar Room, the restaurant there. I can remember having to polish the silver teapots
Miles Reay Some of us clutching 78’s or 45’s of current hits we’d just bought at Beggs.Nova Hichens
Brings back memories.
Josephine Wesley
I remember those days!
Alan N Barb Cochrane
wow what memories
Gareth And-Gill Davies
The town would be so busy all the shops opened. It was the night to goe out
Karen Potter
Wish it was still like that.
Rob Lunn
Karen Potter yep it’s pretty sad now even if you’re car didn’t have enough power the boys would lift a side so that you could get a sqeal on take off great times sometimes finished off with an egg fight around town then a hose off at the anzac park dump before the boys in blue had time to zero in on you
Alison Hibbs
And the sexy lookin boys standing on the opposite corner - just lookin.
Les Bryce
Alison Hibbs And then Young Norman drove up an said" Gidday
Kyle Webster
Les Bryce https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TkLUCMHsQ94
The Newcastle song~Bob Hudson
YOUTUBE.COM
The Newcastle song~Bob Hudson
The Newcastle song~Bob Hudson
Les Bryce
That's the one
Ave Muir
Alison Hibbs John stood on that corner every Friday night, waiting for Joyce to finish at Truman’s
Josephine Wesley
No shops no people just depressing old buildings only traffic I seen an heard was about 20 bikes roaring past Hays on both sides of the road ....Cobden looked awful nothing like when we lived there...so sad. Nothing like I remember my hometown...
Helen Cain
Chip Robinson
Paul Buchanan
Remember stalling the pa Vauxhall on hays corner trying for a burnout! boys had to get out and push start it!! Battery dead!!
· Reply · 21h
Karen Potter
Paul Buchanan were you doing a mole patrol paul
· Reply · 21h
Paul Buchanan
Karen Potter no we were good runanga boys Karen!!
· Reply · 20h
Karen Potter
Paul Buchanan
Yvonne Lawson
Paul Buchanan must have been good being Runanga boys
Phillip Lee
Paul Buchanan happened to me one Friday night, sitting the corner looking cool and didnt hear the engine stop, went to go forward," Nothing " there were 3 girls in the car and they had to push start me.
Garry Woods
Good old days in the 36 Morris 12 bonnet off & fitted with a copper muffler especially designed to cackle for the time. Used to wear black corderoys with leopard pattern on front white shirt & string tie with beatle boots
Grant Ellingford
Wouldn't be too many cars around in that era that could do a burnout may be a wheel spin or skid. Still good fun
Pauline Burrows
Ooooh yes. such awesome times way back then..
Greymouth was a really lovely place to spend the early years of my life there
Sonia Dando
Only Friday nights when I went to town was with mum I seen those widgees. Much to mums horror
Image what those parents would think today 60 years later
Ave Muir
Wow and Beggs on the corner, Woolworths , and McKenzies across the road,Miller’s between. Pub on the corner?? Going back to late 50s. Late 60s??
Linda Maika
Ave Muir I remember the pub on the corner opposite Hays. It was painted green. A vivid memory I have from when I was little is on Christmas Eve when the streets were shut to traffic & being a bit scared of the drunks coming out of the pub.
Janet Kilkelly
Ave Muir Dominion
Bruce Anderson
Hi yes remember it well
Alison Hibbs
No anymosity then .
All friends forever. Wish it was still like that now.
Suzanne Nelson
Alison Hibbs yes Alison we had the best years,
Craig Jarden
kerry keating arnt you still a boggie
Lyn Thompson
My era lol ..and late night movies at the Regent..pie cart just around the corner ..
Wayne Leckie
Lyn Thompson many a punch up at the pie cart lol
Lyn Thompson
Wayne Leckie probably never saw one actually
Peter Moore
60s .70s On the coast .I consider myself so lucky to have been brought up in kumara in that era. Still go back for the westland rally and odd weekend and love every minute of it.
John Webster
Not me,I plead innocent,I wasn't there,no way
John Webster
Wayne Leckie
Those were the days! Done a few lefties around there in the old 52 prefect don’t no how we never tipped over
Bazza Morland
Seen many 'one wheeler peelers' on that corner !
Lyn Steppy
Great times
Ken Winchester
Remember that well
Denis King
Did biggest wheely. Around Hays to Kilgours in a 1967 HR Holden, (wet day) I was with Steve Richards this happened 1975.
Bazza Morland
..... one that Stan Jones missed Denis
Denis King
Bazza Morland correct
Stephen Lee
Denis King Hi Denis long time since I seen you cheers
Helen Brennan
Still call it Haywrights corner
Bazza Morland
Always will be 'Hays' corner Helen .
Heather Reid
Helen Brennan I do to Helen lol
]
Martin Burt
I used to clean those windows after school.....
Barbara Levick
Remember it well
Heather Reid
Barbara Levick hi Barbara how's life treating you just saw the name an hello it rang a bell in thick head lol
Barbara Levick
Yeah good days and some not so good but i woke up this morning so all good. What about you where are you living now.
Heather Newby
the Bodgies in their Ford Coupes
Heather Newby
the boys showing off in their cars in front in front of the girls who were hanging around Hays Corner.
Paul Francis Richardson
Just down the road form Frank Bell's Milk Bar, their hangout place.
Heather Reid
Me to more fun
Wendy Larsen
Town open with late night shopping till 8.30 even a public bus service to blaketown cobden etc to get everyone home .ABC quicklunch a popular spot for a milkshake
Heather Newby
Wendy Larsen i remember the Blaketown bus.
Wendy Larsen
Heather Newby Jack Sheehan (legend of a driver top guy ) lot of laughs
Margaret Mulloy
Those were the days
Naireen Bass
Now that's some memory!
Denis King
67, HR Holden in 1974, had Stev Richards with me, smoked the old girl up down Mackay street to Kilgours around H
Ross Jellyman
Yep, always managed to get a squeak out of the back tyres of the ‘65 Vauxhall Viva on Friday nights, town used to be busy then, like a ghost town now
Valda Ford
I can smell it … as we speak!!
Murray Webber
I remember doing the circuit in my cars and motorbike
Gypsy Rover
Joe Gillman could make tyres chirp smokey Joe Gillman woo hoo
Pete Wanrooy
Gypsy Rover still can
Gypsy Rover
Pete Wanrooy that i would not doubt
Vern Pattinson
Great days
Kerry Wildermoth
F
Linda McTigue
Robin Gibbens
I remember the V8s and Triumph motor bikes all outside Frank Bells milk bar next to dads panel shop and to this day l drive V8s and still like Triumph bikes.All Joe Gillman fault. wouldn’t change a thing, great memories
Julie Ann White
Those were the days!
Graham Messenger
Must have done a few thousand Friday night laps between the St James and the roundabout via Hays Corner in the day.
John White
December 2nd 1966. Met my Robyn on Beggs corner opposite for first date. Still together coming up 55 years.
Anne Miller Mcmillan
The good old days
Rae Woods
Garry Woods
Judy Tawhiti
We sure had the best years,happy with what we had...
Miles Reay
Friday was certainly THE night,
Margaret Standen
Used to work at Hays upstairs and couldn’t wait until finish time to get out and about with Denise Hickling
Jude Nicoll
I remember those days well
Isobel Bodenham
Yep - my days !
Lexine Jarden
Emma Cornish shop looks a little different
Pete Mulloy
Remember that night a very nervous John White
Wjohn Sweney
Not a mark 1 zodiac in sight!!
Shona Ratana
Ah memories never grow old aye?
Priscilla-Chang Newton
I remember Moe and me on break up day driving around Hays corner seeing Tommy Dunn and his wife standing on the corner he said what are you louts doing, we jumped out of the car and hoisted him onto the first roof, his wife yelling get him-down,we just drove off lol.
Karen Potter
Priscilla-Chang Newton imagine if you did that today. You'd get more time than a murderer.
Maurice O'Flaherty
did that on a friday night
Phillip Lee
If only that corner could talk,lads used to pour diesel on it.
Bazza Morland
.... and the 'roudabout' Phillip .
Phillip Lee
Bazza Morland now that would be fun or dangerous for the unexpecting
Helen Brennan
Runanga bus stopped by steeles shoe shop
Brenda Brown
Car was doing them down Cobden tip head yesterday was hoping he didn't loose control
Kenny Williams
Guilty.
Kelvin Henham
Kenny Williams more than guilty hahaha
Kenny Williams
Kelvin Henham and fun was had.
Kelvin Henham
Kenny Williams sure was they were good days I'll never regret
Murray Thomson
Great times.
Michael James Keating
Murray Thomson the old J tomo
Les Holmes Germanicus
I had lime green socks, stovepipe pants and winkle pickers. I was reacting to those baggy trousers with cuffs we were forced to wear like our fathers. then I went on to brothel creepers and and a duffle coat.
Sheryl O'Leary
Les Holmes Germanicus what are brothel creepers?
Kevin Bell
Ah the good old days.
Warwick Harrison
I remember working there after school and on friday nights in the appliance department about 1965
Phillip Russ
That chev u laid one up tainui st I was on hay’s corner that night it was great l
Trevor Keith Scott
YEP That was when I was young and innocent???
Ave Muir
There’s no hats on the top floor??
Sonia Moore
I remember it well. I worked at Hays, and I was a widgee
Denis King
Sonia Moore is that “tight undies??”
Lynnette Beirne
I got a heap of my baby stuff cheap there in their closing sale in 1982
Diane Craig
Great shop.
Jude Nicoll
Diane Craig yes i loved going to Hays roof
Bill Parlane
also, remember the military and police cleaning them out should still do to the gangs of today
Craig Willis
Always in my thoughts mid seventies was and is a beautiful place and ppl
Ken Campbell
my first thought duffle coats and gumboots
Heather Newby
Ken Campbell i had a duffle coat
Ian A Cox
I remember having a nifty 50cc motorbike a group of us used to ride round together we were in town doing wheel stands a cop stopped and talked to us he said just because you have these bikes doesn't mean you can go around doing handy stands it took all our strength not to laugh Handy Stands.
Lois McMillan
What about the mods and rockers
Heather Newby
Author
Admin
Lois McMillan were they just after the bodgies and widgies?
Lois McMillan
Heather Newby my boyfriend was a mod, Paisley shirts, white bell bottom pants, I met him when he was 18 I guess, so around 1967/68
Lynda Dando
No mods and rockers in Greymouth that's to push only bodgies and naughty boys
Stephen Lucas
As a kid I was fascinated with the overhead wire system to take the money to the cashier
Heather Newby
Stephen Lucas me too
Barry Ward
Good old Hays corner, as the cars drove past, then turned round by Bus station, then another lap round to the Regent round about, and back again
Jo Hart
Standing on Hay St corner,
watching the boys slowly drive by,
Got offered a lift home to Runanga
By Stephen Lee in his Mk2 Zephyr.
Me - mid-winter- in white hot pants and matching bomber jacket and white Beatle boots! Ya had to be tough to withstand the Barber.
Lois McMillan
Jo Hart my boyfriend had the mark one zephyr convertible
Murry Cave
before my time!!
Tony Becker
I worked in Hays Display department at the main store in Christchurch. We prepared much of the presentation gear for Greymouth branch opening 1953(?)
Heather Newby
Author
Admin
Ford Coupes speeding around the corner on Friday nights,
Heather Reid
yes always there an remember the man's shop down a bit an had marrior put leg out doing splits lol
Trish Rennie
And Beggs corner where they would stand and check out the current “talent” that was “available “ on Hays corner
Christopher Morresey
Standing on Hays corner on a Friday night watching all the girls go by, far better than looking at a phone .
Murray Thomson
Yea great times good memories
Michelle Gaultier
Mum worked at Hays
Phillip Russ
Great place to smoke the tyres on a Friday night aye
Sonia Smith
I met my future husband outside the pub opposite Hayes. Friday night then we went to the movies. 1963
Irene Quy Merv Pascoe
Pauline Walsh
Mum used to take me sn my sister's over to Christchurch to hays every Xmas
Vern Pattinson
Remember it well
Wayne Leckie
We used to be on Begs corner it was better.
Brian Steele
Yes those were the days.
Every shop was Open.
Everyone came to town on Friday night.
Pubs did a roaring trade .
Some had bands.
Anne McMillan Miller
Those were the days .
Lesley Oakley
Yes I remember Hays corner.
Christine Stewart
I remember Hays Roof, loved it especially at Christmas.
Kenny Williams
The Great Hays Corner play zone in the centre of town an Era gone by BUT I was there then HOORAY!!!
Judy Tawhiti
Them were the days,and Friday Saturday nights...Hayes corner.
Maurice O'Flaherty
parked on the other corner in my mark 1 zephyr
William Mcdonald
Rember it well
Richard Leach
The best little town in the best little country
I wonder what happened
Carolyn Luck
Friday nights were always very busy in town.
Beverley Hooper
I remember doing a St John's demonstration on the roof one Friday night.
Alan Beck
"Felt dummies". Concise term for window display mannequins.
Anne Honey
Then picked up by my family. usually a crowd waiting
George McKenzie
Used to have a clock on top of the veranda
at one time. Hays, Harleys, Truman's along with Woolworths and McKenzies were the go to shops when I was a lad (more than a couple of years ago!).
Kenny Williams
The Great Hays Corner play zone in the centre of town an Era gone by BUT I was there then HOORAY!!!
Sonia Smith
I met my future husband outside the pub opposite Hayes. Friday night then we went to the movies. 1963
Wayne Leckie
We used to be on Begs corner it was better.
James Codyre
We used to meet outside Findlay's shop across the road from Hay's.
Maurice O'Flaherty
parked on the other corner in my mark 1 zephyr
Heather Reid
yes always there an remember the man's shop down a bit an had marrior put leg out doing splits lol
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West Coast New Zealand History (23rd Nov 2024). Hays Corner, Greymouth.. In Website West Coast New Zealand History. Retrieved 28th Apr 2026 07:22, from https://westcoast.recollect.co.nz/nodes/view/26011