The Greymouth Technical High School Home Science Class - Jane Molloy L back row and Ella Abbott (back right).1927.

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DescriptionThis photo was taken in 1927 and features the Greymouth Technical High School Home Science Class. My mother, Jane Molloy is on the left in the back row and her friend, Ella Abbott, from Te Kinga is at the back on the right.
Jane finished at Jacks Mill School, Kotuku, in 1926 and in 1927 travelled by train from Kotuku to Greymouth each day to attend various Home Science Classes. All went well in that first year and Jane attended again in 1928. But on the 28th of February 1928 Jane’s life would change dramatically. Her mother, Honora, sadly died just prior to the birth of her thirteenth child. This tragic event spelt the end of Jane’s Home Science Classes, as she now had to take up the duties her mother performed at home. Jane was the oldest girl and aged 16 at the time and had six siblings younger than her, five being under the age of 10 years and three older brothers. Two younger siblings just younger than Jane had died in infancy.
Life was tough for Jane, but she seemed to cope overall. A lot of time was spent in the Scullery (kitchen). After Honora’s death John wouldn’t sleep in their bedroom, so he made a bed under the window in the scullery. No one was allowed in the bedroom from then on. This didn’t seem to a major problem for Jane while she prepared meals, but she did say that while she was working away, every now and then there would be a loud “Bang”. Her father, “Pop” would see a blackbird outside the window and shoot it through the window with his shotgun. The bird was destined as bait for “Pop’s” eel pot. This made her terrified of guns.
In the 1930s, the family headed into the depression years, but Jane said that they coped ok during that time, as being on a farm, food was not a problem.
After her mother’s death, the following (transcribed) letter was sent to Jane from one of the Greymouth Technical High School Home Science Teachers.
Technical High School
Greymouth
7/3/28
My Dear Jane,
You must forgive me for not having written sooner. The Home Science girls and myself, wish to convey to you and the family our deepest sympathy in your recent bereavement. We felt very sad indeed when we heard the news of the sudden death of your dear mother, but trust and hope you’ll have strength to bear up through it all and regard all these as being done for the best.
You will now have far more responsibilities to shoulder and I believe you will prove yourself worthy of the position allotted to you. Besides, I hope you will find that the training you had at this school will help you in more ways than one to understand others and look after their welfare so that they may enjoy peace and happiness in life.
I hear that you intend coming along on Wednesday afternoons for Dressmaking. I am sure Miss MacDonald will be pleased to have you and it will be a nice outing for you every week, as in that way you will still be able to keep in touch with the School.
I shall miss you very much at the Friday afternoon classes, as I had planned out special work for you and the two Doris’ in cooking.
However, we can’t have it all our own way.
“What is the work to be?” What He desires for thee.
If it be waiting, then patiently wait.
After the waiting time
Cometh the Harvest.
Keep the Camp (Fire?) burning early and late.
“Take hold of the present and be not afraid.”
I do hope you will look after your father and the family well and will be a credit to them. If you decide to take Dressmaking, we will be able to see you soon again.
With our very best wishes for the future.
Yours Most Sincerely,
M. Lewis Davies.
(M. Lewis Davies took Jane for the cooking class).Date of Photo1927Map^[1]ContributorGeoffrey Bell

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Location (city or town)TE KINGAPersonElla AbbottJane MolloyOrganisation (eg business)Greymouth Technical High School

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Date Created20th April 2025

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The Greymouth Technical High School Home Science Class - Jane Molloy L back row and Ella Abbott (back right).1927.

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