Mr C. L. Duigan (born 1870s) recalls many details about early Wanganui.
To maintain integrity of original acetate, track IDs have been made according to where they were made on original discs. Not each track is necessarily self-contained ie it flows from one subject to the next.
Tk 1 Part 1 4'29" MU 31B.1 MUCDR6.1
Recounts 2 stories - one of 2 Māori tribes (Putiki & Urunui) who for years slaughter each other because of an insult once made to a Māori chief's wife. The other tells the story of a thief (immigrant from old country) caught trying to steal tools from an Englishman. When caught, thief offered him recompense by sword or pistol.
Tk 2 Part 2 6'04" MU 31B.2 MUCDR6.2
Mr Duigan born in Wanganui over 70 years ago, lived in Church Place next door to Mr Ballance (later to be PM). Knew Mr Ballance well, he was very courteous man. Describes Mr Ballance and events during the 1890 elections (dead cats through windows etc.)
Tk 3 Part 3 1'58" MU 31B.3 MUCDR6.3
They had 2 Fiji servants, describes fate of 2nd servant.
Tk 4 Part 4 6'37" MU 32B.1 MUCDR6.4
Mr Higgie's humour, early river traffic on Whanganui River, efforts to introduce salmon.
Tk 5 Part 5 3'15" MU 32B.2 MUCDR6.5
Music Halls/Theatre - 1st theatre - Princess Theatre, Academy for Music was another place for entertainment
Tk 6 Part 6 1'59" MU 33A.1 MUCDR6.6
Describes election behaviour, women could not attend meetings because of "horse play" (egg throwing and other rowdy behaviour).
Tk 7 Part 7 3'55" MU 33A.2 MUCDR6.7
1st Railway station on Ridgeway St.
Tk 8 Part 8 3'19" MU 33A.3 MUCDR6.8
Early Inventions - Penny Farthing bicycles, Mr Duigan 1st man in Wanganui with a motor cycle, school friend Johnny Copeland invented free wheel bicycle, Mr GW Palmer - 1st man in Wanganui to own a motor car.
Tk 9 Part 9 2'08" MU 33B.1 MUCDR6.9
Early addition to breakwater - Mr Thomas Thatcher devised a scheme like the dyke in Holland.
Tk 10 Part 10 1'21" MU 33B.2 MUCDR6.10
Town Bridge designed by Grace Stevenson - was originally made for India and was erected by the Provincial Govt, initially had a toll (2 pence).
- personal memories of P.M. John Ballance - Māori fishing - 1st railway
Tk 11 Part 11 47" MU 33B.3 MUCDR6.11
Mail & supplies.
Tk 12 Part 12 3'52" MU 33B.4 MUCDR6.12
Price of produce, Māori grew a lot of wheat up the river, Māori canoes
Tk 13 Part 13 56" MU 33B.5 MUCDR6.13
Early Redoubts at Queens Park
Tk 14 Part 14 53" MU 34A.1 MUCDR6.14
Māori myth of Taniwha creating rapids in the river (he pronounces it Tan-ee wa).
Tk 15 Part 15 2'07" MU 34A.2 MUCDR6.15
Print media - "Taniwha" newspaper - resembled "Punch" magazine. There was also the "Herald" evening paper. Mr Duigan's father was editor of the morning paper, the "Chronicle". First publication began in about 1860.
Tk 16 Part 16 10" MU 34A.3 MUCDR6.16
Circus - "Shayareenee" Circus about 1880.
Tk 17 1'21" MU 34A.3 MUCDR6.17
ID Recorded in error - continuation of circus, also recalls the "Worth" ?? Circus
Tk 18 Part 17 26" MU 34A.4 MUCDR6.18
Troops going to Parihaka
Tk 19 Part 18 3'04" MU 34A.5 MUCDR6.19
Used to live at Gonville, near Castlecliff Railway - describes farm. Railway driver used to take them into town to see shows.
Tk 20 Part 19 1'45" MU 34B.1 MUCDR6.20
Jackson & Co Stock sale yards -stock going astray, describes railway
Tk 21 Part 20 10" MU 34B.2 MUCDR6.21
Section on the corner of Victoria Ave and Ridgeway St that was sold for 25 pounds and a bull dog.
Tk 22 42" MU 34B.2 MUCDR6.22
ID Recorded in error - continuation of section story.
Tk 23 Part 21 10'40" MU 34B.3 MUCDR6.23
Major Brassey - Duigan knew him as a child, recounts story of going fishing and being told to return to shore as strong head wind was coming, boat capsized but they were saved by Māori people.