Auntie Jean (aged eleven)

In the early days at East Tairei there were no dolls to play with. Jean and the others walked up the hill behind Williamsons' store gathered tussock and made their own dolls.

Jean loved school and was eager to learn. At Outram she was dux. For two years, Standards Five and Six, the mode of travel to school was by the neighbour's horse and cart. The eldest child in that family drove the cart and was the boss. There were seats along each side and open to the elements. In wet or cold weather canvas protectors were let down and rolled up when not in use.

From a tender age Jean and Stuart were in great demand to recite at concerts. Granddad transported them in a trap all over Tairei. They were exceedingly popular and entertained often for years. They both went to elocution classes every Saturday in Dunedin. From the age of eight Jean competed in the competitions at Gore and Dunedin, gaining many certificates. In the Under 16 class in Gore, at the age of ten and eleven, she even won the Championship each year.

At the Championship in Dunedin, Jean watched the girls competing in the ballet events. When she returned home to East Tairei all the local girls lined up on the family verandah where Jean instructed them in the steps she had observed. When living in Outram Jean took ballet lessons for a short time until the teacher left.

Stories for my Grandchildren, Isobel Spence