Murray McKnight is born and bred in Central Otago and spent his working life farming in the Ida Valley. Many of his forebearers came from Scotland and there are still McKnight families in the Oturehua region. Murray describes the dramatic changes he has experienced in farming methods, particularly at lambing, shearing and hay making time. In the past, neighbouring farmers would lend a hand at each other’s farm and so everyone knew everyone else and a community spirit prevailed. Nowadays a lot of work is carried out by contractors and farmers work much more on their own. Another big change that Murray has noticed is the change in climate. There is much less snow in winter than there used to be, and so winter sports are no more. Murray recounts that in days gone by, train loads of people would come from Dunedin to enjoy ice skating and the food sold by locals.
Interviewer: Rosemary Riddell
Interview Dates:
December 2024
Frederick McKnight & Catherine Dent
John McKnight and Eliza Pitches
McKnight Family Tree
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