In this interview, Ted tells us about his family history and some experiences of a long life lived in and around Cromwell. Ted’s father established a market garden and sluiced for gold on the Nevis River. Ted worked in his family’s market garden and also followed his father’s footsteps into gold-mining. This, however, proved to be a traumatic experience for a young 17-year-old Ted. He was assisting Artie Sutherland in the Nevis Valley when the bank gave way and buried them both. Ted managed to dig himself out with a nail file he had in his pocket, but sadly he found Artie beyond help.
After he got married, Ted bought an orchard and recounts how he had to build a new house when the original iron and mudbrick house and part of the orchard were flooded by the construction of the Clyde Dam. Other than his work and family, a big part of Ted’s life was his involvement with the Lowburn Community Hall. Over 58 years he served as president, caretaker and groundsman. Ted passed away in September 2024. He was always ready to lend a hand to his neighbours and will be missed by his church and community.
Interviewer: Anne McAuley
Interview Dates:
September 2022
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