The 1880s -1890s

In 1880 The New Zealand Times reported on the campaign of peaceful resistance that Te Whiti-o-Rongamai and Tohu Kakahi were leading at Parihaka. You can read about it here.

Passive resistance at Parihaka

The turn of the century

In 1900 the newspaper reported that Emily McPherson had qualified as a doctor. New Zealand’s first woman doctor was also named Emily – Emily Siedeburg, Find out more about Emily Siedeburg’s inspiring life here.

Dr Emily McPherson

The Great War

In 1914 Danny McPherson had his photograph taken by Mr William Berry before he left for the First World War. Click on the link under Danny’s photo to watch a video about the soldiers that Mr Berry photographed. They became known as the Berry Boys.

Danny McPherson

What happened to men who refused to be conscripted into the army? Let Mark Briggs tell you his story.

The 1920s and 30s

During the economic depression of the 1930s many people did not have work, people went hungry, there were protests and riots. Doctor Emily wanted to find out what was happening. You can find out what happened by following this link.

Dr Emily visits Totara Flats

The 1940s and 50s

During World War Two there were American soldiers in town. Find out why they were here and where they went when they had finished their training.

American GI's and Land Girls

The Majestic Cinema was showing Charlie Chaplin’s 1939 film The Great Dictator. You can watch a bit of it here and see why Hitler banned it.

The Great Dictator plays at The Majestic

John McPherson wrote to the newspaper from Cassino in Italy. You can find out more about what happened at Cassino here.

The Battle of Cassino