We all got off at the Hutt

For some time I had been mulling over putting something of my life story into writing but getting started is not easy. However, the best advice I have received is simply you start by starting, so for better or worse I have taken this course.

I have written mainly for family, my children and grandchildren and when they are older my great-grandchildren, to share with them something of my life in the pre-TV pre-Computer age.

This is my story of growing up in Lower Hutt in the 1930's and 40's. It is a personal account not a researched history. I have told stories of events as remembered. I have been told I have inherited my mother's good memory so I think I can claim these stories are accurate but then memory can play tricks on you.

I start with a bit of family background, who my ancestors were and how they came to New Zealand. For some of this information I am indebted to my Mum who wrote some notes many years ago. As I said she had a marvellous memory and as well as these notes she shared lots of memories and told us lots of stories when we were young.

I should also explain the title of the book. There was a ditty we often sang when we were young. It went to the tune of “For he's a jolly good fellow.”

Kaiwarra, Ngauranga, Petone,
Kaiwarra, Ngauranga, Petone,
Kaiwarra, Ngauranga, Petone,
We all get off at the Hutt..
We all get off at the Hutt,
We all get off at the Hutt,
Kaiwarra, Ngauranga, Petone,
Kaiwarra, Ngauranga, Petone,
Kaiwarra, Ngauranga, Petone,
We all get off at the Hutt.

It speaks of the railway stations between Wellington and Lower Hutt. In those days the line to Upper Hutt and the Wairarapa went up the western side of the valley along the route now taken by State Highway 2. Kaiwarra is now Kaiwharawhara and Ngauranga in those days was spelt Ngaharanga. The Lower Hutt railway station was a busy place. For many years the present Wairarapa line ended at Waterloo.