Memories of Rototuna sought
Rototuna 1914 – 1920. But where?
Gordonton’s Alan Sharp is on a mission.
He’s trying to help Alex Glennie of Invercargill find information about his forebears.
For a few years during World War I and shortly thereafter they farmed at Rototuna. Unfortunately, the effects of the war and the demands of turning the Waikato’s timbered bogs into grass proved too much, and they returned to the lower South Island in the early 1920s.
Charles Glennie, son of Alexander, was born in Hamilton on May 25 1920. They attended Rototuna School before moving out of the district.
“Except for the photos, neaarly all the memories of that era and now lost in time.”
This Autumn, Alex will be coming to the Waikato and would like to be able to identify this Rototuna property – any and all help would be appreciated.
Charles Glennie and his wagon team at Rototuna.
And finally, the Glennie home, Rototuna. The house is very typical of the 1890s and early 1900s.
“The giveaway should be the very distinctive windmill and reservoir arrangement. Has anyone seen it before?”
If you can assist in any way, do send Alan an email.
Good Morning from Invercargill
Thank you every one for your assistance and help with tracing my family at Rototuna.
May I add that the 2nd photograph of the man smoking his pipe is my grandfather Alexander Glennie. The 3rd photograph of the man sitting on his wagon with horses is my uncle Charles Glennie. When my father Charles Alan was born on 25th May 1920 (his father was Alexander Glennie) the family were living at 20 Grey Street, Hamilton. Thier house in Grey Street is no longer standing and has been replaced by a more building. I believe they had by this time left the farm at Rototuna. The family moved from Hamilton and back to Beautiful Valley near Fairlie in South Canterbury when my father was 6 weeks of age. This would have been around August of 1920.
Any information of the Glennie’s and their time at Rototuna would be much appreciated.
Alex Glennie
Invercargill
All the best with your search, Alex. Let us know how you get on.