Sons of the soil Book Launch

Photo Gallery & Report View Book launch Photo Gallery View Otaki and Levin Photo Gallery Please note this page is currently being updated - please return in another week for full details. Hamilton mini-launch - 20 August 2012 We arrived at Hamilton Central Library at 10.30am and were warmly welcomed by Heritage Services manager Mark Caunter and librarian Barry Friend. A photo display and promotional material had been prepared by the library staff. Ruth and Lily introduced the books, Sons of the Soil and Success through Adversity. We invited Guy Young, retired grower to present the books on behalf of the Chinese Growers’ Federation. He gave a short speech about his time market gardening and the books were presented to the Hamilton, Dinsdale and Glenview libraries. Mr Ian Howatt welcomed us on behalf of NZCA and an apology was received from president Paul Chin. A number of library staff also attended the event. Article in Waikato Times Your Weekend 1 Sep 2012 (updated shortly) Photos coming soon Levin mini-launch - 22 August 2012 George Sue and the Horowhenua District Council organised a day of activities based at the recently completed council building. The day started with a talk to about 20 members of the Te Takere Coffee Club in the Council chambers. This was followed by a presentation to two Chinese students Michael Soo and Eva Loo and deputy principal Sharon Moekerk of Horowhenua College, and principal Barry Petherick of Waiopehu College. In the afternoon there was a display of photos in the Council foyer. In spite of being busy on a nice fine day several growers found time to pop in for a chat and purchase books for family members. In the evening over 100 people enjoyed a Chinese banquet at the Golden Island restaurant. An auction was held to help raise funds to complete the Chinese garden at the new Te Takere Community and Cultural Centre. Howe Young, Colin Sue and Ray Chong attended representing the Chinese Growers’ Federation. Manawatu supporters William Young, Tony Thackery and Gerald Wong also attended. Presentations were made to Mayor Brendan Duffy, Gordon Sue representing the Tararua Growers’ Association and David Young representing the Horowhenua Chinese Growers’ Association. On Thursday 23 August a supper function was held to present over 50 growers and ex-growers with their books. Nathan Guy, Member of Parliament for Otaki, was also presented with a book. His secretary accepted on his behalf. Otaki mini-launch - 23 August 2012 Anne Thorpe of the Otaki Museum organised a mini-launch at the Otaki library in conjunction with Tyrone Gow, Philip Sue, Sue Sue and others from the Otaki Commercial Gardeners’ Society. It was lovely to see some very elderly growers attending this occasion such as Jean Young, Jackson Hing, Kee Sun Young, Charman Moy and Dow Chung. There were around 60 people in attendance. Ray Chong represented the Chinese Growers’ Federation and books were presented to Norman Young, secretary of the Otaki Commercial Gardeners’ Society, Gill Browne representing Kapiti Coast District Council, the Otaki Library, the Otaki Museum and the Otaki Historical Society. Library staff were most helpful and the wives of members of the commercial gardeners’ society put on a splendid afternoon tea. Otaki Mail 28 Aug 2012 p4 [link to Otaki mini-launch photos] Hamilton mini-launch - 20 August 2012 We arrived at Hamilton Central Library at 10.30 am on Monday 20 August. We were warmly welcomed by Manager Mark Caunter and Barry Friend of the Heritage Services of the library. It was great to see a number of library staff attended. Promotional material about the event had been prepared and a photo display was mounted. Ruth and Lily were pleased to introduce the Sons of the Soil and Success through Adversity books. It was an honour to have Guy Young, a retired grower to present the books on behalf of the Chinese Growers Federation. He gave a short and interesting speech about his time market gardening and the books were presented to the Hamilton, Dinsdale and Glenview Libraries. Mr Ian Howatt also welcomed us on behalf of NZCA and an apology was received from president Paul Chin. The Waikato Times and the Hamilton Chinese Weekly were present to do a story and take photos. The next day the Waikato Times visited Guy Young’s residence and talked to Guy and Alex Shum. On Saturday 1 September the Waikato Times wrote a large feature article in the Weekender pull-out pages. We were also pleased to deliver 30 books to NZCA president Paul Chin in Te Awamutu. Levin 22 & 23 - August 2012 The evening of 21 August George Sue had organised Lily Lee’s husband Awi Riddell to speak at the Levin Rotary club. His speech was highly entertaining and well received. On 22 August George Sue and the Levin District Council organised an all day event at the beautiful recently- built Horowhenua Council building. First there was a talk at the Coffee Club in the Council chambers and a presentation to two Chinese students Michael Soo and Eva Loo and DP Sharon Moekerk of Horowhenua College and Principal Barry Petherick of Waiopehu College. In the afternoon there was a display of photos and book purchases in the Council foyer. There were growers we chatted to, who in spite of being busy on a nice fine day popped in to purchase sets of books for family members. In the evening a Chinese banquet was held at Golden Island restaurant – over 100 people attended – all tickets were sold. There was and auction and raffle to help raise funds to complete the Chinese garden at the new Te Takere Horowhenua Library. Howe Young, Colin Sue and Ray Chong attended representing the Federation. Manawatu supporters William Young, Tony Thackery and Gerald Wong also attended. Presentations were also made to the Mayor, Gordon Sue representing the Tararua Growers Association and David Young representing the Horowhenua Chinese Growers Association. On the 23 August another lovley supper function was held to about 50-60 present growers and ex-growers with their books. The secretary for Jonathan Guy MP of Otaki was also presented with a book. Otaki mini-launch - 23 August 2012 Anne Thorpe of the Otaki Museum organised a launch at the Otaki library in conjunction with Tyrone Gow, Phillips Sue, Sue Sue and others from the Otaki Growers Society. It was lovely to see some very elderly growers attending this occasion such as Jean Young and Jackson Hing, Kee Sun Young, Charman Moy and Dow Chung. There was also a good mix of Europeans and there were around 60 people in attendance. Ray Chong represented the Federation and books were presented to Norman Young, Secretary of the Otaki Growers Society, the Otaki Library, the Kapiti Coast Council (Gill Browne), Otaki Museum and the Otaki Historical Society. The Otaki Library staff was most helpful and the wives of members of the Growers society put on a splendid afternoon tea. Auckland Photo Displays Photos from the two books were on display at the launch, but such was the interest in them that the Federation have made them available to Auckland Libraries. Donated by the families whose stories are told in the books, many of the photos candidly portray life on a Chinese market garden, as it was in the early days through to what it is now. From September to Ocotber you will be able to view the photos at the following locations: Central Research Centre, Monday 3 September - Sunday 16 September Pukekohe Library, Friday 14 September - Tuesday 2 October Kumeu Library, Monday 17 September - Saturday 6 October Māngere Bridge Library, Thursday 20 September - Saturday 6 October Epsom Library, Monday 1 October - Saturday 13 October A note from Janice Lowe the Epsom Librarian: “Epsom Library Manager Kala describes the response as phenomenal! Colleague said it must be one of the most successful displays Epsom Library has had. Great response shown by library patrons. One young Chinese man asked Kelvin to explain the Sons of the Soil display at the library. A colleague heard Kelvin’s response. It was, “I’m one of the sons!” Kelvin’s been the “official” guide of the library display! Patrons have to walk past the display as they enter the library, so everyone sees the display. Patron I served has requested the books, and others have been reading the sample copies in the library. Thanks again to all involved.” Pukekohe Mini-launch and Presentation 19 September 2012 The books have a strong connection to Pukekohe growers and it seemed fitting that one of these launch ceremonies be held at Pukekohe library. At 2.00pm over 60 people, including retired growers, gathered at the Pukekohe Library to hear Ruth Lam and Lily Lee introduce the books and talk about their experiences. An exhibition of photos from the Pukekohe chapters of Sons of the Soil was put up in the New Zealand Steel Gallery in conjunction with the library’s Heritage Festival activities. Howe Young spoke about the project on behalf of the Chinese Growers’ Federation and honorary president K J Young presented books to Susan Russell, manager of Pukekohe Library, Grant Ryan, president of the Pukekohe Vegetable Growers’ Association, Eric Muir representing the Franklin Historical Society, Des Morrison, the Franklin ward councillor, and Winna Flynn, wife of the late John Flynn. Ian McKinnon, the prinicipal of Pukekohe High School accompanied by three students, accepted books for the school library. Books were also presented to a representative of Nga Hau e Wha marae. Photos from the books will be on display in the NZ Steel Gallery until Friday 5 October. The mini-launch ended with afternoon tea. Article in Franklin County News 18 and 25 Sep 2012 (coming shortly) Mangere Mini-launch and Presentation 20 September 2012 The mini-launch at Mangere Bridge began with a mihi from representatives of the three marae in the area. This was a fitting acknowledgement of the relationships between Chinese growers and local Maori. This was held at the Manger Bridge library and attended by interested local residents and of ex-growers of Mangere such as Dolly Lee, Foon Lee and Percy Luen & Jack Chong. About 60 -70 people attended. Lily shared her memories of growing up on a market garden in Mangere and Ruth shared her experiences of being involved with the book project. Ray Chong, executive member and president of the Auckland Chinese Growers Association welcomed everyone on behalf of the Federation and introduced the two books and authors. Books were presented to the three marae: Te Puea accepted by Jimmy Rauwhero, Tamaki-Makaurau accepted by Charles Huia and Ellen Wilson, the Mangere Historical Society by Janet Presland; Mangere Bridge School by DP Jan Bills, DP, Amanda Harris and students, Waterlea School by Linda Jeffares, Librarian, Onehunga High School, Principal Deidre Shea and students, Otahuhu College by Teacher-Librarian Rosie Langton and Mangere Bridge Library by Susan Waldmeyer. The Manuakau Courier covered the event. The following comments were received: Deidre Shea of Onehunga High School: “Thank you for inviting us to the lovely presentation yesterday. You were very busy after the event, and I needed to get our students back for their buses home, so we were not able to talk with you, Ruth or Ray afterwards. Our students, Lydia and Colin, found the book launch interesting and were most appreciative of the occasion, as was I. We are grateful to the Dominion Federation of New Zealand Chinese Commercial Growers, and to you and Ruth, for ensuring this part of our history is so beautifully recorded. We are also grateful for your gift of Sons of the Soil and Success through Adversity for our school library. We will treasure both.” Linda Jeffares of Waterlea School: ‘Please pass our thanks on to all concerned regarding your lovely new books. Penny and myself enjoyed the presentation event on Thursday and it was great to be able to meet the 2 wonderful authors. We are looking forward to sharing our books with our staff and children.” Susan Waldmeyer Our heartfelt thanks to Sue Waldmeyer and her team at Mangere Bridge for providing afternoon tea and accommodating us in the library. Her comments sum up the day perfectly: “I thought I should just let you know that I thoroughly enjoyed the 'mini-launch' last Thursday in "my" library, from a personal point of view, as well as a professional one. I was deeply impressed by the sense of community that was exhibited by all those who attended, and I am very pleased that we were able to host such a fine event. Another of my patrons came up to me later and said that he just had to comment on the same spirit that I found - and how moved he was by the whole presentation, and the way in which everyone got to take part. Thank you again for all the hard work that went into your book, which has been the means of bringing together all the old families as they celebrate it - something truly special.” link to Manukau Courier article http://www.stuff.co.nz/auckland/local-news/manukau-courier/7735869/Book-tells-Mangeres-market-garden-past] link to Mangere Bridge mini-launch photos (coming shortly) Gisborne Mini-launch and Presentation Sunday 23 September 2012 This launch was held at the Chinese Association Hall, 71 Disraeli Street, Gisborne. This was organised by Quin Wing, Meng Foon, Richard Foon and members of the NZCA committee. The photo display of ex Gisborne growers attracted a lot of attention and was enjoyed by all. A large crowd of over 80 people attended the launch including ex growers and their families, European growers, industry members and whanau members of Awi Riddell, Lily’s husband. Mayor Meng Foon welcomed the Auckland group including Colin Sue. Howe Young, CEO spoke about the project and introduced the authors. Books were presented to the Gisborne District Council, Tairawhiti Museum ( Anne Milton-Tee), HB Williams Memorial Library, Gisborne Girls High, Gisborne Boys High (Morehu Riddell), Lytton High, Te Runanga o Ngati Porou (Api Mahuika) and Te Runanga o Turanganui-a-kiwa ( Pene Brown). (Photos coming shortly) Hastings Library Mini-launch and Presentation 5.30pm Thursday 27 September 2012 The Mayor of Hastings Lawrence Yule who is also Chairman of the British Commonwealth of Mayors warmly welcomed us to Hastings. He spoke of the huge contribution that Chinese market gardeners had made to the Hawkes Bay economy. In 1981 Hastings was the first city in NZ to link with a sister-city (Guilin) in China. The event was organised by Carla Crosbie, Community Liaison and Promotions Co-ordinator and Ken Gee Hawkes Bay President of the Chinese Growers’ Association. There were about 50 who attended including Sally Russell (President) and Michael Earle of the NZ China Friendship Society, Tong Too representing the Ethnic Association, Brian Young representing NZCA, members of the Landmarks Trust, also Ewen McGregor, Hawkes Bay Councillor who is writing a history of the Hawke’s Bay AMP. Jenny Young and Eileen Gee helped with afternoon tea. Books were presented to the Mayor, the Hastings Community library and Central Hawke’s Bay Librarian, Sue Fargher. Deputy principal Clive Alderton represented Hastings Boys High and Principal Geraldine Travers Hastings Girls High. She was accompanied by the school’s International Students’ Director Jill Frizzell. A book was also presented to Karamu College. All were pleased to receive books on behalf of their organisations. Napier Library Mini-launch and Presentation 10 am Friday 28 September 2012 The manager Sheryl Reed of the Napier Library welcomed us to the event organised by Jenny Too, daughter of Federation Life member George Yee. Staff member Michelle Robinson had prepared a display of Chinese artefacts and books relating to Chinese written by New Zealand authors. Councillor Maxine Boag welcomed us on behalf of the Mayor. She spoke about her recent visit to Lawrence and visiting the Chinese Heritage camp-site. This gave her an insight into the life and hardships endured by the early Chinese goldminers. Ken Gee introduced the books and welcomed the audience on behalf of the Dominion Federation. Over 50 people including retired growers and NZCA members attended the launch. Morning tea was provided by the library. Presentations were made to Napier City ( Maxine Boag), Sheryl Reed of the Napier Library, staff members of the Hawke’s Bay Museums’ Trust, and teacher-librarians of Napier Girls High and Napier Boys High. There were no representatives from Taradale High present. Hawkes Bay Growers Association Dinner held 6.00 pm 28 September 2012 About 70 growers and ex-growers and their families attended the banquet dinner held at the Chinese restaurant in Napier. Retired grower Bill Wong had chosen a sumptuous menu for the occasion. Ken Gee welcomed everyone and said it was the 70th years of the Federation and the celebration of the launch of the two books. A special guest was Jim Clayton, aged 95 a previous Vegfed president and strong supporter of the Chinese Federation. He was presented with a set of books. The many retired growers present included Jim Lum, Alan Young, Bill Wong, David Sue, Dat Young, Joe Chee, Chris Young and others. NZCA executive, Guy Young from Hamilton and K J Young from Pukekohe also attended as special guests. Lily spoke to growers at each table and Awi Riddell concluded the evening with a summing up of the book project and a haka. Hawkes Bay NZCA Moon Festival ‘Pot Luck’ dinner 6.30 pm 29 September 2012 President Brian Young and his large NZCA committee including Jenny and Tong Too, Naya Lee organised this large Moon festival event. Over 200 adults and children attended the celebration held at Te Kura Kaupapa Maori Te Ara Hou hall. The cultural song and dance performances were done by children from various church groups were lovely. The raffling of many donated items was enjoyed by all. Lily Lee spoke about the 2 books and there was a great interest in the photos of Hawke’s Bay growers. Lily’s husband Awi Riddell taught the men a haka and the audience joined in singing Pokarekare ana to conclude the evening. Manawatu NZCA Moon Festival Dinner, Palmerston North 5pm Sunday 30 September 2012 This was an amazing community event involving old and new migrants numbering around 300. Three pigs were roasted in traditional ovens by Rodney Wong¸ Raymond Joe, Patrick Ngan and Jackson Wong. NZCA members Gerald Wong and others all pitched in helping to present an amazing feast. Tony Thackery, Chair of the Poll Tax Heritage Trust chaired the event which included a Lion dance and singing items by the children. Tom Young, Chairman of NZCA spoke and invited Howe Young and Lily Lee to speak about the books. William Young hired 10 boards from the museum and a large number of photos focussing on Manawatu were on display. Horowhenua NZCA/Growers Association members including George and Shirley Sue and David and Beverley Young came along to support the occasion. Robin Ting ( a relative of founder Andrew Chong) took photos and for their newsletter. Te Manawa Museum Presentations Palmerston North 1pm Monday 1 October The public event held at the museum was a huge success. The Lion Dance was spectacular. It was performed by Richmond Thackery, Jessica Wong, Nick Soo, Maise Cao, Yige Cao and Caleb Phung of the Manawatu Lion Dance Troupe. Deputy Mayor Jim Jefferies welcomed everyone and President of the Manawatu Growers, William Young chaired the meeting and paid to tribute to his parents and those market gardeners who had made a contribution to the Manawatu region. He also spoke enthusiastically about the book project. There was a large gathering of about 80 people, with a number of people from the Chinese community, NZCA, and the growing industry, such as Fruitfed Supplies, Ruapehu Farm Supplies, Norwood Farm Machinery, Terranova Seeds and Michie Hort Ag. There were a number of growers including Len Joe, Garland Joe, Ken Wong and Tom Young. From Pukekohe Colin Sue and Jackie Young attended along with Howe Young. Howe and Lily spoke about the book and then books were presented to the following: Palmerton North City Council, Palmerston North Library, Te Manawa Museum ( CEO Andy Lowe), City Archives (Barbara Olsen), Palmerston North Boys (Rector David Bovey), Awatapu College (Teacher-Librarian, Jeremy Kilty) Freyberg High (Teacher-Librarian, Geraldine Reynolds) Representatives of Whakarongo Primary, Palmerston North Girls, Queen Elizabeth College and Massey University were not present to receive their books. Jill Galloway, rural reporter of the Manawatu Standard was present to talk to local growers.