'Genealogy on the Cheap' - Doug Miller

Doug provided a really useful list of ways and means and sources for doing Genealogy research without spending mega-bucks.

[1] Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM)

The motion that was put at the brief EGM at the beginning of this evening meeting was:
    That the Hutt Valley Branch of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists, having previously adopted as its own rules the rules of the New Zealand Society of Genealogists Inc., now adopt the subsequent partial amendment to those rules as registered on 26 September 2018.
Carried.

[2] 'Burials on Matiu/Somes Island 1872-1919' - Gail Rumble

Gail gave an interesting talk with background family histories of many of the burials on Matiu/Somes Island.  Some quite sad stories amongst them, too.

'Managing your Personal Digital Archives' - Flora Feltham, Digital Archivist, National Library

[1] Annual General Meeting

See Annual General Meeting - reports webpage.

[2] Speaker after the AGM:
'True to Ireland - Irish Conscription in New Zealand' - Peter Burke, author

Peter Burke talked about the background to his book, True to Ireland.

The book tells the story of a group of 155 Irishmen living in New Zealand in WWII who refused to be conscripted into the armed forces.

For Peter Burke, this is a deeply personal story because his father was one of the leaders of a group set up to persuade the government to allow the men to stay in New Zealand but not serve in the army.

This is the untold story about a group of brave patriotic Irishmen.

'Putting Flesh on the Bones of your Research' - Dianne Fraser

Dianne's research was based mainly on Queensland, Australia.

Members: your finds or treasures that have helped further your family history.

Bring along your items for show and tell, or simply tell us about them.  The Computer/Projector will be available.

Some of the items shown and talked about over the two meetings included: published books of family surname research, photo albums, photo(s) of family members who had been hard to research or yet to be researched, reprints of poetry published by a family member, tray cloth with embroided names of descendants of a loved family member, bible with an unusual promise.

'Breaking Down Brick Walls'- Bring your questions to the meeting.

Refer to this excellent document:
Are You Your Own Brick Wall?

Excellent range of queries, with attendees providing helpful suggestions to fellow researchers.

'Irish Interest Group' - Graeme McVerry,
followed by research questions.

'What is available at Wellington City Archives' - Adrian Humphris, Wellington City Archivist

In February 2020 there will be a visit to Wellington City Archives for those members who are interested.  More details closer to the date.

Adrian provided an enthusiastic and enlightening view of what is available from Wellington City Archives, and expecially what is increasingly becoming available via online access.

'Old Recipe Books and Recipes from Christmas Past' - Helene Philpott & Susie Fraser

Many memories of past Christmas-time food and conventions, also old recipe books and especially those which were frequently used, some still being "go-to" books.

Susie had also made a fruit-based "Celebration Cake" from one of her old recipe books, which was shared around - lovely! Followed by Supper.