Norman Whipp was born in Dalmore[Pahia] 23 July 1895, younger twin brother of Gordon. He worked in sawmills in the Tuatapere area until the outbreak of World War 1, joined up at the age of 18 and posted overseas with the 1st Reinforcements, served with the Otago Mounted Rifles in Gallipoli and France for more than four years.
Upon returning to New Zealand he resumed his occupation in the Southland bush and became a skilful axeman, chopping competitively in such company as the legendary Jack Pont [NZ and Australian champion].
On 7 May 1920 Norman married Jessie Thompson at the Registrar's Office, Orepuki. His occupation is listed as sawmill-hand, residence Pahia and Jessie's domestic duties, residence Pahia.
In 1924 Norman was fishing at Stewart Island and by 1926 was working at
the Maori Beach saw-mill on Stewart Island where Jessie and their children
joined him. He suffered a nasty leg injury at Maori Beach about 1933,
compelling them to return to Halmoon Bay, Stewart Island.
There, he bought a carrying business which he operated for several years until
the beginning of World War II, re-locating his family to Tapanui, where he was
engaged in the linen flax industry. When the war ended the family returned to
Stewart Island and Norman became manager of one of the local fish packing sheds.
Around 1950, he became local agent for Amphibian Airways Ltd which was operating
the air service between Invercargill and Stewart Island, also conducting the
island's first taxi service. One of my early memories is of Grandad sitting at his
radio giving the amphibian pilot the local weather conditions.
Norman was a member of the Stewart Island County Council for about 20 years, chairman for two terms 1947-1953 and 1956-1960 and was a keen outdoor bowls competitor.
Jessie died at Stewart Island 17 September 1966 and Norman died Stewart Island 15 July 1972. They are buried at the cemetery Mill Creek.
The children of Norman and Jessie were:-
1. James Leslie Whipp.
2. Charles Fredrick Whipp.
3. Leslie Louis Whipp.
4. Harry Norman Whipp
5. Albert Whipp.
6. Stanley Whipp.
