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Story: Household services

The governess

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The governess

Mrs Fergusson, governess to the Strang family of Palmerston North, with her charges at the gate of the family’s house, Woodhey, in Palmerston North, around 1910. The governess was on a different footing from servants. She often ate with the family and travelled with them. Mrs Fergusson went to England with the Strangs on an extended visit not long before this photograph was taken.

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Palmerston North City Library

Reference: 2007N_Hor10_TRA_0734

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How to cite this page

Jane Tolerton, Household services – Servants in the 19th century, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/21769/the-governess (accessed 4 June 2026).

Story by Jane Tolerton, published 25 November 2009.