I have been able to find out a bit more information on Walter James & Maria Purnell
(Nee Morgan) who
came to New Zealand from Oakdale in 1927.
Walter & Maria were both born in 1889 and married in 1911, although Walter was working
the Oakdale colliery when they emigrated there births were registered in Pontypool, and
they were married in Abertillery.
Maria left 7 brother behind in Abertillery they were Leslie, Lot, Arthur John, Gomer,
David, George, Ivor all surname Morgan.
He brother Tom Morgan preceded her to New Zealand and her sister Polly Hilliard and
Polly's husband came to NZ also.
I would be interested hearing if there are any of the Morgan Relatives still in
Abertillery or Oakdale, and could anyone tell where Abertillery is in relation to
Oakdale.
If anyone else has connections with the Purnell/Morgan family we are preparing a book for
our forthcoming reunion and we can make copies available.
Anne Purnell New Zealand