Giff Vivian
A stylish New Zealand batsman of the 1930s whose elegant strokeplay graced a handful of Test matches for his country.
1912–1983 (age 71)·New Zealand cricketer·Birthday: November 4·The Greatest Generation
Biography
Giff Vivian brought a touch of classical artistry to New Zealand cricket in the interwar period. A right-handed batsman, he was noted for his sound technique and graceful off-side play, making him a mainstay of the Wellington provincial side. His promise earned him a place on the challenging 1932-33 tour of England, where he made his Test debut. Vivian played seven Tests for New Zealand between 1931 and 1937, a era when the national team played infrequently and often struggled against established opponents. While his Test average doesn't reflect his talent, contemporaries remembered him as a particularly fine player on difficult wickets. His first-class career extended until after the Second World War, cementing his reputation as one of New Zealand's more polished pre-war cricketers.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
Giff was born in 1912, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Giff Was Born
The biggest hits of 1912
Giff's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1912Born
Titanic sinks on its maiden voyage
President: William Howard Taft
1917Started school
Russian Revolution overthrows the tsar; US enters WWI
President: Woodrow Wilson
1925Became a teenager
The Scopes Trial debates evolution in schools
Home: $4,366President: Calvin Coolidge"Sweet Georgia Brown" — Ben Bernie
1928Could drive
Alexander Fleming discovers penicillin; Mickey Mouse debuts
President: Calvin Coolidge"Ol' Man River" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: Wings
1930Could vote
Pluto discovered
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,510President: Herbert Hoover"Body and Soul" — Paul WhitemanBest Picture: All Quiet on the Western Front
1933Turned 21
FDR's New Deal launches; Prohibition ends
Gas: $0.18/galPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Stormy Weather" — Ethel WatersBest Picture: Cavalcade
1942Turned 30
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1952Turned 40
Queen Elizabeth II ascends the throne
Gas: $0.27/galHome: $8,350Min wage: $0.75/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Blue Tango" — Leroy AndersonBest Picture: The Greatest Show on Earth
1962Turned 50
Cuban Missile Crisis brings the world to the brink
Gas: $0.31/galHome: $12,800Min wage: $1.15/hrPresident: John F. Kennedy"Stranger on the Shore" — Acker BilkBest Picture: Lawrence of Arabia
1972Turned 60
Watergate break-in; last Apollo Moon mission
Gas: $0.36/galHome: $19,550Min wage: $1.60/hrPresident: Richard Nixon"The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face" — Roberta FlackBest Picture: The Godfather
1982Turned 70
Michael Jackson releases Thriller
Gas: $1.22/galHome: $55,200Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Physical" — Olivia Newton-JohnBest Picture: Gandhi
1983Died at 71
Internet adopts TCP/IP, creating the modern internet
Gas: $1.16/galHome: $57,700Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Every Breath You Take" — The PoliceBest Picture: Terms of Endearment
Key Achievements
- Represented New Zealand in seven Test matches between 1931 and 1937.
- Was selected for the prestigious 1932-33 New Zealand tour of England.
- Had a long and distinguished first-class career for Wellington, playing from 1931 to 1947.
Did You Know?
His full name was Henry Gifford Vivian.
He was part of the first New Zealand Test team to tour England.
His son, Giff Vivian, also played first-class cricket for Wellington.
“The straight bat and the patient leave are the foundations of the game.”
