Interview with Frank Drew

Frank Drew was born in Wanganui. Outlines his family background - grandfather, Samuel Henry founded the Wanganui Regional Museum and also founded the firm Drew Jewellers (Wanganui) - father, Henry George was a highly skilled taxidermist working to produce exhibits for many different museums around New Zealand, and was an honorary curator of Wanganui Regional Museum. Frank describes in detail his father's interest in natural history. Refers to Andreas Reischek, also refers to the Collection of New Zealand birds at the Wembley Exhibition.

Frank worked as a clerk for the Royal Insurance for eight years. He joined the Airforce during the war and was kept on as an instructor. When the war ended he joined the family business taking over when his father retired in 1948. The optician's side of the business was dropped when father retired. Describes Percy Bremington, a jeweller employed in the workshop in 1915, remaining with the firm until his death at the age of 82. Other people mentioned are; Logan Keatley (watchmaker); Archie Robertson (an enthusiastic photographer); Cray O'Connor (a wool auctioneer); T W Downes; Norm Hubbard and Nixon's boat yard. Mentions a trophy, the Russell Grace Hunt Club Cup (1901).

Abstracted by - Michelle Horwood

Interviewer(s) - Susan Hawes

Recorded by - Susan Hawes

Venue - not given

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006793--006794

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1540.

5 photographs taken at various stages of Frank's life.

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Copies held at Whanganui Regional Museum