Interview with Mick Ritchie

Mike Ritchie born Dunedin, one of a family of 6 children. Outlines family background - paternal grandfather, John McFarlane Ritchie came to New Zealand ca 1860s and formed Russell Ritchie and Co. - paternal grandmother (nee McLaren) lived in `Balvraid', a house in Dunedin. Maternal great grandfather, the Rev William Aylmer was first vicar of Akaroa - maternal grandfather, John Rattray joined with Dalgety to form J Rattray & Co. Dunedin, subsequently, J Rattray & Son, wholesale grocers. Mentions material written by grandfather, James Rattray in 1884 and family memoirs written at family home, Craighall, Mornington, Dunedin. Father a medical practitioner - recalls effect of depression on his medical income.

Describes happy childhood and compares schools with present day schools. Won Soames Scholarship to Christ's College. Left school aged 17 because of Depression.

Gives details of career starting as office boy with NMA (National Mortgage and Agency Company) Dunedin in 1937. Mentions NMA personalities; Freddy Wilson (Accountant); George Macavoy (Internal auditor); John Bews; G R Ritchie; W O McKellar; Jimmy Farquharson' Bill Satterthwaite (Trading Manager) and Bob Henderson (Secretary).

In 1941 (World War II) joined Fleet Air Arm, becoming a fighter pilot. Describes training in detail and outlines his flying experience; Sierra Leone, where he flew Swordfish, escorting convoys from England; Eastern Fleet, based in Kenya, where he flew Martlets (American Wildcats); 1944 joined British Pacific Fleet. Refers to carriers; HMS Illustrious, HMS Victorious; HMS Indefatigable and HMS Indomitable.

Returned to New Zealand in 1946 and remainder of interview covers his experience as Stock and Station agent. Mentions; Bill Lawrence; Rupert Iles; Steve Lester; Bruce Patson; Pyne Gould Guiness; Trevor Thomas & Co. Ashburton; Matson & Co. Christchurch. Gives reasons for move of Head Office to New Zealand. Discusses Wright Stephenson/NMA Merger in 1972.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Wellington

Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe

Venue - 38 A Friend Street, Karori

Accompanying material - Newspaper article on Mr Ritchie and 2 photocopies of Mr James Rattray and Mrs James Rattray (nee Catherine Aylmer) plus a photocopy of memorial stone of William Joseph Aylmer and Aylmer family tree.

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 0152.

One photograph of Mick in 1941

Alternative form available: Digital copies of the recording and abstract are also available in the Library's Reading Room

Copies available at Fletcher Challenge Ltd Archives