Interview with Reg Anderson

In this interview Reginald Scott Anderson who was born Loughton, Essex, England, gives family background - father was Rolls Royce trained mechanic who worked on Spitfires and Typhoon planes during the war. Recalls childhood memories of Epping Forest and London cockney slang (Accent). Describes: pastimes; depression; schooling and how school was used during World War II as clearing station during mustard attacks.

Recalls leaving school at the age of 14 and working as driller in Browns Engineering at Loughton - refers to Myford Lathes and Murex machines. Joined Merchant Navy (1949) and recalls first visit to New Zealand when they brought cargo of ammunition for New Zealand Navy. Discusses National Service. Describes experience of transport trucks with reference to Austen Lodestar.

Immigrated to New Zealand 1956 and was allocated to Wellington City Council as driver but turned down job - mentions old buses, 1936 Leyland Cubs. After a spell as a dustman, joined Wellington City Transport, Newtown Tram Depot as tram conductor, eventually training as bus driver in 1957. Compares with London buses. Mentions problems with gears on Wellington hills. Discusses working conditions of Wellington City Transport.

Venue - Wellington

Abstracted by - Elayne Robertson

Interviewer(s) - Ian Robertson

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006356-006357

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1469.

4 photographs of Reg Anderson; two as a young man, on taken in 1992 and one in front of an Island Bay Express bus

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-002022-002023