Interview with Bill Baker

Bill Baker recalls horses at Macdonald Mine; canaries; how some dodged World War II; strikes as reason for getting deputies ticket; using the first scraper loader at Pukemiro; opening the new mechanical drives in the 1960s; learning mining skills; how deputy worked out the wages; combustion heating; practical jokes; showing mine to group of nuns; an example of good manager at Pukemiro; socialising between officials and miners; miners trying to get wet or dust time; life at Pukemiro in late 1930s; comparison of pays over time; higher expectation on miners during World War II; learning safety requirements; removing timbers; accidents.

Describes the Glen Afton disaster (1939), as part of rescue team; pay rates; the 1951 strike; relief food; comparison of effect of strike on wharfies and miners; conditions for miners; training at mines rescue station; fire fighting; leisure activities at Pukemiro; the Saturday night train from Huntly; drilling for shots; caps and hats; using the dummy jig; bringing up skips.

Venue - Huntly

Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay

Venue - 40 Harris Street, Huntly West

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004396

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.10 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 728 - also contains excerpts from tape transcripts.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-002889