Interview with Lilian Valder

Lilian Valder born Hamilton. Father worked in sawmilling. Recalls earliest memory being that of Ellis & Barnard (sawmilling firm) being burned down on her fourth birthday. On completion of secretarial course worked for father who by this time was in partnership with Dan Bryant in a business scheme, helping farmers' sons buy farms. Explains how they organised a fund and raised money. Recalls that sister was helped by scheme to buy farm (scrub land) in Northern King Country where they (Lilian and sister) managed sheep and cattle and made it a very viable farm. Describes attitudes of community which regarded them as freaks. Talks about problem with land and what was known as Bush Sickness which actually turned out to be a Cobalt deficiency - reference to the Cawthron Institute in Nelson. Talks about retirement at Waihi Beach and hobbies and interests. Discusses involvement with Forest and Bird Society and interest in preserving native bush to the extent that it can be preserved in New Zealand. Explains how it was her father, a timbermiller, who first joined her in Forest and Bird Society almost from its inception. Describes Trust she set up, proceeds to be divided in four ways of which Forest and Bird is one. IHC and CCS also benefit from the trust. Describes the day she was awarded the MBE by Dame Catherine [Tizard].

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Waihi Beach

Interviewer(s) - Rose MacBeth

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB-1668.

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