Interview with Ray Mathieson

Ray Mathieson was born in Utiku in 1922. Mentions his family's Danish ancestry on his father' side. Describes how both his father and grandfather were forestry workers. Talks about his education at Ohingaiti, Tokoroa, Tauhei and Taihape. Recalls games played at school. Describes living in the bush and moving to Taihape with his family in 1929 when his father became a farm manager for Mr Gibbs. Describes working in the mill, on the farm and in the Army before becoming a tractor driver in the bush. Describes the mills around Owhango and working as a blacksmith at the mill with his father. Recalls felling trees before chainsaws were used and pulling logs to the skids. Describes a pulley system, a timber jack, a steam hauler and other old logging equipment. Mentions the A and G Price timber jack factory in Thames. Recalls accidents in the bush. Explains how logs were brought down from Bull Ridge. Discusses his farm he bought in 1950.

Disusses his feelings towards logging the forest. Mentions uncovering a kiwi nest. Compares logging native and exotic forest. Describes what bushmen did during time off. Mentions movies, cards and drinking. Mentions the law against selling liquor to Maori. Comments on Maori Pakeha relationships in the bush.

Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2960.

Colour photo of Ray Mathieson

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

Alternative form available: A digital copy of the recording is available