Interview with Johnny Leniston

Johnny Leniston was born in 1925 and was brought up in Island Bay and Newtown. Describes breakfasts. Explains about the painting of The Moorings (31 Glenbervie Terrace). Talks about the family name Martin John Leniston, his Irish origins, visits to Ireland, his inheritance, the lease of the family farm, describes Uncle Gus, Aunt Martha and other relatives. Talks about a girl chosen for him to marry. Recalls meeting Betty, his future wife, at St Joseph's Orphanage, Upper Hutt when he and his sister Joan were there. Recalls Betty's brother Joe Healey, his polio, Scout membership. Gives reasons for his father joining the English Army to leave Ireland, relates he was an ANZAC and in the Battle for the Somme. Explains that father deserted at South Africa, travelled to New Zealand where the Buckley relatives already lived, went gumdigging and worked on the Main Trunk Line in 1908 where he met his brother Ted Leniston, explains. Gives examples of Ted Leniston's lack of fear, mentioning that he was a watersider, that he married Eileen, an orator in the Irish Club. Relates that his father and uncle joined the First Auckland Regiment, went to Gallipoli where father was wounded by shrapnel and talks of him working for Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR), on the waterfront, walking roads in the Depression, messenger in Parliament. Gives examples of the freedom given him by his father, recalls travelling alone at age 10, being a witness at a bicycle accident and gives reasons for discouragement in joining the Irish Club. Explains differences in Irish cities. Mentions that his mother was South African, explains about prominent Bainbridges in history, the Royal Navy, mentions Order of Rising Sun. Talks of Grandfather Bainbridge in England, South Africa and New Zealand and decribes his various jobs. Recalls Grandmother was a piano teacher and explains why she chopped up her grand piano; names her siblings. Relates that his mother was born in Petermaritzberg, educated in England, returning as an adult to New Zealand where she worked at Gilbeys Business School. Gives her impression of Wellington houses and explains how she met his father. Relates that grandparents lived in Hay Street, Carlton Gore Road, Tinakori Road and that his sister married Milton Soler, and later Matt Guerin. Talks about living at Hansen Street and Devon Street, and renting property in less fortunate times; explains why he was never short of food in the Depression. Recalls having stones thrown at him, stick fights, gangs. States that his sister Joan was dux of Newtown School. Recalls attitude of Protestant and Catholic children; talks of Peter Wells and Ken Jessop, and a Jewish boy, Billy Green. Relates that he went into an orphanage at age 10, then family boarded with Allen family of Island Bay when mother was ill. Explains why he didn't become an architect, his enrollment at University of Wales, why architectural study in New Zealand wasn't feasible. Describes going mineral mining in Western Australia with his son and setting up a similar system of magnetic surveying in New Zealand on his return. Talks of his abilty to get consents, being 'muscled out' of his job. Talks of provisions made for his family in his absence. Details the experience in Perth, Australia which caused him to give up his catholicism. Mentions engagement and marriage, farming in the rehabilitation scheme at Mahonui, talks of the isolation. Lists his children, talks of his role and Betty's good family management. Talks of teaching in Hutt Valley schools, Teachers Training College in 1949. Details living in state housing, with parents, the influence of Guy Famularo's family to buy in Glenbervie Terrace, now in Family Trust. Explains about painting the house as condition of the loan, mentions State Advances, selling a rented house, the tenants, mortgage from Public Service Investment Society (PSIS). Explains situation when the government tried to appropriate part of Glenvbervie Terrace for the motorway, losing the track to town and the cash settlement. Talks of John Swan and neighbour Chris Cochran, architects, and a second John Swan who bought the rental house. Relates that he now lives in Paekakariki with daughters. Explains that the cash settlement repaid his sister and financed a trip as private member of trade mission to Chile. Refers to Allende and Pinochet, also contacts who disappeared. Describes crewing a yacht to Auckland from Wellington, being off course and surviving the experience. Refers to White Island, missing Ted Leniston's wedding and the reaction of his family. Recalls crewing on Barry Martin's trimaran to Rarotonga and describes experiences. Explains ringbolting (hitchhiking by sea). Talks of his family, mentioning the late Martin Leniston, his youth movement leadership, a proposed route between Wellington and Wairarapa, co-operation between landowners Riddiford and Bidwill, Automobile Association, Ministry of Works, Army, Wairarapa District Council. Refers to the Commissioner of Works. States that his greatest achievment is his marriage, talks of his family, Tim Leniston, and sister Joan. Sings a family ditty and refers to a spray of dried lavender saved by the family from the time he was lost at sea.

Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-010955 - OHC-010957

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3857, OHDL-001231.

Alternative form available: Once permission is given a digital copy of the recording and abstract are available in the Library's Reading Room