Macdonald Coal Mine

Date: 27 Jan 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: McGilp, Donald James, 1912-2004

Reference: OHInt-0020/01

Description: Don McGilp gives biographical details; childhood; time in Athenree, early 1920s; first job in the new Macdonald mine; system of allocating jobs; pay systems; shot holes; relationships with deputies; accidents in mines; the Renown pit in 1932; description of FTC raid in Huntly; conditions during the Depression. Describes buying own equipment; the pillar workings; underviewers; union agreements; wastage; more about accidents; reference to Alan Baxter; reference to Alison mine, Pukemiro mine; work of union 'check inspector'; disputes for wet time; using horses at Glen Afton mine; special shiftmen at Rotowaro and Macdonald mines; reasons for move to Rotowaro mine; job in sugar factory; demand for miners during World War II; strike of 1942. Discusses the 1951 strike; emergency regulations; opencasters scabbing; police; support from railway workers; poaching of sheep; description of British mining; theory about Russian situation; good points about mining as job; formation and demise of Labour Party; social life in Huntly; Pukemiro miners and their medical system; the closure of Rotowaro; being unable to buy a house at Rotowaro; the effects of coal dust on miners; advantages of coal range over electric stove; eleven killed at Glen Afton mine in 1939. Venue - Huntly Interviewer(s) - Jamie Mackay Venue - Donald McGilp's home at 21 Harlick Place, Huntly Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004386 - OHC-004387 Quantity: 2 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.57 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 721 - contains excerpts of transcripts of tapes.

Date: 10 Mar 1992

From: Huntly Coalfields oral history project

By: Baker, William Richard, 1919-

Reference: OHInt-0020/08

Description: 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.