Te Pahu

Date: 20 Jan 2006

From: Second World War oral history project: Home Front

By: Clark, Frederick George, 1922-

Reference: OHInt-0827-02

Description: Interview with George Clark (Frederick George), born Frankton, Hamilton, 8 March 1922. Talks about his family background and growing up on the family farm. Mentions being sent away to attend Mt Albert Grammar School. Recalls when electricity and radio reached the farm in the 1930s and the family talking about politics. Discusses why his father did not fight in World War I and why he would not have volunteered for World War II. Talks about joining the Home Guard with his father and brother, training and exercises, and uncles taking pig dogs on exercises. Describes officers, weapons, uniforms, signalling practice, and drill. Discusses the role of the Home Guard and plans to evacuate children if the Japanese invaded. Comments on his attitude towards the Japanese and reaction after hearing about the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Recalls how the Home Guard wound down as the war progressed, and a party in the local hall when the war ended. Mentions his brother was sick with hepatitis when he returned from the Pacific. Discusses rationing and why it did not affect farm work as they could apply for extra petrol coupons. Comments that labour was short on the farm during the war. Talks about inheriting his grandfather's farm with his brother in 1942, and his brother buying a rehab farm later. Mentions that his mother introduced him to his wife Margaret MacMurray in 1946 and marrying in 1949. Refers to not attending Anzac Day ceremonies, and not joining the RSA even though Home Guard men have recently been invited to join. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Accompanying material - questionnaire filled in by George Clark; handwritten notes: Home Guard Days - what I can remember (5 p.) Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015227, OHC-015228 Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 1.20 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5519; partial transcript also available. Accompanied by photocopies of photographs of George and Margaret Clark dated 1948 and 1949 Search dates: 1922 - 1939 - 2006 - 1945

Date: 1989

From: New Zealand Speleological Society: Cave maps

Reference: MapColl-NZSS-045/Acc.56381

Description: Map of cave system at Te Pahu. "Surveyed on 10 November 1979 by Graeme and Michelle Young to BCRA Grade 4B. Total length 254 m." Drawn by A D Cody, 1989. "Copyright of NZSS (Inc.)". Quantity: 1 map(s). Physical Description: Printed map on paper, 29.6 x 21 cm.

Date: 1939-1945

By: Wright, John, active 1975

Reference: 1/2-059979-F

Description: Group portrait of the World War II, Te Pahu Home Guard outside the Te Pahu Hall. Note on back of file print reads: "J B Wright in command" Quantity: 1 b&w copy negative(s).