Telegraph - Employees

Date: 1915

By: Horan, Bernadette, active 1980

Reference: PAColl-1611

Description: Arrangement: Negative housed at 1/2-168729 Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1871-1878, 1916-1919

By: Webb family

Reference: MS-Papers-7375

Description: Comprises letters from William Webb to his mother and sister, Ellen, describing his life and activities from his various postings in Katikati (briefly), Waipukurau and Napier as a telegraph operator. Also, letters from William Webb's nephew, Arthur Foote, to his family from France and Sling Camp during World War I, together with greeting and christmas cards of that era. Source of title - Supplied William and Ellen Webb, son of William Webb and Frances Harris, who were originally from Truro, Cornwall, were born in Hokitika. William became a telegraph operator with the Post Office and worked in Kumara, Waipukurau and Napier. Arthur Foote was the son of Ellen and nephew of William Webb. Quantity: 11 folder(s). 0.10 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss Provenance: The donor is a descendant of Arthur Foote. Transfers: Collection as a whole received into Manuscripts; material transferred to the Photographic Archive - To Photographic Archive - Photographs of Webb and Foote families (PAColl-7763).

Date: 1907 - 1913

By: Harry H Tombs Ltd; Art in New Zealand (Periodical)

Reference: Eph-A-POST-TM-1907/1913

Description: Christmas greeting cards sent by the telegraph messengers and postal workers, mainly in the South Taranaki district (Eltham, Stratford, Waverley, Patea, Opunake), but also from Wanganui, Woodville, Dannevirke, Marton, Foxton, Onehunga, Christchurch, Hokitika, Nelson, New Plymouth, Wellington, Feilding, Hastings and Thames. Quantity: 43 colour art print(s). Physical Description: Embossed cards, sizes varying up to 90 x 140 mm. Transfers: Collection accessioned in Ephemera, and photographic cards transferred from there to Photographic Archive PAColl-9266..

Date: 23, 26, 29 March 1993; 3 April 1993 - 23 Mar 1993 - 03 Apr 1993

From: Otago Women and Work - Paid and Unpaid Oral History Project

By: Randle, Daphne, active 1993; Haydock, Irene Myrtle, 1898-1994

Reference: OHInt-0148/15

Description: Irene Myrtle Haydock, nee Fraser, born in Christchurch and lived in Christchurch, Dunedin, Alexandra, Rakaia and Wellington. She was the eldest of 9 children but lost track of her brothers and sisters because she was raised by her aunt, Jean Patrick and cousin Dr Clifford Patrick. She was one of the first girls taken on by the Post Office to train as a Telegraphist. She worked in Post Offices in Rakaia, Government House (Wellington) and Sydenham. She married in 1925 to Philip Haydock and had one daughter. She took boarders into her home and later ran a boarding house, Haeremai, in Alexandra. Irene's great interests were Bridge and Croquet Club. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Alexandra Interviewer(s) - Daphne Randle Venue - Alexandra Accompanying material - Marriage certificate of Irene Myrtle Fraser to Philip Cecil Haycock in 1925; Acceptance letter of resignation from Post Office in 1925; Birth certificate of Irene Myrtle Fraser in 1898; Trinity College of Music certificate for pianoforte playing in 1922. Arrangement: Tape sequence - OHC-018543-018546; OHLC-009982-009985 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6424 and OHDL-00749. Photograph of Mrs Haydock at Ranui Home in 1993

Date: 1920, 1944-1997

By: Martin, Robert Thomas, 1921-2006

Reference: MS-Group-2284

Description: The collection comprises four folders on Robert Martin's career as a post office employee and telegraphist, while the rest consists of papers, scrapbooks and newspaper cuttings relating to his military service during World War II in North Africa, Italy, and the Solomon Islands with the Field Ambulance service of the New Zealand Medical Corps. Correspondence with his brother, Martin, and his sister, Valerie, are included, as is correspondence with two of his comrades in the Field Ambulance. Also included is a typed translation of a Japanese diary which he acquired during the Solomon Islands campaign, probably on Mono in the Treasury Islands, and a typed copy of the diary and other papers of his friend, Colin John Arroll, who also served with the Field Ambulance. Source of title - Supplied by Library Arrangement: Reflecting the circumstances of their accessioning, the collection is divided into three series. Quantity: 19 folder(s). 0.20 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holographs, mss, typescript, printed matter, photographs Finding Aids: A descriptive list compiled by the donor of the contents of the second accession (A2014-183) may be found in the backfiles held in the Reference Section of the Alexander Turnbull Library.. Provenance: Donated in two lots by Mrs Janet Hannan, Wanaka, during 2014. The first donation consisted of Robert Martin's civilian career as a telegraphist for the New Zealand Post and Telegraph Department, and the second his photographs, correspondence and diaries from his military service in World War II. His friend, John Colin Arroll, who also served with the Field Ambulance, sent Robert Martin a copy of his diary, reminiscences and other papers. Donor is Robert Martin's daughter. Transfers: From Photographic Archive - PA-Group-00859 - To Photographic Archive - Albums and other photographs - Photograph albums transferred to Photographic Archive..

Date: Nov 1912

From: Martin, Robert Thomas, 1921-2006: Photographs

By: Strauss Photographic Studio

Reference: PAColl-10194

Description: Composite image of employee portraits entitled "Telegraph Engineers Office Nov 1912, Auckland". Photographer identified as Strauss Studio (Auckland). Arrangement: Item arrived in library in plastic folder (since discarded) numbered '8' Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s) on mount. Physical Description: Photographic print mounted on brown backing card

Date: [ca 1900], 1949-1953

From: Martin, Robert Thomas, 1921-2006: Photographs

Reference: PA1-o-1844

Description: Album of photographs collected by Robert Thomas Martin relating mainly to his work as a telegraph worker in Suva during the 1953 Royal Tour of Fiji but also to the Auckland Cable Station in 1952 and 1953. One 1949 image shows Christchurch City. Photographers are unidentified, but possibly some images are taken by Martin himself. Photographs of Queen Elizabeth II and the Duke of Edinburgh's visit to Fiji in 1953 include: rehearsal of the welcoming ceremony; the HMS 'Gothic' entering Suva Harbour and the arrival of the Royal Barge at Kings Wharf; the royal car travelling past spectators; a parade by the Fijian Police Force; unidentified soldiers at a military checkpoint; the presentation of flowers by Adi Mei Kainoa; and Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip with Sir Ronald Garvey, Lady Garvey and Pamela Mountbatten. The welcoming ceremony at Albert Park (including spectators, dancers, and the matanivanua) is also covered. Later images show the royals visiting Adi Cakobau School at Sawani and the Central Medical School Tamavua. Further images from Fiji relate to Martin's work and leisure during his time in the country. These photographs, mainly in Suva, include: the view from the Cable and Wireless veranda showing the South Seas Hotel and the Fiji Times, interior of the cable office with equipment and unidentified workers, Sacred Heart Cathedral (exterior and interior), drinking at the Suva Bowling Club, preparing a traditional Fijian lovo barbeque, and swimming in the Nasina River near Kalabo Village with local women. Album also includes a copy of an image of the Pacific Cable Station and Victoria Parade, Suva, circa 1900. Identified people include Col [Colin] Cotter, Steve Ruane, Mr and Mrs Montague. Images of Cable Station in Auckland include Sydney Receive Circuit staff group portrait with Ken Rea, Jack Potter, Col [Colin] Smyth, Norm Jones, Tom Arkins and Steve Ruane. Also, a series of images, mainly group portraits, of the farewell party of J R Baird, manager of the cable station on March 31 1952. Also holds a view of Christchurch taken from the Cathedral Spire in 1949. Some photographs in this album can also be found in PA1-o-1845. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Black cardboard photograph album with marbled paper inset on inner cover.

Date: 1953

From: Martin, Robert Thomas, 1921-2006: Photographs

Reference: PA1-o-1845

Description: Four loose album pages of images collected by Robert Thomas Martin of his time covering the royal tour of Fiji in 1953. Some photographs possibly taken by Martin but also unidentified photographers. Mr Martin, and other Telegraph Office press representatives sent to cover the royal visit, are featured travelling to Fiji on a seaplane, working at the Telegraph and Cable office in Suva, and during recreational activities such as swimming in the Nasina River near Kalabo Village with local women, drinking at the Suva Bowling Club, and in unidentified gardens. Album also includes tourist shots of Sacred Heart Cathedral, palm trees, an unidentified dining room, and the traditional preparation of a Fijian lovo barbeque. Identified figures are Mr Martin himself, Colin Nielsen, Colin Cotter, and Steve Ruane. Photographs of Queen Elizabeth's arrival, include: the HMS 'Gothic' entering Suva Harbour and the Queen and Prince Philip stepping off the royal barge at Kings Wharf; various images of the welcoming ceremony at Albert Park; Sir Ronald Garvey (Governor of Fiji); the Queen's convoy moving past the Cable and Wireless Building [Victoria Parade?]; a police escort on motorcycles; and a flag bedecked crown sculpture outside the Bank of New South Wales. Also contains images of performers in traditional dress, Fijian military at a checkpoint, and unidentified officials. Some images in this album can also be found in album reference number PA1-o-1844. Quantity: 4 loose album pages containing 62 b&w original prints. Physical Description: Black card pages with silver gelatin print

Date: 1948-1978

From: Martin, Robert Thomas, 1921-2006: Photographs

Reference: PA1-q-1159

Description: Album containing photographs relating to Martin's career as a telegraph worker in Auckland. Taken by unidentified photographers, possibly including Martin, between 1948 and 1978. Contains portraits of identified telegraph workers, colleagues of Mr Martin, at office desks or working telegraph equipment, taken circa 1961. These include Colin Smyth, John Salthouse, Harry Fox, Les Davidson, Maurice Rees, Russell Rockley, Bert Fox, Gilbert Rees, Tom Atkins, Bob Collins, Fred Studman, Ron Carter, Reg Langford, Jack Potter, Gerry Lawson, John Phillips, Clarrie Russel, Len Sedman, Graham Parsons, Paul Hair, Murray Downes, Reg Dempster, Gordon Potter, Norman Jones, Jack Parker, Bob Putt, Keith Faulkner, Colin Cotter, Bert Walls, Neil McNeil, Bob Martin, Colin Neilson, Norman Jones, Jack Parker, Ken Clark, Jeanette Elkington, Ken Rea, Ron Wills, Earle Douglas, Laurie Waite, Sid Hamilton, Mac Wilson, Mac MacNeil, Percy Clayton, Tony Vink, Maurie Challinor, Alan Roberts, Brian Casey, John Condon, Jack Erickson, Jock Campbell, Jim Sleeman, Dan Carew (Warren L Carew), Murray Downes, Des Delaney, Alan Howe, Bill Game, Keith Milne, Neville Roebuck Hori Brown, Kel Somerville, Bert Brunton, Jim Foster, Big John Gower, Allan Pendleton, Eppie O'Loan, Tolu Nogotautama, Terry McGlone, Dave Eaton, Paul Natulovic, Charlie Veo, Pat Julian, Bob Taylor, Bo Parsons, Chris McLean, Frank Blakeley, John Langmead, Barry Hughes, Jack Turner, Doug Wheeler, Allan Roberts, Bill Denton, Keith Faulkner, Ron Willcox, Bob McVickar, Peter Colquhoun, and Frank Alexander. A series of images shows Bob Martin at work. Group portraits show the Auckland Telegraph Office in October 1948, a telegraph office team from the 1950s, Cable Station Veterans Reunion in December 1924 (Queen's Arcade, Auckland), and Ponsonby Post Office staff (1946). The farewells of Superintendent Colin Smyth (1961) and Manager Jock Baird (1952) are also shown. Other events include cable station staff reunions in 1975 and 1978 at KSE clubrooms 228 Ponsonby Road and the annual Cable Station Children's Christmas Party with Martin's young children Janet and Stephen. Also contains images of equipment used for Cable Telegraphy, including a capacity magnifier, for relay, communication cabinet, shipwatch set, synchronome clock, phonic motor, uncontrolled fork, reed relay, dummy synchroniser, bias corrector relay, synterpolator IQ transmitter, cable code transmitter, and other parts. Annotations in gold pen and Post-it notes added by Janet Martin. Many Post-it notes have been removed for conservation purposes (in instances when they were assessed as adding no further information). Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Ring bound album with green cardboard cover, gold embossed text and ornamentation, and black card pages

Date: [ca. 1901-1971]

From: Casey, Mary, fl 2013: Papers relating to baker Joseph Newman and postmaster Joseph Frederick Jobson

Reference: PAColl-10195

Description: Comprises prints relating to baker Joseph Newman and postmaster Joseph Frederick Jobson. - Includes images of Joseph Newman and his bakery business in Wellington at 261 Willis Street, which operated between circa 1920 and 1943. Photographs taken circa 1920s-1930s by unidentified photographers, and include group portraits of the Wellington Master Bakers and participants in the Wellington bakers' picnic 'tug of war' competition. The collection also includes photographs of the bakery's delivery vehicles, including a Bedford delivery van, and an image of Joe Newman sitting on a motorcycle with a side delivery van. - Other photographs relate to Joseph Frederick Jobson's career with the Post and Telegraph Department. Most taken circa 1940s and 1950s, by unknown photographers, including a photograph from the Evening Post, published 28 September 1955, showing Mr. and Mrs. Jobson posing with a pile of telegrams received from former pupils congratulating him on his retirement. Other photographs show group portraits of students and teachers at the Telegraph Training School in Trentham. Some photographs include names on the reverse. Also includes photographs taken in 1971 when Jobson was awarded the British Empire Medal, Civil Division, for services as a member of the Post Offices. - The collection also contains two photographs of Post Office telegram message boys with bicycles, taken in Christchurch circa 1900. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 13 b&w original photographic print(s). 4 b&w copy photographic print(s). 2 newspaper cuttings. Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints, dye coupler prints

Date: [Circa 1915-1950], 1966

From: Hoskins, Barbara, active 1941-2015 : Photographs relating to the Philps, Nimmo, and Anton families

By: Don & Beatrice Peat Studio; Harringtons (Firm); Leicagraph Studio (Wellington, N.Z.)

Reference: PAColl-10138-2

Description: Comprises black and white prints relating to Kathleen Frances Viard Nimmo and the Nimmo family. Several images feature Kathleen Nimmo. Contains formal studio portraits and informal photographs of family and friends. Taken by a range of photographers, some unknown, circa 1915 to 1950, and 1966. Many photographs are inscribed in pencil with names. One group of photographs features the Nimmo family and their extended families, the Grady family, the Callis family and the Carter family. Shows William Henry Nimmo, Edith Agnes Nimmo (nee Fitzgerald), Peter Nimmo, Ursula Nimmo, Sybil Edith Anton (nee Nimmo) at their Standen Street, Karori home. Includes extended family on paternal side, the Grady family, Margaret Grady (nee Nimmo), Wynne, Frank, and the Callis family, Elizabeth Aitken Callis (nee Nimmo). Also shows the extended family on the maternal side, Kate (Catherine), Dulcie, Vera Jacobsen, Enid Curtis. Includes mounted print of Thelma Thomson, later a RSCJ nun (Religieuses du Sacre-Coeur de Jesus). Includes the Palmerston North home of aunt Agnes Carter. One group of photographs relates to the life of Kathleen Frances Viard Nimmo and Sybil Edith Anton (nee Nimmo), mainly showing their friends and family on outings and at the beach circa World War One to 1920s in Wellington region. Shows Fred Elwyn, Clarice Aldridge, Don Mackie, Bill Main, Len Butcher, Ina Rollins, Elizabeth Mackie, the Zimans family. Includes bathing belles at Lyall Bay beach (sea wall and bathing sheds visible), Oriental Bay (pre 1933, without Band Rotunda), a sea plane near wharf shed. Also includes Royal Tour of Duke and Duchess of York 1927, shows crowds on street watching procession of cars, the Duke and Duchess outside Wellington Town Hall, crowds watching brass band and men march to Newtown Park for display to the Duke and Duchess. Includes Sybil Edith Nimmo with her workmates (telgraphists of the Eastern Extension Australian and China Telegraph Company) posing on top of the Nathans building, Wellington. Another group of photographs relates to the life of Kathleen Nimmo when she worked as a telegraphist in Auckland circa 1920s showing various friends at beach or on outings, including Renee Cassin, Sadie Wilson, Geoff Cardin, Rita Murdoch, Stella Pryor. Scenes of interest show men lawn bowling near large pavilion, friends visiting friend Zita sick in hospital wearing a lace net cap. Also includes photographs of Chas Williams in Java (with tiger he shot) and high angle view of Waiwera Hotel, Waiwera beach and Mahurangi Island One group of photographs relates to Kathleen Nimmo during the 1940s and early 1950s, and 1966. Shows her with friends at Cabaret Majestic, Wellington, Joyce Knight and family, Kathleen with others at the wedding of nephew Colin in 1966. Quantity: 117 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints, including three prints mounted on card

Date: 1914-1949

From: Hoskins, Barbara, active 1941-2015 : Photographs relating to the Philps, Nimmo, and Anton families

By: Crown Studios (Wellington, N.Z.); Jauncey, Philip Henry, 1902-1982; S P Andrew Ltd

Reference: PAColl-10138-3

Description: Comprises black and white prints relating to Sybil Edith Anton (nee Nimmo) and the Nimmo family. Most images feature Sybil. Contains formal studio portraits and informal photographs of family and friends. Taken by a range of photographers, some unknown, circa 1914 to 1949. Many photographs are inscribed in pencil with names. One group of photographs relate to the Nimmo family. They show William Henry Nimmo and his motorcycle club, Thelma Nimmo in her Normal High School class portrait 1914, Kathleen Nimmo, Charles Prior, Ursula Nimmo, Sybil Edith at home, and with Sidney James Anton, Thelma Rollins and Tish. Includes view of the gazebo at Karori Reservoir and a post card of the Duchess of York, possibly issued at the time of her 1927 tour of New Zealand. One group of photographs relate to Sybil Edith with friends, cousins, siblings and workmates. View are taken at beaches, country picnics and gardens. Features Fred Elwin, Renee Cassin, Girlie Maslin, Effie Clarke, Thelma Nimmo, Jim Burt/Bunt, Geoff Cardin, Vida Wilson, Lionel Nimmo, Bill Nimmo, Ruby Everett, Ruby Cassin, Slyvia Tankard, Rita Murdoch, Dot Morrison. Scenes of interest are; Sybil with other female employees of the Eastern Extension Cable Company on the top of the Nathans building, Wellington, the girls in 1920s bathing costumes on Lyall Bay beach (bathing sheds visible), Sybil Edith and others on park bench in grounds of Waiwera Hotel and on a launch in the Marlborough Sounds, Sybil Edith with Tish in the grounds of Wellington East Girls College on opening day 1925. Quantity: 52 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin prints, including four prints mounted on card

Date: 1895 - 1913

From: Kemp, George Thomas, 1865- : Papers

By: Cheetham, Robert Ainsworth, active 1894-1933; Cox, Benjamin Shatford, -1947; Robb, John, active 1894-1902; Shackelford, Thomas George Sidney, -1946

Reference: PAColl-0985

Description: Contains photographs chiefly relating to George Thomas Kemp's work as an engineer with the Postal Telegraph and Exchange between 1895 and 1913, taken by various photographers most of whom are unidentified. Several photographs have inscriptions on the back. Two photographs show the Gisborne Post and Telegraph staff in 1895 and 1903. Three photographs show the Main North Line during winter in Waiau County and one shows the line gang camp. Four other photographs show G T Kemp's telegraph apparatus and one of these has him and other men in the photograph with the apparatus. Two photographs show the Mohaka Bridge, taken at a distance; one is dated 1899. A photograph taken by the Evening Post shows a large group of men standing on an excavated site with fallen tree trunks around; the central figure identified on the back as Sir William Appleton, Mayor of Wellington (1944-1950). Other photographs shows G T Kemp and a group of men by a manhole and tunnel in front of the Napier Exchange, Kemp's football team in Napier, a formal group portrait of unidentified men with the inscription "With kind regards from J. Anderson. One of my gangs GK", and an unidentified man standing at a writing desk taken by an English photographer, possibly George Kemp in his later years. Quantity: 16 b&w original photographic print(s). 1 b&w copy photographic print(s). Physical Description: 17 silver gelatin photographic prints of various sizes, all but one mounted. Processing information: Photographs were transferred to Photographic Archive from original deposit in 1988 and were given a PAColl Unit ID but were not described until November 2016. Original notes of deposit state that there were 18 photographs, but only 17 were found in the box when these photographs were processed.

Date: 1916

From: Sullivan, Romola Frances, 1923- :Photographs

Reference: PAColl-6777

Description: Postcard photograph showing the Post and Telegraph staff at Featherston Military Camp in 1916. Quantity: 1 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Silver gelatin print

Date: [1865, 1900-1905]

By: Macey, William Henry, -1931; J H Bethune and Company Ltd

Reference: PA1-o-1231

Description: Album of views of Picton (including visit of Governor Ranfurly and New Year celebrations); Waimakariri, Broken River (including a workmens's camp) and Otarama from the Midland Railway; Cable Bay (including telegraph staff); Wakapuaka (including native bush); Nelson; Rai Falls; Wellington (showing decorations for the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York, 1901); Dunedin (including Larnach's Castle); Masterton (showing earthquake damage to Post Office); Manawatu Gorge Bridge; Wanganui; Taihape; Hamurana Springs; Rotorua; and meeting house at Te Ore Ore. One photograph is copy of an 1865 view of Picton, and the other photographs were taken ca 1900-1905. A number of the Picton images were taken by William Henry Macey. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s).

Date: 28 Nov and 5 Dec 1984 - 28 Nov 1984 - 05 Dec 1984

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Reid, Maurice Sydney, 1910-1992

Reference: OHInt-0070/13

Description: Maurice Reid recalls his family background and childhood in Invercargill, education, joining the Invercargill Post Office in 1924 as a message boy, layout of the post office, his first day, the chief clerk - Mr Blick, duties, salary, bicycles, dismissals, training in morse, work in the telegraph branch in Invercargill, telecommunications in the district in the 1920s, the telephone versus the telegraph, status of the postmaster, female employees in the Post Office, Maori employees, importance of good handwriting. Describes why he had no desire to be a telegraphist, work as an exchange clerk at Woodlands Post Office in 1929, effect of the Depression in 1930s, work as an exchange clerk at Invercargill Post Office in 1933, discipline, salary, work as a postman in 1936, work as a lineman in 1937, the exams, duties, type of men working as linemen, erecting poles, digging holes, wire tension, effect of weather, relationship between the general and clerical staff, social life, brief Army service during World War II - most line staff not released by Post Office, work as foreman in charge of lines in Gore late 1940s, duties, work as senior foreman at Invercargill early 1950s, details of job. Talks about work as lineman overseer for Clyde District in the 1950s, size of district, transport, duties, effect of snow breaks in Canterbury in 1945, difficult lines, callouts for faults, climbing poles, work as overseer for Invercargill District in early 1960s, describes area, interest in early telephone history, work as a delegate to the Post and Telegraph Association, union and administration friction in 1930s, relationships between the union and the Directors General, work as inspector of lines in Wellington in early 1960s, duties, work on submarine cable at Stewart Island, Foveaux Strait, retirement. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Plimmerton Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - At Maurice Reid's home at Plimmerton, Wellington Accompanying material - Example of handwriting mentioned on Side B of tape one Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000784 - OHC-000786 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.58 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 124. Black and white photographs as follows:. Maurice Reid at Whatamonga Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound. Maurice and Verena Reid, ca 1940. Maurice Reid, 1980 Search dates: 1910 - 1984

Date: 19 Dec 1984

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Norriss, Lewis Edward, 1895-1992

Reference: OHInt-0070/12

Description: Lew Norriss describes his family background, childhood, education, early work in bookbinding section of Nelson Evening Mail, the town of Nelson ca 1908, work as a message boy at the Port of Nelson in 1909, postmaster - Clem Eggleton, post office building, mail boats, the sinking of the ship 'Kowhai', duties, salary, the local policeman, the publican at the Pier Hotel, working conditions, uniform, work as postal messenger in the mailroom at Nelson Post Office ca 1911, other staff, the watersiders' strike in 1913, work as telegraph cadet at Nelson Post Office in 1913, speed of sending morse, different styles of sending which could be hard or easy to read. Recalls service in France during World War I, the scene at the Somme in 1916, being wounded and the amputation of his leg, being sent to wireless school at Wimbledon, England, becoming an instructor, return to New Zealand in 1918, Armistice Day in Nelson, work as telegraphist at Taihape Post Office 1919-1929, difficulty in settling down, marriage to Alice Woolhouse. Describes the introduction of motor registration, differences in quad and duplex sets, local identities in Taihape in the 1920s, effect of the Depression in 1930s, sealing of mail bags, work as postmaster at Paraparaumu Post Office in early 1930s, the staff, hours, mail delivery. Describes work as supervisor of telegraph at Whakatane Post Office in 1930s, details of duties, refers to Tim Cummings who was in charge of police station, post office security, in charge of signals in the Home Guard during World War II, duties as postmaster at Kilbirnie Post Office, Wellington in 1940s, relationship with inspectors, retirement. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Raumati Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Lew Norriss's home at Raumati in Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000801 - OHC-000803 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.28 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 123. Black and white photographs as follows:. Lew Norriss, ca 1917. Lew Norriss in group photograph of staff at telegraph office, Nelson in 1919. Lew Norriss and counter staff at Kilbirnie Post Office in 1944. Lew Norriss at opening of Paraparaumu Automatic Telephone Exchange, undated Search dates: 1895 - 1984

Date: 28 Nov 1984

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Armstrong, Benjamin Murray, 1899-1990; Fyfe, Judith Mildred de Visme, 1944-

Reference: OHInt-0070/01

Description: Ben Armstrong recalls family background, childhood memories of Ngamatapouri where parents ran a general store, education, Waitotara Primary School, early employment as a message boy at Waitotara Post Office at the age of 13, Mrs Taylor the Postmistress, lack of training, visits of Head Office inspectors, work clothing, wages, Post and Telegraph Association, move to Waverley as postman in 1914, routines, Post Office examinations, work at Wanganui Telephone Exchange, interest in Morse code, work in the Telegraph Gallery in Wellington 1916, Jock Cameron an instructor at the Gallery. Describes working at the Ohakune Post Office 1917 as a telegraphist, Mangaweka Post Office 1918, the town, social life, influenza epidemic 1918, peace celebrations 1918; work in telegraph, savings bank, engineers' office at Wanganui 1921-1924, marriage after moving to Levin, post office work in small offices, lack of electricity at Taupo up to the 1940s, work as senior telegraphist at Levin, female employees, Maori employees, changes in equipment, Depression in 1930s, team spirit in Post Office, social life. Discusses duties during World War II as part of garrison force at Fanning Island, and later duties back in NZ. Recalls work as Postmaster at Taupo Post Office 1946-1954, retirement. Compares Post Office in 1950s to early days. Finishes with stories from his working days. Venue - Tauranga Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Ben Armstrong's home at Rimu Street, Tauranga Accompanying material - Attached to printed abstract a copy of Chapter 4 from the book 'Harvey come quick' by Dorothea Joblin - contains reference to Ben Armstrong Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000739 - OHC-000742 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.07 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-109. Search dates: 1899 - 1984

Date: 4 Dec 1984 - 04 Dec 1984

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Stuart, Wilhelmina Magdalene, 1895-1985

Reference: OHInt-0070/17

Description: Min Stuart recalls family background, childhood, education, early job as dressmaker at Brown Ewings in 1911, working conditions, hours, wages, going to Post Office Girls' Telegraph School in Dunedin during World War I, colleague Vera Pringle, morse training, need for good hearing and writing, styles of sending, work in the main office in Dunedin, being only woman in telegraph room, the multiplex system, clothing, discipline, working hours, mistakes, secrecy, telegrams, teleprinters, women prohibited from becoming supervisors, the influenza epidemic of 1918, the night shift, attitude of men to women in telegraph job, Post and Telegraph Association, her appeal for equal pay which she won in 1944 and its effect, retirement in 1951, Knox Church, entertainment, reasons for not marrying. Venue - Dunedin Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Min Stuart's home at David Street, Dunedin Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000752 - OHC-000753 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.52 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 128. Search dates: 1895 - 1984

Date: 23 Nov 1984

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Berrett, Robert Angus, 1900-1996

Reference: OHInt-0070/03

Description: Bob Berrett recalls his family background and childhood. Details family farmhouse at Kai Iwi. Describes education, working as message boy at Kai Iwi Post Office in 1914 and also assisting Railway Station Master, duties, layout of office, salary, delivery of telegrams, work at Taihape Telephone Exchange 1915, shifts, female employees, the postmaster B T Missen, discipline, clothing, the telegraph branch, Post Office staff, training at Telegraph School, Auckland in 1916, Jimmy Allen, techniques of sending morse, details of duties as telegraphist at Mercer, Kawakawa and Matiere. Describes postal delivery, telephone receiver sets, social life, influenza epidemic in 1918, work as a telegraphist at Takapuna, Auckland in 1918, the telegraph office at Wellington, layout of telegraph room, sorting telegrams, work as a telegrapher at Tolaga Bay in 1920, describes district, local personalities, work as a telegrapher at Woodville in 1922, the district, the personalities, salary and promotion, work at Stratford and Westport, the depression in 1930s, first transmission of shortwave radio, work as postmaster at Norsewood Post Office, problems with water supply, hours of work, work as postmaster at Rawene Post Office, staff problems, social life, the Waimamaku Post Office, head office inspectors, social status, customs excise work, life at Pahiatua Post Office in 1950s, retirement. Mentions daughter Valerie married singer Noel Mangin. Venue - Blenheim Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Bob Berrett's home in Blenheim Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000771 - OHC-000774 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 111. Search dates: 1900 - 1984