Places

Date: Nov 1988

By: Wells, Stanley Peter, 1920?-; McAlpine, Rachel Phyllis, 1940-

Reference: OHColl-0277/1

Description: Stan Wells recalls being sent by Ada Wells to a Salvation Army orphanage for boys in Temuka when he was six. Describes the few privilages, the starvation diet, no play and the work. Explains having his name changed. Recalls corporal punishments. Talks of his sister Alice known as Bim, sister Edna, also the few women who sheltered him. Talks of money provided by the Masons' Lodge for upkeep of this once grand home and its deterioration. Recalls having top marks in drawing and talks of his inability to play cricket or rugby at school later. Describes memorable days when the boys were allowed out of the orphanage. Explains about his holidays in Oamaru, meeting the Fergusons with whom he went to live, the servant - master relationship with Mr. Ferguson. Discusses similarities in the personalities of Harry Wells and Mr. Ferguson, an organist, and talks about their purchase of an organ. Discusses differenes in attitudes between Hazel Armstrong, who took an interest in him, and Mrs Ferguson. Talks about his work as a 15 year old on a farm at Wanganui, his work on a poultry farm with poor pay, and the cost of meals. Describes his jobs as a gardener. Explains that Bim's work was as a masseuse, also a compiler for Stone's Directory, and relates that she cycled to the West Coast during the Depression. Recalls his schooling, going to war in Egypt in artillery and infantry units, his treatment as a prisoner of war when he worked in coalmine and on a railway. Explains that he was sent to a nursery garden in Temuka on his return. Describes his psychiatric treatment after the war, spending time at Hanmer and names Dr. Bevan Brown, Frank Cook, Len Booth. Talks about religion. Describes visiting Ratana Pa, Wanganui and mentions successful health treatments there. Explains about his love of native bush. Recalls Frank Milner of Waitaki School. Talks of cycling, piano playing and his appreciation of music. Relates about girlfriends, his wife and children. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Christchurch Abstracted by - Linda Bevan Smith Interviewer(s) - Rachel McAlpine Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002857; 002858; 002859 Quantity: 3 C90 cassette(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3852. Search dates: 1920 - 1960

Date: 1871-1970

By: Little family

Reference: MS-Papers-2133

Description: Papers of Ernest Charles Little, Richard Gordon Little, Little and Jennings family. Include letters from Ernest Charles Little while serving in the South African War and after arrival back in New Zealand, to his parents and his wife Natalie, letters to Ernest and Natalie realting to family affairs and genealogy; letters from Richard to his parents Ernest and Natalie, while serving in North Africa and Italy 1940-1944; miscellaneous documents, genealogical material, and press cuttings Ernest Little emigrated to New Zealand in 1902, settling in Motueka Quantity: 5 folder(s). 0.05 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holographs, typescripts, printed matter Finding Aids: Inventory available.

Date: 1939-1942

By: Crump, Spencely Noel Stanley, 1916-1995; Crump, Douglas, active 2000

Reference: PA1-q-750

Description: This album was compiled by Second Lieutenant Spencely Noel Stanley Crump. It is a record of his time as a soldier in the New Zealand army during the Second World War. The record begins with photographs taken while training at Ngaruawahia Camp in September 1939. He and his company were transported to Egypt on the "Orion" where they underwent training at Maadi Camp. Also recorded are the rest and recreational facilities at the camp, as well as those at Helwan Camp, and trips to the pyramids. In 1940 he was with the army campaigning and preparing defences in the Western Desert. He was also sent to the Middle East Weapon Training School in Sarafand near Tel Aviv of which there are photographs as well as others of Palestine and Jerusalem. In 1941 he was sent to Greece and Crete. This part of the album also contains a page of photographs taken from a captured German paratrooper's camera. Following the campaigns in Greece and Crete, Crump returned to Egypt and took part in the war in Libya. There are several pages of photographs of Cairo and its citizens. Others are of nurses and patients at the British General Hospital at Geneifa, and the New Zealand General Hospital at Helwan where Crump went as a result of contracting pneumonia and developing infections in his wounds. In 1942 he returned to New Zealand on the hospital ship "Oranji". There are five pages of photographs taken on this trip. In New Zealand he was sent to the Soldiers Hospital in Rotorua for treatment. In 1943 he married. The album is well documented throughout, and most of Crump's many military associates are identified. A container of letters written by Crump while he was overseas was also donated with the album. The letters have been transferred to Manuscripts and Archives. In 1934 Spencely Noel Stanley Crump was a member of the New Zealand team to the Empire Games in London where he won a bronze medal in swimming. He also represented New Zealand in swimming at the 1938 Empire Games in Sydney, Australia. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Transfers: To Manuscripts & Archives - One container of letters.

Date: [1986]

From: Bliss, Charles Henry (Dr), 1909-1997 : Papers relating to his life and work

Reference: MS-Papers-5683-15

Description: Comprises pages 331-435, chapters 16-21, with Bliss describing his remaining time in North Africa, appointment to Chhindwara in India until the demise of the British Raj, briefly describes his work in Apia and then his work and life in New Zealand Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1940-1942

From: Butler, Hugh Henry, 1912-1941 : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-1423

Description: Butler describes daily life in Maadi Camp, with notes on visits to Sydney, Perth, Cairo and Jerusalem and continual reference to friends recruited from the Petone area Quantity: 1 folder(s) (43 pieces).

Date: 1940-1945

By: Anson, C H, active 1977

Reference: PAColl-0094

Description: Consists of photographs of Nursing and Dental units, World War II, North Africa and Italy. Also one view of 4 shops in Epsom, Auckland. Quantity: 13 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: [19--]

By: Tweeddale, Stuart John, 1916-

Reference: MSY-6657

Description: Contains an account of Tweeddale's life up until the end of World War Two. He describes growing up in Kiritaki, 1916-1919, Tiritea, 1919-1923, Wanganui, 1923-1927, Waimatua, Southland, 1927-1930, Manawatu, 1930-1939 and his experiences during World War Two. During the War he served with 27th Battalion in North Africa and Greece and was captured by German forces in July 1942 and was shipped to Germany as a prisoner of war. The account ends with his marriage to Thelma Murray in July 1945 Quantity: 1 volume(s). 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript and photographs (photocopies) Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Mrs T Tweeddale, RD Taihape, 2008

Date: 1940-1950

From: Mackrell, Brent fl 2012: Photographs

Reference: PAColl-9186-2

Description: Largest group relate to campaigns in North Africa. Main places are Cairo, Alexandria, Helwan, Bardia, and Tripoli. Images of troops in the desert, vehicles, weapons, aircraft, soldiers at Christmas dinner, in hospital and at sports. Soldiers training in New Zealand, and views of flowers on trucks at Michael Savage's funeral in 1940.. Photographs relating to a troopship on the way to War. There are various scenes on deck showing crowds of soldiers and boxing and wrestling matches. The ship may have been the Oronsay as there is a photograph showing troops embarking on this ship. Associated with this group are images which show other liner troopships which may have been travelling in convoy. They include the Mauritania, Queen Mary, Empress of Canada, and Empress of Britain. The views of ships in Freemantle and Freetown Harbours may also be associated with this group of photographs. There are some views of England, in particular ships on the Clyde. There are also a few photographs taken in Japan during the occupation following the Second World War. Quantity: 212 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1871-1970

From: Little family : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-2133-5

Description: Sundry newspaper cuttings relating to history of the Nelson area and the Little family as well as cutting relating to the North African campaign

Date: 6 July 1993 - 06 Jul 1993

From: National Council of Women: Narratives from a century - oral history project

By: Sandford, Gladys Anne, 1909-2002

Reference: OHInt-0387/22

Description: Gladys Anne Sandford (Sandy) born Napier. Gives details of her parents who were South Islanders, her father's jewellery shop which burnt down and the family farm in Taranaki. Was only member of family to have secondary education - refers to Government financial assistance. Describes Manaia School, the large Maori roll, sport and the curriculum. Recalls soup kitchens, general unemployment and being out of work herself for a year during the Depression. Mentions New Zealand Wars with reference to Ernie Betts, a neighbour, who fought. Describes her family, the Manaia community and leisure including birthdays and picnics. Discusses nursing career and training in both theatre and maternity nursing. Worked for Army Base Hospital, taking her to Fiji, Cairo and Bari, Italy (3 years). Recalls introduction to penicillin. Describes typhoid outbreak in Cairo and gives details of nursing in Cairo. On returning to civilian life took job in charge of Maternity Annex in Lower Hutt for nineteen years. Comments on nurses' pay. Talks about working for Plunket and helping set up the nursing degree. Talks about involvement with the National Council of Women in the Hutt and her experience as President of the Hutt Branch. Describes input into health issues in NCW. Gives reasons for the setting up of the Polynesian Festival. People mentioned include: Mary Dowse, Hilda Burke, Mrs Murphy and Marion Akroyd. Discusses importance of women's demands for Equal Rights. Mentions looking after her mother from 1946 to 1970. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Howick Interviewer(s) - Mary Tallon Venue - Howick Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1458.

Date: 02-03 Feb 2008

From: Methven Heritage Project - RSA and Arable oral history project

By: Stewart, Selwyn Lamb, 1918-2008

Reference: OHInt-0920-17

Description: Interview with Selwyn Stewart. Born in 1918 in Asburton. Backgrounds his parents Thomas Stewart and Jane Stewart (nee Lamb) who farmed at Seaview, near Ashburton and at Kolmar homestead, Lyndhurst, Mid Canterbury. Recalls going to Waimatataitai Primary School, Lynhurst Primary School and Timaru Boys High School. Refers to taking agricultural course. Describes class sizes, subjects and teachers Miss Mildred Rudd and Bill Thomas. Mentions being captain of cricket team and rugby, boxing and ballroom dancing. Says left school at 16 years old to drive a team of horses at Kolmar farm. Talks about ploughing, training and caring for horses. Mentions Lyndhurst blacksmith Billy Cook and wheelright Knox Cook. Comments on running Corriedale sheep on dry farm with his brother Alan Stewart and few men. Mentions going to Aitkens Store, Ashburton, for groceries and mail. Talks about volunteering for World War Two in 1940. Says he went to Burnham camp to train, and was in 4th Reinforcements. Refers to playing bagpipies in Methven Pipe Band. Describes sailing from Wellington on board 'New Amsterdam', picking up the 'Mauretania' and 'Aquitania' from Sydney and Melbourne, going through Indian Ocean to Bombay, India. Mentions arriving in Egypt, and camping at Maadi. Says he transferred to 23rd Battalion after it came back from Syria. Talks about going to El Alamein and receiving a head wound in a bombing raid. Refers to being hospitalised at Alexandria in various hospitals, and then being sent to Helwan Hospital, Cairo. Refers to being stretchered to Wanganella hospital ship at Tewfik and sailing on the Red Sea to Colombo, Ceylon, then back to Wellington. Mentions being under Doctor McKenzie at Timaru hospital for head injury. Says he took over Kolmar farm in 1943, and married Norma Hale (nee Gadd) in 1944. Mentions why Alan Stewart left Kolmar. Refers to getting war pension and Public Works Act for soldier settlement. Describes changes made to Kolmar farm homestead and having an underground tank for rainwater. Mentions cars he and his family have owned. Talks about breeding Corriedale sheep for fine wool, and rams to stand the weather. Discusses growing rape, turnips, blue lupins, perennial ryegrass, red and white clover, subterranean clover and haymaking. Mentions support of Bobby Low and uncle Stanley Wilson. Details getting rid of foot rot in sheep, and using lime on soil. Refers to not using horses after war. Talks about using Massey Harris tractor, duncan drill, grubber, harrow and rollers. Recalls shearing gang work and wool classing. Talks about his four children Peter, Ross, Antony and Susan, and their achievements. Mentions Antony (Tony) died at 47. Discusses siblings Mavis McWhinney Pink, Errol Douglas Stewart and Alan McNaughton Stewart. Says Alan served in Pacific during World War Two and Mavis as VAD nurse (Voluntary Aid Detachment) at Hanmer Springs. Mentions Peter Stewart and wife Toni (nee Flint) took over Kolmar farm in 1976. Interviewer(s) - Kathryn McKendry Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016778 - OHC-016779 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6039, OHDL-001834. Search dates: 1918 - 2008

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: 2 Nov 1998 - 5 Nov 1998

By: Foster, Susan E, 1946-; Webb, Margaret, 1914-2001

Reference: OHColl-0552-1

Description: Margaret Webb was born in Christchurch in 1914, the daughter of photographer Steffano Webb and Beatrice Webb (nee Buss). Describes her mother as very musical. Talks about her father's photographic studio and the nature of his photography which included portraits, wedding, debutante and school photos. Describes his huge camera. Recalls attending St. Margaret's College and Rangi Ruru. Describes social events where she was usually chaperoned. Talks about her decision to become a nurse, her desire to travel and her nursing training. Recalls going to Sydney on the `Wanganella' in May 1939 and then on to London on the `Ormond'. Notes that she travelled with her architect friend Margaret Munro. Describes her impressions of London and first nursing job at Kensington. Recalls concerns about the likelihood of war, its outbreak and the change in London. Describes signing up for Queen Alexandra's nursing service, being called up immediately, going to Aldershot and then France. Describes her feelings about this, loneliness, discomfort and fever from injections. Recalls being lectured on running a ward, setting it up and nursing for some months before action. Describes air raid warnings and being shifted to a tented hospital just before their station and hospital ship were bombed. Talks about refugees everywhere, going to another hospital, wearing tin hats and gas masks and tracer bullets while going down to the wharf and leaving France. Mentions arriving in Liverpool and some brief leave before being called up again and going on the troopship `Empress of Canada' which carried Scottish soldiers. Describes sailing to Egypt and going to the Sudan. Discusses wearing a white uniform and topee in incredible heat and going across the desert in army trucks. Notes that this was the Eritrean campaign and her hospital was the 32nd General Hospital. Recalls the hero of the campaign was Brigadier Slim who became a patient. Describes the social life in Khartoum including dancing on the banks of the Nile. Recalls British ships coming up the Nile carrying tanks and the arrival of General Montgomery. Describes being posted to Palestine, Gaza and then the hospital ship `Oranje' to South Africa. Talks about being posted to No. 1 General Hospital on the Nile, returning to England as a theatre nurse in Dorset, and being en route to a new posting in Lahore on VE Day. Notes that she had become a Captain. Recalls being posted to Assam and then Gauhati for the rest of the war and treating emaciated soldiers from the Burma Road. Comments on leave while nursing and lifelong friends made as a result of the war. Recalls returning to New Zealand in 1946 and the difficulties of settling down. Describes working in the plastics unit at Burwood. Mentions Dr. Manchester. Talks about studying maternity nursing and going to Gisborne before doing Plunket training in Dunedin and nursing in Ashburton and Christchurch. Interviewer(s) - Susan Foster Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2492.

Date: 11 Oct 1994

From: New Zealand Association of the Blind and Partially Blind 50th Anniversary Oral History Project

By: Lambert, Henry Colton Arundel, 1914-1998

Reference: OHInt-0330-11

Description: Harry Lambert was born in Rangiahua in 1914. Backgrounds education and work experience before joining the army 1940. Talks in detail about position as lieutenant, and later major, with the Maori Battalion Reinforcements, and four years service in Africa and Italy. Recounts further education after return to New Zealand, receiving Bachelor of Arts in education. Mentions Perkins Institution in Boston. Talks about younger brother Seymour who was blind who was president of the Dominion Association of the Blind 1970-1975. Outlines becoming head teacher at the School for the Blind in Parnell and working for the Foundation for the Blind. Remembers director Joe Broadfoot. Discusses attitudes towards blind people during the 1940s. Talks about Wally Christiansen, Jim May and Bruce Kibblewhite. Recounts problems with the school and Foundation upgrading facilities. Discusses school activities including camps and visitors such as Member of Parliament Duncan Rae, the first patron of the Dominion Association of the Blind. Outlines decision to resign 1957, shift into vocational guidance, then teaching Maori studies at training college. Talks about Matt Te Hua. Mentions Tikitiki, Glendowie, St. Stephens and Manurewa Schools. Interviewer(s) - Greg Newbold Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009790 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3267.

Date: 1940-1950

From: Mackrell, Brent fl 2012: Photographs

Reference: PAColl-9186-3

Description: Largest group relate to campaigns in North Africa. Main places are Cairo, Alexandria, Helwan, Bardia, and Tripoli. Images of troops in the desert, vehicles, weapons, aircraft, soldiers at Christmas dinner, in hospital and at sports. Soldiers training in New Zealand, and lining the streets at Michael Savage's funeral in 1940. Photographs relating to a troopship on the way to War. There are various scenes on deck showing crowds of soldiers and boxing and wrestling matches. The ship may have been the Oronsay as there is a photograph showing troops arriving by train prior to embarking on this ship. Associated with this group are images which show other liner troopships which may have been travelling in convoy. They include the Mauritania, Queen Mary, Empress of Canada, and Empress of Britain. There are views of ships in Freemantle, Capetown, and Freetown Harbours that may also be associated with this group of photographs. There are some views of England. There are also a few photographs taken in Japan during the occupation following the Second World War. Quantity: 194 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1939-[1951]

From: Bliss, Charles Henry (Dr), 1909-1997 : Papers relating to his life and work

Reference: MS-Papers-5683-04

Description: Comprises detailed record of operations performed by Bliss while based in the Sudan, the desert, including Alexandria and Assam and later in Chhindwara and Dacca before coming to Samoa in 1948 and NZ in 1949. He has included dates of his service; lists of contents; some personal examinations of conscience about war; diary extracts; surgery statistics and analysis; a report on the working of the Fracture and Rehabilitation Dept; a report on an incident in Pakistan; list of patients seen in 1949; Greymouth and Westport statistics; notes on various medical conditions; diagrams illustrating surgical techniques and results and other notes. Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1967-2003

By: Kennedy, Raymond George, 1914-2005

Reference: MS-Group-1101

Description: Comprises war stories based on Kennedy's experiences in London during the Blitz and his service as a stretcher bearer with 22 Battalion in North Africa during World War Two. Also correspondence and other papers relating to chemical pollution, in particular to dioxin contamination caused by the Watkins-Dow plant near Kennedy's residence in New Plymouth, the 1918 flu pandemic, correspondence with Princess Diana on landmines and other topics. Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 28 folder(s). 0.28 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holographs, mss, typescripts and printed matter

Date: 1939-1951

From: Bliss, Charles Henry (Dr), 1909-1997 : Papers relating to his life and work

Reference: Series-1423

Description: Comprises diaries kept as journals with excerpts, extracts, clippings and letters while Bliss was serving in the Indian Army in North Africa and later Chhindwara, India, and his later work in Apia and New Zealand up to 1951; poems by Bliss and others; Royal Air Force Transport Command route information for passengers Quantity: 5 folder(s).

Date: 1985

By: Rutherford, Alexander Mathieson, 1915-1988

Reference: MS-Papers-9626

Description: Autobiographical reminiscences, covering earlier history of the Rutherford and related families, early life in Samoa, school days at Timaru Boys' High School, study and qualification as a medical practioner and gyneocologist, service with the NZAMC in North Africa in World War II, work as a gynecologist in England and later in Wellington. Contains copies of letters and newspaper cuttings. Illustrated with original photographs Source of title - Transcribed from item Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript, photos Transfers: Transfer from Photographic Section, 2010.

Date: 1939-1943

From: Robinson family: Papers relating to World War One and World War Two

By: Robinson, Leonard Rennell James, 1919-2000

Reference: PAColl-8746

Description: Comprises photographs taken and collected by Leonard Rennell James Robinson who took part in World War Two in the Middle East Force. Includes photographs of army personnel in New Zealand in 1939; on the "Aquitania" about to leave for Britain; other transports which they joined in convoy which include the "Queen Mary," the "Empress of Canada," the "Empress of Japan," and the "Andes;" ports of call at Cape Town and Sierra Leone, and a view of the transports entering the Clyde at the end of their journey. A few images show a group of soldiers in camp at Aldershot, and ambulance training on the Kent Coast. Four images show the vapour trails of fighter planes in the sky over England. War in the desert is recorded by images of an ambulance being loaded; motor vehicles on a desert highway; an encampment; a scorpion; unexploded bombs in the sand; Italian prisoners of war; wrecked German tanks and aircraft; dead Germans; cemeteries in the desert. Another group relate to a camp at Helwan and a military hospital; Robinson and friends in camp and on leave; rain in the desert, and an air raid over Alexandria. Quantity: 54 b&w original photographic print(s). 1 b&w original photographic print(s) panorama. Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Group-1113, Robinson family papers.