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: 3 May 1998 - 06 May 1998

By: Manson, Heugh Cecil Drummond, 1941-; Kemp, William Darcie, 1926-

Reference: OHColl-0723-1

Description: Bill Kemp, born 1926 Stoke, Nelson, talks about his life and career in the Lighthouse service. Talks about his family; grandfather William Westrupp was a sea captain. Refers to ships Lily, Ivy, Patina and shipwrecks at Waiatapu, Collingwood, and D'Urville Island. Mentions father John Benjamin Darcie Kemp (John Kemp) wounded at Plug Street Wood - World War I, and paternal grandfather Benjamin Darcie Kemp of Harley's Breweries in Nelson. Talks about Bootmaking Trade. Discusses father's work at Ngawatu and Tokanui mental hospitals. Describes mental hospital conditions. Talks about grandmother and mother's oath against drinking and smoking, and grandmother Westrupp's prayers - lost son Walter Westrupp at Gallipoli. Mentions Royal Theatre, Nelson (Cinema). Describes mother Annie Westrupp - attitude to religion. Relates being caught smoking behind the organ. Talks about corporal punishment and Rev Charlie Bedwell. Recalls Stoke School 1931-1939, teachers Messers Norris and Thorby, and religious instruction. Talks about The Depression on family farm at Wakatu; Ted Morgan, winner of first Olympic Gold for New Zealand (Boxing). Notes stayed and worked with wrestler Lofty Bloomfield at the mental hospital. Talks about boxing and wrestling at school. Explains leaving school at 13 and mentions father's shift to Te Awamutu. Recalls Nelson Boy's College, teacher Herbert Tankersley, later Mayor of Masterton. Talks about employment: message boy (morse code) for Post Office then deck boy on scows Echo, Kohi, Talisman, Sidi Mai Failte. Joined Seamen's Union. Recalls Captain Jack Reeves - daughter Glenda Reeves married Bill Rowling; Captain Eckford, and the ship Pamir. Describes a trip up Wairau River in the Echo. Talks about wife and children. Talks about Greymouth, Union Steamship Company, Lane Walker Rudkin, ship Gabriella and working as a Bosun (Boatswain) on the Karipo. Describes application to the Lighthouse Service after an honourable discharge from the sea. Talks about the 1951 Waterfront Strike. Mentions working in mines as wirer splicer, recalls Strongman Mine Accident. Mentions father-in-law Willy Jones, miner and ship deserter. Discusses commencement of career as a lighthouse keeper, beginning with job interview with Eric Martin and Patrick O'Halloran, Secretary of Marine, and appointment to Puysegur Point Lighthouse. Recalls wife's reaction; journey on ship Wairua (Captain Ian Williams). Talks about conditions, facitities, duties at Puysegur point and geographical position. Relates how an earlier light was burnt down by a mentally affected goldminer, Lance Thomas. Mentions other personnel: Noel Frew, Bob Walsh, and the Newmans. Recalls climate and sandflies and attitude of wife and children. Mentions leisure activities: DXing (Ham radio), calls from 2UE Sydney, calls wife while giving birth. Describes routine at Puysegur including weather roster and maintenance. Talks of the only 2 people nearby, miners Jules Berg and Tim Smith. Describes routine tasks with light. Explains fire danger, alarm procedure, life of bulb, use of curtains etc. Describes light mechanism, French: Barbier Finisterre, mechanics by Stephenson's (Robert Louis Stephenson's family). Describes weather patterns; recalls a cow being blown off a cliff. Talks about medical care and evacuation procedure, graves at the landing, fire at Cape Saunders. Says people died in the early days due to lack of ammenities and isolation. Notes lighthouse Vessels Hinemoa, Tutanekai and Matai went round New Zealand every 3 months. Later everyone taught first aid. Explains routine for wife giving birth in Greymouth. Describes holidays - relieved by single men from Brothers Lighthouse. Recalls death of colleague's child, and effect on him. Talks about subsequent posts, first moving to Waipapa Point Lighthouse (1955-1958). Describes location, shipwreck and talks about Stewart Island, the Bluff and Invercargill. Compares climate, saying Waipapa Point Lighthouse easier to run. Describes being offered position at Cape Reinga Lighthouse. Talks about people at Cape Reinga: Ted Henarae, Ken Wood. Describes how Minister for Marine, Bill Fox, arranged for a school and a teacher. Mentions teachers including Brownie Henana. Says local Maori have given dispensation for his ashes to be scattered off Cape Reinga, and close relations with Te Hapua Maori. Talks of Te Ringa Wairua, sacred territory. Talks about conditions for Cape Maori, mentions Matt Rata, Jim Pou and Sir Tui Carroll. Describes Cape weather, recalls second lowest New Zealand barometer reading, storms, and own weather reports to shipping - had to get a Weather Office dispensation. Recalls tug Atlas, ship Wanganella and Captain Alec Bibenstein. Mentions other keepers: Ted Henare, Bob Wallace, Ken Woods, and Brian Mason. Talks about visitors: Robert Muldoon, Sir Leon Gotz, Rhondda Kemp and Walter Nash. Mentions practical jokes, Mike Boyd and Bernie Hill. Says Cape Reinga difficult to run because of visitors, and defines a good lighthouse keeper. Describes telegram procedure and talks about Akaroa Lighthouse, most difficult post. Talks about Centre Island lighthouse and keepers who disappeared while fishing. Describes his time at Baring Head Lighthouse: 1962-68, government took tourists there. Describes work routines there. Talks about Ororongorongo station, seismograph, clothing worn - no uniform and lighthouse inspections every year by Phil Gamby. Describes role of lighthouse inspector 1968-1980. Talks about near accident of ship Aramoana, recalls opinion of ship's architect Hewlett Jones. Talks about Wahine disaster. Talks about interviewing for staff. Recalls feelings on time in the Lighthouse Service, thinks lighthouse children have done well - mentions own children. Talks about superstitions among lighthouse staff - many ex-seamen . Says there were no drownings during time as an inspector, describes safety regulations. Recalls reunion of lighthouse keepers in 1990. Says demanning a mistake, refering to Stephens Island, refers to user pays mentality, ship owners paying light dues. Access Contact - Oral History Curator Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011230 - OHC-011232 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3933. facsm. of Maternal Grandfather's certificate of service as master of vessel. Lens Drum, Fixed Lens, Revolving Bullseye Lenses (facsm.) Search dates: 1926 - 1998

Date: 1991-1992 - 01 Jan 1991 - 01 Oct 1992

By: Manson, Heugh Cecil Drummond, 1941-; New Zealand. Ministry of Civil Defence

Reference: OHColl-0071

Description: Interviews with three survivors of the 1929 Murchison Earthquake, recorded by the Oral History Centre of the Alexander Turnbull Library for the Ministry of Civil Defence. Abstracted by - Hugo Manson Sponsored by - Ministry of Civil Defence Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Accompanying material - project report Quantity: 9 C60 cassette(s). 3 printed abstract(s). 3 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Provenance: Find this in the project reports completed after each stage Search dates: 1929

Date: 15 Nov 1988

From: NZOHA Electricity Centenary Oral History Project Stages I, II and III

By: Waiwai, Te Wiremu Ngahere Enoka, 1924-1998

Reference: OHInt-0003/30

Description: Bill Waiwai talks about origins of names; ancestors; some of his ancestors' history; reference to Waikaremoana; Waikato Land Wars; Horako; Ruatahuna; Te Kooti; grandfather, Enoka; Te Wiremu Ngahere of Ngati Manawa; Tengaroahiahi Tanaroa; father, Unuhia Ngahere; Murupara; the Tuhoe Tribes; Kahungungu; canoe Horouta. Describes family background; mother, Tengaroahiahi Tanaroa; father, Haami Enoka Waiwai; Maori language; seasonal work parents engaged upon; discipline; early memories of the building of Tuai Hydro Station; religion, Ringatu Church; contact with Pakeha; school at Kokako Native School; punishment for speaking Maori as school; cadet training; music; Tuhoe traditions, tribal folklore, Mataatua Canoe. Recalls first job at Cobb Power Scheme, Takaka, 1938; the hotels; details of sandblasting work; as linesman on Zig Zag Transmission Line, details of clearing bush between Canvastown and Nelson; work on an oil tanker for eight months to Santiago, South America; service for the Maori Battalion, 2nd NZEF during World War II in Middle East and Italy. Recalls working as labourer at the construction of the Kaitawa Hydro Station; overseer, Laurie Stevenson; training as a diver (problems with leaks at lake outlet); work at Kaituna Hydro Scheme; rigger / labourer at Mangakino, Waikato River Projects, 1949-1961; type of work as a rigger; describes Mangakino Camp; sly grogging at camp; gambling; reference to fights between Maori, Polynesians, Pakeha; headed Maori Wardens' Association in district, describes roles; politics on the marae; food at the camp; racial discrimination between Maori and Pakeha in relation to alcohol, Lodges. Discusses use of historic Maori land for hydro schemes; conflict over tangi leave; burial grounds under water; reference to construction superintendents, Bob Brown and Colin Lennon; engineers, Jim Macky and Colin McLeod; marriage; sport, especially golf; work as overseer at Matahina Hydro Project, 1960s; the dangers of tunnelling; reference to Bill Robins, Construction Superintendent, Jack Chesterman and Allan Howarth; work as overseer at Tongariro (Geothermal) Power Scheme; details of canals dug into Lake Rotoaira; environmental concerns about the scheme. Gives summary of career; discusses lack of Maori in senior positions; lack of opportunities given; work as overseer at New Plymouth Thermal Power Station; engineers and practical information and experience; work as Construction Superintendent at Ohaaki Geothermal Power Station, 1983-1988; the delegation of authority; hiring and firing; as active member of New Zealand Workers' Union (before going onto staff); reasons for early retirement. Access Contact - oral history librarian Venue - Cambridge Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Waiwai's home at 85 Thompson Street, Cambridge Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001870 - OHC-001873 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 291. Search dates: 1924 - 1988 Processing information: Access conditions updated 16 November 2023.

Date: 2 Mar 2010 - 02 Mar 2010

From: MOTAT: Aviation memories oral history project

By: Vause, Peggy Nita Graham, 1924-

Reference: OHInt-0767-23

Description: Interview with Peggy Vause (nee Bryan), born in Onehunga in 1924. Refers to her family background and growing up at Graham's Beach, Awhitu peninsula, Mangere and Otahuhu. Mentions working in the family horticulture business, and then for Aircraft Service Ltd at Mangere Airfield - sewing Tiger Moth wings and office work. Comments that all senior staff there had been in the Air Force during the War. Talks about wearing slacks to work. Refers to development work on aerial topdressing done at Aircraft Service, including by her future husband Alan Vause. Comments on being offered a job as an air hostess in the late 1940s but turning it down. Mentions flights with Freddy Ladd. Talks about leaving Aircraft Services, and flying to Australia in 1950, landing in an electrical storm. Refers to working in Australia for a period and then returning Auckland to work at Aircraft Service Ltd again. Mentions buying and renovating a house in Mt Eden, going to dances, working as a cashier at the Crystal Palace picture theatre, and having an account at Smith and Caughey's. Recalls the 1953 Royal Tour, visiting Government House, and the Tangawai train disaster. Mentions marrying Alan Vause in 1974. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.15 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual files - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001701, OHA-7512. Search dates: 1924 - 2010

Date: 27 Nov 2009

From: Mrs Schumacher's gems oral history project - domestic life in New Zealand from the 1940s to the 1960s

By: Stewart, Jocelyn Claire, 1928-

Reference: OHInt-0984-18

Description: Interview with Jocelyn Stewart (nee Smith), born in Auckalnd in 1928. Talks about her family background, and domestic life during her childhood. Mentions to her schooling, and life during World War II including Red Cross training and the death of her father. Refers to making things for her glory box. Discusses meeting her husband Clyde (Snow) Stewart after the War, their marriage, and building their house. Talks about furnishing their house, and wedding presents helping to set up the house. Refers to their vegetable and flower gardens, bottling fruit, and baking. Comments on using the Edmond's recipe book, and collecting recipes in her handwritten recipe book. Mentions eating out occasionally, and making clothes for the children. Refers to laundry facilities. Talks about the births of her children and Plunket visits. Discusss Christmas celebrations, children's birthday parties and holidays. Comments on getting television and a stereo. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001502 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract, form). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 digital photograph(s). 4 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 1.56 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual files - Microsoft word; Image files - Jpeg Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001479, OHA-7398. Colour photographs of Jocelyn's recipe book and recipes. Scanned B&W photographs of Jocelyn Stewart, Jocelyn with her mother on her wedding day, and the bridal party; Jocelyn and Snow Stewart (OHDL-001480) Search dates: 1928 - 2009

Date: 19 Feb 2010

From: Mrs Schumacher's gems oral history project - domestic life in New Zealand from the 1940s to the 1960s

By: Mills, Nance Cameron, 1926-2012

Reference: OHInt-0984-12

Description: Interview with Nance Mills (nee MacDonald), born in Palmerston North in 1926. Interviewer's summary: Topics covered include: Family background: father's family from Pohangina Valley, mother's family from Rangitikei; Farm property at Pohangina; buildings on property, interior layout of homes especially kitchen and laundry, garden; golf course and school on property. Matriarch paternal aunt: involvement in affairs of farm; exchange of houses; relationship with interviewee's mother and father. Birth of younger sister. Visits to maternal grandmother in New Plymouth. Grandmother's knowledge of Maori language; family connection with Te Ruaparaha. Nance's friendship with Pomare family. Family interest in horse racing. Primary schooling - discipline, Maori action songs. Secondary schooling: weekly boarding; food; subjects studied -career options. Nance and mother's domestic life; farm catering; washing. Leisure activities (golf, horse racing, social activities). Meat: butcher in Ashurst; farm killing; offal; wild turkeys; rabbits. Sunday routine; Church; socialising after church - local pub open; home for Sunday roast. Fruit, vegetables, herbs; growing; cooking and preserving. Puddings: recipes, especially milk and fruit; milk; milking; making butter; afternoon teas. Weekly trip to 'town' [Palmerston North]; lunch out; father at the Club. Getting provisions; groceries, bread etc. Home help. Meeting husband: decision to leave farm and father; adjusting to life in the city; return visits to the farm. Having children: hospital stays after birth; routines for bathing and sleeps; milk and food; after school activities of grandchildren compared with own children. Homes at Wadestown and Karehana Bay especially kitchen and laundry. Recipes in handwritten recipe book; ingredients; method; favourites; sources of recipes. Overseas travel to London; Cordon Bleu cooking course; foreign food. Cooking new dishes for father and brother on farm; cooking at time of interview. Spring cleaning. Also mentioned: Napier Earthquake, polio epidemic. Interviewer(s) - Pip Oldham Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001496 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 10 digital photograph(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 3.09 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual file - Microsoft word; Image files - Jpeg Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001467, OHA-7392. Colour photographs of: Nance Mills (15 Feb 2010); Jonathan White painting mentioned in the interview; family dining table; details of leg of dining table; Quinnane with path to bungalow in foreground; view of bungalow with main house, Quinnane, in background; Nance's and grandmother Macdonald's recipe books. Scanned B&W photograph of Nance and Hector MacDonald with grandmother Macdonald (OHDL-001468) Search dates: 1926 - 2010

Date: 20 Oct 2009

From: MOTAT Telecommunications oral history project

By: Jury, Trevor Evered, 1926-

Reference: OHInt-1004-04

Description: Interview with Trevor Jury, born in Featherston in 1926. Outlines his family background and refers to starting work as a message boy at the Featherston Post Office when he was 14. Talks about his duties, and comments that the message boys did not deliver the casualty telegrams during the War. Mentions being sent to telegraph school in Wellington in 1942. Refers to learning to send and receive Morse code and having to achieve 22 words per minute. Recalls the June 1942 Wairarapa earthquake while he was in Wellington, the Herd Street post office building being flooded, and doing fire watch after the earthquake. Mentions joining the Home Guard and trying to set up a Morse light signal system in the Featherston area. Recalls seeing Japanese prisoners of war being marched to the prison camp, hearing about the riot at the camp, and the court of enquiry held at the Featherston court house. Discusses his work as a telegraphist and other duties at the Featherston Post Office when he returned from Wellington in 1942, working from temporary premises until a new post office was built. Recalls setting up Morse telephone lines each morning, and refers to Creed machines [teleprinters?] which were mainly operated by women. Comments on the difficulty of sending weather reports by telegram because numbers had up to six characters whereas letters had four. Recalls working night shifts in the telephone exchange. Mentions postmaster Jack Hislop and librarian Mrs Halpin who encouraged him to continue his education, and studying for University Entrance. Recalls the housing shortage after the War. Refers to low wages in the post office and difficulty of getting promotions. Recalls the visit of Queen Elizabeth II in 1953 and being the Post Office staff member at Cross Creek station when the Queen and Prince Philip travelled to the Wairarapa on the Rimutaka incline railway. Discusses leaving the post office in 1955 and working for NIMU Insurance in Wellington as an insurance assessor. Mentions being active in the New Zealand Institute of Management and the Insurance Institute. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.45 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001714, OHA-7521. Search dates: 1926 - 1940 - 2009 - 1955 Processing information: Description created from item label/housing. Item has not been previewed as part of processing.

Date: 9 Sep - 26 Oct 2005 - 09 Sep 2005 - 26 Oct 2005

From: Royal Society of New Zealand Wellington Branch oral history project

By: Prior, Ian Ambury Miller (Dr), 1923-2009; Marr, Julene, active 2000s

Reference: OHInt-1008-12

Description: Interview with Ian Prior, born in Masterton in 1923. Outlines his family background, importance of family and friends, schooling and his desire to study medicine. Talks about studying in Dunedin, playing rugby, Knox College and the residential college environment, and Lloyd Geering. Discusses professors and teachers at the Medical School including John Malcom, Eric D'Ath, Horace Smirk, Sir Charles Hercus, Gordon Bell and Bernard Dawson. Talks about meeting his future wife Elesbie Forsyth, and her Hallenstein and Fels family family background. Comments on his early work as a doctor at Wellington and Hutt Hospitals, the workplace culture and resources, hierarchy and decision-making. Mentions the personal qualities needed, women in medicine and promotion. Refers to time in England and membership of the Royal College of Physicians. Comments on his publications and the issue of quality versus quantity. Mentions his work in epidemiology. Describes the development of his links with Maori and work with Tuhoe. Talks about his links with Pacific Island peoples and visits to Rarotonga. Discusses Royal Society Fellows who were influential in his life including Charles Flemming and John Miles. Refers to ECO (the Environment and Conservation Organisations of New Zealand), the Save Manapouri campaign and other other environmental activities. Reflects on discipline and teamwork in science, communication and on the relationship between science and society. Discusses the important role of arts and culture in the Prior family, referring to the family art collection. Talks about the booklet 'Two unusual families : the origins of the Prior collection' (2005). Refers to a poem written by Hone Tuwhare for the Prior family. Interviewer(s) - Julene Marr Accompanying material - Sprial-bound booklet 'Programme for Ian Priors birthday event, 16 October 1923-16 October 2005'. Two copies of 'Two unusual families : the origins of the Prior collection' (2005), with content bound in different sequences. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-023173 - OHC-023177 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) (handwritten summary). 1 interview(s). 3.31 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7609 (handwritten summary). Small B&W photograph of Ian Prior cut from a publication; B&W photocopy of cartoon sketch of seven professors from the Otago School of Medicine (1940) Search dates: 1923 - 2005

Date: 28 Sep 2010

From: MOTAT Photography oral history project

By: Hoggard, Rodney Angus Augustus George, 1926-

Reference: OHInt-1003-02

Description: Interview with Rodney (Rod) Hoggard, born in Grafton, Auckland, in 1926. Outlines his family background, and growing up in Onehunga and and Grey Lynn during the Depression. Talks about his father being a keen amateur photographer who had a quarter plate Klito camera and a darkroom at home. Mentions leaving school when his father died and working as a grocer's delivery boy. Comments on an apprentiship with instrument maker L.T. Hyman (owned by the family of Dove Meyer Robinson). Recalls joining the Air Force when he turned 18, pilot training at Ohakea and Taieri air bases, but not serving overseas. Talks about being a street and beach photographer for Peter Pan Studios in Karangahape Road, using a Leica 3C camera he had bought. Describes how the camera's range finder worked. Recalls developing films after each day's work. Describes joining Emanuel Robinson in a camera business, later coming to own the business and changing the name to Civic Cameras. Explains having difficulties getting supplies for the shop because of the import licensing system. Mentions stocking mostly German cameras and imported the first Asahiflex [later Pentax] cameras. Discusses other cameras he had New Zealand agencies for including Leicaflex and Linhof Technika. Explains why he set up Pacific Cameras as a camera wholesaler. Refers to people who worked there, agencies he had, and manufacturers of film. Comments on brands of colour film and the dye transfer colour printing process. Mentions that his colour photographic prints are fading. Talks about his last professional photography job visiting Niue for the Niue Tourist Board and for the Education Department. Explains ending his involvement in business when he became a Baptist minister. Reflects on his favourite cameras, the Leicaflex and Leica. Accompanying material - Photocopy of: 'The realism is... a biography of Rodney Angus Hoggard' written by Ailsa Hoggard (12 p.; with printed abstract) Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 2 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 1.26 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001726, OHA-7517. Search dates: 1926 - 2010

Date: 12, 19 April 2010 - 12 Apr 2010 - 19 Apr 2010

From: Mrs Schumacher's gems oral history project - domestic life in New Zealand from the 1940s to the 1960s

By: Toebes, Heather Bethune, 1928-2020

Reference: OHInt-0984-20

Description: Interview with Heather Toebes (nee Thomson), born in New Plymouth in 1928. Interviewer's summary: Topics covered in the recording include: father's family background, upbringing, medical studies, war service (including Gallipoli, prisoner of war in WWII). Mother's upbringing: female teachers and role models, acquisition of domestic skills and knowledge, use of a spurkle (spurdle). Her father George Thomson's medical practice in New Plymouth and the family home: layout, hygiene, laundry, mother's role in practice, care of babies, encouraging Maori into maternity nursing, goods in lieu of fees in the Depression. Family life in wartime: household chores, power cuts, mother's social life, learning manners and table manners, fear of Japanese. Childhood: attitude to parents, discipline and punishment, treatment of domestic workers, food, ironing, use of starch, personal cleanliness, mother's care of babies, learning the facts of life, schooling, manual training, saving and swapping. Food and meals: mealtimes, puddings, supplies, healthy food, examples of meals, keeping food fresh, sterilising milk and water, preserving. Kitchen and laundry layout and appliances. Garden: vegetable crops. Mother: friendships, sources of support during husband's war service, attitude to community service, support of female patients and friends. Siblings: adoption of elder brother, younger brother's loss of hearing following measles, role during mother's trips away. Mother's old age. Recipes and recipe books: Olive Bone's Fudge, "The Nothing Succeeds like Excess Cookbook", mince, curry, marmalade, gravy. Heather's working life: Victoria University Law Library, Chen and Palmer, secondary teaching, scientific translation. Marriage to Dutchman Kees Toebes: preparations for marriage, wedding presents, learning to cook Dutch and Indonesian food, learning Dutch pronunciation and language, husband's work. Family life: first home at Onerahi, meals and supplies, keeping food fresh, fishing, swapping food with neighbour, growing fruit and vegetables, drinking wine, daily and weekend routines, sewing, domestic furniture, ceramics and china, drinking coffee, kitchen utensils. Current living arrangements: buying house, kitchen, shopping, washing, housework, garden, grandchildren, change in manners and table manners, teaching law students. Interviewer(s) - Pip Oldham Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001504 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 Electronic document(s) (abstract). 1 printed abstract(s). 5 digital photograph(s). 13 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 5 electronic scan(s) of original colour photographic print(s). 1 interview(s) over 2 days. 4.49 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual file - Microsoft word; Image files - Jpeg, Tiff Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001483, OHA-7400. Colour photographs of: Heather Toebes in her kitchen; recipe book and spurtle; recipe book (all 29 April 2010). Scanned colour photographs of: Toebes' home at Onerahi; Annie Thompson with children (1939); Kees Toebes in the house; Heather's children Quentin and Harriet at Manakau with a Christmas Crown (c.1970); Heather Toebes at her farewell from the Law Commission (1995). Scanned B&W photographs of: Major George Thomson in uniform, and verso with handwritten details; George Thompson; Heather's mother Annie with her school hockey team; Annie Thomson with Heather (c.1929); Toebes' home at Onerahi; Heather with her mother, brothers and sister (1939); Heather's mother Annie as a your woman; Heather Toebes (1951); Heather's wedding party (1954) (OHDL-001484) Search dates: 1928 - 2010

Date: 27 May 2004

From: Tung Jung oral history project

By: Wong, Chiel Wai, 1921-

Reference: OHInt-0747-09

Description: Interview with Bill Wong, born in Christchurch in 1921. Talks about his family members coming to New Zealand and the poll tax. Bill and his brother sent to China for education then returned to work in Dunedin. Bill and his brother bought a shop and worked together for fifty years. Bill was in the armed forces during the war. Met his wife Ivy, they had four children. Talks about racial discrimination. Describes Dunedin in the 1930's-1960's and the large Chinese population. Has returned to China twice for visits. Interviewer(s) - Kitty Chang Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014100 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5056. One colour photograph of Bill Wong and black and white photograph of Bill and Ivy Wong on their wedding day Search dates: 1921 - 2004

Date: 13 Sep to 8 Nov 2005 - 13 Sep 2005 - 08 Nov 2005

From: Royal Society of New Zealand Wellington Branch oral history project

By: Grindley, George William, 1925-2019; Marr, Julene, active 2000s

Reference: OHInt-1008-05

Description: Interview with George Grindley, born in Dunedin in 1925. Outlines his family background in Otago including gold mining. Comments on his schooling, studying science and the importance of education in the family. Discusses attending the Otago School of Mines, and mentions field trips and holiday jobs at mines. Talks about getting a job with the Geological Survey in Auckland, and returning to university to complete a masters degree researching the geology of the Eglinton Valley. Discusses working on the West Coast where he became assistant to Harold Wellman and worked with others on the displacement of the Alpine Fault. Refers to having a year's leave in 1951, his departure being hindered by the waterfront strike, and working in south Wales and Canada as well as visiting Europe. Mentions northern hemisphere plate tectonics. Discusses his work on geological mapping in New Zealand and his geothermal work including being site geologist at Wairakei. Comments on the cooperation between government and the Department of Scientific and Industrial Research (DSIR) in the Wairakei project, and on the future of geothermal power in New Zealand. Mentions his involvement with geothermal power developments in the Philippines, Mexico and elsewhere. Discusses going to Antarctica in geological survey teams [in 1961-62, 1977-78 and 1981-82] doing geological mapping and paleomagnetic surveys, the equipment available at the time, and working for three months in the polar high area with dog teams. Mentions the Gondwana hyphothesis. Refers to a major discovery of fossils in Marie Byrd Land in 1977. Comments on Scott Base and on the well-equipped Americans in Antarctica. Mentions his field trips in China and Southeast Asia. Talks about administrative work in the DSIR, and the Geological Survey's structure. Discusses his publications, the globalisation of science, and international conferences on tectonics, vulcanology and geology he has attended. Mentions geothermal monitoring of Ruapehu, Mt St Helens and active volcanic areas elsewhere. Comments on monitoring rifting in the Taupo Volcanic Zone. Discusses the disadvantage of specialisation for scientists leaving them vulnerable to funding changes. Talks about the effects of 'Rogernomics' and people who lost their jobs. Comments on the end of the DSIR, asset transfers, and subsequent restructuring. Reflects that scientists should run science but they can have a communication problem. Mentions the importance of the media, popularisation of science, and public understanding of science topics such as climate change and plate tectonics. Outlines advice he would give to a young scientist in New Zealand and good qualities in scientists. Interviewer(s) - Julene Marr Accompanying material - photocopy of an article "Retirement of George Grindley" from Newsletter, Geological Society of New Zealand, no. 76, June 1987 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-023144 - OHC-023152 Quantity: 8 C60 cassette(s). 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s) (handwritten). 1 interview(s). 8.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7602. Eight colour photographs of George Grindley and his study; colour photograph of a photograph of a dog sled in Antarctica (with abstract) Search dates: 1925 - 1947 - 2005 - 1987

Date: 18, 21 April 2008 - 18 Apr 2008 - 21 Apr 2008

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

By: Watson, Colin Alexander, 1922-

Reference: OHInt-0920-19

Description: Interview with Colin Alexander Watson. Born in 1922 at Bingley Farm, Methven. Names his parents Janet (nee Duff) and Archie Collinson Watson, brother Ian Morgan Watson and Wife Dulcie Olivia (nee Carleton) and their children Lynette and Richard. Says he has worked on several farms, but mainly the family farm. Talks about joining up in 1941 for World War Two service in Canterbury Yeomanry Cavalry. Says he trained on horses at Burnham camp for three months, and then went to New Brighton camp and Sumner, Christchurch for coastal watch in 1942. Describes Japanese threat, guard duty, marching and food. Mentions his father applied to have him return to help with lambing. Says he went to Ashburton aerodrome camp for Royal New Zealand Air Force (RNZAF) Number Two Elementary Flying Training School. Outlines studying navigation, meteorology, morse code, aerodynamics, engines and bombs. Talks about further training in star navigation and radio at Omaka airport, Blenheim and Rotorua. Describes flying Tiger Moth airplane at Ashburton. Mentions linen flax component of Tiger Moth came from Mid Canterbury farms. Recalls voyage on 'Lurline' troopship to Canada to train at Commonwealth Air Training Scheme school in Calgary. Describes arriving in Los Angeles and visiting Hollywood, and train journey across Rockies via Banff, Lake Lousie and Edmonton. Mentions snow and cold. Talks about Australian and Canadian instructors, flying Cessna Crane aeroplane, night flying, cross country flying and doing beam approach flying using Anson aircraft. Describes leave in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, dances in town and having no contact with WAAFs at the station. Recalls number killed at Calgary during training. Says left Calgary in 1944 via train to Montreal. Recalls leave in Chicago, Toronto and visiting the Anzac Club in New York hosted by Nola Luxford. Says no ship was available, so was sent to New Zealand to serve in South Pacific. Recalls train journey to San Francisco to Camp Stoneman. Talks about voyage on 'Mariposa' to New Caledonia, and then to Auckland. Discusses experiences of family in World War One and Two as members of cavalry, navy and army. Talks about life post war, death of school friends, award for Michael Ensor and keeping contact with friends. Refers to Ashburton Airforce hut and donating items to Ashburton Aviation Museum. Refers to farming on Bingley farm and retiring in 1986. Abstracted by - Nicola Robertson Interviewer(s) - Kathryn McKendry Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016782 - OHC-016783 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-6041, OHDL-001836. Search dates: 1922 - 2008

Date: 2 Nov 2007 - 02 Nov 2007

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

By: Henderson, Graham Bruce, 1929-

Reference: OHInt-0920-06

Description: Interview with Bruce Henderson, born in Ashburton in 1929. Outlines his family background in Canterbury, and his father and six uncles all serving in World War I. Refers to his father farming on a soldier settlement block of 260 acres at Lyndhurst from 1920. Refers to his schooling, playing rugby, and cycling everywhere. Talks about the food they ate at home, having their own hens and pigs and meat from the farm. Comments that his father had a tractor by the time he was born so that he did not work with horses. Talks about not having irrigation on the farm during the dry 1930s. Mentions wet years in the 1940s, a heavy snowfall in 1945 and a massive hail storm in 1946. Refers to getting irrigation in 1948 and having to make the border dykes to avoid flooding. Describes manual watering from the ditches using canvas sheets in the early years until they could afford to install automated watering systems. Mentions having to build up the fertility of the soil to grow white clover and breed sheep successfully. Refers to marrying in 1954 and taking over the farm from his father in 1955. Discusses arable farming and using contractors to harvest. Talks about using direct drilling rather than ploughing from the late 1970s. Mentions crops he grew including white clover, sunflowers, linseed, dill and parsley for seeds as well as wheat and barley. Refers to having two thirds of the land in pasture for sheep. Talks about buying more land until he had 3,000 acres. Comments that each of his four sons now farms 700 to 800 acres, and he and his wife look after 140 acres. Refers to setting up a partnership with his sons when they were young, to reduce taxation. Mentions the contribution of his wife to the farm and business over the years. Discusses farming in recent years becoming harder and the influx of dairying into Canterbury. Outlines his community and social activities during his life - playing rugby when he was young, being in a pipe band for a period, and 35 years active in the Methven Presbyterian Church. Refers to being active in the Methven Young Farmers Club, Federated Farmers and the Lyndhurst Home and School. Interviewer(s) - Nicola Robertson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016747- OHC-016749 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 2.53 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe pdf Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6028, OHDL-001823. Search dates: 1929 - 2007

Date: 21 Feb 2008

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

By: Letham, John Gavan, 1928-

Reference: OHInt-0920-09

Description: Interview with Gavin Letham. Born in 1928 at Ashburton. Backgrounds his grandfather Andrew Letham who emigrated from Scotland in 1862 on the 'Indian Empire' ship, farmed at Elgin, then bought Sherwood farm, Rakaia, in 1897. Says father John Letham was born in Scotland, returned there and met his cousin Janet Letham who he later married in 1925 after he bought Milburn farm, Highbank. Refers to father being corporal in army during World War One and returning with injuries. Refers to being only child. Talks about chores at Milburn farm, vegetable garden, orchard, wood chopping, milking cows, feeding pigs, sending milk to Midland Dairy Company, Ashburton, horse ploughing, growing oats. Discusses going to Methven Church every Sunday, playing the gramophone and games, trips to Caroline Bay, Timaru, in summer. Says he rode a bicycle to Highbank School and took bus to Methven High School. Discusses electricity coming, his parent getting a car after he was born and having a party line telephone. Details cars and trucks he has owned. Says after his father died in 1945, he took over farm with his mother and help of neighbours, George Currie and uncle Charles Woolley. Recalls crop farming wheat, oats, rye grass, on sandy loam soil of Highbank. Talks about controlling twitch by skim ploughing and cross ploughing. Details use of reaper binder, threshing mill and traction engine and change to use of header harvester. Refers to getting help from soliders for harvesting during World War Two. Discusses growing turnips, lucerne, lupins for sheep feed, selling lambs and Methven ewe fairs. Mentions black diamond moth and yarr (spurrey). Refers to selling trees to buy a tractor in 1942. Refers to Cochrane Sawmills cutting pine trees, planting Oregon pine trees and gorse hedges for shelter. Discusses changes in weather, harsh frosts in past, nor'wester, sou'wester and easterly winds. Remembers 1945 snowstorm. Refers to water supply to house being race water and raintank water. Says he married Audrey Elizabeth Letham (nee Giles) in 1958, and had one son Ian Gavin Letham. States sold Milburn farm in 1964 and bought Innesown farm nearby. Talks about buying bigger farm machinery, dealing with twitch, brown top, onion twitch, planting trees. Mentions Noel Witchman who lived in farm cottage with his family being an asset. Refers to wind of 1973 blowing 148 trees over, and easterly wind bringing drought. Mentions built new house with milled trees. Says 1980s were lean time, and sold macropcarpa firewood in Ashburton. Talks about forming partnership with son Ian to farm Innesown for several years. Says he retired to Methven 20 years ago, does voluntary work for St Johns Presbyterian church, Red Cross and helps out on farm. Refers to overseas trips to Britain, Fiji, Australia and Tasmania, and travel in New Zealand. Interviewer(s) - Jackie Hunter-Letham Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textural files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6031, OHDL-001826. Search dates: 1928 - 2008

Date: 2011-2012

By: Dunsford, Deborah (Dr), active 2001-2012

Reference: OHColl-1017

Description: Interviews with fifteen people who grew up in Milford, North Shore City, or visited Milford as an entertainment destination during the 1920s - 1940s. The interviews describe beach life, activities in Milford, life during the depression and World War II, and reflections on Milford generally. The interviewees are Nancy Ballard and Lloyd Bell-Booth, Jo Gladwell, Warren Hutchinson, Ben Marychurch, Maurice McGreal, Harry Puckey, Elena Sanders, Daphne Savage, Glenn Shaw and Leslie Truscott, Squire Speedy, Jack Urlic, Jeanette Walker, and Ron Wareham. Abstracted by - Deborah Dunsford Awards/funding - Project received a New Zealand Oral History Award Interviewer(s) - Deborah Dunsford Quantity: 13 printed abstract(s). 13 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 13 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete. Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Deborah Dunsford, Auckland, Nov 2012 Search dates: 1920 - 1950

Date: 05, 12 Nov 2007 - 05 Nov 2007 - 12 Nov 2007

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

By: Lill, Gordon Thomas, 1921-2009

Reference: OHInt-0920-10

Description: Interview with Gordon Lill. Born in 1921 in Ashburton. Backgrounds paternal family, parents Wilfred Thomas Lill, mother Edith Francis Caroline Lill (nee Watson), grandfather William Thomas Lill, farmer in Ashburton, and grandmother Clara Lill (nee Taylor), who was involved in temperance union movement. Mentions maternal grandparents Joseph Watson, headmaster of Willowby primary school and Emily Watson (nee Hight) from Brookside. Says he went to Westerfield primary school and Ashburton High School. Refers to taking agricultural course and having John Bell scholarship. Describes growing up on 'Lone Pine' farm, Westerfield, cooking on coal range, pitting root vegetables for winter, milking, using Clydesdale horses. Details growing oats and grass seed, turnips, giant rape, reaping oats, working the chaff cutter. Mentions family had thrashing mill and traction engine. Talks about impact of 1928 slump and 1930s Depression and mortgagee sales. Says father sold Westerfield farm to clear debt and bought small farm at Eiffelton with money from maternal grandfather's estate. Explains crops grown were wheat, ryegrass and barley. Talks about being called up for army training at Burnham, then being manpowered out in 1940 to work at Mesopotamia sheep station and Inverary station. Describes autumn muster, and blade shearing. Mentions manpower shortage during World War two. Recalls marriage to Doris Joan Davison and big snow of 1945. Says bought sheep farm at Montalto with his parents. Describes developing the farm, stone picking, having the house divided into two flats. Purchased farm at Springburn, and another block where he farmed sheep and cattle. Bought property at Carew to farm sheep. Details border dyke irrigation process. Talks about water allocation, changing from government to private ownership as Hinds Mayfield Irrigation Scheme. Refers to building new house at Carew. Explains purchase of 'Whenuapai' farm at Cairnbrae, Methven, in 1962 or 1963 which was a mixed cropping farm with wheat, barley, peas, grass seed and Border Romney or Coopworth sheep. Refers to International Agricultural Exchange Association students on the farm. Discusses soil, wind, rainfall and a typical year. Mentions soil fertility, use of lentils and getting bigger farm machinery. Talks about role of farm advisors. Explains process of changing farm to all cropping farm in 1968, selling stock to grow wheat, peas and ryegrass. Refers to getting bigger plough, tractor and grain silo, building a seed cleaning plant and shed. Explains direct heading wheat and peas with Roundup. Talks about soil testing, inputs of nitrogen, urea, sulphate of ammonia, always using fertilisers and chemicals. Says diesel prices forced direct drilling. Discusses wind erosion, putting in shelter belts subsidised by South Canterbury catchment board. Talks about wife's role on farm, all their sons going farming and Graeme Lill working at Lincoln College. Refers to moisture and soil testing. Reflects on mechanisation making farming easier. Talks about droving and now trucking sheep to sale yards. Mentions Lyndhurst Barrhill scheme pumping water from Rakaia River back to the RDR (Rangitata Diversion race). Refers to getting Dry Creek closed for grazing for nine years. Discusses community activites, nine years on South Canterbury Catchment Board, Mayfield A&P Association President in 1959, being on Monalto School committee, Hinds School committee, Hinds Rugby Football Club, Chairperson of Methven Lions, Chairman of Methven Aged Persons Welfare Association, Chairman of Methven House home committee, and involvment in Federated Farmers and United Wheatgrowers. Details his purchase of maternity hospital and turning it into Methven House aged persons home. Mentions being involved in St Davids Church, Allenton, Ashburton and Methodist Synod Timaru. Says retired to Methven for four to five years, then moved to Ashburton. Refers to son Colin Lill taking over the farm. Interviewer(s) - Nicola Robertson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016757 - OHC-016759 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Physical Description: Textural files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6032, OHDL-001827. Search dates: 1921 - 2007

Date: 19 Mar 2008

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

By: Morrow, Samuel John, 1923-2013

Reference: OHInt-0920-14

Description: Interview with John Morrow, born in Ashburton in 1923. Outlines his family background and spending his childhood on Huntington farm near Ashburton. Recalls farm life, having his own vegetable garden, and early schooling at Tinwald. Talks about the family going to Northern Ireland after an uncle died so his father could take over the family farm. Refers to sailing on the 'Rangitata', going to school in Ballydougan, and stock, crops and activities on the farm. Comments on the Depression, entertainment, occasional trips to Belfast, and attending Lurgan College, a town school. Talks about their trip back to New Zealand via the Suez canal and his father's subsequent work as a bridge building foreman. Discusses holiday jobs he had on farms, and hearing about the outbreak of War during his last term at Ashburton High School. Mentions having a clerical job until his father let him join the Air Force. Outlines his training, selection for pilot training, and training in Tiger Moths. Discusses training in Alberta, Canada in twin engine planes and becoming a pilot officer. Talks about being sent to Britain where there was a surplus of pilots, eventually transferring to the Fleet Air Arm, training to fly fighters and being transferred to a Corsair squadron. Comments on being in the services for over four years but not flying any missions. Recalls returning home in 1946 and going farming. Discusses working on and managing farms, and getting a rehabilitation farm at Lowcliffe in 1950. Refers to working for Lands and Survey for wages for a time, living in a Public Works hut, and taking over a 33 year lease. Mentions two major floods of the Hinds River in his early years. Talks about his early farm machinery, running 500 ewes, and producing grass seed, wheat and linseed. Refers to having help from single (Lincoln College) men at harvest in the late 1950s, and beginning to buy more land in 1959. Describes changes in arable farming during his lifetime, including the transition from horses to tractors, and introducing direct drilling on some of his properties depending on the soil types. Describes developing irrigation for his farm from the mid 1970s, changes in weather conditions, and planting shelter belts. Refers to the Lauriston Farm Improvement Club, farm advisors, field days and farm conferences. Mentions soil testing to control fertilizer costs, and using Roundup to control weeds. Discusses his farm sheds and silos and transport of bulk grain. Talks about the rural downturn in the 1980s and drought, financial pressures and having to farm more cleverly. Comments on just having two employees through the 1990s and relying more on contractors. Describes his wife's contribution on the farm over the years. Outlines his community activities including with the Lowcliffe Hall Committee, Hinds Presbyterian Church, Federated Farmers and the South Canterbury Catchment Board. Talks about attending ANZAC Day services, and the discipline his involvement in the War gave him. Reflects on farming having become more challenging and interesting, dairy conversions, and the difficulties of over wintering dairy cows. Interviewer(s) - Nicola Robertson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016768 - OHC-016772 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 4.26 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe pdf Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6035, OHDL-001830. Search dates: 1923 - 2008

Date: 07, 10 Feb 2008 - 07 Feb 2008 - 10 Feb 2008

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

By: Stevens, Jack Harrison, 1925-

Reference: OHInt-0920-16

Description: Interview with Jack Stevens. Born in 1925 in Christchurch in family of 11 children. Backgrounds parents Jack Stevens and Alice Stevens (nee Harrison) and childhood on dairy farm, Brookside, near Lake Ellsemere. Describes house, trip to Brookside Primary school on governess cart, rural mail delivery, hens, fruit orchard and vegetable garden. Says his father bought 120 acres at Killinchy, Rakaia, Canterbury plains. Mentions impact of Selwyn River flooding. Recalls playing hockey on stilts, football and biking. Describes milking process prior to electricity, using oil to drive milking engines. Says he worked for his father, and then at Seddon doing milking, gardening and driving teams for three years before he was called up for army service during World War Two. Refers to being in army January to September 1945, then manpowered for 18 months, working at freezing works, army harvest camp and for Arnold Campion at Greenfields, Methven. Says enlisted to go to Japan in 1947 as part of 3rd Battalion, J-Force. Talks about basic training at Burnham and Papakura, and voyage on 'Dunera' ship via Fiji to Kure Harbour, Japan. Recalls catching train to Yamaguchi that went through Hiroshima. Describes conditions at Yamaguchi naval barracks (known as Canterbury Camp). Talks about his jobs in Japan, a typical soldier's day and being in charge of the laundry. Refers to going to Tokyo for guard duty. Expands on life in Japan, public bath houses, gardens, snow, rice fields, shrines and relations with Japanese people. Says lived in American camp. Mentions leave at Beppu, Kobe, Tokahama beach, horse racing at Tokyo and Kyoto temples. Refers to Anzac parade in Tokyo and King's birthday parade. Mentions New Zealand Field Punishment jail, and fear of Korean invasion. Reflects on being in occupation army. Mentions one suicide while they were in Japan. Talks about trip home in December 1947 on the 'Westralia' ship, landing in Auckland. Mentions wharfies were on strike. Says worked for his brother Bert Stevens post war. Refers to experiences of his family who had been in World War Two. Refers to time at Lincoln College. Says he returned to Seddon where he met Helen Gluyas who he married in 1954. Refers to working for 11 years for Alex Gunn on cropping farm. Talks about getting rehabilitation money to purchase Barhill farm on Accommodation Road, and other blocks of land. Discusses using Roundup to deal with twitch and raising soil fertility with superphosphate and lime. Says he ran Stud Ayrshire cows, sheep, pigs and grew wheat, barley, potatoes. Refers to using rainwater for the house and race water for stock. Recalls his machinery, Massey 101 Junior and Fordson Powermajor tractors and an Allis Chalmers drag header. Comments on VFM (Valuation and Farm Management) workers on his farm from Lincoln College. Mentions his interest in Clydesdale horses and governess carts. Talks about being and inaugural member of Methven Jaycees, President of Methven Lions Club and fundraising projects, particularly the Methven Floral Festival. Abstracted by - Nicola Robertson Interviewer(s) - Kathryn McKendry Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-016776 - OHC-016777 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Physical Description: Textual files - Adobe PDF Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6038, OHDL-001833. Search dates: 1925 - 2008