Places

Date: Sep 1997 to May 1998

By: McConnochie, Helen, 1925-

Reference: OHColl-0445

Description: Talks to eleven survivors of the 1931 Napier earthquake who were mainly teenagers at the time of the earthquake. Interviewees are Gordon Amner, Keith Dick, John Hohepa, Althaea Sheppard, Russell Spiller, Agnes Terrill, Dorothy Beddows, Christina Ennor, Leonora Martin, Kenneth Spiller and Douglas Storkey. Other - Agreement form says tapes held at Hawkes Bay Museum Archive (Alexander Turnbull Library not mentioned) Interviewer(s) - Helen McConnochie Quantity: 13 C60 cassette(s). 11 printed abstract(s). 11 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete Summary provided.

Date: 21 and 27 Aug; 8 Oct 1986; 24 Mar 1988 - 21 Aug 1986 - 24 Mar 1988

From: New Zealand Medical Women's Association: Records

By: Gillies, Ellensleigh Denny Gordon (Dr), 1902-1989

Reference: OHInt-0019/04

Description: Dr Denny Gillies talks about her family background, her childhood, her reason for choosing medicine as a career, university education, Otago Medical School, Dr Fitchett, holidays and social life, tuberculosis, hydatids, time as house surgeon at Palmerston North, Napier Earthquake, reasons for going to England and not into private practice, post graduate study at Cambridge University studying radiology, return to New Zealand as radiologist at Palmerston North Hospital and then move into private practice in Wellington, type of work, attitudes of patients. Accompanying material - Attached to printed abstract are a number of copies of newspaper articles about Dr Denny Gillies, unsourced; a copy of article entitled 'The Rita Gillies Gardner Memorial Fund' from NZ Medical Journal, vol 62 no 372, August 1963, pp. 383-384 Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Neville Glasgow Venue - 12 Newman Court, 16 Tinakori Road, Wellington. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001782 - OHC-001785 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 279.

Date: 26 Sep 2012

From: Milford oral history project

By: Dunsford, Deborah (Dr), active 2001-2012; Puckey, Harry Leigh, 1930-

Reference: OHInt-1017-06

Description: Interview with Harry Leigh Puckey. Born 1930 in Palmerston North, descendents of William Gilbert Puckey, an early missionary, and first Pakeha marriage in New Zealand. Describes his parents, who had a butchery in Napier, which was destroyed in the 1931 earthquake. That year the family moved to Milford to be closer to members of his mother's family in Castor Bay. Describes bach on Seaview Road, Milford. Discusses father's work during the depression, and describes how the family made money and ate. Describes the family's vehicle, and memories of Milford during his childhood. Discusses swimming in the estuary and at the Milford swimming pool. Discusses surf life saving club, and recalls a young man who drowned at the beach. Describes a typical summer day, and looking for coins in the sand. Describes almost dying at Campbells Bay, and his father saving his life. Discusses pumping of raw sewage at Black rock, playing mini golf, and going to the Milford Picturedrome. Describes Guy Fawkes night, participating in Milford Scouts, and the Milford surf club. Describes scout meetings, and attending churches on the North Shore. Discusses playing sports at school, particularly football, cricket, swimming, and tennis. Describes growing strawberries and finding food. Discusses people who had holidays homes in Milford in the 1930s, and differences between Milford and Takapuna. Describes Milford during World War Two, and the American soldiers who came to Milford. Describes fears of possible Japanese invasion, and his family's experiences in the war. Discusses romances between girls and American soldiers in Milford. Describes dances at Ye Olde Pirate Shippe, and his family taking over the management of the Pirate Shippe in 1945. Describes atmosphere at the Pirate Shippe, his parents' work there, and events and dances held. Interviewer(s) - Deborah Dunsford Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 2.08 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.

Date: 17 Apr 2010

From: Quaker Oral History Project

By: Howell, Robert Harold, 1946-

Reference: OHInt-0427-62

Description: Interviewer(s) - Penelope Dunkley Quantity: 1 interview(s). 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.04 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7791. Number of interviews/events: 1

Date: 4 Jun 2008 - 04 Jun 2008

From: MAF Biosecurity New Zealand oral history project

By: Alexander, Michael David, 1956-

Reference: OHInt-0975-01

Description: Interview with Mike (Michael) Alexander, born in Napier in 1956. Talks briefly about his family and having moved every three years as his father was a bank manager. Refers to working for Firth Concrete after leaving school until he could start work as a farm cadet. Comments on deciding farming was not the career he wanted and working for 18 months as a driver salesman for General Foods. Refers to applying for a job as a port agricultural officer in 1975 and his first day in the job in Auckland. Discusses the training he received on the job, and numerous short training courses run by MAF (Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries/Forestry). Describes the uniform, working initially at the post office in Customs parcel post, and his duties there. Comments on being rostered on mail about four weeks a year, the rest of his time being divided between the airport and the port. Talks about procedures with incoming aeroplanes before airbridges. Refers to meeting incoming passengers, and to working in the air cargo section. Discusses duties at the port where the favourite job was vessel clearance, meeting ships before they docked and sealing stores particularly meat. Refers to the process for inspecting a ship's cargo, and searching for pests in cargos of produce. Talks about travelling for a period after working in Auckland for 18 months, and then going to Wellington where the team was smaller. Comments on the number of Japanese and Korean squid vessels and Taiwanese fishing boats using Wellington port and the language difficulties. Describes becoming a Quarantine Timber Preservation Inspector in Napier in 1981, the timber preservation processes in use, and his work inspecting the packing materials and dunnage with imported sawn timber. Talks about visiting a pulp mill, joineries and picture framers to give export certification. Comments on returning to Wellington after four years as an Agricultural Quarantine Officer. Mentions the MAF fumigation stations at all major ports and how the work is now contracted out. Talks about using methyl bromide and safety precautions. Talks about moving to a job at head office in 1991, and working on new standards for sites involved with quarantine in cooperation with the Australian Quarantine Inspection Service. Describes how ballast water became a biosecurity issue, and the slow progress working with the International Maritime Organisation. Refers to his auditing work, one of his first audits being on the system used for pre-export treatment of Australian tomatoes and oranges. Talks about going to Japan to inspect vehicles, and the inspection of grapes in California where weed seeds are a problem. Refers to restructuring in the Quarantine and Biosecurity Services in recent years. Reflects on his colleagues in the service, mentioning Julian Brown, Don Possin, Travis Flint, Charlie Brown, Neil Hyde, Albert Tolliday and Wally Robinson. Abstracted by - Erin Flanigan Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Accompanying material - Copy of interviewee's curriculum vitae with abstract Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001090 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.45 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual files - Microsoft word Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-001091, OHA-7296. Search dates: 1956 - 2008

Date: 18 Dec 2008 - 11 Feb 2009

From: MAF Biosecurity New Zealand oral history project

By: Cross, James Edward, 1942-

Reference: OHInt-0975-08

Description: Interview with Jim (James) Cross, born in Lincolnshire, England in 1942. Refers to growing up in West Bridgeford, his mother dying when he was 14, working on a farm after he left school and then attending a farming college. Talks about coming to New Zealand with a friend in 1964, meeting his wife on the ship, and working as a herd tester. Describes joining the Port Agriculture Service in Auckland in 1966. Refers to being given the operations manual and inspection equipment, training on the job and through courses, and the uniform. Talks about duties including ship clearance, cargo inspection, airport baggage inspection, and produce inspection for import and export. Refers to mail inspection at the main post office. Mentions the rostered work at Mangere Airport and sometimes long hours. Reflects on the working environment with a great variety of places, industries and people. Comments on returning to England in 1967 for a period, and then going to Wellington to work in the Service. Discusses joining the New Zealand Forest Service in Auckland in 1971 as a timber inspector. Talks about the work inspecting any wood coming in on ships, checking all wooden material in wharf sheds and bond stores for signs of insect damage, and ordering fumigation or destruction of infested materials. Mentions inspection of ships' dunnage for infestation, fumigation by commercial firms, and that he introduced a method of testing for successful fumigation. Refers to accidental introduction of the burnt pine longhorn beetle and it becoming necessary to fumigate all timber exported to Australia in the summer. Refers to the Timber Import and Export Regulations 1966 which governed their work, and the forms and certificates it specified. Comments that timber inspection originally started after termites arrived in telephone poles from Australia. Explains containerisation changed the job dramatically as shipping companies had to provide ship's manifests and access to specified containers. Mentions Australia requiring any timber component of a container be treated, but external coding of containers was often inaccurate. Refers to streamlining of container inspection processes to reduce congestion on the wharf. Describes doing the same sort of checking of freight at Mangere Airport, and Onehunga and Whangarei ports. Discusses responding to reports received from the public about insect pests, usually Australian termites. Comments on disputes over treatment chemicals for timber, the establishment of the Timber Preservation Authority, the registration of treatment plants, and travelling to inspect them. Mentions becoming senior timber inspector in Hawkes Bay in 1980 in a two-person operation, and becoming District Timber Inspector and Area Timber Preservation Officer in Nelson in 1983. Mentions this was a hands-on job as well as administrative, and dealing with infested dunnage being an important part of the work. Refers to inspecting fishing trawlers, with Russian trawlers being a great source of insects. Talks about quarantine services carrying on unchanged when the Ministry of Forestry was established in 1997, becoming manager of port operations, and praises his manager Alan Flux. Recalls trainees being employed to balance their aging workforce. Describes a trip to Vladivostok in 1997 to audit the Russian quarantine service after Asian gypsy moth had spread to Canada and Auckland. Comments on retaining his job when the Ministries of Agriculture and Forestry merged in 1998, with the import and export functions split between the MAF Quarantine Service and AgriQuality, and chosing to work with the former. Describes having to learn new procedures in the MAF manual, and the increase in computerisation. Reflects on the use of audits rather than checking everything and questions relying on the people unpacking containers instead of trained officers checking imports. Mentions his retirement and current contract work for AgriQuality travelling to other countries to audit imports from New Zealand. Recalls colleagues Harry Williams, Albert Cutree, Les Brunton, Len Greaves and Bruce Hanley and their diverse backgrounds. Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Accompanying material - List of Forest Service timber inspection staff by port compiled by Jim Cross in 2007 (2 p.), with printed abstract Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-002003 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) - abstract, form. 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s) over 2 days. 3.40 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHDL-002004, OHA-7303. Search dates: 1942 - 2009

Date: 24 Feb 1995 - 4 May 1995 - 22 Nov 1996

From: Hawkes Bay oral history project

By: Sinclair, Ronald Yelverton, 1930-

Reference: OHInt-0438-13

Description: Ron Sinclair was born in Eltham in 1930. His early life was spent in Taranaki where his father was a school teacher. Recalls being keen on sport, being dux, going to Ardmore Teachers College and teaching at Inglewood. Talks about when his mother died, his father broke his neck, his brother and sister were in hospital and he went to work on his sick uncle's dairy and cropping farm near Dannveirke. Recalls that this was 1952 and he stayed on the farm for twenty years. Mentions marrying in 1954 and having three children. Comments on his interest and involvement in church life. Recalls being a lay reader, being encouraged to go into the church and being ordained a priest in 1976. Mention his withdrawal from the Masonic Lodge and giving up divining water. Recalls working in the Anglican ministry at the hospital, putting a share-milker on the farm and becoming minister at Porangahau. Discusses the challenge of getting to know Maori, attending tangi, services on the marae and baptism of Maori. Describes a move to New Plymouth, family discussions and chaplaincy at the Taranaki Base Hospital. Recalls returning to Hawkes Bay to care more for his father. Mentions industrial chaplaincy and being minister at Hastings. Talks about his children's occupations. Comments on boundary changes in the new electorates, local body politics, art deco buildings and Jeremy Dwyer, Mayor of Hastings. Comments on parochialism between Napier and Hastings, the need to combine sewerage systems, the Hastings hospital and the proposed motorway. Mentions the growth of the local polytechnic and the move to degree courses. Discusses the Maori occupation of Moutoa Gardens, Maori sovereignty, the need for more consultation, the proposed Maori Council and Ken Mair. Discusses the first MMP election, the wait for the coalition, the power of Maori and New Zealand First. Comments on being retired but continuing with church work. Mentions Lions. Talks about the integration of girls into Te Aute College. Recalls training with the first women to be ordained in the Church, Cherie Baker and Bishop Penny (Jamieson). Talks about communion and the Church. Interviewer(s) - Pamela Lockhart Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2144. Search dates: 1930 - 1996

Date: 08 Jul 1994

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

By: Field, Sylvia, 1937-

Reference: OHInt-0330-05

Description: Sylvia Field was born in Sydney, 1937. Backgrounds education at school for deaf and blind, work experiences, marriage and emigration to New Zealand 1975. Talks about family and settlement in Napier. Details further schooling by correspondence. Mentions previous involvement with the New South Wales Association of the Blind, and registration with the Foundation for the Blind. Details Napier advisory committee and Merv Brown, influential in establishing an Association branch in the Hawkes Bay. Talks about interactions with Geoff Gibbs, and the Foundation. Discusses local Blind Club and their members. Recalls past presidents of the Napier branch including June Stead, Owen Wilson and Peter Dunlop. Mentions her position as branch secretary. Touches upon changes in leadership in the Foundation with the replacement of Wally Christiansen, and mentions Bill Bryan and Merv Wellington. Talks about Maud Hill, the Hastings Advisory Committee, the Hawkes Bay branch closure 1986 and reformation 1992 and the opening of an Assocation branch in Napier. Details current status of the Association and its relationship with the Foundation for the Blind. Mentions Foundation publication 'Focus on Rehabilitation', 1990. Interviewer(s) - Greg Newbold Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009785 Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3262.

Date: 24 Jun 2003

From: We call it home; State Housing history project

By: Tongi, Hamuera Hinana, 1943-

Reference: OHInt-0872-20

Description: Interview with Samuel (Hamuera) Tongi, born in the King Country in 1943. Refers to being brought up in National Park and Raurimu, and to his father serving in the Maori Batallion during World War II. Talks about being strapped at school for speaking Maori, and to leaving school when he was 14. Mentions working in a mill when he was 16, living in the single men's accommodation at National Park, and joining the army in 1962. Outlines being a truck driver, moving to Wellington, and working for railways. Talks about marrying his wife Janie in 1968. Refers to moving to Eskdale and living in a caravan with their four children until his wife got a state house. Talks about the neighbourhood where the house is, never having enough money to buy the house, and changes he would like to make. Mentions the relationship with tenancy managers, and Housing New Zealand being good with maintenance. Refers to having a lot of children in the house, and celebrating Christmas and birthdays with children and grandchildren. Discusses going back to the marae and teaching his children about Maori culture. Comments on his wife having a stroke and being the main caregiver, as well as having outside help. Interviewer(s) - Ben Schrader Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015667 - OHC-015668 Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 1.24 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5627 (draft). Search dates: 1943 - 2003

Date: 07 Nov 2000

From: Upper Hutt Uniting Parish Millennium Project

By: Dell, Raymond George, 1930-2012

Reference: OHInt-0593/19

Description: Ray Dell talks about membership changes and his role in the formation of the co-operating parish. Details his family's church going and his teaching of Boys' Brigade and Sunday School. Talks of ministers' appointments, multicultural services and church attendance. Recalls arranging bus trips, obtaining a bus licence. Relates giving advice through AGAPE Budget Advisory Service and talks of poverty and food banks. Interviewer(s) - Elaine Bolitho Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009259 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) - printed. 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-2982, OHDL-000939. Photo taken at time of interview

Date: 20 Jun 2000

From: Vintage years - the wine industry in New Zealand

By: Dunleavy, Terence John, 1928-

Reference: OHInt-0535/4

Description: Terry Dunleavy was born in Te Awamutu in 1928. Describes his family's moves to Hamilton and Auckland. Talks about his father working in hotels and running the Dominion Breweries shop. Describes attending Sacred Heart College in Auckland, a welding apprenticeship at Ellis Hardy Symington, a cadetship at State Advances Corporation and joining the Air Force before getting a job at the North Wairarapa Herald in Pahiatua. Talks about the editor Sandy Powell, local stories covered and becoming editor and manager himself. Mentions Keith Holyoake. Describes meeting and marrying kindergarten teacher Margaret Eising, his interest in sports journalism and getting a job with the `New Zealand Sportsman'. Mentions journalists and sports people at the Commercial Hotel. Describes an offer to run a small newspaper and printing business in Apia, Samoa, leaving Auckland in 1951 and spending seven years there. Talks about the birth of five of their children there, the newspaper's coverage and businessman Eugene Paul. Recalls a role in a Hollywood movie with Gary Cooper,` Return to paradise', while in Samoa. Refers to Aggie's Hotel. Recalls returning to New Zealand for the childrens' education. Discusses involvement in the National Party as chair of the Island Bay electorate. Describes moving to Napier to work for the Martin Printing Company and standing unsuccessfully as a candidate in the Napier electorate in 1969. Recalls printing labels for the wine industry and beginning to work for Montana. Discusses the three wine organisations in existence, including the Wine Council and lobbying the government for the Wine Institute. Mentions Frank Yukich, George Mazuran, Alex Corban, Tom McDonald and Mate Brajkovich. Recalls the wines Bernkaisler, Pearl and Cold duck and Montana's move towards making varietal table wines. Talks about Tom McDonald of McWilliams' experimentation with cabernet sauvignon and chardonnay. Comments on the emergence of wine writers, wine tasting in London and the idenitification of a New Zealand style by London tasters. Recalls the purchase of land by Montana in Marlborough and planting of muller thurgau, riesling, cabernet, pinotage and chardonnay grapes. Recalls lobbying the government about taxes on the wine industry. Mentions Robert Muldoon, George Green, Bernie Galvin and Lance Adams Schenider. Discusses the change in winemaking regulations in 1982. Describes becoming the chief executive of the Wine Institute. Discusses the 1986 grape pull. Mentions Brierleys, Bruce Hancox, Roger Douglas, David Lange and McWilliams. Recalls the involvement of corporates including DFC, the breweries and Brierleys in the industry. Mentions mergers. Discusses his role in arranging export activities. Refers to the Labour Government, Mike Moore, Tradenz and the formation of the New Zealand Wine Guild. Discusses the founding of the Food and Beverage Exporters Council and New Zealand participation in the London Wine Trade Fair in 1987. Discusses the Sale of Liquor Amendment Act and wine in supermarkets. Mentions Bryan Moggridge and Philip Gregan. Describes setting up his own vineyard, Te Motu, on Waiheke Island and the first vintage in 1993. Mentions his sons. Discusses setting up the industry magazine `New Zealand grapegrower and winemaker'. Talks about the lowering of the drinking age to eighteen and the Wine Institute support for ALAC in its advisory role. Interviewer(s) - Janice Aplin Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3117.

Date: 31 Jan 2001

From: Upper Hutt Uniting Parish Millennium Project

By: Shakespeare, Edith Bohannon, 1917-2015

Reference: OHInt-0593/43

Description: Edith Shakespeare was born in Napier in 1917. Gives reasons for changing churches from Brethren to the Upper Hutt Uniting Parish, St. David's, St. Andrew's, the Baptist Church, Church of Christ and subsequently Iona. Relates that she sang in the St. David's choir, travelling there by bicycle or bus. Talks of St. Andrew's becoming part of the uniting parish and mentions the loss of the church building. Relates her enjoyment of services at the Wallaceville Church. Explains her faith and prayer mentioning Rev. Archie Kirkwood. Mentions that her family have moved away from Upper Hutt. Describes the Hawke's Bay earthquake, her father's injury, being evacuated to Palmerston North. Describes the church she attended in Ahuriri. Talks of attitudes by various denominations to each other, mentions a variety of buildings used for worship. Recalls Mr. Purvis building a Sunday School in Trentham, later used for church services. Recalls big families of six or eight children. Talks of her faith at the time of her husband's death and during the illnesses of two children. Describes the treatment for her mother's cancer, being cared for by her older sister after her mother's death. Describes available medicines, dental treatment. Recalls knowing people with TB, polio and diphtheria, breast cancer. Explains that she was President of the Ladies' Fellowship, a Church elder and that she goes sit dancing. Relates her preference for old hymns and outlines the format of services. Talks of changes in numbers of young people attending church impacting on Bible classes and Sunday School. Describes changes in social life, church attitudes to dancing. Talks of women ministers, mentioning Ann Thomas and Doug Lendrum who took over from her. Interviewer(s) - Elaine Bolitho Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009298 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) - printed. 1 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3006, OHDL-000961. Portrait photograph taken at the time of the interview Search dates: 1931 - 2001

Date: 1988 - 01 Jan 1988

By: MacNab, Donald George, 1912-1996

Reference: OHColl-0794-1

Description: Jock Stevenson, Nancy Rees and Donald MacNab talk about their experiences during the 1931 Napier earthquake. The video includes archival photographs and film footage of pre and post-quake Napier. Also featured is Don MacNab talking about his paintings created in the aftermath of the earthquake Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHV-1009 Quantity: 1 videocassette(s) VHS. 25 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available. Transfers: From Drawings & Prints Collection - See also paintings of the Napier earthquake by Donald MacNab, held in the Drawings & Prints collection (A-354-015/020, B-155-018/025, D-011-022). Search dates: 1931

Date: 4 Feb 1984 - Oct 2000 - Apr 1979 - 01 Apr 1979 - 01 Oct 2000

From: Kendrick, John Lisle, 1922-2013: Interviews, recordings, photographs primarily relating to natural sound recording

Reference: OHInt-0834-099

Description: Three tracks: Track 1: Juveniles soliciting food from parents, flying with parents; distance 100-200m; Pureora Forest Park; cut over tawa-podocarp forest; some background noise, kaka; weather fine mild clear; recorded 4 Feb 1984, 1930 hrs. Track 2: Male announcing territory, female answers with lower pitch call; distance 2m; Wingspan aviaries, Ngongotaha Hatchery, Rotorua; slight wind noise; weather fine, moderate W wind; recorded Oct 2000, 11 am. Track 3: Adult male, sitting on perch in aviary; distance 2m; Hawkes Bay Naturalist Trust aviary, Napier; recorded April 1979. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHT5-1666 Quantity: 1 5" reel(s). 3 event(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other see catalogue cards 181. Search dates: 1979 - 1990

Date: 14 Apr 2005

From: Office of the Auditor-General History project

By: Martin, Donald William, 1921-

Reference: OHInt-0838-05

Description: Interview with Donald William (Don) Martin, born Napier, 9 September 1921. Mentions his father Percival Martin, who fought in World War I, was a farmer and later a foreman at the Whakatu Freezing Works, while his mother Ivy May Walters was born in England. Comments on growing up in Napier and Mangateretere including during the Depression, and his interest in sport, reading and music. Talks about attending Napier Boys' High School, and later studying accountancy and commerce extramurally. Describes serving in the Air Force during World War II. Mentions working for the Justice Department in Napier before and after the War. Refers to his marriage to Myra Pope in 1945 and their daughter. Discusses joining the Audit Department in Napier in 1949 and his work as an assistant auditor. Refers to his promotions, becoming Senior District Auditor c1972. Mentions the simple technology prior to the introduction of calculators and computers. Talks about changing methods of auditing as audits became bigger and it was no longer possible to check everything. Refers to the need for a good knowledge of local government law. Comments that the restructuring of the Audit Department happened after he retired, and on the independence of the Controller-Auditor General. Discusses Kevin Brady and other staff of the Napier office. Comments on the Society of Accountants, and on multinational accountancy firms and auditing scandals overseas. Other Titles - Interview with Donald Martin Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015402, OHC-015403 Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 1.51 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5583. Search dates: 1921 - 1949 - 2005 - 1980

Date: 28 May 1987

From: New Zealand Medical Women's Association: Records

By: Platts-Mills, Adah Hamilton Evelyn (Dr), 1904-2000

Reference: OHInt-0019/02

Description: Dr Adah Platts-Mills describes her childhood and family background, especially her mother - 'Dr Daisy' - a Wellington medical practioner, working in Wellington Hospital ca 1930, treating patients in the Napier Earthquake, working in United Kingdom at Ballam Hospital and Christchurch Hospital, Bournemouth. Discusses work with school medical service in Tauranga and private practice in Foxton, Levin, Palmerston North, Auckland and Whakatane, before setting up practice at Maraetai, patients with cancer, chellation, horses, her medical career and that of her mother, sex education, changes in treatment and diseases, views on fear and pain, and anaesthesia. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Neville Glasgow Venue - Dr Platts-Mills' home in Auckland Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001526 - OHC-001527 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.10 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 233.

Date: 12 Jan 1985 - 2 May 1985 - 12 Jan 1985 - 02 May 1985

From: NZOHA Sunlight Centenarians Oral History Project

By: Mountjoy, William Joseph, 1884-1985

Reference: OHInt-0004/06

Description: Describes his parent's background, marriage in England and emigration to New Zealand in 1878. Talks about the Mountjoy relatives. Notes that both his parents lived and worked at the Timaru Hospital until the birth of their first child, after which his father took on odd jobs, including the construction of the Timaru breakwater. Describes their move to Napier with the firm Palliser Jones, where his father was employed constructing the Napier breakwater. Talks about the home delivery of produce (bread, meat and milk), going to school at the age of three with his older brother, getting the cane in Standard 1 in preference to doing his homework, going to Sunday School and Bible Class and being in the church choir. Describes the family as Baptist. Talks about shipping going in to Napier, loss of life in the 1897 floods and transport, including the description of a landau. Describes local Maori and the Native Schools. Mentions moving to Palmerston North at the age of nineteen and working at the Sash and Door Factory. Venue - Porirua : 1985 Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Kenepuru Hospital, Porirua Accompanying material - Newspaper article Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 181. Search dates: 1884 - 1985

Date: 24 Nov 1984

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Sinclair, John Douglas Joseph, 1907-1993

Reference: OHInt-0070/16

Description: Jack Sinclair recalls his family background, childhood, influenza epidemic in Te Aroha. Describes education, joining the Te Aroha Post Office as a message boy in 1923, daily work routine, delivering the telegrams, the uniform, layout of the post office, delivering letters, learning morse, salary, work as a postman at Napier Post Office in 1926, social aspect of being a postman, work as operator at telephone exchange at Napier Post Office in 1926, discipline, female employees, work as exchange clerk at Hastings in 1927, personal service, waiting for toll calls, interest in radio. Recalls Napier earthquake in 1931, experiencing the earthquake, getting communications going again, digging for bodies, the impact on the post office building. Outlines duties as mechanician at Hastings Telephone Exchange 1928-1945. Mentions privately owned party lines and private linemen, slow promotion, the Creed teleprinter, trade certificates, interest in ham radio. Recalls marriage to Elsie Barclay delayed by Napier earthquake, duties during World War II at telephone exchange, Strowger automatic telephone exchange, work as chief technician at Nelson in 1945, radio telephones in taxis, playing banjo in the Garth Simpson Orchestra, social life, installing the automatic exchange. Mentions introduction of 111 emergency dialling into Masterton in 1958. Discusses duties as Chief Technician in Dunedin in mid 1960s, retirement, Jack Churchill of Post Office Association, retirement work in radio and television servicing. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Nelson Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - At Jack Sinclair's home at Stoke, Nelson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000774B - OHC-000777A Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 127. Black and white photographs as follows:. Jack Sinclair, undated. Installation staff at Hastings' first automatic telephone exchange, 1932. Installation staff at Nelson automatic exchange, 1951. Nelson Post Office Orchestra, 1953. Doug Skelton, Clay Cusdin (?), Jack Sinclair, undated. Jack and Elsie Sinclair on Golden Wedding Anniversary, 1981. Nelson manual exchange in 1950 Search dates: 1907 - 1984

Date: 7 Dec 1984 - 07 Dec 1984

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Harris, Albert Victor, 1895-1988

Reference: OHInt-0070/06

Description: Vic Harris recalls family background, childhood in Christchurch, education, early work cleaning railway engines and shepherding at Lindis Pass, enlisting for service in World War I and being invalided home, work for the Railways during the influenza epidemic 1918, joining the Post Office as lineman at Taihape Post Office 1918, fault work, transferred to Palmerston North as mechanician 1918-1924, checking relays, relationship between General and Clerical Divisions, work as senior mechanician at Napier Telephone Exchange 1924-1931. Describes Napier Earthquake in 1931, effect on Post Office and equipment,re- establishing communications. Discusses work as chief mechanician at Hastings 1931-1935, award of the P & T Gray Memorial Medal in 1933, work as senior mechanician in charge Remuera, Auckland 1935-1939, work as senior mechanician at Christchurch 1939-1946, a vigilance committee he was involved with during World War II, work as deputy superintendent from 1946-1950, the effect of having small local exchanges, work as superintending technician in both Wellington and Auckland up to 1958, retirement, work for the Fiji Post Office after retirement 1958 to 1963. Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - At Vic Willism's home at Pakuranga, Auckland Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000790 - OHC-000792A Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.11 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 116. Black and white photographs as follows:-. Vic Harris, undated. Vic Harris at a family wedding, undated Search dates: 1895 - 1984

Date: 04 Dec 1986 - 04 Feb 1986

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Walker, Toma Kite Moana, 1916-1992

Reference: OHInt-0070/24

Description: Toma Walker recalls family background, childhood home in Omaio, effect of tuberculosis on family, a drowning tragedy in 1900 at Motu River, learning English in school, childhood memories, Maori land ownership, secondary education at St Joseph's Maori Girls' College, Napier 1925-1932, the Napier Earthquake in 1931, the Houpoto Station Post Office, Maraenui Post Office, work as an assistant at Houpoto Post Office in 1937, post office duties at Te Kaha during World War II, telegrams, news of casualties, hours of work, access of people to telephones, mail, community work, working full time with children, Post Office as career, compares whanau today with the past, electricity, telephone exchange cutover in 1969 to automatic. Accompanying material - Copies of newspaper articles 'Cut-over to automatic telephones at Te Kaha' and 'Residents regret loss of human touch with automatic exchange' both in Opotiki news, 27 May 1969. Venue - Te Kaha Interviewer(s) - Alison Parr Venue - Mrs Walker's home, Te Kaha Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001259 - OHC-001260; OHC-001245 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.27 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 166. Search dates: 1916 - 1986