Places

Date: 1918 - 1925

By: Gregory, Frederick William, 1884-

Reference: E-499-q

Description: Ink sketches and cuttings stuck into album. Contains 44 cartoon sketches from army life and travels in Britain and France during World War 1, 4 pages of photographs of family members or friends(?) and of samples of signwriting, 18 leaves of cuttings of advertisements from overseas(?) magazines, 3 loose watercolours, and loose newspaper photograph cuttings (the last dated 1957). Newsletter of the Liberal Catholic Church, 1957, is one of loose items. Includes one sketch of head of wife Florence May Gregory on pedestal, and at least one caricature of her. Inscriptions: Album page - centre - (Inside front cover): Calling card :Mrs F W Gregory Quantity: 1 sketchbook(s). Physical Description: Sketchbook, 31 leaves, 303 x 245 mm, green buckram, ¼ bound in dark green morocco, spine cover missing. Provenance: Purchased from Anah Dunsheath, Auckland, in 1995.

Date: [ca 1908-1994]

By: Jacks, Harry, 1908-1994

Reference: MS-Papers-7167

Description: Comprise correspondence, drafts of poems, reflections, reminiscences and stories of his life in Rumania before coming to New Zealand, and of his wartime experiences, research papers on plants and agriculture in Germany, copies of his certificates in agricultural engineering and plant research from Rumania and France, and newspaper clippings of his retirement in Hawkes Bay. His work as a plant pathologist and tree and forest management specialist with the DSIR and Forestry Institute is not covered in this collection. Source of title - Supplied Harry Jacks was born in Rumania and after gaining qualifications in plant research in France, came to New Zealand in the 1930's, where he worked with the DSIR and the Forestry Institute. During World War II he served with 2NZEF in Greece and on Crete, trained commandos and served on special operations in Yugoslavia and Greece. Retired to his farm at Havelock North in the 1970s. Quantity: 9 folder(s). 0.10 Linear Metres. Physical Description: holographs, mss, typescripts, printed matter (Photocopies)

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: 06 Dec 1993

From: Maniapoto Archives Oral History Project: He Taonga Tuku Iho

By: Tauariki, Sonny, active 1992; Munro, John Leslie, 1919-2015

Reference: OHInt-0085-20

Description: John Leslie Munro was born in Gisborne, in 1919. Provides ancestry affiliations. Discusses early life with parents in Gisborne including father's work as a shepherd, chores, schooling, girlfriends, sports, social events and dances. Outlines poor conditions during the Depression. Touches on memories of the Napier earthquake in 1931. Recounts training and admittance to New Zealand Air Force in 1941 and further training in Canada and England. Describes bombing raids over Germany naming the Dam raid. Discusses return to New Zealand, marriage to Betty Joan Hill in 1948 and his children. Outlines community work, chairmanship of Mapiu School and time as Mayor of the Waitomo District. Talks about Maori affairs. Interviewer(s) - Sonny Tauariki Accompanying material - Abstract contains fascimile photographs of John Leslie Munro, his wife Betty Jean Munro, Waitomo District Mayor and Councillors 1991, souvenir programme of 'The Dam Busters' and biographical article on Squadron Leader L.L. (Les) Munro. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-013531 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 50 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4758.

Date: 20 May 2002

From: Otaki oral history project

By: Manz, Arthur Herbert, 1917-; Thorpe, Agnes Anne, 1939-

Reference: OHInt-0673-07

Description: Arthur Herbert Manz was born in Wellington in 1917, and his family moved to Otaki in 1920. Recalls his German grandfather, a cottage weaver, who after the industrial revolution worked in the railway workshops. Recalls his father, a cabinetmaker, who emigrated to New Zealand, worked on the Manawatu Gorge railway construction, helped build the Hutt Park Grand Stand, and toured overseas with the 1905-6 Wellington Bowling Club. Mentions that his father's ethnicity became an issue during World War I, and that his mother was of English descent. Mentions getting pneumonia walking to school, school life, not being able to play football, movies, stores, dances, music and parties. Mentions the tuberculosis sanatorium. Talks about the Otaki Maori Racing Club. Talks about education and training to be a teacher. Mentions beekeeping and the Hautere Defence Rifle Club. Describes a trip to Mount Ruapehu in 1937 in a Model T truck, mentions the conditions of the roads. Recalls joining Royal New Zealand Air Force in 1940 during World War II, and having to request exemptions from the Provisions of the Alien Control Emergency Regulations because of his German nationality. Mentions that his sister worked as a WAAF for five years. Talks about his postings, including Taieri, Wigram, Hobsonville, Waipapakauri, Suva, Florida Island. Mentions he was trained in being a flying instructor, night flying, and Tiger Moths. Talks about returning to teaching after World War II, at Waitohu School, and being principal of the Otaki Health Camp School. Mentions Rangiatea Church being built. Talks about the Otaki Rotary Club, the railway station, rifle clubs, his wife and children, fishing, and leasing land to Chinese growers. Describes the Otaki Brass Band and the people involved in it. Interviewer(s) - Anne Thorpe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-11054 - 5 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3864. Search dates: 1920 - 1960

Date: 4 November 1994 - 04 Nov 1994

From: The Men in Our Lives oral history project

By: Springer, Gilbert Randal, 1923-2004

Reference: OHInt-0406-21

Description: Randal Springer born Wanganui but spent much of his childhood in other locations as his father was a railway inspector. Recalls vivid memories of childhood and grandparents; life in Papakura in the 1930s; discipline, chores and illnesses; outdoor activities; moving back to Wanganui ca 1937 and river activities; working in cherry orchard originally planted by Mother Mary Aubert. Recalls rumours of war and mentions presence of German Jewish refugee doctor, Rosenbaum; desire to be spitfire pilot; call up for army service, with reference to Trentham Military camp and transfer to Air Force, Woodbourne. Gives details of war experience; travelling to San Diego and San Francisco and Winnipeg to participate in Empire Air Training Scheme; inflight radio operator training and training in gunnery in Sascatchewan; becoming part of bomber crew; first trip in `Halifax'; first bombing raid; night bombing in Kiel, daytime bombing of Regensburg and last bombing trip to Badauslau on 24 April 1945. Recalls various areas of employment after the war: Forestry work for New Zealand Forest Products at Tokoroa; efforts to be a weather observer; communications at Ohakea as civilian; forest fire control, with reference to bush sickness, forest fires and establishment of rural fire districts and implementing `proper weather stations'. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Susan Hawes Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007593-007597 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 5 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1919.

Date: 1940 - 1945

By: Bowden, Beverley, active 1994

Reference: PAColl-3704

Description: Voyage to NZ on Rangitane Dec 1939 - Jan 29 1940, RNZAF at Hobsonville, Rongotai, Bougainville. Quantity: 23 b&w photo-mechanical print(s) (ie photocopies made from album deposited on loan for copying).

Date: 1979 - 01011979

From: Oral History Collection of Peter Mathews

By: Wyatt, Jim, active 1914-1979

Reference: OHInt-0105-06

Description: Jim Wyatt talks about gum digging days North of the Wairoa River, diving for gum at the Kaiiwi Lakes, gum digging around Aranga and Katui before 1914, gum bleeding in Waipoua Forest, Zeppelin raid on London in 1917, gum climbing days. Venue - Dargaville Interviewer(s) - Peter Mathews Venue - Dargaville Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000375 - OHC-000377A; OHC-000378B Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - no abstract(s) available. Search dates: 1910 - 1979

Date: 24 Sept 1987 - 24 Sep 1987

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

By: Webb, Norman David, 1913-2005

Reference: OHInt-0003/20

Description: Norman Webb describes family background; father, Herbert Webb as pioneer in the early electrical industry; childhood; early education; life as an electrical apprentice at W B Alexander, Wanganui; details of staff; rudimentary power system in houses; umbrella aerial installations for early radio; electrical wiring regulations; standards; accidents; development of the Wanganui domestic electricity supply; staff at W B Alexander, Stan Terry, Roy Blewitt; education at Canterbury University studying for an electrical engineering (civil) degree; lecturers, J E L (Jelly) Cole, Percy Powell, Billy Darwin. Recalls work as a cadet for Hydro Electric Branch, Public Works Department, Addington; construction of sub station; function of sub station; as assistant engineer work on transmission supply of Highbank Power Station; wiring at Burnham Camp during World War II; the domestic wiring process; electrical hazards and safety; live line testing; reference to distribution engineer, John Stevens and assistant, Jack Fazackerley; restricted occupation during war; training as pilot in Tiger Moths; service for Royal Airforce 61 Squadron in Lancasters and Wellington Bombers; attitudes to survival and wartime lifestyle; parachuting after being hit by night fighters; capture; internment at Sagan as prisoner of war; transition to civil life. Describes construction work at Methven; construction village; details of erecting poles and running power lines; relations with farmers; isolation and social problems in the construction villages; roles as engineer at head office, Wellington from 1948; in purchasing section; fifteen years in sub station design work; attitude to head office; layout of Department; period of rapid change post war; rapid growth; personality of F T M Kissell; reference Bob Semple; personality of A E Davenport; social structure at head office; details of design of sub station; heavy post war demand; relationship with district engineers; background to promotion to maintenance engineer; role as inspection engineer, 1966-1968; travel involved; reference to Johnny Lough and Jerry Meredith. Discusses role as commercial engineer; work with the supply authorities; reference to Alec Heir, E B McKenzie, Phil Blakeley; relationship between the Electrical Supply Authorities Association and the New Zealand Electricity Department; rationing of power before the Cook Strait cable; power blackouts; recalls ministers of electricity, Tom Shand, Les Gandar, Brian Talboys, Lance Adams-Schneider; future of power generation in New Zealand; work at the Electric Supply Authorities Association after retirement. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Webb's home at 11 Corlett Road, Plimmerton, Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001702 - OHC-001704 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 270. Search dates: 1913 - 1987

Date: 15 May 1992

From: Women in World War II Part II

By: Quill, Pamela Barbara, 1920-2010

Reference: OHInt-0064/01

Description: Pamela Quill was born at Kairanga near Palmerston North on 3 October 1920. Gives details of her family background, particularly her parents, growing up on a farm, family values and events and the Depression. Recalls the importance of reading, music and religion. Talks about her social life, lack of sex education, going to school at Wanganui Girls' College and coming home and working on the farm. Describes meeting husband to be Paul Rabone at a dance and immediately falling in love. Talks about their courtship, his joining the Royal Air Force (RAF) and going to England and the outbreak of war. Describes the disappearanc of her brother who was also in the air force. Talks about Paul Rabone's encouragement of her going to England. Notes the ban on people leaving the country for personal reasons at the time and Pamela Quill's visit to Prime Minister Peter Fraser to get special permission. Describes her difficult trip to Britain in 1941 to be with her fiancee. Gives details of their wedding. Talks about living in England while he flew on missions, time spent together on leave, miscarriages, the birth of a daughter and his disappearance on a flying mission in 1944. Recalls expecting that he would turn up, staying in Britain until 1946 and returning to New Zealand on the `Rangitata'. Talks about the difficulty of accepting his death, her life in Wellington with her daughter and remarriage in 1948. Includes her own separate account of her relationship with Paul Rabone. Venue - Palmerston North : 1992 Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Venue - Palmerston North Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004735; OHC-004736; OHC-004737 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 840.

Date: 27 August 1993 - 27 Aug 1993

By: Smith, Keith, 1923-2010

Reference: OHColl-0066/1

Description: Keith Smith born Denniston, north of Westport but moved around the area as father, originally a miner, became mine manager. Gives a detailed account of an adventurous childhood spent playing outdoors and gives a history of his friendship with the interviewer, Harvey Hammersley. Recalls school days with reference to Mr Lambert, a school teacher at Aran School. Describes education at that time and compares class sizes then and now. Other aspects of childhood discussed include: whitebaiting at Cape Farewell Spit; illnesses and cures e.g. `brown paper and goose fat on chest'; diet - dried figs instead of sweets; travelling store; Ruamanga Movie Theatre and method of paying; father's serious accident and move to Christchurch where Keith attended Technical College at the age of 12 years. Describes World War II experiences in detail: joined Territorials, ending up in B Company First Canterbury Regiment, finishing April 1941. Reference to Captain Sleuth. Entered Air Force and after 4 months of night school was sent on navigation course to Rotorua and then to Canada on the `Matsonia'. Mentions presence of Armed Radar in the Pacific; more navigational training at Winnipeg; bombing course 1942 at Leftbridge near Calgary and shipping course 'bombing ships'; sailing from Canada to England on the `Louis Pasteur', a French ship which he describes. Recalls being at Bournemouth (England) with Australians and New Zealanders ca June 1943 when Cathedral was bombed, killing 38 men, with reference to Fok Fold Wolff? (Focke Wulf?) planes. Gives detail of aircraft, locations of bombing operations and loss of aircraft over a five month period. Refers to citation and receiving decoration. Talks about his own aeroplane, a Halifax, which had done `128 trips and had 128 holes'. Describes how it was on show in London. Compares Halifax aeroplanes and Lancasters. Explains how plane remained with him. Discusses post war occupations and the problems of finding work. Compares his job as a linesman with the Air Force. Venue - Christchurch Abstracted by - Gabrielle McLaughlin (Oral History Centre) Interviewer(s) - Harvey Hammersley Venue - Buttervield Avenue Christchurch Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005208 - OHC-005210 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other AB-1062 (consists of a printout from Kiwinet).

Date: 1943-1944

From: Cooper, Charles Stanley, 1920-1999: Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-11886-1

Description: RNZAF pilot's flying log-book, named 'Cooper, C S' and numbered 'I'. Contains details about pilot training schedules. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Transfers: From Photographic Archive - Cooper, Charles Stanley, 1920-1999: Photographs (PA-Group-00204).

Date: 1944-1945

From: Cooper, Charles Stanley, 1920-1999: Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-11886-2

Description: RNZAF pilot's flying log-book, named 'Cooper, C S' and numbered 'II'. Contains details about pilot training schedules. Some pages have been cut out of this volume. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Transfers: From Photographic Archive - Cooper, Charles Stanley, 1920-1999: Photographs (PA-Group-00204).