Places

Date: 6 May 1999 - 06 May 1999

By: Martin, Maureen Ellen Patricia, 1923-1999

Reference: OHColl-0458/1

Description: Maureen Martin was born in Hawera in 1923. Gives details of her Irish background. Describes how her father worked for the Public Works Department on dams and tunnels throughout the North Island. Talks about the Mangahao Dam Public Works Camp where Maureen lived in early childhood. Notes that her father was working as a tunneller on the Tawa Deviation. Discusses his interest in politics and the effect on him of World War I. Focuses on her childhood in the Khandallah Public Works Camp from 1928 to 1940. Includes detailed information about their home, family, school, games, camp and social life. Comments on attitudes towards the camp. Discusses employment after leaving school, particularly her work at the Prestige Hosiery Factory in Wellington. Interviewer(s) - Pip Desmond Accompanying material - Transcript of an interview with Maureen Martin by her grandson Liam Martin about the 1951 watersiders strike Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007157 - OHC-007159 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1763. Photos of Maureen Martin from 1926 to 1943; photos of the Mangahao Dam public Works Camp and the Khandallah Public Works Camp in the 1920s

Date: 13 Sep 1988

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

By: Smith, Sydney Maxwell John, 1926-

Reference: OHInt-0003/29

Description: Max Smith describes family background; childhood in Christchurch during the depression (1930s); discipline; chores; religion; family's politics; music; drinking; education at Waddington Primary School, Christchurch; Christchurch Technical College; social stratification in schools; holiday jobs; academic qualifications; recalls first job as draughting cadet, Public Works Department, Napier, 1944; Bill Milne, the draughtsman in charge; learning to print; filing of plans; salary; social life within Department; Bob Milne's anti-establishment views; reference to Jack Durie, 'Laddie' Lodge, Alex Dingle, Don Croll, Gordon Redwood, Dorothy Pilson; shortage of males due to the war. Discusses aspects of the Waikaremoana Hydro Scheme, 1939-1945, primative technology in construction; at Whangarei as engineering cadet; draughting training in road and bridge design; lack of machinery used in construction; R C Lough, draughtsman in charge; describes role of Public Works Department after World War II; negative attitude to public servants by public; contact with Maori; learning surveying; reference to Les Bell, Les May, Bill McMeekin; transferred to Auckland in 1946; reference to Bob Semple and his ten year district plans; surveys for underground railways, motorways, harbour bridge in Auckland; worked on Tamaki Navy Training Base at Motuihi. Recalls work at Mangakino; miles of pipeline; investigation shafts; finding concrete aggregate supply; single men's camp; social life; differences between tunnellers and other workers; division of Ministry of Works into workers and staff; graduation from the Engineers' Institution Course, Canterbury University, 1950-1951; role as assistant engineer, Ministry of Works in Taranaki; responsibilities; roading work; radar station. Describes becoming Engineer, Ministry of Works, Ohakune, 1953; climate; soil conditions; details of equipment; reference to Reg Hackett, Bill O'Hara; describes scene of Tangiwai rail disaster, 1953; road building in Ohakune area; planning priorities; roadmen as a 'breed'; attitude to work; reference to Bill (?) Blythe, Tim Whale, John De Lambert; living conditions; transport; availability of alcohol; two years in Head Office, Wellington, mainly bridge design; worked as Engineer, Hydro Investigations on Kaituna River, Lake Tarawera, Lake Okataina, Rangitaiki River, Whakatane River, Waimana River, Motu River, Waioeka River; trouble with Matahina Dam. Discusses first big engineering task, building diversion culvert at Benmore Power Station, 1959-1962; man management talents; details of diverting river; gained Stevenson Award, overseas research trip to United States; explains fundamentals of earth dam; visited Canada, Scotland; details of responsibilities as resident engineer, Aviemore Hydro Scheme; problems involved especially flooding; the 'hype' of building a dam; power shortages; relations with union. Describes work in Waitaki Valley as project engineer; unofficial mayor of Twizel; management style; social hierarchy in Twizel; conflict with Ministry of Works leading to early retirement; reference to rowing course. Venue - Amberley Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Smith's home at Sandhurst, RD 3, Amberley Accompanying material - Copies of newspaper articles as follows:- 'Breaking up a skilled workforce 'a disaster'', Evening Post, 28 Feb 1983; 'Staff dispersal seen as disaster', Dominion, 28 Feb 1983; 'Engineer sees policy as insult', Press (?) or Greymouth paper (?); 'Rundown of MWD a "national disaster"', PSA Journal, March 1983. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001870 - OHC-001873 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 290. Black and white photographs:-. Max Smith, 1988. Max Smith, Twizel, ca 1982 Search dates: 1926 - 1988

Date: 8 Jun 1988 - 08 Jun 1988

From: World War I Oral History Archive

By: Highet, Henry Ashton, 1892-1989

Reference: OHInt-0006/36

Description: Describes family background, early interest in sailing and yachts, education, first jobs, Public Works Department, enlistment in infantry, gaining a commission, transport by 'Ulimaroa', to United Kingdom with 16th Reinforcements, Sling Camp, Polygon Wood, Passchendaele, artillery and mud, casualty rate among officers, under sniper fire, wounded, evacuated to Boulogne, officers rest home in Brighton, profiteers, career of brothers in army, how he won military cross. Recalls the Second Somme, following German retreat, curious story of prostitute at Boulogne, relations with French and Belgium civilians, leave in Paris, venereal disease, Ettie Rout, morale after Passchendaele, relations with American troops, Etaples, the 'Silent Division'. Discusses post war emotional problems, career with Public Works since the war, rehabilitation, describes bridge construction around Napier and Gisbourne, marriage, coal rope-ways, recalls trips back to Europe to see battlefields, RSA, institutionalization in RSA home. Describes his invention of the P-class yacht, describes yachting days as a teenager in Wellington, and building of yachts from prewar to 1934 (first P-class?), building yachts and sailing at Whangarei, the 'Tauranga Class' yachts, winning Yachtsman of the Year in 1963, Bernard Fergusson Trophy, describes in detail various regattas, recalls supervising relief camp at Dannevirke during 1930s, other public work projects, building bridges in Fiji during World War II. Venue - Levin Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton Interviewer(s) - Nicholas Boyack Venue - Levin War Veterans' Home, Levin Accompanying material - Copy of newspaper article - '96 years celebrated', undated, unknown source; Obituaries:- 'Designer's legacy a yachting classic', Dominion Sunday Times, 5/2/89; Dominion 4/2/89; typewritten notes by Harry Highet about Passchendaele; handwritten notes entitled 'Approximate movements and work after retiring'. Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration. Physical Description: Textual file Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0478, OHDL-000326. Black and white photograph of Harry Highet, 1988

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: 13 Sep 1988

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

By: McLeod, Ella Margaret, 1921-2011; McLeod, Norman Colin, 1921-

Reference: OHInt-0003/26

Description: Ella Mcleod describes family background; childhood, particularly discipline, religion, education, alcohol, smoking, health; education at Karori Primary School and Wellington Girls College; employment, reference New Zealand Insurance Co; nursing training; nursing at Wellington Hospital; describes doing public speaking course - shyness; development of relationship with Colin. Colin McLeod recalls family background; father's work with the Public Works Department; childhood: discipline, religion, alcohol, smoking, music, reading, sport; education; enjoyment of school; memorable teachers at Canterbury University, Professor J E L Culls (?); practical work for degree; background to employment in design office of Public Works Department; service during World War II, work on coastal defences, army service in 6th Field Company ending war in Trieste, Italy, benefits of war experience, reaction to return to civilian life. Recalls work as engineer at Mangakino (1948 - 1960); salary at start; first house; J T Gilkison as project engineer; training; sense of community; describes Mangakino; workers' union; Householders' Association; reference to YMCA; Waikato Hydro Welfare Association; staff housing; social hierarchy; reference to Arnold Clark (?), Jim Macky, Bill Bell; first impressions; early feelings of Ella McLeod; importance of tunnellers; artificial nature of settlement; power shortages post World War II; shortage of labour; immigrant workers. Ella McLeod describes making own entertainment; harsh climate; cinema; babysitting system; clubs; community involvement; the infective hepatitis epidemic (1957); childbirth; lack of major health problems in community; few deaths; giving lectures to St John Ambulance, Red Cross. Colin Mcleod discusses worker turnover; single men's camps; strikes; the volunteer fire brigade; Maori integration and comparison of standards of living between Maori and Pakeha; details first strike before arrival; co-operative contracts for engineers; tactics of workers' union; details second strike in 1951; impact on women; fatal accident on Waipapa Dam and union reaction; union loyalties. Both discuss political feelings; Ella McLeod's membership of Wellington Hospital Board since 1974 and her public awards; her enjoyment of leadership roles; the effect of going to United States on both their lives; circumstances of Ella's appointment as JP in Mangakino. Colin Mcleod recalls trauma involved when Maraetai II was closed down in 1960; procedures for rendering site safe. Colin describes work as District Commissioner of Works, Hamilton (1964 - 1966); learning how the Department worked at district level; reference to P L Laing (Commissioner of Works, 1965 - 1969); involvement with local authorities; details of the Eisenhower Exchange Fellowship, 1966; work as Director, National Water and Soil Conservation Authority (1966 - 1971); reference to Water Polution Act, 1954; finding ways of issuing water rights; Water Allocation Council, reference to Chairman, Percy Allen; colleagues, Gordon Walker and Don McGill; work as Commissioner of Works (1973 - 1981); planning of Albany Development, Auckland; role; duties; ministers worked under; strain of job as Commissioner. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mr and Mrs McLeod's home at 8 Astor Street, Karori, Wellington Accompanying material - Copies of two brief typed CVs; Copy of brief biography of Colin McLeod in Notable New Zealanders, p 311; Copy of brief biography of Colin McLeod in Who's who, 1979, p 187. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001859 - OHC-001862 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 287. Black and white photographs of:-. Colin McLeod, 1988. Ella McLeod, 1988. Ella and Colin McLeod, Christmas 1964 Search dates: 1921 - 1988

Date: 5 Dec 1988 - 05 Dec 1988

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

By: Macky, James Henderson, 1913-2002

Reference: OHInt-0003/27

Description: Jim Macky describes family background; reference to 'The Macky Family in New Zealand'; childhood; practical work for civil engineering training; early interest in engineering; university training at Auckland and Canterbury Universities, early 1930s; reference to Professor Cull (?); role as engineer at Buller Gorge Railway, late 1930s, for Public Works Department; details of work of concrete technician; mentions 1938 election; reference overseers, Jim Delich, Bill Cadigon, Matt Heffernan; the compressed air operation in bridge construction; experience of the 'bends'; other major constructions; tunnelling; local rugby; reference to Mike Senior, Gordon Fraser, Archie Park. Recalls service in World War II, building railway depots in Italy and Middle East; methods of railway construction, especially completing railway between Beirut and Tripoli; sent to Turkey to plan bases for British army; malaria; marriage; role after the war as engineer at Kaitawa and Karapiro for Ministry of Works; penstock construction; reference district engineer Napier, Jack Gilkinson; role as mechanical engineer at Karapiro; describes Jack Gilkison; final quality of Karapiro job; lack of equipment; reference to Alan Scott, 'the best policeman in New Zealand'; labour mostly manpowered; conditions at camp; Jack Gilkinson's plans for Ministry of Works' camps; visit of Bob Semple and E R McKillop. Discusses reason for being sent to Maraetai as senior engineer in late 1940s; details of planning and mixing concrete; design of metal crushing plant for road metal; type of rock used; details of being in charge of the diversion tunnel; leakage problems due to ignimbrite; details of drilling and filling; Maori employees at Maraetai, reference Jack Judah (?), Mason McDonald, Kingi Taui, Fergie Ngatai, Joe Tairoa; problems with dam construction at Maraetai; establishment of Maraetai Scheme and village of Mangakino; dry summer of 1945 - 1946; trout fishing; the Mangakino community; how set up socially; reference to the Mangakino Hydro Welfare Association; social stratificaton. Recalls role as Resident Engineer at Maraetai; describes George Sherman, overseer; reference to Arnold Clark, Bob Brown, Sid Drinkrow; accidents; relationship with designers at head office; role as project engineer at Mangakino in late 1950s; trip to America to look at latest construction methods and equipment; repairing cracks at Whakamaru Dam; industrial relations; discusses Len Clapham and his effect on many building sites; reference Don Ross, Jock Barnes, Basil Jones; reference to Communists; reference to Sir Basil Arthur. Describes work as Inspecting Engineer in early sixties; work as Director of Roading; funding for Auckland motorway system; travelling; beautification of highways; describes ministers of works, Stan Goosman, Percy Allen, Hugh Watt; describes job as Commissioner of Works in early seventies; dealing with politicians; retirement; mentions being director at Tasman Pulp and Paper Co Limited. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Taupo Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Macky's home at 55 Birch Street, Taupo Accompanying material - Copy of brief biography in Notable New Zealanders, date unknown, p 278; copy of entry in Who's who in New Zealand, 11th ed, 1978; copy of retirement notice in Personal column of New Zealand Engineering, 15 Oct 1973; copy of 'Commissioner farewelled' from Works News, Vol 4, No 3, Spring, 1973; copy of handwritten notes relating to career and aspects of work. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001863 - OHC-001865 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 288. Black and white photographs:-. Jim and Jean Macky, 1988. Jim Macky, ca 1950 Search dates: 1913 - 1988

Date: 30 Sept 1987 - 30 Sep 1987

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

By: Fookes, Robert William John, 1919-1993

Reference: OHInt-0003/12

Description: Describes family background and childhood with reference to infantile paralysis, reading, religion, politics, alcohol and smoking. Recalls being taught at home and the courses available at Rotorua District High School in mid-thirties, the influence of the Meccano Magazine, the standard of training as a Clerical Cadet in the Public Works Office in Rotorua. Mentions serving overseas with the New Zealand Engineers in World War II, and studies at Canterbury University. Recalls work as a junior engineer at the Ministry of Works in Gisbourne and recalls the effort to catch up on building work disrupted by the war, the conditions of the East Coast highways, land and farming in the Gisbourne area, and heavy earthmoving at the Waioeka Gorge. Refers to job at Wairoa in 1952 where responsibilities were highway work, catchment work, public buildings and the winding up of hydro work at Lake Waikaremoana. Describes power design work, the complications, the relationship with architecture, communications systems, and the public interest in dams. Refers to move to Power Design Office, Ministry of Works and describes the amendments to design that occurs through the construction, the design of sub stations. Backgrounds the reason for Power Design Division being the responsibility of Ministry of Works rather than the New Zealand Electricity Department, the difficulties that the civil designers in Hydro Branch faced, and the attempts to move the Power Division back to the New Zealand Electricity Department. Discusses the planning of the hydroelectric schemes in the 1960s especially the investigations into the schemes, the collaborative system of consultation, the politics involved. Describes the P.A. Management Consultants investigation into the Ministry of Works in the 1960s, the reporting systems, the importance of freedom of action, the problems with 'prima donnas' and also mentions the staff assessment systems. Refers to staff numbers and stability in the Power Design Division over the years. Describes the issues of responsibility relating to being a Chief Design Engineer. Outlines the rules of design for a hydraulic structure, the qualities needed by designers, his experience in stilling basins. Also discusses near failures with design of hydroelectric schemes such as Mangahao, Arapuni, Waitaki, Waikaremoana, Pukari and Matahina. Discusses work as a consultant on a number of local body jobs and outlines the problems involved with consultancy. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Wellington : 1987 Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mr Fookes' home at 14 Cecil Road, Tawa, Wellington Accompanying material - Copy of article outlining appointment to Chief Design Engineer, from New Zealand Engineering, 15 June, 1971 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001675, 001676, 001677 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 262. Black and white photographs:-. Bill Fookes, 1987. Bill Fookes, 1973. Bill Fookes, c1955. Bill Fookes, 1953. Bill Fookes and Nan Cotter plotting cross sections in the field, 1951 Search dates: 1919 - 1987

Date: 17 Feb 1987

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

By: Bambery, Colin McIntosh, 1915-2008

Reference: OHInt-0003/02

Description: Describes family background, father's working life, and childhood memories. Discusses attitudes to music, reading, sport, religion and politics. Outlines secondary education at Palmerston North Technical College which he left in the Depression because he had to start work. Recalls details of job as apprentice electrical fitter at Mangahao Power Station for the Public Works Department of the Ministry of Works, including the standard of training, the living conditions at Mangaore, the characters among the staff, apprenticeship details, the noise in power stations and staff and pay cutbacks (Depression). Recalls taking City & Guilds of London exam and the important influence of I.R. (Robbie) Robinson (District Electrical Engineer) on career. Recalls Maraetai II, Marsden B power stations, the decision to build as coal/oil fired stations, load curve considerations when building power stations, and planning for power stations. Discusses geothermal power, and the Manapouri Power Station especially in relation to the controversy of raising the lake. Recalls some of the general managers of New Zealand Electricity Department and State Hydro Department, such as E.B. MacKensie, F.T.M. Kissell, A.E. Davenport, P.W. Blakeley, K.D. McCool (This material is restricted by interviewee). Outlines working for General Electric Co., U.S.A. in 1937 and work during World War II in Royal Navy and New Zealand Navy. Discusses subsequent career from engineer at Palmerston North and Mangakino to Head Office in various roles culminating in retiring as Assistant General Manager in 1978. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mr Bambery's home at 5 Kinapori Terrace, Newlands, Wellington Accompanying material - Copy of "Mr Bambery retires", from ED Newsletter, No. 48, Sept 1978; Handwritten notes by Colin Bambery referring to family, schooling, apprenticeship, war service, various highlights, post-war work, retirement activities, Bill Phillips, Manapouri Lake raising controversy. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001426 - OHC-001428 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0217. Black and white photographs:-. Colin Bambery, 1987. Colin Bambery at retirement function, 1978. Copy of black and white photograph:-. Colin Bambery, 1964 Search dates: 1915 - 1987

Date: 19 Feb 1987

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

By: Ritchie, Robert Francis Deans, 1909-

Reference: OHInt-0003/10

Description: Outlines family background and gives details of the personalities of both maternal and paternal grandparents. Continues by recalling father's personality, Robert Ritchie's early childhood memories and discipline in the home. Discusses his own and his father's political views and the importance of religion through his own life. Recalls primary and secondary education especially the teaching methods of the English Master, Barney Campbell. Describes his cadetship with the Dunedin City Drainage Board while studying for a B.Sc. at Otago University and recalls helping a surveyor lay out a street and the construction of a sewerage drainage system. Recalls, after graduating BE from Canterbury University College in 1931, starting work as a Chainman, surveying the Maniatoto Irrigation Scheme because of the scarcity of work due to the depression. Describes living in tents, the food, details of the survey, instruments used, wages and the social life. Recalls work as an Engineering Cadet at Waitaki Power Station, 1935-37, the first impressions of the site, the wind-down stage of the construction that he was in charge of and some of the identities such as Joe Watson, Power Station Superintendent, Dave Wallace, Chainman. Outlines work as Assistant Engineer at Head Office, Wellington, specialising in bridge and waterworks design, his interest in hydraulics, the checking of local body works, his lunches with C.W.O. Turner and his impressions of F.T.M. Kissel, Head of State Hydro Electric Department, 1924-46 and A.E. Davenport, General Manager, State Hydro Electric Department, 1948-63. Recalls work in World War II, mainly engaged in airfield expansion and as Engineer for the Rangitata Irrigation Scheme, engaged in the design of races, canals, stopgates, and diversion gates to irrigate the Canterbury Plains. Recalls Bob Semple, Minister of Works, 1935-41, 1942-49, whom he got to know quite well and describes various incidents involving Semple. Recalls time as Senior Engineer at Tekapo Power Station, especially the construction of the shield tunnel. Mentions the resentment of public works engineers to contractors doing their jobs. Backgrounds the use of geothermal energy as an alternative to hydro. Details aspects of research trip to England in 1955 to study the use of steam power and atomic power. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Lower Hutt Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Ritchie's home 14 Harbour View Road, Lower Hutt Accompanying material - Retirement notice in New Zealand Engineering, 15 April, 1971 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 225. Black and white photographs:-. Robert Ritchie, 1987. Robert Ritchie, undated (as a young man). Copies of black and white photographs:-. Robert Ritchie, c1971 Search dates: 1987

Date: 18 Feb 1987

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

By: Natusch, Gilbert Gardner, 1917-2005

Reference: OHInt-0003/03

Description: Describes family background, early childhood in which he describes reading, music, sport and religion. Mentions being brought up to enter family firm as an engineer but did not. Mentions Depression. Recalls early education at Eastern Hutt Primary School, and Hutt Valley High School. Refers to employment at Wellington Structural and Reinforcing Co. Ltd (Fletchers Steel) in mid 1930s before studying engineering at Canterbury University College, Christchurch and contrasts his course with that of present day. Discusses employment during World War II, first with the Civic Construction Unit, Fiji, then, as Engineer Assistant with the New Zealand Air Force in Fiji then New Zealand. Finished service in India and briefly worked in the U.K. before returning to New Zealand. Describes work as Engineer for the Power Design Office, Public Works Department (Ministry of Works) and outlines background to separation of the State Hydro electric Department (SHED) from Public Works Department (PDO). Describes the personalities of C.W.O. Turner, A.E. Davenport and Frank Askin. Discusses power planning decisions at this time, the relationship between PDO and SHED, and recalls C.W.O. Turner, Engineer in chief, 1951-62. Outlines the background to the Manapouri Power Station, and his (Gil Natusch's) involvement, and the controversy about the lake level. Recalls the Cromwell / Clutha river project. Discusses his work as an Investigations engineer at PDO, his involvement with Local Authorities Loans Board and the Committee on Local Authority Hydroelectric Development. Gives background to the development of the Ruahihi Dam and mentions low morale of the Investigations Office. Discusses future sources of power and government monopoly on power generation. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mr Natusch's home at 46 Ohiro Bay Parade, Ohiro Bay, Wellington Accompanying material - Copy of article about retirement, source:- ? Works News, p 33; another article about retirement from NZ Concrete Construction, Nov 1982 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001429 - OHC-001431 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0218. Search dates: 1917 - 1987

Date: Apr-Jul 1986 - 01 Apr 1986 - 01 Jul 1986

From: Nelson and Golden Bay Oral History Project

By: Spence, John Stockan, 1910-1993

Reference: OHInt-0053/31

Description: Jock Spence was born in Marton on 20 December 1910. Talks about his parents migrating from Wales to Marton and then Mapua and Harakeke where his father ran an apple orchard. Describes the family's move to Nelson in 1920 where his father worked as a joiner for Webley Brothers. Recalls the various schools that he attended with special reference to Nelson Central School and Nelson College. Describes leaving school and working as an office and store boy before joining the Publics Works Department in 1927. Explains his work as an engineering survey linesman, or chainman, building roads across Nelson and Golden Bay. Talks at length about the construction of the Westhaven Dry Road which was built by hand labour. Outlines the number of men working, problems of the work and the time it took. Talks about his marriage and living in a public works camp on the Takaka Hill. Recalls the births of his children. Talks about public works policy during the Depression and being laid off in 1932 when Public Works money ran out. Talks about the Depression, health and nutrition and family expenditure. Describes returning to this work in 1934. Talks about Keith Holyoake, Bob Semple and Uncle Scrim. Describes Puponga locals in 1935, Captain Sonny Tregidga and finding Maori artefacts. Talks about work on the Cobb Hydro scheme , the Sounds Defence Scheme during World War II and work after the war. Venue - Takaka : 1986 Interviewer(s) - Rosie Little Venue - Mr Spence's home at Takaka Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-003111; OHC-003112; OHC-003113; OHC-003114; OHC-003115; OHC-003116; OHC-003117; OHC-003118 Quantity: 10 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 10 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 593.

Date: 12 Feb 1987

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

By: Mill, Alexander, 1905-2003

Reference: OHInt-0003/07

Description: Gives some family background and early childhood information including early memories of Kelburn, the cable car, parents' religion and personalities, their attitudes to alcohol, smoking, discipline and politics. Describes early education, the gaining of a junior free place to go to Wellington College (unusual for a son of a tradesman), some of the teachers at the College, discipline at school. Mentions the minimal impact of World War I on family life and explains call up system, the flu epidemic of 1918 with the funeral corteges and trip to U.K. with mother in 1919. Describes apprenticeship with Harry Moult & Co. Ltd - a lift installer, state of lift industry at time. Outlines history of electrical supply in Wellington and mentions the Ford Motor Co. building in Courtenay Place and the building of Model T Ford cars. Recalls working for A.S. Paterson & Co, late 1920s, as estimating clerk then as registered electrician and refers to Mahakipawa Gold Mine, Marlborough Power Board and Blenheim Power Board. Describes working for father's electrical business during the depression in 1930s, living standards, payment, riots, problems with local electrical authorities. Describes joining ASEA Electric NZ Limited as a junior engineer, Miss Ethel Ford - book-keeper, and advising the Whakatane Paper Mills on electrical equipment. Outlines work as Borough Engineer at Thames Borough Council, refers to F.T.M. Kissel (Chief Engineer, Hydro Electric Branch), the problems of being in charge of blackouts in Thames (World War II), rationing of electricity. Refers to work as Consumer Engineer, Electrical Branch, Wellington City Council and recalls power restrictions, the relationship between local supply authorities and New Zealand Electricity Department, the Government takeover of all generating sources, the reticulation system in 1949, trams and trolley buses; mentions various personalities i.e. Leslie B. Hutton, General Manager; R.S. Maunder, City Electrical Engineer; J.K. Hooker, General Manager. Mentions religious discrimination at the Wellington City Council in 1940s and impact of city councillors on the Department (Stewart Hardy). Describes role as Director of the Electrical Development Association in late 1960s, the background to the setting up of the Association, relationship with supply authorities, information supply. Recalls post retirement years as Editor of Live Lines, attending various boards and conferences. Refers to background to the introduction of New Zealand wiring regulations in 1967. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Tauranga Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Mill's home at 32 Freyberg Street, Otumoetai, Tauranga Accompanying material - Copy of "Retiring from industry - Alec Mill", from Live Lines, April 10, 1971 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001443 - OHC-001445 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0222. Black and white photograph:-. Alec Mill, c1932. Copies of black and white photographs:-. Dorothy and Alec Mill, Golden Wedding, 1982. Alec Mill, 1971. Alec Mill, 1912 Search dates: 1905 - 1987

Date: 15 Dec 1986

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

By: Turner, Charles William Oakey, 1901-1994

Reference: OHInt-0003/06

Description: Describes family background on paternal side. Recalls childhood in Cardiff, Wales with description of housing, social life of family, religion, attitudes to alcohol, smoking and discipline. Recalls education through to tertiary level, especially the effect of winning scholarship to Grammar School. Outlines his background to becoming a mechanical engineer, firstly with an engineering apprenticeship with Bristol Channel Dry Dock Company while attending night classes at Cardiff Technical College to gain university entrance. Mentions World War I during this time. Won scholarship to enable him to attend university and graduated 1923. Describes problem obtaining work in the depression and after working as 2nd Refrigerating Engineer on SS Kumara, emigrated to New Zealand and obtained work as Assistant Engineer at Design Office, Public Works Department in 1926. Describes work on viaducts, bridges, flood pumping stations and also describes colleagues, J.E.L. Cull, W. Newnham and recalls in 1931 being assigned to examining buildings affected by the Napier earthquake to report on possiblity of demolition. Mentions studying for masters degree on earthquake and structural engineering at Stanford and University of Illinois, U.S.A. Outlines work as Chief Designing Engineer at Public Works Department with impressions of Bob Semple, effect of the war (World War II) on Department especially the appointment of James Fletcher to administer all branches of the Department. Outlines the establishment of the State Hydro Electric Department in 1946, staff involved, recruitment and problems with Ministry of Works' engineers resenting the Department investigating their dams. Relates the decision to amalgamate part of Department with Ministry of Works and subsequent problems with Arthur Davenport. Describes his role in charge of all power development, the construction of dams, forecasting and planning, the heavy demand on the Ministry due to rapid hydro development, the proposals for geothermal steam power particularly Wairakei and the politicians reaction to its potential. Backgrounds the Cook Strait cable proposal, 1956 and the political conflicts. Recalls time as Engineer in Chief up to 1968, the eight power stations built on the Waikato River and Roxburgh and Benmore in South Island, and various personnel involved at the time. Describes the development of the Manapouri scheme in detail including the involvement of Comalco, the Japanese, and the environmental impact. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Waikanae Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Turner's home at 258 Te Moana Road, Waikanae Accompanying material - Copy of employment details from Ministry of Works, giving salary, jobs and dates; Copy of retirement notices/articles from the Evening Post, 7 and 10 Dec 1962; Copy of list of publications; Copy of "Historic generating plants [pre-1900] (and part 2 - 1900-1910)" from New Zealand Engineering, October 1, 1984 and August 1, 1985. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001439 - OHC-001442 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0221. Search dates: 1901 - 1986

Date: 2008

From: Winter, Mark, 1958- : Digital cartoons published in the Southland Times and other papers

Reference: DCDL-0005794

Description: Shows the word 'GOVT' but the 'V' has dropped out of the word and is about to pierce an aeroplane below which represents 'Auckland Airport shares'. Refers to the long-lasting struggle over whether Auckland Airport shares should be sold to a Canadian pension fund. Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Date: 2012

From: Fletcher, David, 1952- :Digital cartoons

By: Dominion post (Newspaper)

Reference: DCDL-0022555

Description: 'The Politician' cartoon strip. A man brings a phone to a colleague and tells him that the minister wants him to release more funds for road maintenance. The other man asks where the minister is calling from, and the response is 'the bottom of a pothole.' Context: The Transport Agency issued an operating budget with a 2.3%, below-inflation increase in maintenance funding for roads for the next three years. (New Zealand Herald, 5 June 2012) Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).

Date: 27 Sep 1988

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

By: Duncan, William Munro, 1923-2008

Reference: OHInt-0003/23

Description: Bill Duncan recalls family background; childhood; education, engineering intermediate at Victoria University College; work in blueprint room as temporary cadet for Public Works Department, working conditions, Miss Kitty O'Neill, first impression of Bob Semple; reference C W O Turner, R G Caigou, George Lowe, Jack Bruce, J B Rowntree; processes of tracing designs; reference to engineering degree course at Canterbury University during World War II; practical work at Lowes Foundry, Hutt Valley. Recalls effect of manpower direction on students; on graduation directed to Public Works Department and designed roads, bridges, tunnels, water supply schemes; construction of Wellington Water Supply Scheme, tunnellers, accidents; salary as a cadet; engineering travelling scholarship to United Kingdom, 1948 - 1949, worked on two coal fired power station sites in Manchester and Braehead; discusses new ideas developed by Britain in steel construction; rationing. Discusses bridge design in 1950; emergence of pre-stressed concrete; risk taking by Public Works Department in innovative construction of hydro works ie diversion culverts and penstocks at Benmore; problems with Matahina Power Scheme; advice sought from Department from other sources; work as senior engineer working on the enlargement of the Homer Tunnel, deaths on construction of tunnel early in 1930s; avalanches; work as senior engineer at Roxburgh Power Station 1954, effect of using contractors; overseas contractors' problems with New Zealand industrial situation; role in dealing with contractors; issue of progress versus quality; power shortages in South Island; describes works camp; reference Hugh Watt, Minister of Works; details of facilities from Roxburgh transferred to Benmore; relationship between head office and sites; social life on sites. Recalls working on motorway construction in Auckland as District Engineer; problems of acquiring land for motorways; differences in road building compared to 1940s; geometrics for complicated interchanges; reference to Auckland Airport and big secondary school building program; role as Chief Design Engineer, Wellington 1964 - 1970; power planning procedures; shortage of qualified staff; departmental management; environmental issues especially Manapouri, Aratiatia, Tongariro; tentative plans for nuclear power. Describes becoming Assistant Commissioner of Works in 1970s; involvement in contract dispute work; problems emerging (environmental and Maori resource issues) as member of Water Resources Council; mention of the Commission on Energy Development; George Gair, Minister of Energy; became first Secretary of Energy Ministry; setting up of Ministry; oil crisis issue; public discussion of document, 'Goals and Guidelines'; reference to 'Think big' projects; plans for Maui gas; self-sufficiency touted; greenhouse effect as an issue. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Upper Hutt Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mr Duncan's home at 32B Whitemans Road, Silverstream, Upper Hutt Accompanying material - Copy of curriculum vitae; copy of 'Retired energy chief prefers sleeves-up role' from Evening Post, 14 March 1983; copy of 'Personal' column from New Zealand Engineering, Vol 33, No 4, April 1978; Copy of article 'Bill puts the icing on the energy cake: Public Sector interviews the Secretary of Energy, Bill Duncan', from Public Sector, Autumn 1979, pp 3-6. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001850 - OHC-001852 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 284. Black and white photographs:-. Bill Duncan, 1988. Bill Duncan, ca 1977. Bill Duncan, 1944 Search dates: 1923 - 1988