Places

Date: 16, 19, 22 Mar 2011 - 16 Mar 2011 - 22 Mar 2011

From: To the ends of the world - trans Tasman migration in the 1950s oral history project

By: Hodges, James Carroll, 1929-

Reference: OHInt-0991-01

Description: James Carroll Hodges, born at Invercargill in 1929. Backgrounds family history of immigrant great grandparents, grandparents and parents, their occupations, education, accidents and familial connection to local Maori Ngati Mamoe tribe at Colac Bay, Southland. Tells of muttonbirding season activities on the islands, personal links to Maori community, and childhood memories of his mother and maternal grandmother and siblings. Talks about family routines at home in his childhood, games and adventures with siblings and lack of material wealth. Recalls schooling with his Commonwealth medallist headmaster Jim Leckie, and impact of World War Two in the classroom and on local men, plus the family move to Invercargill where he was apprenticed for five years as a cabinetmaker. Talks about working on an Oamaru sheep farm and in Pukeuri freezing works before going to Wellington to take a ship to Australia at the time of the 1951 waterfront lock out. Describes voyage and initial experiences on arrival in Newcastle, working in Sydney as an egg checker and moving north to Leeton, New South Wales. Talks of work life there on a fruit farm, rice farm and at the Letona cannery. Recounts various adventures in the sun, heat, dust storms and flies of the harsh Australian outback climate. Comments on his first impression of Aboriginal people and attitudes of Australians to aborigines and immigrants. He reflects on his desire to assimilate as an average Australian, and his lack of homesickness and communication with home. Talks of seeking work in Broken Hill and Whyalla, where he worked as an engine fireman, life in boarding houses, and his first aeroplane trip to Adelaide and Melbourne. Describes his return to work in the Letona cannery where he met his wife and future brother-in-law. Talks about his wedding and the move to New Zealand in 1952, and how he missed his Australian mates. Describes pressure of renovating their home at the same time as working at a building firm and sheep station, thus missing the birth of his first child. Tells of their trips back to Australia and encouraging Australian friends to emigrate to New Zealand. Talks about his work as a builder and joiner until his lung condition forced him to take a job as a school groundsman and maintence man. Describes his life after retirement at 60, the end of his marriage, selling his home and living in a motor camp. Reflects on the importance in his life of his travel to Australia and the close friendships he made there. Interviewer(s) - Linda Hepburn Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHDL-001604 Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 2 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 printed abstract(s). 1 digital photograph(s). 1 electronic scan(s) of original black and white photographic print(s). 1 interview(s). 6.10 Hours and minutes Duration. Physical Description: Sound files - wave files; Textual files - Microsoft word; Image files - Tiff Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7448, OHDL-001605. Scanned B&W photograph of Jim Hodges in Australia in the 1950s; photograph of Jim Hodges taken at the time of his interview in March 2011

Date: 18 May 2001

From: Anglo-Indian lives oral history project

By: Leckey, Richard Edward, 1937-

Reference: OHInt-0562/07

Description: Richard Leckey was born in Gazaiabad in 1937. Explains that his father worked for the railways, talks about his transfers and recalls memories of Kotri, railway houses and servants. Mentions his brothers and step-sisters, his own schooling at Lawrence College. Recalls his experiences of partition. Talks of his sister living in New Zealand, followed by the rest of the family, and his father's money in India. Talks of his carpentry apprenticeship in Auckland and describes his various jobs with hydro schemes. Mentions his wife's work on a psychiatric ward, his work in the same hospital and at a freezing works. Mentions his returned serviceman's loan, wanting to buy land. Talks of Maori associations, his genealogy, the SAS in New Zealand and why he left it. Explains the changes in his religions and mentions Indian religions. Talks of his family in Australia, Pakistan and England, school uniform, western clothes, mealtimes and games played and mixing with Muslim children. Mentions club membership and cultural differences. Talks of his drinking habit, settling in New Zealand and outlines the differences in lifestyle. Talks about his property in Karamea, and interest in forestry, his carpentry and building. Awards/funding - Project received an Oral History Grant Interviewer(s) - Dorothy McMenamin Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008512, OHC-008513 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-2645.

Date: 31 Mar-20 Jul 1999 - 13 Aug 1999 - 20 Jul 1999

From: Southland oral history project

By: Donaldson, Emily Stirling, 1917-2007

Reference: OHInt-0464/06

Description: Betty Donaldson was born in Dunedin in 1917. Recalls seeing an aeroplane and hearing the radio for the first time. Describes attending St George School and playing basketball (netball) for the Southland Primary School team and the Kiwi Basketball Club. Recalls activities including kite flying, bird nesting and going to the beach, estuary and frog pond. Discusses transport, including trains and trams, the South Invercargill shopping centre, home deliveries of milk, bread and newspaper, trips to Riverton, Colac Bay, Te Wae Wae Bay and Monkey Island. Describes in detail the township of Orepuki in the 1920s and 1930s. Recalls her grandparents. Summarises her sporting career including being a member of the Southland Basketball (Netball) Team from 1936-1942, being a referee, coach and Southland selector, starting a cricket club and being in the New Zealand Women's Cricket Team. Describes attending the Empire Games in 1938. Gives some details of New Zealand representatives at this event. Describes being in the Womens War Service Auxiliary during the war, applying for the Women's Auxiliary Air Force, being posted to Taieri, nightflying duties and training at Levin. Recalls flying in Tiger Moths and in an Oxford. Talks about meeting Harry Donaldson and marrying him in 1950. Describes the effect of two wars on her mother. Mentions having four sons. Describes her introduction to local body affairs, doing research on South Invercargill, working to upgrade the area in the 1970s, zoning changes and ninety nine year leases. Discusses opposing the use of reclaimed land in the Invercargill Estuary for industry. Talks about public meetings and the people involved. Describes the passing of a resolution changing the Invercargill District Scheme and the effect on housing. Discusses the schemes of the National Housing Improvement Area (NIA), working with Town Planning Officers, endowment funds and urban renewal. Mentions the involvement of Warren Cooper, Eve Poole, Mark Peck and Tim Shadbolt. Discusses the appointment of a Council Committee for the South Invercargill Rejuvenation Project. Talks about the Invercargill District Plan and the Resource Managment Act (RMA). Discusses her submission on the proposed District Plan and a second submission accepted by the Council . Comments on the hearing of submissions. Interviewer(s) - Beth Cairns Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008607 - OHC-008611 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 5 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2683.

Date: 5 Oct 1998 - 05 Oct 1998

From: Southland oral history project

By: Tuckey, James William Luke, 1925-; Ward, Kay, active 1998

Reference: OHInt-0464/17

Description: Bill Tuckey was born in Invercargill in 1925. Gives details of his family's background and his education. Describes working for McKerras and Hazlett, grocery and liquor merchants, and H and J Smith's department store. Discusses competition with Thomson and Beattie and Herbert Haynes. Describes the Lamson system of cylinders with cash and charge slips sucked through overhead pipes to the office to be actioned. Mentions his wife Nancy worked in the shop office. Gives details of his residential addresses, moving house, incidents at school, his mother and her cows. Talks about his interest in gardening, reading, rugby, softball, golf and family. Recalls businesses in the central business district during the early years of his working life. Interviewer(s) - Kay Ward Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008620 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other brief abstract OHA-2694. Bill Tuckey as a young man and in a contemporary photo

Date: 01 Jun 2001

From: The quality of life for older women oral history project

By: Hilliard, Maureen Patricia, active 1998-2001

Reference: OHInt-0523/01

Description: Pat Hilliard talks about owning freehold properties, living in a retirement village and managing her mortgage on government superannuation. Explains about property maintenance of her current home. Discusses her normally good health and a recent hospital experience. Relates her eating habits, diet and enjoyment of cooking. Recalls the hearty food she provided for her children when living in the colder climate of Bluff and Invercargill. Mentions activities with her grandchildren. Talks about her exercise and social contacts. Names the entertainment group of the Country Women's Institute, Invercargill Operatic Society, delivering Meals-on-Wheels, choir membership, helping at Longview Resthome and teaching adults to read. Discusses driving her car and the convenience of the local transport. Describes how care and craft meetings are run, her role as a volunteer and describes the people who attend. Explains about her retirement at 55 and subsequent jobs taken until she was 60. Talks of her schooling, attitudes towards older women and the responsibilities of women living alone. Recalls her mother's stroke and caring for her as the youngest of six daughters. Talks of the long life span of family members. Interviewer(s) - Isobel Munro Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009083 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA 2880.

Date: Mar 1966 - 01 Mar 1966

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

Reference: OHInt-0834-053

Description: Bird running along giving call; distance 4m; Invercargill Airport, grass verges of runways. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHT5-1618 Quantity: 1 5" reel(s). 1 event(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other see catalogue card 338. Search dates: 1966

Date: 22 Nov 1997

From: Citizens Advice Bureaux oral history project

By: Hanlen, Trish, active 1980-1997

Reference: OHInt-0443-04

Description: Trish Hanlen recalls moving to Tokoroa when her husband had been appointed the manager of Radio Forestland in Tokoroa. Backgrounds her involvement with the Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) ca 1980. Recalls getting the information system running. Refers to Julia Stewart, a journalist at the time. Talks about the hard work of fundraising and the financial struggle. After five years in Tokoroa husband was transferred with Radio New Zealand to Invercargill and Trish became involved with CAB down there. Mentions surprise at having to train again and gives reasons. Compares both centres and the variation in problems. Backgrounds the setting up of teams to deal with different problems and describes own team, Consumer Complaints service. Refers to the Sale of Goods Act. Also refers to the `Suitcase Bureau' which was first developed in Alexandra and mentions Lynley Sanders. Talks about the difficulties of the South Island Region. Recalls being elected onto General Committee and being the South Island regional representative for 1989 when husband was again transferred to Rotorua. Refers to Joan Mattingley and her tremendous contribution to bringing back information from Britain on the British CABs. Also refers to Mary Jane Rivers and Marilyn Peterson. Others mentioned include Margy-Jean Malcolm and Kieren Renny. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Fran O'Keefe-Jones Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009633 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3124.

Date: 28 Apr 2006 and 29 Apr 2006 - 28 Apr 2006 - 29 Apr 2006

From: Dunedin Dancing Competitions oral history project

By: Scandrett, Glenys Anne, 1938-

Reference: OHInt-0812-03

Description: Born in Westport, 1938. Discusses family background and family life in Westport - talks about moving to Dunedin. Refers to the family's history of dancing and music. Talks about beginning classes with Lily Stevens at the age of eight - recalls the studio and her classmates. Describes Lily's teaching style - mentions pianist Eli Gray Smith. Details the clothing and costumes she wore - mentions that pointe shoes had to be ordered from England at the time. Recalls Lily's character - discusses the influence she had on dancing in Dunedin. Talks about Lily's training and how she started teaching - mentions Anna Pavlova. Discusses Lily's choreography. Details the dances Lily choreographed for the Solo Seal exam - recalls dancing as a Shadow and describes the avant-garde nature of the costumes. Recalls the big recitals held at Mayfair Theatre. Talks about going to study at the Borovansky School in Melbourne - mentions her teacher Martin Reubenstein. Talks about being fifteen and living in Melbourne. Discusses her reasons for returning to New Zealand after a year. Talks about her marriage and becoming a dance teacher - mentions Valerie Bailey and Erica Stevenson. Discusses teaching in Green Island - describes the studio she taught in. Talks about her teaching partnership with Dawn Robinson. Details the process of choreographing the dance competitions - talks about the importance of having live music accompaniment. Talks about feeling stifled by life in suburbia - discusses leaving it all behind. Discusses the challenge of juggling her art with being a wife and mother. Talks about her reasons for giving up teaching in the 1970s - mentions leaving her marriage around this time. Discusses this new phase in her life - talks about finding a flat and working at the Fortune Theatre in Dunedin. Describes the response from family and friends. Discusses her reasons for moving to Australia. Talks about her work in the hotel industry. Mentions her daughters Jackie and Loryn. Talks about beginning teaching again upon her return to Dunedin - discusses the Royal Academy of Dance syllabus. Mentions Robyn Sinclair. Talks about teaching American Jazz Tap for the British Ballet Association - discusses the differences between the British Ballet Association and the Royal Academy of Dance. Talks about teaching in Invercargill - discusses the competitions her students dance in and how the sections are judged. Mentions the British Ballet Association Alicia Markarova Awards. Talks about the Bluff Oyster Festival which she has choreographed for the last four years - describes the terrible weather they had in the first two years. Talks about past themes - details one year when the children were dressed up as penguins and were blown off the stage by the wind. Discusses the process of making up a dance - talks about finding the right music and the importance of the costume. Describes where she get inspiration for her choreography. Discusses the upcoming end-of-year recitals and talks about her possible retirement. Abstracted by - Lyne Pringle Interviewer(s) - Lyne Pringle Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-014833 - OHC-014835 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 2.40 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5370.

Date: 3 Jul 2003 - 03 Jul 2003

From: Oral history of cycling in New Zealand

By: Tall, Lawrence Edward, 1926-

Reference: OHInt-0783-15

Description: Interview with Laurie Tall born 1926 in Bluff, Invercargill. Talks about becoming involved in cycle racing with Harry Hubber and Ian Fergusson at the age of 17 years. Recalls several of his wins and various tracks he raced on including the Kew Bowl. Mentions the formation of the Otago Southland Centre and the Waikiwi Club. Talks about his experiences as the coach for the Southland team. Recalls Southland hosting the 1964 New Zealand Championships and winning. Discusses the physical and psychological aspect of training, racing rules and the various controversies including drugs and riders competing for cash. Recalls his involvement in the first Tour of Southland in 1956. Talks about the history of the Tour of Southland from its earlier version called Tour de Southland in the 1930s. Mentions cyclists including Warrick Dalton, Tino Tabak, Brian Fowler and Max Langshaw. Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4163. Colour photograph of Laurie Tall Search dates: 1926 - 2003

Date: 2 May 2006 - 02 May 2006

From: Office of the Auditor-General History project

By: Spencer, Alan Morton, 1939-; Fowke, Susan, 1944-2017

Reference: OHInt-0838-08

Description: Interview with Alan Spencer, born Crayford, Kent, 24 January 1939. Talks about his family background and early childhood during World War II in southeast London and Cheshire. Explains his early interest in geography and travel - by bicycle in Britain and by motorcycle in New Zealand. Refers to meeting his wife Jan Gash in 1962 through a church group, marrying in 1964, and their three children. Mentions getting a job as an audit clerk in a London accountancy firm after leaving school, and deciding to emigrate to New Zealand to avoid national service. Discusses being accepted for a public service assisted immigrant scheme and being allocated to the Audit Department when he arrived in Wellington. Describes working in the Credit Section and then briefly in Public Accounts before going to the New Plymouth District Office and later to Invercargill. Talks about the culture in the Department and about living in boarding houses. Discusses the work of district offices, the travel involved, and auditing local bodies. Talks about returning to Head Office, Wellington as an assistant auditor in the Local Bodies Branch in 1967, working with legislation, particularly the Local Authorities (Members' Interests) Act, and being introduced to the reporting side of the Office. Mentions moving to the Public Accounts Section in 1972, and explains the 'Controller' function of the Auditor-General. Refers to a secondment to Treasury for two years to design a new centralised government accounting system - a computerised system that required departments to take more responsibility for their accounting. Mentions that a large part of his work of the last 20 years of his career was report writing - including the Annual Report to Parliament. Discusses auditors-general in his time and refers to the restructuring of the department under Jeff Chapman into policy and operational arms. Mentions the Public Audit Act 2001 and attempts by Treasury and some members of parliament to reduce the role of the Office. Discusses controversies over members of parliaments' priviledges and advertising by government agencies, referring to the fact that the Auditor-General can only report and has no power of enforcement. Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-015410, OHC-015411, OHC-015412, OHC-015413 Quantity: 1 printed abstract(s). 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 3.29 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-5586. Colour and B&W portraits Search dates: 1939 - 1958 - 2006 - 2004

Date: 15 Jun 1985

From: NZOHA Sunlight Centenarians Oral History Project

By: Mackley, Garnet Hercules, 1883-1986

Reference: OHInt-0004/04

Description: Talks about being born in Port Chalmers and moving to Invercargill where his father owned a butcher's shop before becoming General Manager of the Southland Freezing Company (Southland Frozen Meat Company). Describes the family home at Makarewa. Notes that his father was responsible for sending off the first cargo of frozen meat in 1884. Describes his parents and schooling as strict and proper. Mentions that he was one of 13 children. Describes wagging school to spend time at the blacksmith's shop. Talks about family politics and political connections. Notes that he was not allowed to be a jockey but became a nurseryman and then a railway cadet in Otautau in 1900. Talks about meeting his wife-to-be, Isabel Robertson, while station master at Heriot and marrying her in 1914. Venue - Te Kuiti : 1985 Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Te Kuiti Accompanying material - three newspaper articles about Garnet Mackley Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 178. Portrait photograph of Garnet Mackley in 1914 ; portrait photograph of Garnet Mackley about the time of the interview Search dates: 1883 - 1985

Date: 28 Nov and 5 Dec 1984 - 28 Nov 1984 - 05 Dec 1984

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Reid, Maurice Sydney, 1910-1992

Reference: OHInt-0070/13

Description: Maurice Reid recalls his family background and childhood in Invercargill, education, joining the Invercargill Post Office in 1924 as a message boy, layout of the post office, his first day, the chief clerk - Mr Blick, duties, salary, bicycles, dismissals, training in morse, work in the telegraph branch in Invercargill, telecommunications in the district in the 1920s, the telephone versus the telegraph, status of the postmaster, female employees in the Post Office, Maori employees, importance of good handwriting. Describes why he had no desire to be a telegraphist, work as an exchange clerk at Woodlands Post Office in 1929, effect of the Depression in 1930s, work as an exchange clerk at Invercargill Post Office in 1933, discipline, salary, work as a postman in 1936, work as a lineman in 1937, the exams, duties, type of men working as linemen, erecting poles, digging holes, wire tension, effect of weather, relationship between the general and clerical staff, social life, brief Army service during World War II - most line staff not released by Post Office, work as foreman in charge of lines in Gore late 1940s, duties, work as senior foreman at Invercargill early 1950s, details of job. Talks about work as lineman overseer for Clyde District in the 1950s, size of district, transport, duties, effect of snow breaks in Canterbury in 1945, difficult lines, callouts for faults, climbing poles, work as overseer for Invercargill District in early 1960s, describes area, interest in early telephone history, work as a delegate to the Post and Telegraph Association, union and administration friction in 1930s, relationships between the union and the Directors General, work as inspector of lines in Wellington in early 1960s, duties, work on submarine cable at Stewart Island, Foveaux Strait, retirement. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Plimmerton Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - At Maurice Reid's home at Plimmerton, Wellington Accompanying material - Example of handwriting mentioned on Side B of tape one Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000784 - OHC-000786 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.58 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 124. Black and white photographs as follows:. Maurice Reid at Whatamonga Bay, Queen Charlotte Sound. Maurice and Verena Reid, ca 1940. Maurice Reid, 1980 Search dates: 1910 - 1984

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

Date: 19-24 September 1990 - 19 Sep 1990 - 24 Sep 1990

From: Womens Division Federated Farmers Oral History Project, Southland

By: Wachner, Mabel Christina, 1892-2001

Reference: OHInt-0116/1

Description: Mrs Mabel Christina Wachner born at Dillmanstown, Westland. Outlines family background - father was a goldminer - mother trained as a teacher. Recalls childhood memories: being allowed to watch the `Washup' and seeing how much gold was there; family move to Kumara; Queen Victoria's funeral; Mr Seddon's first speech on being elected; Flu epidemic; marriage in Wellington by the Rev Taylor; setting up business in Invercargill with reference to Ross and Glendinnings; husband's time as Mayor of Invercargill; correspondence with Lord Montgomery for 23 years and being chairperson of the Patriotic Committee and the Lady Galway Guild. Mentions that sister, Eva, corresponded with author, Somerset Maugham for many years. Recalls attending Business and Professional Womens Conference in Germany. Interviewer(s) - Edith Ruddenklau Venue - Vickery Road, North Road, Invercargill Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-003162 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 23 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0600.

Date: 06 Dec 1985

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: McBride, Robert Dryden, 1910-1986

Reference: OHInt-0070/19

Description: Robert McBride recalls family background, childhood, joining Post Office as a cadet, duties, life as a boarder in Wellington, salary, checking telephone accounts, sorting postal notes, discipline, hours of work, sick leave, annual leave, work at the public service garage in ca 1930, duties, staff, Post Office fleet, motor repairs, work as assistant dispatch clerk, impressions of Napier after the earthquake in 1931, mail service contracts, reasons for transferring to Chief Postmaster's Office Dunedin - Clerical Branch, Ted Kerr, work at Post Office Savings Bank Dunedin, telegram dispatch room, work involved, the 1935 greetings telegram deluge. Describes transfer to Invercargill 1936-1958, type of work, missing mail, mail deliveries, salaries during Depression 1930s, inspectors, details of records work, enlisting in 1940 for service in World War II, work in Divisional Signals as radio operator in Italy and Egypt, involved in Battle of Sidi Rezegh, radio reception difficulties at Cassino, return to clerk in mail services in Invercargill in 1946, changes after the war, work as manager at Invercargill Post Office ca 1956, reporting system, work as Manager of Dunedin Post Office 1958, work as manager at Christchurch Post Office in 1959, background to appointment as Chief Postmaster at Timaru in 1960, state of discipline, staff relations, introduction of decimal currency in 1967, major changes in the Post Office, impressions of J B Darnell and Sir Dawson Donaldson (Directors General), retirement. Venue - Timaru Interviewer(s) - Alison Parr Venue - Robert McBride's home at 116 Wai-iti Road, Timaru Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001249 - OHC-001251 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.27 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 159. Search dates: 1910 - 1985

Date: 26 Mar 1985

From: NZOHA NZ State Dental Nurses Institute 50th Jubilee Oral History Project

By: Henry, Eileen Mary, 1921-2007

Reference: OHInt-0054/10

Description: Discusses family background; early childhood in London, emigration to New Zealand; childhood in Dunedin; education Fircroft Road School, London, Glenleddi (Glenledi ?) School, Milton, Maori Hill Primary School, Dunedin and Otago Girls' High School; problems with being left-handed; politics, religion; dental nurse training school, Wellington; moral lessons; accommodation at the Mansion, Ghuznee St, room mates; high dropout rate; hostel life; fellow students; dentists' attitude to dental nurses. Talks about the volume of work; extractions; pain of patients; salary; first clinic at Hawera - contact with Maori population; relieving in Opunake; VAD training in World War II; NZ State Dental Nurses' Institute; clinic at New Plymouth and then Invercargill; dental clinic committees; inspections; health problems and mercury; characteristics of school dental nuses; return to dental nursing in 1964; job satisfaction. Access Contact - See oral history librarian Venue - Invercargill Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mrs Henry's home in Invercargill Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000682/000683/000684 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 47. Three b&w photos. Portrait, 1941; at North School Dental Clinic, Invercargill, ca 1944; portrait, 1981.

Date: 27 June 1983 - 27 Jun 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: McKellar, Bertha Winifred, 1890-1991

Reference: OHInt-0096/21

Description: The main reason for including Mrs McKellar in the Customs project was because her husband was Gerald F McKellar who joined Customs in Dunedin in 1900 and was Collector, Dunedin from 1935 to 1944. Bertha Winifred McKellar (nee Tarlton) born Winton 1890. Gives some family background - father, William Maurice Tarlton was bank manager at Winton. Paternal grandfather, William Francis Tarlton who was Rector of a London Boys' High school, came to New Zealand, taught at Woodlands for a spell before joining the Legislative Department. Describes childhood ; social life, with reference to Mother's `At Home Days'; discipline; childhood pastimes and social divisions; Chinese and the gold mining in the Orepuki district; early Invercargill; Prohibition (1910); Hokonui whiskey; rivalry between the Orange and the Green Irish factions at Wreys Bush; religion which was important to family. Talks about her Pharmacy training in a chemist shop and how unusual it was for a woman to have been accepted for such training. Mentions lack of motorised transport until after marriage and recalls trips with pony and gig and horseback. Refers to the old model Ford car. Recalls how she met husband, Gerald Forbes McKellar. Talks about husband's early days in Customs (1900) and his involvement in sport, touring Australia as an All Black 1910 and their marriage in 1913. Recalls the wreck of the Tyrone when half the ship sank and Gerald's duties of checking the cargo being unloaded from the other half. Also recalls the sinking of the `Manuka' off Long Beach. Mentions Captain Prince, a whaling captain, and his house in Riverton, with reference to smuggling. Recalls memories of World War I and living at Tairoa Heads where husband was an officer in the Territorial Port Chalmers Garrison. Refers to a German, Oscar Coburger. Describes flu epidemic (1918). Recalls husband's return to Customs and mentions personalities: Mr Anderson; Mr Lewis; Mr Tylee; Peter Dodds; Henry Diarch (?) Dr Craig; George Craig and Mr Good. Talks about Import Licensing; use of warrant and ferry checks. Discusses Depression (1930s); Lockout on the Wharves (1930s) and the evening when word of the declaration of World War II came on the radio. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Dunedin Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - 7 Conghtrey St, St Kilda, Dunedin Accompanying material - Newpaper clippings and correspondence re Mr McKeller's career with Customs and his obituary Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000611-000612, OHC-000613A Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0074. One photograph of Mr G F (Gerald) McKellar Collector of Customs, Dunedin (taken 1944)

Date: 1 June 1983 - 01 Jun 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Walsh, James, 1909-1989

Reference: OHInt-0096/17

Description: Jim Walsh born Invercargill 1909. Outlines family background - both grandfathers were farmers in Ireland where they died and both grandmothers came to New Zealand with their children after the famine, ca 1868. Recalls father who worked as a labourer for the Railways, being a great collector of books, including early editions, out of print papers etc and on his death, his entire collection was bought by the Southland Times. Describes: childhood; social life; religion and Sunday routine; Monday washing procedure without washing machines; open fires, gas burners and Shacklock in the kitchen which also heated water; transport which included tramcars, bicycles or horse and trap; doctors, medicines and home cures; politics; persecution of Irish in Invercargill; childhood games. Describes Invercargill in the early 1900s, with reference to big homesteads, Watson, Cargill and Flemming (flour millers). Talks about the Depression, difficulties of getting employment and describes job with the Railways. Recalls not having to pay income tax until 1938. Discusses World War II and Manpower regulations which continued for some time after the war, making it impossible to leave ones job. Gives reasons for leaving the Railways and being accepted for Customs in 1950 as Class 6 clerk. Refers to senior Public Service exam, then necessary for promotion. Describes first job in Import Licensing Statistics and refers to change from ledger system to a computer machine system. Lists the Comptrollers: Sawer, Gail, Peter Johnsen (a great friend of Sir Walter Nash), Cummings, Jim? Thomas, Mrs Leask, Mrs Lochore and Maire Benge. Other topics discussed include: importation of cars; duties as excise officer - testing alcohol; Breweries' attitude to customs; illicit brewing stills; Tobacco factory; import licenses; bribery and pressures on officers; inspection of vineyards from Dargaville to Nelson and Geraldine; informers; customs agents; social life in Customs and Customs Department as a career. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Christchurch Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - 75A Grahams Road, Christchurch Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000594B, OHC-000595-000596 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0085. One photograph of Mr James Walsh taken early 1970s Search dates: 1909 - 1983

Date: 8 Apr 1995 - 08 Apr 1995

From: Auckland Employers Association oral history project

By: Manson, Bruce Allan, 1938-

Reference: OHInt-0098-08

Description: Bruce Allan Manson was born in Invercargill in 1938. Talks about his family's origins in the Shetland Islands and their settlement on Campbell Island from 1884 to 1948. Describes their move from Stewart Island to Invercargill. Recalls starting work at Ocean Beach freezing works, going on to the union executive and the Southland Trades Council. Discusses meat industry conditions, including lack of hygiene, packaging and working with knives. Describes being the Southland Trades Council representative on the National Council and the Federation of Labour (FOL). Discusses FOL personalities Fintan Patrick Walsh, Frank McNulty, Sid Arnst, Toby Hill, Jock Barnes and Frank Langley. Talks about getting married in 1959 and building a new house in the group housing scheme in Layard Street. Describes being elected to the Invercargill City Council at the age of twenty-six, winning a bursary to the Trade Union Congress Education Department at Oxford, returning and liaising with Otago University to set up an education programme for unions in Southland. Describes continual stoppages at the Ocean Beach freezing works. Reflects on life in Invercargill, the 1966 election and the charisma of Norman Kirk. Recalls becoming disillusioned with the Federation of Labour. Describes moving to Auckland and working for Fletchers, initially on the New Plymouth power project. Describes becoming Vice-President and then President of the Auckland Employers Association. Recalls Ministers of Labour including Arthur Faulkner, Peter Gordon, Jim Bolger and Jack Marshall. Comments on deregistration and trade union reaction to the Employers Contract Act. Describes ill health, leaving Fletchers in 1986 and becoming a consultant in Kerikeri. Talks about the Resource Management Act, being on the Far North District council and the future of New Zealand. Venue - Kerikeri : 1995 Interviewer(s) - David Young Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006158; OHC-006159; OHC-006160; OHC-006161 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1388. Search dates: 1938 - 1995

Date: 14 May 1992

From: Women in World War II Part II

By: Gordon, Muriel, 1912-2005

Reference: OHInt-0064/06

Description: Muriel Gordon was born in Invercargill in 1912. Describes her family background, childhood and leaving school at the age of fourteen because of her mother's ill health. Talks about her father's involvement in local politics. Gives details of domestic routines, weekends and social life. Recalls meeting husband John (Jack) Gordon, getting married and her fears at the outbreak of World War II. Describes how Invercargill changed during the war with the women taking over many of the traditionally male jobs. Talks about patriotism, rationing and her ineligibility for manpowering. Recalls looking after her two children, her parents and two elderly aunts. Talks about Jack Gordon joining the territorials and being sent to Burnham. Recalls living in Christchurch for some time before he was sent overseas. Describes his being in Egypt for a year before going to Italy. Gives feeling about this time and the position of servicemen's wives. Talks about receiving the telegram telling of Jack's death. Describes keeping in touch with Jack's family after his death and surviving financially as a widow. Talks about working in a bookshop, as a book reviewer, medical receptionist and hospital supervisor. Describes overseas travel including visiting Jack's grave in Italy. Talks about her family and her values as a result of being a solo parent looking after elderly relatives. Venue - Palmerston North : 1992 Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Venue - Palmerston North Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004750; OHC-004751; OHC-004752 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 845.