Interview with Jim Redpath

James Renwick Redpath born 1913. Outlines family background. Father, James Renwick Redpath owned and managed a bakery at Ngaruawahia. Describes price control of bread; helping out with bread deliveries as a child; relationship with parents; religion, with reference to Sunday school and bible class; school days, with reference to `senior free place' the equivalent of the Public Service Exam and Matriculation.

Backgrounds obtaining cadetship with the Customs Department, Blenheim, May 1930. Recalls journey to the South Island, overnight train to Wellington and the ferry `Tamahine' to Blenheim. Refers to Mr Waugh who was the relieving Collector on the day of arrival and Percy Woods (Collector). Gives details of first jobs including, cash entries, bond store clearance duties, banking etc. Recalls two brothers, Charles and Sugden Eckford, who ran the ships. Discusses: salary and conditions; social life; Public Service Association; move from Blenheim to Head Office, Wellington and work of Statistics branch. Mentions Chris Lestrange, Foss Shanahan (later Head of External Affairs); George Laking (later Ombudsman). Recalls the effects of the Depression and talks about meeting called by Gordon Coates ca 1935. Refers to 1935 election. Mentions Richard and Dean Eyre and Bertram Wacher (Brewer at the Marlborough Brewery). Describes collection of petrol tax - system of collecting and methods of measuring; issue of passports; receiver of wrecks, and pornographic material.

Gives details of World War II service, serving with the Army in Egypt and Italy, dealing with men coming out of the Starlags. Returned to customs post war, working on exports and later at Queens Wharf. Recalls the Army and Navy being called in to unload ships during the Waterfront dispute (1951), with reference to `Mount Park' (ship).

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Hamilton

Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson

Venue - 23 Wymer Terrace, Hamilton

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000620B, 000621, 000622A

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1720.

One photograph of Mr J R (Jim) Redpath (on a motorcycle)

Search dates: 1913 - 1983

Once permission is granted digital surrogates will be provided for audiocassettes. Digital surrogates available only in Katherine Mansfield Reading Room.

Alternative form available: Listening copies are available at OHLC-005422 to OHLC-005424