AUDIO

Interview with William Mercer Robins

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Date

13 Feb 1987

By

Robins, William Mercer, 1912-1991

Reference

OHInt-0003/08

Description

Describes family background; father's personality and work as shoe maker, carpenter and bridge inspector; childhood with mention of politics, discipline, books, religion, contact with Maori. Discusses the employment of Maori, problems as Maori moved from pas into towns (Matahina) in the 1960s, Maori women gambling. Recalls education in Auckland especially discipline and lack of sex education. Describes apprenticeship at Fletcher Construction in Auckland from 1927 and backgrounds the firm itself, discusses the Fletchers:- Bill Fletcher, James Fletcher l, (Sir) James Fletcher ll; their way of doing business; the cost of house building. Refers to construction of Civic Theatre, Auckland and Station Hotel, Auckland. Mentions heart attack in 1934.

Recalls religion and social life in Napier in 1931 and the aftermath of the earthquake. Describes being manpowered into Public Works Department during World War ll after being turned down for the Air Force. Recalls camp life as carpenter on the construction of Karapiro Power Station in 1945, labour problems, accommodation, social life, cost of living. Describes life at Mangakino Power Station construction project (Foreman Carpenter, 1947-50) including the specially built town, the tunnellers, prostitution and gambling. Mentions Empire Games rowing on Karapiro in 1950, organisational details of responsiblities as Overseer, Ministry of Works at Mangakino, Maraeti, Whakamaru, Atiamuri in the 1950s. Recalls Ministry of Works personalities such as C.W.O. Turner, Engineer in Chief; E.R. McKillop, Commissioner of Works (1946-55); F.M.H. Hanson, Commissioner of Works (1955-61); J.T. Gilkison, Commissioner of Works (1961-1965); S.J. Chesterman, Project Engineer.

Discusses jobs as Construction Superintendent, Ministry of Works, for various schemes:- Hydro Scheme at Matahina, Hydro Scheme at Turangi, Thermal Power Station, New Plymouth. Refers to trade unions during this period and the Communist Party. Describes responsibilities; exacavation and construction of Huntly Thermal Power Station, 1973-77. Recalls clashes with engineers.

Access Contact - See oral history librarian

Venue - Hamilton

Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson

Venue - Mr Robins' home at 62 Campbell St, Hamilton

Accompanying material - Copy of article entitled "Huntly Power Project" by T.R. Johnston, from unknown source - retirement notice

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 223.

Black and white photograph:-. Bill Robins, 1932. Copies of black and white photographs:-. Frances and Bill Robins, c1975. House at Karapiro being transferred to Mangakino, 1940s

Search dates: 1912 - 1987

Additional description

Alternative form available: Digital copies of the recording and abstract are also available in the Library's Reading Room

Listening copies available OHLC-002268 - OHLC-002270, OHLCD-0647 - OHLCD-0649

Use/Reproduction

Restricted - Permission required by both interviewee and donor Copyright: Held by Opus International Consultants Limited

Access restrictions

Restricted - Content cannot be accessed without permission - Access requires written permission of the donor

Part of

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

Format

3 C60 cassette(s), 1 printed abstract(s), 1 interview(s), 3 Hours Duration, Oral histories, Illustration: Black and white photograph:-, Illustration: Bill Robins, 1932, Illustration: Copies of black and white photographs:-, Illustration: Frances and Bill Robins, c1975, Illustration: House at Karapiro being transferred to Mangakino, 1940s, Equipment used: Sony WM-D6C: Sony ECM150T microphones

There are 4 items in total.

See original record

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