Interview with Russell Weir

Describes family background and immigration from Australia, education and work as a sharebroker's clerk. Recalls enlistment, training and transport on 'Maunganui' to Egypt as part of the Headquarters' Staff. Zeitoun Camp, Egypt, the Wazir. Describes landing at Gallipoli (with the Wellington Regiment), detailed description of the fighting in which he was involved, mainly around Quinn's Post, views on Colonel Malone. Describes in detail food, sickness (dysentery). Contracted enteric fever and was transported back to Lemnos, then Malta and thence Hornchurch in UK.

Recalls Plymouth, leave in London, prostitution. Describes return to New Zealand and work with Adjutant General in Department of Defence as Staff Sergeant, describes work with conscription and balloting, 1916 to 1919. Recalls transfer in 1919 to Department of Labour and subsequent career as factory inspector. Gives detailed account of the effect of the 1930s depression on provincial areas, such as Masterton, relief work, food, riot in Masterton. Gives views on RSA and Anzac Day, government efforts to help former servicemen.

Venue - Christchurch

Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton

Interviewer(s) - Nicholas Boyack

Venue - Mr Weir's daughter's home in Roberta Drive, Christchurch 2

Accompanying material - Copy of 'Wet weather no damper on long union', Heather Chalmers, The Press, 19/12/89; Copy of 'No more Gallipoli mates', Dave Cannan, The Star, 10/11/88

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002774 - OHC-002778

Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s) in two parts. 7 Electronic document(s) - transcript. 1 interview(s). 5 Hours Duration.

Physical Description: Textual files

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB 519/1 - 2, OHDL-000361.

Black and white photographs:-. Russell Weir, 1988. Russell Weir in Scotland on leave, undated. Agnes Fulton (later Weir), 1916

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-002281 - OHLC-002285

Both printed and digital versions of the transcript are available