Interview with Tom Jones

Describes family background and early childhood, father's working life during the depression (1930s) and his own attitude to politics and religion. Recalls early employment as a message boy (describes the linotype business), a projectionist, and then his electrical apprenticeship with H.C. Urlwin - Christchurch in 1947, night school, and attitude towards cottage wiring work. Gives background to joining the State Hydro Department at Karapiro Hydro Scheme, the life at the single men's camp, the personalities, involvement with Maori. Recalls the personality and skills of Roy Surridge, Power Plant Engineer from Head Office Wellington.

Refers to wiring work for the Ministry of Works at Mangakino and Tokoroa and friends (photograph in printed abstract) that he worked with at Karapiro and Maraetai Hydro Scheme. Describes problems and conflict at Whakamaru Hydro Station in early 1950s:- the Metropolitan Vickers machinery; the management style of Resident Engineer Colin Bambury; upgrades in circuit breaker system; accidents and hazards.

Outlines time as Overseer at Roxburgh Hydro Station in mid fifties; descibes the personality and effectiveness of Eric Sandelin, the Resident Engineer and boss; compares the equipment from various countries and manufacturers; the need for Roxburgh because of lack of sufficient power in the South Island. Recalls the installation of machinery at Atiamuri Hydro Station in mid 1950s and describes problems that occurred during the commissioning of Benmore Hydro Scheme in the 1060s, details the faults and remedies. Describes the equipment, technical problems and noise pollution while Construction Supervisor at the Otahuhu Gas Turbine station in Auckland in late 1960s. Mentions working relationship with Head Office whilst on Huntly Power Station construction.

Discusses the impact of Government privatisation policy on electrical industry, the establishment of trades groups within the Department, industrial relations on the sites, departmental loyalty, and mentions some of the general managers, engineers and the importance of good labourers. Describes the role of construction superintendent.

Access Contact - See oral history librarian

Venue - Hamilton

Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson

Venue - Mr Jones' home at 20 Leyton Place, Hamilton

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001682 - OHC-001685

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.26 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 264.

Search dates: 1926 - 1987

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLCD-0465 - OHLCD-0468

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