Interview with Stan Wells

Stan Wells recalls being sent by Ada Wells to a Salvation Army orphanage for boys in Temuka when he was six. Describes the few privilages, the starvation diet, no play and the work. Explains having his name changed. Recalls corporal punishments. Talks of his sister Alice known as Bim, sister Edna, also the few women who sheltered him. Talks of money provided by the Masons' Lodge for upkeep of this once grand home and its deterioration. Recalls having top marks in drawing and talks of his inability to play cricket or rugby at school later. Describes memorable days when the boys were allowed out of the orphanage. Explains about his holidays in Oamaru, meeting the Fergusons with whom he went to live, the servant - master relationship with Mr. Ferguson. Discusses similarities in the personalities of Harry Wells and Mr. Ferguson, an organist, and talks about their purchase of an organ. Discusses differenes in attitudes between Hazel Armstrong, who took an interest in him, and Mrs Ferguson.

Talks about his work as a 15 year old on a farm at Wanganui, his work on a poultry farm with poor pay, and the cost of meals. Describes his jobs as a gardener. Explains that Bim's work was as a masseuse, also a compiler for Stone's Directory, and relates that she cycled to the West Coast during the Depression.

Recalls his schooling, going to war in Egypt in artillery and infantry units, his treatment as a prisoner of war when he worked in coalmine and on a railway. Explains that he was sent to a nursery garden in Temuka on his return. Describes his psychiatric treatment after the war, spending time at Hanmer and names Dr. Bevan Brown, Frank Cook, Len Booth.

Talks about religion. Describes visiting Ratana Pa, Wanganui and mentions successful health treatments there. Explains about his love of native bush. Recalls Frank Milner of Waitaki School. Talks of cycling, piano playing and his appreciation of music. Relates about girlfriends, his wife and children.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Christchurch

Abstracted by - Linda Bevan Smith

Interviewer(s) - Rachel McAlpine

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002857; 002858; 002859

Quantity: 3 C90 cassette(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3852.

Search dates: 1920 - 1960

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-006198 - OHLC-006200