Interview with Dave Isbey

Dave Isbey born London. Interview outlines family background and growing up in Stepney, London - father an immigrant from Lithuania - mother from Vilna. Recalls living in 6 storey tenements and speaking Yiddish up to age 5. Describes strong Anti-Semitism in London. Worked in father's tailoring business. Recalls speaking politics - was involved in Spanish war demonstration and hunger marches in London. Mentions Willie Gallagher. Talks about joining whaling ship to the Antarctic December 1939. Recalls Southern Empress, a floating factory which he describes and makes reference to harpoons killing whales.

Describes experiences during World War II when he joined Merchant Service. Recalls French tanker going up in a flash. Describes conditions on ship, Seamens Charter and voyage through Bay of Biscay. Talks about arrival in New Zealand and contrasts Auckland with London. Discusses his involvement with the New Zealand Labour Party and mentions spending 12 years on the Council with trade union support. People mentioned include: Eddie Isbey (brother), Norman Kirk, Sonya Davies, Jim Knox, Tom Skinner and Peter Purdue.

Venue - Auckland

Interviewer(s) - Robert Paton

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-6100-6101

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1364.

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