Interview with David Jones

David Jones born Wanganui, 1914. Outlines family background - maternal grandparents from County Cork, Ireland - mother born in Greymouth - Uncle Jack became Mayor of Greymouth. Talks about the West Coasters. Recalls the Chinese gold miners and the differences in their work conditions from the other miners. Describes growing up in Wanganui; family house in Keith Street; Masonic Lodge; father's fear of fire as a result of the great Raetihi bush fire in 1918. Recalls going to work in an electroplater's shop and at the age of 15 `doing a man's work for a slave wage'. Talks about the lack of a trade union covering electroplaters in Wanganui and the subsequent working conditions. Explains electroplating process. Moved to Wellington and recalls decent pay and work conditions and his first union meeting at the age of 22 when he requested that the Wanganui and Palmerston North area be covered by the engineers union which did eventuate. Explains that conditions had improved on moving back to his former job. Other recollections include: fishing; native school, Putiki; Maori canoes on the river; cherry trees planted by Mother Mary Aubert; influenza epidemic 1918; end of World War I celebrations; 1920s earthquake; big flood in 1926 and Foster's Hotel fire.

Recalls declaration of World War II and joining Expeditionary Force, travelling in `The New Amsterdam' to Sydney, then to Singapore where they transferred to the `Aquatania' bound for Egypt. Was part of the 4th anti-aircraft regiment. Has vivid recall of events, relating many stories and mapping his movements during the war and comradeship. Talks about the dreadful living conditions during the war and gives his opinions on war. Mentions Battle of Alamein. Moved from the deserts to Bari, Italy and relates stories from the Sangro River. Talks about the fall of Cassino and experiences in Italy.

Talks about life after the war and his research into rammed-earth building, using that method to build his own house which he describes. Talks about his book on the subject of rammed earth building that is being published at present. Recounts his involvement with RSA and Vietnam issues - was totally opposed to the Vietnam war. Gives reasons for living so long in Wanganui and the changes he has seen in the town. Recounts his involvement with the Four Seasons Theatre.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Abstracted by - Michelle Horwood

Interviewer(s) - Susan Hawes

Recorded by - Susan Hawes

Venue - 22 Ngatarua Road, Wanganui

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007598-007600 ; OHC-006766-006767

Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 5 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1917.

Photocopies of 3 photographs: (1) David Jones Italy 1942; (2) David and Aunt Avril Jones and brother Lou; (3) David and Lou 1940.

Alternative form available:

Copies held at Whanganui Regional Museum