Interview with Dave Emmett

Dave Emmett talks about his background, education, his first job and post-war rehabilitation when he formed Emmett Bros. with his brother. Recalls building work on Pipiriki House & School and various bridges in 1958. Talks about Pipiriki House fire.

Talks about the riverboats the Waione and Waimarie, Ongarue, Otunui and mentions Hatrick's wharf. Recalls Graham Cathro and a gift of tools and equipment from Arthur Coates, later given to the Riverboat Trust. Mentions captains and crews, Alf Harris, Bill Robertson and foundry owner Arthur Coates who with his wife were relief managers at Pipiriki House, and its catering and liquor license.

Describes the bridge building on River Road, Aranui School later moved to Matahiwi, Maori schools, Kawana and Pipiriki mills. Recalls the floods, the Te Anu bridge, the steam crane, the Atene Dam proposal. Talks about school picnics on the Waione, boating, various cargoes including sheep and lambs, also cement to Raetihi. Recalls the Upokongaro ferry, and the salvage of the Waimarie.

Recalls Ron and Alexander Jnr. Hartrick, the Hatrick's house, Ron's launch, buses, and the tourist office in Wanganui. Talks about the Wanganui Spiral Pipe Co. and Castlecliff Railway Co.

Interviewer(s) - Dave Charteris

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-0083895

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2611.

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