Interview with Robert Paton

The first tape is Robert Paton talking without an interviewer.

Robert Paton was born in Ferryden, Scotland in 1929. Recalls his mother's wedding to his stepfather, not knowing what to call his stepfather and feelings towards him. Talks about his half brothers and sisters who were christened although he was not, playing outside, fishing, holiday jobs, poverty in the area, some Christmases without presents, his enthusiasm for reading, school and being educated only enough to become a worker. Recalls Boys Brigade, Sunday School and Church. Recalls his peers were mainly in the building industry. Talks about leaving school in 1943 and a variety of jobs until starting his apprenticeship as a bricklayer in 1945. Recalls working in the Orkney Islands, Inverness and the Hebrides. Mentions World War II. Discusses alcohol, and joining the Labour Party. Talks about finishing his apprenticeship in 1950, National Service for two years and emigrating to New Zealand in 1954.

Describes his free passage under the immigration scheme, meeting Joyce Molland on the `Captain Cook', the egalitarianism of NZ society, starting a business in Featherston and the attitude of contractors and workers. Recalls marrying in 1956 and having children Murray and Kirsty. Comments on Featherston being a good place to bring up children. Describes involvement in Play Centre, Home and School, Jaycees, the Labour Party, the Wairarapa Football Association, the Featherston Chronicle and the Drama Group. Describes moving to Plimmerton, building an Ian Athfield designed home in Paremata and wife Joyce's work. Recalls that people left for Australia in 1975-1976 because of the economic situation and the Muldoon government.

Interviewer(s) - Joyce Paton

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2142.

Photograph of Robert Paton in 1976

Search dates: 1929 - 1995

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-004046 - OHLC-004047; OHLC-004056 (tape 1, c.2)