Interview with Beryl MacLeod

Beryl MacLeod was born in Calcutta in 1923. Talks of her arrival in New Zealand, her husband's family home in Glasgow, and buying, as opposed to renting, their first home. Mentions that her parents were English and talks about their move to India in 1921. Describes her father's job as bandsman and musician, the instruments he played, his WWI service in France later in Egypt, his retirement and move to New Zealand in 1950. Relates her schooling in India, her secreterial and hairdressing jobs. Talks about the mother's hairdressing equipment and business. Mentions her father giving violin lessons in schools. Describes their accommodation, the servants and their routines. Describes meeting her husband, her sisters' dancing school and performances. Talks of religion, boarding school life and gives reasons for her move to Shillong with her mother. Describes the situation at the time of partition and relationships of Anglo-Indian women with European men. Describes social life of Burma Shell employees, club membership and social distinction. Recalls her children's time at boarding school in Scotland, working for Shell Oil, her return to Scotland then New Zealand. Describes her theatrical performances, Meals on Wheels and driving for the Foundation for the Blind. Recalls a visit to India, compares life there and the way it was when they lived there.

Awards/funding - Project recieved an Oral History Grant

Interviewer(s) - Dorothy McMenamin

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008514, OHC-008515

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-2646.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-008408 to OHLC-008409