Interview with Bill (Pincher) Martin

In the first tape William Martin, also known as Bill and `Pincher' recalls some yarns before commencing his life story. In one of these stories he recalls an account in 1976 of a burial of a shipmate known as `the end of Derek McConachy' on the Union Hobart on the run from Wellington to Auckland via Mt Maunganui. Refers to Norman O Connor and Gus Gay and in another story he describes George Winton.

Recalls early memories of Lyttelton and describes the old Lyttelton jail. Mentions Elsie Locke's writing, the Lyttelton Cenotaph (before it was shifted), the horse and cart delivery, the first lorry owned by Harkness and cart owned by Tommy Norris and arrival of a `Buick' (car). Talks about the Depression and the deliberate wastage of food. Recalls old 19th century ships in Lyttelton Port - `Orewa' and `Cuckoo' (an iron ship) and recalls how several unemployed seamen lived aboard these ships in a type of commune. Refers to issues discussed in dole queues. Backgrounds election of Mrs McCombs, first woman Labour MP and quotes song sung at meeting at the Oddfellows Hall in the presence of George Forbes PM and Gordon Coates (Minister of Finance). Discusses election of Labour Government in 1935.

Recalls first going to sea as a deck boy on the `Wahine' moving to `Echo', `Port Waikato' and the `Waipori' (a Union Co. picket ship). Refers to Frank Garrick (later founded Woolston Working Men's Club), Albie Young, George McCrystal and Jimmy (`Red') McGrath. Also describes experiences while working on `Omana', `Port Campbell', `Norman Star', `Themistocles' and `Llangibby (Llandovey?) Castle' (troopship which took troops to India from Southampton). Comments on the life on board ships for seamen during the wartime. Mentions the tug `Empire Shirley' (later called the `Tapuhi' belonging to Union SSCo NZ, which played a big part when the 'Wahine' went down in 1968). Describes the hurricane that caused the Wahine tragedy and experiences of rescuing survivors.

Other topics discussed include: school starting age; milk in schools; health camps; military training in schools; incidents of wartime including profiteering, women being manpowered into jobs and Home Guard; Manner Street riots; introduction of compulsory unionism; voting procedures in union and organisation of pension scheme; effect of containerisation on seamen's lives; feelings against Wharfies Union and split in union movement 1949 with reference to Jock Barnes and F P Walsh; communism and Communist Party; rise of McCarthyism; Catholic Action groups; the Jesuits; the Knights of Columbus; Superannuation / Retirement Fund, with reference to Harry Bridges; principle of equitable hours / pay established by Lyttelton Wharfies and new system known as Bureau System, with reference to Johnny Sargentina, Hughie Dunovan and Toby Hill. Also mentions George McLeod, Terry Adams, Paul Burke, Paddy Bowes, Jimmy Black, Lofty Rathbone and Maritime Carriers. Backgrounds reasons and gives details of the Waterfront Dispute in 1951. Discusses political change in the 1960s. Talks about Oil Refinery at Marsden Point and refers to the `Seven Sisters' (big oil companies) and the National Government. Explains Cabotage. Describes last days of and funeral of F P Walsh.

Interviewer(s) - Judith Anne Holloway

Venue - Tweeds Head, NSW

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011261-011281

Quantity: 22 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 22 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3934.