Interview with Squire Speedy

Interview with Squire Lionel Speedy, born 23 July 1924 in Takapuna. Explains origins of his name, and provides family history regarding his great grandparents and grandparents, and their experiences emigrating to New Zealand, and stories of the New Zealand wars.

Discusses his father's background and schooling (Lionel Speedy), and his fishing technique. Describes his work at A & T Burt Electrical Suppliers and as manager of Victoria Theatre, Devonport, and Symonds Street Lyric Theatre. Discusses his mother's family and life in Takapuna, and his father's work in the theatre business.

Explains that the depression years had a big influence on him. Describes those on the dole, and activities to make money. Discusses transportation around Milford and Takapuna, and houses built in the area. Describes childhood summer activities, particularly rugby, swimming, boating, picnics, and golfing.

Explains that his father created a syndicate to take shares in and construct the Milford Picturedrome. Describes the construction of the Picturedrome, and the role of the projectionist at the theatre. Describes dancing and drinking of alcohol near the Picturedrome, and people sneaking liquor bottles into the surrounding hedges to hide them. Describes his father's publicity for the Picturedrome, and its popularity during the depression. Recounts stories of the Milford Picturedrome's staff and patrons. Explains that the theatre was eventually destroyed by fire.

Discusses Ye Olde Pirate Shippe, and that the success of dances at the Picturedrome lead others to establish the Pirate Shippe. Describes the Milford swimming pool, the beach, and beach clothing. Explains that Milford was an ideal holiday location in the 1930s since husband could commute to work, and wife and kids could continue at Milford. Explains transport options, such as bus and ferry.

Discusses sale of Picturedrome and his father's work in real estate, valuation, and running Takapuna Campground. Describes Milford during World War Two, and the 'American invasion' of 1942. Discusses fear of Japanese invasion, and that fear brought the community together. Discusses the demolition of Pirate Shippe and the swimming pool by the Takapuna Borough Council. Reflects on the placement of sewers and sea walls in the town.

Interviewer(s) - Deborah Dunsford

Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 2.40 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.