Piper, Leslie George, 1907-2000

Date: 10 Mar 1995

From: Auckland Employers Association oral history project

By: Piper, Leslie George, 1907-2000

Reference: OHInt-0098-09

Description: Leslie Piper was born in Hawera on 9 December 1907. Describes being one of a family of ten on a farm and milking cows night and morning. Notes that one of his earliest memories is of his father and other Taranaki farmers acting as police at the waterfront strikes from 1913 and 1914. Recalls his first job at the Government Statistician's Office and boarding in Wellington. Describes musical evenings and his interest in the arts. Talks about working for New Zealand Breweries for thirty-five years from 1937. Describes his war service and recalls campaigns in Greece, Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. Describes being President of the Brewers Association, involvement in the hops industry at Riwaka and with the DSIR in terms of research and technology. Comments on changes in drinking habits. Talks about unions, their role, conciliation, redundancy and individuals such as Tom Skinner, Jim Knox, Norman Douglas, Jim Collins and Bill Andersen. Describes being President of the Manufacturers Association in the 1960s and 1970s and President of the Auckland Employers Association. Recalls Russell Thompson, Peter Carroll, Doug Stewart and Alan Jones. Discusses his community and arts activities including involvement with the Auckland Grand Opera Society, New Zealand Opera Society, Auckland Orchestra, Cancer Society and Crippled Children's Society. Talks about receiving an OBE, religion and his family. Venue - Auckland : 1995 Interviewer(s) - David Young Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006162; OHC-006163; OHC-006164 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 1387. Search dates: 1907 - 1995