Smuggling

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PA1-q-306-0480

Date: 1970 - 1982

From: Heath, Eric Walmsley 1923- :[Cartoons on topics of defence, politics, social issues, whimsy, medical issues, pollution, conservationists, trade unions, space exploration, animals, police & crime, Television, farming, sport, war, and transport. 1970-1990s].

By: Heath, Eric Walmsley, 1923-

Reference: B-144-964/986

Description: Includes cartoons about: Rodent bounties; glow-worms in Waitomo Caves; the use of monkeys in finding cures for diseases; the cats who live in Parliament refuse to leave; recycling stray dog meat as pet food; octopuses duck as ship passes over them; ducks decide to migrate in duckshooting season; Eric Heath's cat Clyde; rabbit advisory officers to visit farms; Animal Week; pets blessed in a church service; The Great Hairy Moehau Expedition; smuggling snakes; ban on taking toheroas; live snake sent through the mail; black rabbits sent away; Lake Taupo inhabited by aquatic dinosaurs; four pukeko at large in Wellington; luring the laughing owl attracts moas; gin traps; ballooning spiders drift from Australia; Clyde reacts to vivisection; cat given mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. Inscriptions: Recto - Signed, but almost all undated, by artist. Arrangement: Arranged chronologically, according to the dates of "Dominion" clippings in Heath's albums (at E-521/547-q). Those for which no date could be found are arranged at around the estimated date. Quantity: 23 original cartoon(s). Physical Description: Ink on paper, sizes approximately 510 x 595 mm. Provenance: Donated by the artist in 1996.

Date: 2001

By: Tremain, Garrick, 1941-; Otago daily times (Newspaper)

Reference: H-655-001/037

Description: 37 cartoons on political and social subjects published in the Otago Daily Times. A panda bear sits and swings the five Olympic rings in its paws with Olympic officials commenting on China's successful bid for the Olympic games. Comment on ASH's view of underage smoking - two children walk past a cinema and a man in an alleyway furtively offers to show them pictures of people smoking. Comment on Jim Anderton's aim for a 'Peoples Bank' - Jenny Shipley is portrayed as a bank teller sitting under a signd your breath'. Public cynicism of Michael Cullen's proposed Superannuation scheme. Farmers discussing their lack of confidence in ENZA. Cartoonist's reaction to the disparity between the financial levels of sports peoples and other people when being assessed to be published on the 'rich list'. Comment on the publication that 'kiwi kids' are overweight. A male ironing clothing offers comment on Helen Clark Jenny Shipley Silvia Cartwright Sian Elias and Michelle Boag being in positions of power. Comment by a male sitting down to breakfast that deer velvet being a sex aid is 'bunkum'. Michael Cullen is shown standing next to a poker machine called 'Future Super' indication it is the helath and education monines that the poker machine needs to work on. Comment on the outcome of Max Bradford's electricity reforms. Max Bradford is in an electricial repair shop being told that if the article he brought for repair was not broken before Bradford tried to fix it it is broken now. Helen Clark Parekura Horomia and Michael Cullen presenting their individual position on the issue of Maori TV A schoolteacher chastises Max Bradford for blaming others. Michael Cullen and Helen Clark watch two overweight dogs named Super and Maori TV eating while two thin dogs named Education and Health are straining at their leads for food. A nurse opens the expectant fathers waiting room door to tell Mr Anderton to go home and he will be notified if there is any sign of labour getting serious. Early visitors arrive on the shores of New Zealand with the comment that the natives may regret not having an immigration policy. Christine Rankin wears two very large earings one labled 'winzum' the other 'lose some'. Comment on the news that the right-of-way road rule is to be revised. Jim Anderton Helen Clark and Michael Cullen cling to a life raft identified as Beneficiary Voting Block with two boaties in the background commenting that even the knowledge wave did not loosen their grip. Comment on Helen Clark's support for funding going to the arts. Comment on Laila Harre and holiday shopping Finger pointing from Pete Hodgson and Max Bradford as to who is to blame for the electricity reforms not working/ Rugby fans pay their first visit to Dunedin and pass comment on the wearing of tartan trousers. Shows a bloody battle of Gengis Khan's army. Word is being passed around to forget about the plundering and go for the 'bonus point'. Refers to the NZ cricket teams decision to stop their point scoring run glut against Australia and take the bonus point offered by a technicality. Shows two young school boys discussing public educations failure to teach reading, writing and numeracy. Shows Jim Anderton on the steps of Treasury with water flooding under the front doors and down the steps. Comment on Anderton's attempts to stop the 'leaks' coming from Treasury. Comment on the public boredom over multi-millionaire Steve Fossett's attempts to fly around the world non-stop in a hot-air balloon. Shows Marian Hobbs with a large wind instrument wrapped around her playing 'NZ Music' to a man who represents the NZ public. He has a large flat neck collar on representing the new NZ music quota. The collar prevents him from putting his fingers in his ears should not wish to listen to the music. Shows mother explaining to her crying children that their father is now going to play golf rather than take them sailing. The change is due to their father being agitated by NZ Professional Golfer Grant Waite's performance. Comment on prison staff's industrial 'go-slow' and the opportunities it creates for prisoners to escape. Shows a large area of forestry being felled for the sake of sending 'positive signals' to overseas companies. Shows an elderly couple, justifying to a squad of police officers at their front door, that they are doing all they can in the nationwide drive to save electricity. Shows Marian Hobbs introducing a rock band called 'Marian and the quotas'. Shows Sam Neill at the Jurassic Park 3 movie premiere with an old pre-historic friend. Shows a woman in an art gallery asking if a framed display is a piece of art. The gallery worker assures her it is and explains that it is Creative New Zealand's justification for their travel expenditure. Quantity: 37 photocopy/ies. Physical Description: Photocopies on sheets 297 x 210 mm.

From: New Zealand. Department of Internal Affairs. War History Branch :Photographs relating to World War 1914-1918, World War 1939-1945, occupation of Japan, Korean War, and Malayan Emergency

Reference: PA1-q-306-0481

Date: 29 May 1991

From: Customs Department Oral History Project Part IV

By: Flowers, Dennis Stanley, 1925-

Reference: OHInt-0103-01

Description: Dennis Stanley Flowers talks about family background and childhood in Napier. Recalls the Napier earthquake; education and beginning career with Customs Department in 1943. Describes the Wanganui Port Office, duties, conditions, and effect of World War II. Recalls various customs officers in Wanganui and Wellington; the Wellington Long Room; transfer to Wildlife Division to work in the Deer Control Section and then to the New Zealand Forest Service. Mentions working with Ron Fraser. Recalls return to Customs and work in Import Licensing. Discusses work in London as an official representative; work on various international committees; New Zealand tariff structure and later work in the Revenue Division. Describes various comptrollers and ministers of Customs Department. Recalls becoming Collector at Napier and the work of the Napier office. Covers pornography, drugs, car smuggling, changes in procedures, and alcohol as an occupational hazard. Mentions various staff and sums up career. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Napier Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Venue - Meeanee Road, Napier Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-003983-003984 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0672. 3 photographs Search dates: 1925 - 1991

Date: 24 April 1984

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part II

By: Gilberd, Edward James, 1917-2004

Reference: OHInt-0101/05

Description: Edward James Gilberd born Napier, 1917. Outlines family background which can be traced back to 1590's in Britain and refers to William Gilberd, after whom Gilberd College Colchester was named, who was a physician to Queen Elizabeth I. Recalls living near Tutaekuri River, Napier and describes outdoor life before the earthquake. Refers to father's work with Aard Motor Tours who imported Cadillacs and Hudsons (cars) and among tourists carried were the Prince of Wales and Harry Lauder. Talks about move to Palmerston North and the Depression. Childhood memories include: annual Christmas holiday (6 weeks) with camping trips into the Ruahines; golf caddying etc. and living off the land with reference to their use of guns. Recalls first job with Dairy Research at Massey University, working with Professor Riddet. Mentions Professor Peren (developer of Perendale sheep), Dr Dry (Drysdale sheep), Dr Barnicoat and Cawthron Institute, Nelson. Talks about joining Customs Department in Patea 1936 on the day after the great storm which put the Rangatira on the rocks in Wellington. Describes daily routine. Recalls Maori exemptions from whitebait regulations through application of Treaty of Waitangi rights. Notes that up to 28 ships came to Patea, which was then the biggest exporter of cheese in the world, Spirits came under bond and explains testing and gauging procedures. Mentions transfer to Wharf Office, Wellington 1938 under Henry Foster. Talks about the Social life with reference to keg parties etc. Discusses time in Statistics and describes adding machines and later change to Power Samas machines. Talks about World War II service, enlisting in the Air Force, and recalls being on the `Tamaroa' in the Atlantic when the `Hood' was sunk. Describes his two air crashes resulting in many months hospitalisation and recalls how war, especially his crashes had some effect on his confidence and explains negative feelings about reunions, uniforms, medals, etc. Continues talking about Customs Department post WWII, describing grading / salary; marriage; Import Licensing (1958); work in Trade Commissioner's Office, Sydney; Comalco consultations (1970); work as Director of Planning and Research Division (1970-1974) with reference to British entry to EEC (1972); work on VAT; tariffs; Drugs Conference in Bangkok (1974) and work as Director of Revenue (1974-1977). Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0091. Search dates: 1984

Date: 27 June 1983 - 27 Jun 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: McKellar, Bertha Winifred, 1890-1991

Reference: OHInt-0096/21

Description: The main reason for including Mrs McKellar in the Customs project was because her husband was Gerald F McKellar who joined Customs in Dunedin in 1900 and was Collector, Dunedin from 1935 to 1944. Bertha Winifred McKellar (nee Tarlton) born Winton 1890. Gives some family background - father, William Maurice Tarlton was bank manager at Winton. Paternal grandfather, William Francis Tarlton who was Rector of a London Boys' High school, came to New Zealand, taught at Woodlands for a spell before joining the Legislative Department. Describes childhood ; social life, with reference to Mother's `At Home Days'; discipline; childhood pastimes and social divisions; Chinese and the gold mining in the Orepuki district; early Invercargill; Prohibition (1910); Hokonui whiskey; rivalry between the Orange and the Green Irish factions at Wreys Bush; religion which was important to family. Talks about her Pharmacy training in a chemist shop and how unusual it was for a woman to have been accepted for such training. Mentions lack of motorised transport until after marriage and recalls trips with pony and gig and horseback. Refers to the old model Ford car. Recalls how she met husband, Gerald Forbes McKellar. Talks about husband's early days in Customs (1900) and his involvement in sport, touring Australia as an All Black 1910 and their marriage in 1913. Recalls the wreck of the Tyrone when half the ship sank and Gerald's duties of checking the cargo being unloaded from the other half. Also recalls the sinking of the `Manuka' off Long Beach. Mentions Captain Prince, a whaling captain, and his house in Riverton, with reference to smuggling. Recalls memories of World War I and living at Tairoa Heads where husband was an officer in the Territorial Port Chalmers Garrison. Refers to a German, Oscar Coburger. Describes flu epidemic (1918). Recalls husband's return to Customs and mentions personalities: Mr Anderson; Mr Lewis; Mr Tylee; Peter Dodds; Henry Diarch (?) Dr Craig; George Craig and Mr Good. Talks about Import Licensing; use of warrant and ferry checks. Discusses Depression (1930s); Lockout on the Wharves (1930s) and the evening when word of the declaration of World War II came on the radio. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Dunedin Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - 7 Conghtrey St, St Kilda, Dunedin Accompanying material - Newpaper clippings and correspondence re Mr McKeller's career with Customs and his obituary Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000611-000612, OHC-000613A Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0074. One photograph of Mr G F (Gerald) McKellar Collector of Customs, Dunedin (taken 1944)

Date: 7 June 1983 - 07 Jun 1993

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Ingley, William George Percival, 1899-1984

Reference: OHInt-0096/20

Description: William George Percival (Perce) Ingley born Dannevirke 1899. Outlines family background - paternal grandparents had a 3,000 acre estate at Waipatiki, near Weber - maternal grandparents (Hayward) lived in Christchurch, grandfather had come to New Zealand as an engineer to work on the Lyttelton tunnel. Mentions Holmes, the tunnel engineer. Describes: family home built by father; fireplace and cooking facilities; entry at the age of 5 years to Dannevirke North School, with reference to headmaster, Mr Soundy and Miss Lyall; Greendale Public School and Christchurch High School. Recalls school friends, Harry Nicholls and Doug (?) who later became editor of `Melbourne Argus'. Other childhood memories include: description of parents; punishment / discipline in the home; religion which has meant a lot to him, with reference to St John's Methodist Church, Nelson; childhood pastimes; trips on the `Maori'(ship); alcohol; and contact with Maori. Recalls leaving school in 1916 and joining Customs Department. Refers to Mr Montgomery, Collector, and Bill Nicholls. Describes early duties which included banking, with reference to Underwood typewriter with a WAHL adder on it. Discusses gauging and its hazards; customs dress; Lockers; Tobacco Fraud (1913); illicitt brewing - Hokonui stills; World War I; flu epidemic (1918); pornography; whitebaiting raids and the `great Customs Circus Haul'. Describes Custom House, Wellington built in 1902. Customs personalities mentioned include: Sandy Paul; Jack Walker; Don Butler; Basil Worring. Talks about World War II service. Recalls being passed Grade A for military service in 1942 but the Customs won an appeal to keep him. Refers to his service with the Home Guard, National Reserve and in the Liaison Office for the Navy. Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - 1/40 Barriball St, New Plymouth Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000605B, 000606-000608 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0069. One photograph of Mr W G P (Percy) Ingley

Date: 18 May 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Lockwood, Frederick Thomas Patrick, 1916-1992

Reference: OHInt-0096/10

Description: Frederick Thomas Patrick (Jim) Lockwood born Blenheim 1916. Gives family background - father, Frederick Thomas Lockwood came to New Zealand from England 1908 and worked as a butcher for Flipps in Kilbirnie, Gear Meat Co and Miles in Majoribank Street - mother, Catherine O'Connor born in New Zealand of Irish parents. Describes: family home in Buller Street, Wellington; discipline; music - had radio from the crystal set days and a piano which he learnt briefly; relationship with parents; mother's interest in horses; religion; politics; sex education; education at St Patrick's College, Wellington, with reference to teacher, Father Alf Cullen (Rector). Talks about the Depression and recalls the unemployment riots in Wellington (ca 1935 or 1936). Recalls first job as salesman for British Office Supplies. Describes Public Service examinations and being accepted for Customs, Statistics Department, Head Office, starting as a TV (Total Values) boy, with reference to the `Book Artist' which he progressed to after 18 months. Aspects of Customs Department discussed include: salary and hours of work; cadetship; status of customs; The Jerquer, describing his duties. Recalls transfer to Napier Port (Port Ahuriri), swapping with Dan Butler. Discusses: Breweries excise; Wineries; Shipping and Marine Department work; Seamen; Boarding Houses; National Tobacco Company, Napier; perks; smuggling; inspecting whitebaiters which was considered `one of the best jobs'. Talks about World War II (1939-1945), being drafted into the army at the end of 1941, as a gunner at Fort Dorset School of Artillery. Recalls being manpowered into the Ministry of Supply which was housed in the Government Life building, with reference to the American Supply Mission which was headed by Walter Teagle. Recalls returning to Customs in 1946. Mentions the effect on the Department when it began to employ women. Refers to involvement with the `Wanganella' when she was wrecked on the rocks at Seatoun. Recalls being transferred in 1954 to Head Office, Trade Branch which dealt with overseas Trade Agreements, and discusses GATT (General Agreement of Tariff and Trade) which was introduced in 1948. Recalls his first GATT Conference in 1954 which he describes in detail and refers to Jack Watts. Talks about the Tariff and Development Board and refers to the Chairman, Kevin O'Brien, now Chairman of the Commerce Commission and Chancellor of Victoria University. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Upper Hutt Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - 1017 Fergusson Drive, Upper Hutt Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000560-000562, OHC-000563A Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0073. One photograph of Mr F T P (Jim) Lockwood

Date: 17 April 1984 - 17 Apr 1984

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part II

By: O'Rourke, Bernard Thomas, 1913-1994

Reference: OHInt-0101/14

Description: Bernard Thomas O'Rourke born Christchurch 1913. Recalls his mother's death when he was ten years of age and reflects on its affect on him. Recalls leaving school and getting an apprenticeship as a car painter. Describes pay and conditions and becoming second-in-charge of Motor Assemblies in Christchurch. Mentions introduction of spray painting and decision to learn in Wellington, later moving to Motor Assemblies, building Dodge and Packard cars. Recalls being with Motor Assemblies, Christchurch when firm was founded. Discusses World War II, enlisting and being accepted for the Air Force and explains why he didn't go overseas. Discusses employment with Air Force (1941-1961), starting as a Fabric worker and explains details of fabricking, working on the Baffin, Tiger moth, Vampires and Harvards. Refers to passing exams and ending up as a Flight Sergeant. Describes involvement in air crash over the Waimakariri River, with reference to Dakota. Backgrounds decision to leave Air Force and join Customs Department, becoming a P O (Prevention Officer) at Lyttelton, later becoming a searcher. Describes searches / rumaging of ships; immigration checks; smuggling, with reference to opium and illegal importation of cannabis. Recalls promotion being on merit and length of service. Describes duties as Boarding Inspector at Lyttelton. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000514, 000515, 000516A Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0100. 3 b&w photographs: (i) Bernie and Maude O'Rourke; (ii) Bernie O'Rourke (3rd from L) with other Preventive Officers, Lyttelton (1960's) and (iii) Bernard Thomas O'Rourke (1978). Search dates: 1913 - 1984

Date: 28 May 1991

From: Customs Department Oral History Project Part IV

By: Unsworth, Harold Nalton, 1924-2000

Reference: OHInt-0103-06

Description: Harold Nalton (Bunny) Unsworth describes background of Unsworth and Sutherland families; childhood in Napier; opium use in Napier and various anecdotes. Gives detailed description of his impressions of the Napier earthquake. Recalls joining the Customs Department and describes: Napier Customs buildings and staff; duties; the Partisanka episode; Service in Royal New Zealand Air Force during World War II (Canada); the Captain Dibben case; other suspected German sympathisers; Pat Gunson; Henry Foster and indecent publications; supervision of wine distillation. Recalls work in Statisics Department at Head Office; relations with importers at Napier in the 1950s; tariff entries; drug smuggling in the 1950s with reference to the SS `Mariposa'; searching techniques; body language; smuggling raids; work as vineyards officer and introduction of CASPAR (Customs and Statistical Placement and Retrieval). Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Napier Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Venue - Veronica Street, Napier Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-003996 - OHC-003998 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0677. 2 photographs: 1. Bunny and Dawn Unsworth 1953: 2. Bunny and Dawn Unsworth with two children ca 1990

Date: 2 June 1983 - 02 Jun 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Galilee, Clive Matthew Webster, 1914-1999

Reference: OHInt-0096/24

Description: Clive Matthew Webster Galilee born Christchurch, 1914. Outlines family background - father, John Webster Galilee born Whitby, Yorkshire came to New Zealand ca 1906 to work on the construction of the Exhibition in Christchurch. Explains the family originated in Italy. Describes childhood; discipline / punishment; religion; politics - father involved with the beginning of the trade union movement in England and New Zealand; Depression (1930s) and unemployment. Gives background to getting employment with Customs Department in Wellington and gives reasons for accepting transfer to Christchurch. Mentions the P.S.I.S. (Public Service Investment Society) and explains how it was started and how it worked. Recalls first day in the Long Room and refers to Ian Lythgoe and Charlie Woods. Explains that Customs Department had a language of its own and gives examples, e.g `jerquing', also explains the hierarchy and how the real work was done at the Wharf or railway shed. Explains the job rotation system and promotion system. Describes: office dress; etiquette, etc; salary and conditions; social life in Customs, with reference to Warners Hotel; relationship with importers; Customs Act; Lockers and bonds; Import Licensing (1938); Sales tax; gauging; duties of Examining Officer and boarding inspector and explains the certificate of transire required by coastal vessels. Describes duties of boarding inspector and rummaging procedure and refers to opium as the main drug with a little heroin and marijuana. Mentions: the `Waitaki' and the `Mantua'. Recalls the effect on Customs of the Waterside dispute (1951) and refers to goods offloaded by the Army and delivered to King Edward Barracks in Christchurch. Also recalls difficulties in sorting goods from the `Waikouaiti' (?) which had been wrecked off Dog Island near Invercargill. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Picton Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000622B, 000623-000624 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0064. One photograph of Mr and Mrs C M W (Clive) Galilee

Date: 4 June 1983 - 04 Jun 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Nelson, Wilfred Maurice, 1910-1986

Reference: OHInt-0096/27

Description: Wilfred Maurice Nelson born Christchurch 1910. Describes: family background; childhood home; Sunday school and bible class; relationship with parents; education at Wharenui ? school and West Christchurch School, now known as Hagley College. Recalls other students - Gilbert Stringer (later Director of Broadcasting) and Trevor Stanton, with reference to Queen Margaret Hospital. Recalls joining Customs Department 1928 and refers to letter from George Craig, Comptroller of Customs. Describes the Long room, Christchurch; duties; dress and tea club. Talks about his two and a half years at Cashmere Sanatorium with tuberculosis. Mentions the Public Service Association. Discusses: Customs Bonds; Gauging; Fraud, with reference to the 1913 fraud in Christchurch; rummaging; introduction of sales tax (1932); effect on Customs of World War II; influence of the Minister; GATT (1948); Shipping registration; Indecent publications / Obscene material and drugs. Customs personnel mentioned include: Mr Sawyers, Steve Gale, Peter Johnsen; Ken Press, J F Cummings, Vic Thomas, Brian Pound (later moved to Industries and Commerce), Bob Orton, J B Condliffe, Neil McGregor (All Black in the 1924/1925 side), and Bill MacDonald who had been to the Pole twice with Captain Scott. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Nelson Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Bridge Street, Nelson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000626-000628 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0075. 1 photograph of 4 Ex-Collectors of Customs, Nelson

Date: 3 June 1983 - 03 Jun 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Woods, Charles Frederic, 1899-1985

Reference: OHInt-0096/25

Description: Charles Frederic Woods born New Plymouth 1898. Outlines family background. Talks in detail about maternal grandfather, Mr Roger Fellows (Sir Roger Tichborne), who was in the first group to cross from the Atlantic to the Pacific. Refers to relative, Hamilton Baird, who was chief meteorologist in New Zealand. Also mentions uncle Charlie who introduced larks to New Zealand. Recalls seeing Halley's Comet as a child. Talks about schooling at Nelson College and refers to Don Black, a Rhodes Scholar who worked under Rutherford in England. Refers to Geiger of Geigercounter. Recalls passing the Public Service examination and the Senior Civil Service examination and gaining entry to the Customs Department. Describes first day and refers to Mr Brabazon (the Collector), Mentions names of interisland ferries: Nikau, Kaitoa, Amakura, Penguin and Arahura. Discusses women in Customs, and refers to Miss Nellie Westrupp who was the first female to be employed in Head Office. Explains how women were only taken on as basic office records clerks. Mentions the introduction of the zip fastener and the problems of describing it. Describes: gauging; ships' searches - rummaging, with reference to the ship Titoki on its first visit to New Zealand; Nelson breweries and brewers; Lockyers; drugs, with reference to opium; Depression / Slump; introduction of sales tax in 1932 and parcel post. Mention: Peter Johnsen; Neil McGregor, an ex All Black; Gale; Cummings; Thomas; Montgomery; Devenish; Tom Capper. Talks about World War I and the flu epidemic (1918). Also talks about World War II and recalls nephew of Winston Churchill who was sent to New Zealand by the British Government to give a `war point of view'. Venue - Nelson Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - 4/227 Bridge St, Nelson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000625, 000631, 000632A Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0086. Search dates: 1899 - 1983

Date: 19 April 1984 - 19 Apr 1984

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part II

By: Robert, James Burr, 1914-1984

Reference: OHInt-0101/16

Description: James (Jim) Burr Robert born Dunedin 1914. Outlines family background - Robert family came from a fishing town in France, arriving New Zealand on the `Surat', 1st January 1874. Recalls story, as told by grandmother, of the ship being shipwrecked at Jackson's Bay and the 200 passengers, having lost all their belongings, walked to Owaka and were then taken to the Caversham Army Barracks, Dunedin. Recalls childhood memories; camping trips to Stewart Island; silent movies; religion; politics with reference to H E Holland, W J Massey and J G Coates; World War II; education, primary at McAndrew School, Dunedin and secondary at Otago Boys' High. Mentions G W C Mcdonald, headmaster at McAndrew and Jerry Morrell, Rector at Otago Boys' High School. Talks about racial integration in Stewart Island, where the population included Norwegian whalers, German, Spanish, Portuguese and Maori. Recalls spending three years working for the Otago Hospital Board before joining Customs as a cadet in Dunedin, 1935. Talks about the Depression and recalls the queue of 50 to 150 people for a job and the riots. Mentions Edinburgh House behind the Post Office. Mentions Tom Williamson (later collector, Timaru), Tom Porter and Charlie Gilbert. Recalls Sales tax being introduced 1935, Introduction of Import Licensing 1938 and Customs pre WWII and immediate Post WWII, with reference to attitudes of Returned Servicemen. Other topics discussed include: passenger ships; rummaging / searching; duties as relieving Collector; promotion; gauging; Statistical classification; Indecent Publications; foreign ships and Customs as a career. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000550-000552 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0102. Search dates: 1914 - 1984

Date: 21 Sep 1984

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part II

By: Rees-Thomas, William, 1900-1986

Reference: OHInt-0101/15

Description: William Rees-Thomas born Melbourne, Australia 1900 and came to New Zealand aged two and a half years on the `Rotomahana'. Outlines family background. Recalls South Wellington School which was burned down. Refers to classmate, Cliff Porter, a former All Black and Mr McKenzie (headmaster), Miss Haigh (?), Mr Feltham and George Flux (?). Mentions change to Island Bay School and describes headmaster, Mr Haslam and refers to his son Alex Haslam who later became a judge. Describes first job as office boy for A S Patersons, Jervois Quay, Wellington and subsequent jobs as shipping clerk for Johnson & Co, Kempthorne Prosser, United States Rubber Co, Hannahs and Odlins before joining Customs in 1935. Recalls Waterfront strike (1914), Armistice Day (1918) and Flu epidemic. Talks about Depression (1930s) and refers to job as Inspector for the Labour Department - describes policy of Labour Department, that everyone should have a garden whether they wanted one or not and his job of reporting on gardens. Recalls joining Customs Department as a searcher in General Division 1935. Explains immigration procedures, search lists etc. Refers to World War II and describes the arrival of the ship `Pamir' in the Wellington Harbour which was put under arrest. Recalls first American ship carrying thousands of troops. Describes rummaging and refers to shortage of tyres during the war. Refers to the `Crusader'. Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000550-000552 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0101. Search dates: 1900 - 1984

Date: 27 May 1983 - 27 May 1993

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Lindsey, George Henry, 1905-1995

Reference: OHInt-0096/12

Description: George Henry Lindsey born in Gisborne 1905. Gives some family background. Recalls growing up in Gisborne; Kaiti Primary School and Gisborne High School. Outlines career of 44 years with the Customs Department commencing Napier, May 1921. Recalls journey from Gisborne on the `Arahura' which was later taken over by the Nelson `Anchor Company`. Mentions the Chief clerk, A H Brooke-Taylor. Gives details of jobs done by a cadet in the Long Room, Napier and discusses the historical origins of the name `Long Room'. Talks about A G (Andy) Peterson, a Boer War veteran, who was with `The Shining Sixths' and later `The Ninths' and his involvement in the 1931 Napier earthquake. Discusses: social life amongst customs officers; perks; smuggling and searching of ships for contraband etc; recollections of Napier Earthquake (1931); transfer to Auckland, with reference to meeting Harry Tizard (father of MP Bob Tizard); Sales Tax; Pornographic / Indecent literature; effect on Customs Department of World War II; women in customs; duties and responsibilities of a Collector and opinion of Customs as a career. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - 3/60 La Veta Avenue, Mt Albert, Auckland Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000574B, OHC-000575, 000617A Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0072. One photograph of Mr G H (George) Lindsey

Date: 31 May 1984

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part II

By: Gresham, James Bernard, 1910-1995

Reference: OHInt-0101/06

Description: James Bernard Gresham (John) born Geraldine 1910, eldest of nine children. Describes in detail childhood home in street called after father in Geraldine. Recalls joining Head Office, Customs Department Wellington 1929. Refers to records clerk, Miss Westrupp and Miss Cole. Mentions Dr George Craig, Comptroller, Peter Johnsen, Bill Vaugh, Bill Fisher, Bob Gray and Allan Atkinson. Recalls transfer to Statistics, Head Office 1932 under Chris L'Estrange and Lionel McCrae (?). Also mentions Foss Shanahan, later New Zealand Ambassador to Washington and George Laking, later Ombudsman. Gives views on Depression. Moved to Timaru (1933) under Frank Oxford and Les Nicol and recalls introduction of Import Licensing and sales tax. Refers to Forbes / Coates Government. Outlines promotions and positions held. Mentions changes in uniforms. Discusses smuggling and explains regulations for searches of ships and private premises. Refers to Drug Detection Squad formed by Police. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000511-000513 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0092. 2 b&w photographs: (i) James Bernard (John) Gresham boarding Inspector, Customs 1953-1962; (ii) James Bernard (John) Gresham (1984) Search dates: 1910 - 1984

Date: 27 Apr 1984

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part II

By: Laking, Norman William, 1918-1994

Reference: OHInt-0101/09

Description: Norman William Laking born Auckland 1918. Outlines family background. Explains how the families all lived close by in Onehunga with life centred around the Onehunga Methodist Church. Recalls involvement in the Bible Class Movement until after World War II. Recalls introduction of School Certificate examination in 1934. Talks about employment at end of Depression. Recalls joining Customs Department, Auckland 1938 and refers to brother, George, who was already working with Customs. Mentions Import Licensing introduced December 1938. Describes Longroom. Mentions H N (Norman) Abercrombie, Jim Letcher, Les Nicol and Clive Evans. Describes World War II service, posting to 4th Field Regiment 1942 and invalided home in 1944 after a truck accident. Outlines career with Customs post WWII. Topics discussed include: promotion and transfers; State Advances Loan; rehabilitation licences; Import Licensing investigation (late 1940s) and Import Advisory Committee set up in 1950, refers to Ralph Wilson and Sir David Smith. Recalls post war time of active immigration and refers to Dutch immigrants. Ships mentioned include: `Captain Cook', `Dominion Monarch', `Southern Cross', `Rangitoto', Ruahine, `Rangitane', `Wanganella' and `Monowai'. Describes flying boats. Gives details of duties as assistant Boarding Inspector and discusses rummaging. Recalls being appointed Secretary Board of Trade and refers to Peter Johnsen, Carl Hare (?), Colin Larsen. Talks about Brian Talboys, Norman Shelton and Lance Adams-Schneider. Discusses inquiry into Customs Tariff. Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000532B-000533-000535 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 interview(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0095. Search dates: 1984

Date: 4 June 1983 - 04 Jun 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Hutchinson, Horatio Aston, 1904-1987

Reference: OHInt-0096/28

Description: Horatio Aston Hutchinson born Wellington 1904. Outlines family background - father, John Hutchinson, came to New Zealand 1892 and kept a diary of the journey. Mother's family came ca 1890s. Recalls: growing up in Thorndon; Sunday school and bible class at St Pauls; father's shop, The Manchester House, at 273 Tinakori Road, later becoming a Post Office / Store; mother's involvement as Secretary for 30 years of the ladies' branch of the Ancient Order of Forrester's Lodge and own involvement in the men's branch. Recalls father helping at the church hall during the Flue Epidemic 1918. Backgrounds joining Customs Department 1919. Describes: salary and conditions; code of dress; bonded warehouses and duty of lockers; Public Service Association; smuggling; Import licensing; customs agents; gauging; Sales tax; changes as a result of World War II; pornographic literature and changes in customs over the years. At the end of interview Mr Hutchinson plays some pieces on the piano. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Nelson Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - 155 Waimea Road, Nelson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000629, OHC-000630A Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0068. 1 photograph of Mr and Mrs H A (Horace) Hutchinson (taken 1982)