Hughes, Milton, 1911-2003

Date: 25 Nov 1998

From: Southland oral history project

By: McGilvray, Madeline, active 1998; Hughes, Milton, 1911-2003

Reference: OHInt-0464/09

Description: Minty Hughes was born in Otautau in 1911. Discusses his father and his work in the flax mill at Pukemaori and his mother's home near Monkey Island, Orepuki. Describes travelling by steamer to Port Craig in 1923 and attending school there. Describes the sawmills at Port Craig, transporting the logs, the Percy Burn viaduct, loading the boats with timber, a brief history of the Craig family and how the settlement got its name. Mentions his job as whistle boy. Talks about the closure of the Mill in 1928. Gives details about grocery prices, meat and bread supplies, how the mill workers were paid, social life and the Lidgerwood machine. Recalls working at the Greenhills stone quarry and the Depression when ten of the family of thirteen lived at home. Describes meeting his wife Hilda, family life, working in the Lillburn Vally, getting his steam ticket in Tuatapere and repairing the Port Craig viaducts. Mentions that daughter Faye is married to country singer Dusty Spittle. Interviewer(s) - Madeline McGilvray Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHMD-0053 Quantity: 1 MiniDisc(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other brief abstract, OHA-2686. Photos of Minty Hughes as a child and possibly at the time of the interview