Puckey, Roma Leigh, 1906-1987

Date: 26 Sep 2012

From: Milford oral history project

By: Dunsford, Deborah (Dr), active 2001-2012; Puckey, Harry Leigh, 1930-

Reference: OHInt-1017-06

Description: Interview with Harry Leigh Puckey. Born 1930 in Palmerston North, descendents of William Gilbert Puckey, an early missionary, and first Pakeha marriage in New Zealand. Describes his parents, who had a butchery in Napier, which was destroyed in the 1931 earthquake. That year the family moved to Milford to be closer to members of his mother's family in Castor Bay. Describes bach on Seaview Road, Milford. Discusses father's work during the depression, and describes how the family made money and ate. Describes the family's vehicle, and memories of Milford during his childhood. Discusses swimming in the estuary and at the Milford swimming pool. Discusses surf life saving club, and recalls a young man who drowned at the beach. Describes a typical summer day, and looking for coins in the sand. Describes almost dying at Campbells Bay, and his father saving his life. Discusses pumping of raw sewage at Black rock, playing mini golf, and going to the Milford Picturedrome. Describes Guy Fawkes night, participating in Milford Scouts, and the Milford surf club. Describes scout meetings, and attending churches on the North Shore. Discusses playing sports at school, particularly football, cricket, swimming, and tennis. Describes growing strawberries and finding food. Discusses people who had holidays homes in Milford in the 1930s, and differences between Milford and Takapuna. Describes Milford during World War Two, and the American soldiers who came to Milford. Describes fears of possible Japanese invasion, and his family's experiences in the war. Discusses romances between girls and American soldiers in Milford. Describes dances at Ye Olde Pirate Shippe, and his family taking over the management of the Pirate Shippe in 1945. Describes atmosphere at the Pirate Shippe, his parents' work there, and events and dances held. Interviewer(s) - Deborah Dunsford Quantity: 1 digital sound recording(s) digital sound recording(s). 2.08 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.