Richards, George Donald, 1915-1999

Date: 28 May 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Richards, George Donald, 1915-1999

Reference: OHInt-0096/22

Description: George Donald Richards born Dannevirke 1915. Outlines family background - father, John Henry (Jack) Richards born Australia, a blacksmith by trade, worked for Cobb & Co., in Melbourne before coming to New Zealand 1900 and setting up business (forge) in Weber, near Dannevirke. Recalls the forge, bellows and various tools. Maternal grandfather, Mr Sutherland, born New Zealand and returned to Scotland where mother was born. Recalls mother's claim that Sutherland Falls was named after grandfather. Refers to Depression. Memories of childhood include: chores; education - Dannevirke Primary and Dannevirke High School, with reference to teachers, A G Tait (headmaster), Hugh Henderson (well known national rugby coach), Dave Lindsay (a New Zealand swimming champion) and Arthur Soundy (?) (Primary school teacher). Recalls first day with Customs Department in 1933 and refers to Mr Atkinson, Mr Bridgeman, Reg White, Bill Waugh, Stewart Taylor, Mr Brabazen and Jack Walker. Aspects of Customs discussed include: pay and conditions, with reference to extra half hour regarded as war effort by State Services Commission; Public Service Association; social club / outings, with reference to the `Cobar', the `Muritai' and the `Pier Hotel'; parcel post; Wharf Office, with reference to tug `Janey Seddon', `Wanganella' and `Awatea' (sunk off North Africa during the war). Describes Captain Davey, skipper of the Awatea and also captain of the `Monowai'. Discusses gauging and tariff duty; Importers, with reference to Mr McCall (?) of Philips and Pike; Sergeant Tricklebank; B A Barton-Ginger (taken over by Alltrans), with reference to Wellington Exhibition parade; Import Licensing (1938); smuggling; World War II - served in the Pacific and Italy; Marriage 1946; Sales tax; duties of examining officer and retirement. Gives his observations on changes in the Department over the years, noticing constant changes in tariffs. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Auckland Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - 4/36A Pah Road, Epsom, Auckland Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000617B, 000618-000620 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0081. One photograph of Mr G D (George) Richards, 1st on left (Captain) Search dates: 1915 - 1983