Overview In his interview, Henry George (Harry) Dawson, who was born in 1923, documents life in Southland focusing on family heritage, rural work, and community life. Harry recounts his Scottish, English, and Irish ancestry, and describes childhood in Colac Bay, including schooling and early employment. He details work in dairying, sawmilling, and farming, alongside experiences during World War II. His recollections highlight the challenges of land development, the ballot farm system, and economic...

Overview In this interview Stan recalls his family living at Gorge Road where is father was balloted an 88 acre bush section and felled it. After his father died in 1938, they lived in Gorge Road before shifting to Invercargill and Nelson Street. After WW2 his older brother and a friend purchased a sawmill through the Rehab Scheme called Kiwi. Stan went to work at the sawmill and describes the workings and processes used by the mill to fell and mill the trees. Initially the mill was powered by steam and...

Overview In this interview, Eileen talks of her family history, her father’s work history and her father eeling to help supplement the family’s food as well as her mother cooking duck. They were a large family of eight children and Eileen walked 3 miles to school. She goes on to talk about Pahia, attending the school, the local store, hall and dances; her work as a house cleaner and meeting and marrying her husband, Jack. Eileen goes on to discuss gold mining around the area and of the Chinese miners...

Overview In this interview Charlie shares memories and stories from his life including his family history, properties he has owned, his occupations and marriage. He also talks about power generation starting at the hydroelectricity plant at Monowai, long-time local doctor, Dr Trotter, taking part in sports days at Limehills and Tuatapere; and his many friends.