Montague Bolger was born in Christchurch in 1910. Mentions his Irish grandparents meeting on the journey to New Zealand and subsequently having four sons. Notes that his parents John and Ethel had six sons. Recalls his father's employment at Costers coal mine, the Mataura Freezing Works and on their farm on the Mataura Winton road. Describes attending the Mataura School and leaving at the age of fourteen. Talks about working as engine driver at Rowes coal mine where his father was manager. Describes the job conditions, rate of pay, working hours, use of explosives, machinery and the change from steam to motor power. Recalls sitting his exam for second class steam ticket. Talks about the uprade of the Winton Road and the provision of gravel and water by Rowes Mines. Mentions coal deliveries by Lindsay Rowe and taking over this job. Describes the Depression, being offered work at the New Zealand Paper Mill at Mataura in 1936 and the installation of a new boiler. Comments on finishing working with coal. Talks about getting his first class steam ticket in 1940. Describes how Fletchercorp took over the paper mill. Discusses an exam, visiting the Secretary of the Institute of Marine and Power Engineers, membership of the Institute and the status at the mill of the old millhands. Describes becoming senior shift engineer and then power house engineer until his retirement in 1975.