Overview Mrs Stoddart recalls in-depth her involvement in Civil Defence through training as a qualified instructor and the various situations she was involved with including the 1978 Mataura Floods, Mt Erebus disaster and the 1984 floods. She discusses the aftermath of the flooding practically as in the cleanup process, finding accommodation/clothing etc. and the importance of psychological help after such disasters.

Overview This interview covers Jeans family history and her memories of growing up and living in Merrivale Road, Scotts Gap, home on the farm, food, clothing, chores and education. She describes her working conditions as a cook. Jean talks of DT King moving their house up onto the hill. There is a commentary on the war years – conscientious objectors-, her marriage and family and living at Otahu Flat, her twins and their time at Karitane, and her religious life.

Overview Muriel discusses her family and education history which reflects on the times i.e. training to be a teacher and her first posting at Nightcaps, marriage, life on the farm pre electricity and telephone; country life, being a member of the WDFF through which she ran sewing classes. Muriel tells of their connections with Waipara lighthouse and her husband Ronald’s war years.

Overview Thelma describes her early life and catching the Kinston Flyer to Balfour School from Lintley near Lumsden. She was man powered onto the family farm during WW2 and discusses these years and the depression years. Thelma talks of her: marriage, purchase of land near Balfour, family, involvement in country activities and interests in golf and gardening.

Overview Russell talks of his family history and settling at Otatara which was very isolated. He describes methods used in rabbiting; his passion for construction and the uses of the Oreti River i.e. gravel haulage.

Overview In this interview Gabriel gives a description of his family history, his home life, education and family business in Gore. He joined the Gore Lions on its opening day and was a member for almost 50 years. He gives a detailed account of the many and varied projects Lions have been part of e.g. St James Theatre Trust, John Money Wing, James Cumming wing etc.

Overview This interview was recorded as part of the About Us Voices of Southland collection. This interview looks at the Grant family first settling in Balfour in 1876, the opening of a store and purchase of farm land. He looks at his own connection with the farm: growing up there, the diversity of farming practices, and effects of climate. In the 1980s he became interested in politics being elected to parliament in 1987 and serving 2 terms. He talks of his life after this, his involvement on various...

Overview In this interview Russell talks of family history, his life and education around the Catlins. He has had a passion for railway since childhood. Russell describes local history around Taukuku e.g. whaling, Maori settlement and ship wrecks. He also describes farming on Peninsula, saw milling, and medical treatments and diseases. At the age of 15 Russell joined the railways as a labourer where he studied and gained qualifications. He found his niche with the Kingston Flyer in 1971 and describes...