Overview Hugh talks of his family history, his siblings’ lives and choices. He talks in detail of farming practices, produce and his return to the farm after his time in World War 2 and the benefits of his attendance of a farming course at Lincoln. He describes his time at war in detail.

Overview In this interview Veda describes, details and recalls her musical family with her father as a singer and conductor and her mother who taught piano and singing. She goes on to tell of her own musical achievements in singing and piano and as a music teacher. She pursued this interest through Trinity College London and was eventually being awarded with a Fellowship of Trinity School London. Veda went on to become a music teacher and over the years received many awards including becoming a Fellow...

Overview Leslie talks of his family history, education and home domestic life in the Tapanui area. He describes the depression years, working in the forestry in Rotorua, the loss of his brother in the war, his marriage/family and farming life, where he has seen many changes and practices over 70 years in the industry. Leslie also talks about steam trains and rail service in the area as well as his interest in the Racing Club and Dog trails.

Overview Bert speaks of and describes his family history, life, education and growing up at Rimu e.g. attending Rimu School, rabbiting, sports, working on and owning his farm and farming practices. He also covers the outbreak of World War 2 and its effects on family and country.

Overview Gordon looks at his family history, growing up in Kaiwera, his family home and daily life e.g. food clothing, games chores, religion and education through to secondary school. During the war he was involved with the Home Guard – First Aid Group and discusses the war and its affects. He goes on to the social life of the time, his meeting of and marriage to Margaret, the trials of building their first home, children and the gaining of a Nuffield Scholarship and what this meant.

Overview Mattie’s family lived at Hakataramea until getting a balloted farm at Beaumont around 1915. Beaumont was a thriving community until the railway closed. Grocery, butchery and bakery deliveries were once a week. Mattie describes the effects of her mother breaking her leg, her father’s ill health and her brother Alister’s war service which lead to his death in the Solomon Islands. Mattie took charge of the Post Office and Telephone Exchange. After her marriage they moved to her husband’s family...

Overview Murray reflects on his education at Waituna and Marist Schools, the need to run the family farm at the age of 15 when his father became ill, his marriage and employment on the sale of the family farm. He also looks at living and working around Kapuka/Gorge Road; Mentioning some of the local identities e.g. Andy Barker and Lionel Lobb as well as looking at some of the local history. Murray tells of setting up O’Connor Contracting giving a description of the sort equipment required and being...

Overview Judith looks at her early life through school and growing up at Mokotua where the family had a mixed farm of dairy and sheep on 200 acres. Judith was a day pupil at James Hargest High School before leaving school and working at H & J Smiths until her marriage to Murray. They had three children and Judith gives a description of her time in Dee Street Maternity Hospital. Murray and Judith purchased a dairy farm at Kapuka which is now run by their son. She gives a description of her typical...