Overview Reid Davidson was born in Gore in 1932. Gives details about his parents. Describes his house on Main Street, Gore, his schooling and reasons for leaving school and going to work in his father's shop. Mentions meeting his wife and their wedding. Discusses his family connection with the grocery business, his father working with McKibbon (McGibbon) and Company and starting his own business. Gives details of the shop's growth, some of the jobs, competition within the business, the mark up,...

Overview John Crowley was born in Reefton in 1912. Describes how his father was a gold dredger based in Waikaia. Talks about moving to Dunedin, Catholic schooling, working at Gallien's Pharmacy at the Gardens in Dunedin and his interest in swimming, yachting, life saving, tramping and football. Mentions appearing before the Otago Rugby Union after an incident. Discusses becoming an apprentice plasterer to George Newman and work plastering at Teschemakers Convent near Oamaru. Mentions a stutter and how...

Overview Charles Burrows was born in 1871 [1872 stated on his gravestone] and arrived in New Zealand with his parents in September 1874. His father Nathan Burrows was gardener in Invercargill and then for G M Bell at Waimea Estate near Riversdale. Discusses his early life and early Gore history. Charles Burrows was a successful nurseryman, Borough Councillor and was involved on school committees and church management but the tape does not include this latter material. Recalls aspects of his early life...

Overview 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....

Overview Ron, born 1937, grew up in Mandeville, near Gore. He is one of 10 children in a close knit family. His parents were not well off— rabbits were a valuable source of family income. Music was a big part of family life. About half the family played musical instruments - Ron later played in dance bands.After attending the local primary school and secondary school in Gore, Ron began work as a labourer in the early 1950's. In 1952 his brother helped him get a job at Fleming & Co where he has...

Overview Sylvester Hoffman was born in Gore in 1926. Talks about origin of Hoffman name and about his mother's family, the Schultz family and their emigration from Austria to Charlton. Talks about his childhood, his father's work at a foundry, their diet, clothing, Christmases, attitude to alcohol and smoking, discipline and chores. Recalls primary school at St Mary's and high school at St Kevin's in Oamaru. Mentions sport and the strictness of the Christian Brothers who ran the school. Describes...