Elizabeth Ann ROBBIE

Interviewer: Cathy Macfie

Abstracter: Cathy Macfie

SESSION 1: 30 November 2022

TRACK 1 Introduction

TRACK 2

00.06 EARLY MEMORIES: First home at STUART STREET opposite HAWTHORNDALE BOWLING CLUB. Parents bowled after children were in bed. Reference COMMUNITY.

00.47 Describes primrose coloured BATHROOM FITTINGS – “quite smart”.

01.03 Remembers POPES, neighbours with FURNITURE CARRYING COMPANY. Also neighbours who bred GOLDFISH. Describes.

02.11 Moved to LOCHIEL when 4 years old. 40 acres on site of HIDEAWAY 201. Just 5 years when house and belongings destroyed by FIRE. Detailed description of the TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCE.

05.35 The only upside was no longer having to travel to PRIMARY SCHOOL on the decrepit SCHOOL BUS. Mentions. Temporary accommodation in disused RAILWAY HOUSE next to PRIMARY SCHOOL. Details support provided by RED CROSS, COMMUNITY FUND-RAISING and H&J SMITHS (£30). Moved again to HOUSE next to LOCHIEL HALL.

07.09 Three months after fire, FATHER suffered major BRAIN HAEMORRHAGE. Spent over three months in DUNEDIN HOSPITAL; among first to have “FLIP- TOP CRANIAL REMOVAL” to reduce swelling. Describes BRAIN SURGERY and subsequent PERSONALITY CHANGE. Impact on FAMILY. Explains.

08.20 Describes DOMESTIC ABUSE to MOTHER. JUNE and KEITH EVANS carers while parents in Dunedin. Recalls diet of watery VEGETABLE SOUP. Reference absence of SOCIAL SERVICES; dependence on CHARITY.

10.30 Recalls visits to NANA and POP, FATHER’S PARENTS at 101 KING STREET. The nearby KINGSLAND BISCUIT FACTORY supplied tins of broken biscuits. Describes. Tea made on COAL RANGE. Delicate tea cups. Explains. Wary of POP. Mentions MEAN BEHAVIOUR.

11.39 Parents purchased 80 acres FARM at TUSSOCK CREEK. Walked SHEEP from LOCHIEL. Explains. MOTHER managed FARM, FATHER returned to part- time work at FREEZING WORKS – WOOL PULL and other Departments. Children also worked. Ann could DRIVE DEXTER [tractor] at 10 years old. Describes FARM TASKS. Long days. Recalls SCHOOL REPORT “Ann fell asleep at school today.”

13.30 EDUCATION: Moving to JAMES HARGEST HIGH SCHOOL (1200 students) from LOCHIEL PRIMARY (120 students) was a shock. Hated SECONDARY SCHOOL and describes how BULLYING destroyed her self-confidence. Details BULLYING BEHAVIOURS and fearful response. Reference: SEXIST CURRICULUM.

END TRACK 2

TRACK 3

00.21 Continuation of BULLYING at SCHOOL. TEACHER JOHN TILDEN taught her SELF-DEFENCE. Describes incident when she put it into practice and believed she had killed aggressor. Mentions MRS INCH, HEADMISTRESS and MR DAWE, PRINCIPAL JAMES HARGEST HIGH SCHOOL. Learned to fight for her beliefs. Explains.

03.38 Wanted to learn BAGPIPES. Defied SEXIST PREJUDICE and has enjoyed playing for 48 years. Explains. Experiences of BULLYING and ABUSE led to lifelong commitment to advocate for vulnerable people.

05.04 EMPLOYMENT: First job as a HORTICULTURAL APPRENTICE. Recalls humorous story how FATHER was persuaded to sign the approval form. Employer BLAKES NURSERY. ALAN BLAKE SNR a “hard task master” in a male- dominated area. Describes multi-generation FAMILY FRIENDSHIPS.

07.15 Completed APPRENTICESHIP in late 1979 and became the FIRST FEMALE QUALIFIED HORTICULTURALIST-ARBORIST in New Zealand. BLAKES NURSERY WAIKIWI-based but also 10 acres off FLORA ROAD, MAKAREWA.

07.45 Recalls PRANK around worker who spent too long on LONG DROP [toilet]. Details. Reference: HEALTH AND SAFETY

END TRACK 3

TRACK 4

00.10 EMPLOYMENT: Pay was $22 p/hr. Had to buy own secateurs and other work needs. Explains. Same work as men but no PAY EQUITY. Reference: EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS. Weekly cost $7 travel and $7 board; not much left over.

01.37 Bought ELNA SUPERMATIC SEWING MACHINE. Huge investment $500, took 2 years to pay off. Still used and valued today. Explains.

02.19 Started BAGPIPING during apprenticeship period. Played at WEDDINGS and FUNERALS. Became involved with PIPE BAND CHAMPIONSHIPS, starting with WINTON, then COMBINED WINTON AND CENTRAL SOUTHLAND in 1977. Moved to INVERCARGILL PIPE BAND in 1978. Explains. Won SOUTHLAND UNDER 21 SOLOS in 1981 but not eligible for prize. Explains.

03.54 MAX WELLS (WINTON) and JOHNNY WILSON (BROWNS PIPE BAND) were her teachers. Mentions IAN and ISOBEL McPHERSON.

04.50 Left BLAKES NURSERY late 1979, early 1980s. Triggered by UNEQUAL PAY ($12/hour less than male colleague) and EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS. Explains.

08.10 Met GIB CLARK [?], FUCHSIA and BEGONIA GROWER. Mentions his large GLASSHOUSES still visible on east side of EAST ROAD PETS. CLARK was an excellent teacher and encouraged her ability. Explains. Gave her love of FUCHSIAS.

10.10 Recalls a WORKPLACE INJURY with TRACTOR at BLAKES.

11.27 1 980 worked as HORTICULTURE and MERCHANDISE REPRESENTATIVE at DALGETY’S [Stock and Station Agents] for 2½ years until she married Peter and became pregnant.

END TRACK 4

TRACK 5

00.10 Loved DALGETY’S, working with BLACKCURRANTS for CHRISTMAS EXPORT to ROTTERDAM. Explains PACKING and FREEZING PROCESS at KENNINGTON EEL FACTORY. Reference: GARTH STEWART, INVENTOR of STRADDLE MACHINE for picking. Mentions other SOUTHLAND BLACKCURRANT GROWERS. RIVERTON AREA best for growing BLACKCURRANTS. Explains. Increasing MARKET interest in BERRY FRUIT and GRAPES led to travel throughout SOUTHLAND and OTAGO 1980-83.

01.56 FIRST FEMALE MERCHANDISE REPRESENTATIVE on the road [in Southland?]. Included transporting 44 GALLON DRUMS OF 245T on back of Ute. Explains delivery process. Reference: WORKPLACE CHALLENGES for WOMEN. Mentions KEVIN McQUIRTER (SQUIRT) and BOB GARTHWAITE as supportive colleagues.

03.15 Met BRIAN SWITALLA, “brilliant PIPER”, became WORLD CHAMPION. Worked for WINSTONE PUMPS. He put pumps together while Ann repaired them. Describes.

04.20 Reference: WORKPLACE SEXISM. Recalls instances of MALE CHAUVINISM. Earned respect through skilful REPAIR AND RE-CALIBRATION of PUMPS for SPRAYING. Describes.

06.32 BLOCK TRAINING COURSE for APPRENTICES in PALMERSTON NORTH. (She was only woman.) Recalls COMPETITION to dismantle and re-assemble CHAINSAW. Despite being disadvantaged, Ann won a STIHL 35 CHAINSAW. Explains. Reference: WORKPLACE SEXISM, CHAUVINISM.

END TRACK 5

TRACK 6

00.05 EMPLOYMENT. DALGETY’S gave Ann use of XC FORD FALCON 4.1 UTE. Other reps had 1600 c.c. CORTINAS. Caused ill-feeling. Describes. WAGES $7,000 p.a. boosted by unexpected PAY RISE of $1,500.

02.20 Met HUSBAND, PETER when visiting DRUMMOND as MERCHANDISE REP. Recalls helping with HAYMAKING before storm. PETER impressed with her TRACTOR and TRAILER SKILLS. Explains.

04.02 CHILDREN followed soon after MARRIAGE. FARMING not economic with INTEREST RATE over 20%. LABOUR difficulties. Explains. 1991, decided to sell. Two FARMS located south of GOLF COURSE, DRUMMOND. 200 acres either side of ROBERTSON ROAD to CHILTON ROAD. PETER owned one block; FATHER the other. Mentions GRANDMOTHER’S HOME built 1923 with TONGUE-AND-GROOVE CEILING, OUTSIDE TOILET. Reference: ECONOMY

06.02 Recalls hard FARM LIFE. Five years married, injured by CATTLE BEAST. Describes. LAMBING LOSSES heart-breaking. Explains. Role of SLINK SKIN INDUSTRY, THORNBURY. Details. Mentions KNIGHT TAILORS, INVERCARGILL. Supportive of WOOLLEN PRODUCTS. Recalls longevity of BLANKETS bought when married.

END TRACK 6

SESSION 2: 5 DECEMBER 2022

TRACK 7

00.05 Introduction

00.40 MARRIAGE. Reference MEETING. [See also TRACK 6 02.20]. Met February, ENGAGED May.

END TRACK 7

TRACK 8

00.02 Short ENGAGEMENT. MARRIED following April in WINTON. Brilliant HARVEST WEATHER. Recalls PETER should have been driving HEADER for GEOFF LINDSAY. RECEPTION at WINTON MEMORIAL HALL.

00.54 CHILDREN. Three boys born 1983,1985 and 1987. CHRISTIAN NAMES also feature in THOMAS THE TANK ENGINE [books] and SCOTTISH SURNAMES. Mentions SCHOOL 4.5 km away; no BUS SERVICE.

01.52 Early 1982 worked part-time on FARM to support PETER’S FATHER who was injured. Explains. Crippling INTEREST RATES 18-23%; needed BRIDGING FINANCE to pay interest. PETER loved WOODWORK; hated SHEEP. Explains. Most FARM WORK done on MOTOR BIKES. Ann used DOGS [KING and QUEEN] to help with SHEEP. Explains. Recalls rapport between WYN [PETER’S MOTHER] and QUEEN. Reference: WOMEN’S ROLE in FARMING; SEXISM. [See also TRACK 6: 04.02]

04.18 FARM MACHINERY. BALER was the only equipment Ann did not use. Explains. Recalls HAYMAKING incident when NEEDLE CARRIER broke on BALER. WEATHER destroyed HAY.

05.50 Describes disastrous LAMBING in 1987. Lost one-third stock. [See also TRACK 6: 06.02]

END TRACK 8

TRACK 9

00.00 SALE of FARM 1991, hard decision. Sold immediately. Financial wisdom now questionable, given subsequent boom in DAIRYING in SOUTHLAND. Explains. Mentions PIGS. FARM LOCATION. [See also TRACK 6: 04.02] Sold to LINDSAYS as SHEEP FARM; then KEITH NEYLON; then to GRAHAM AND JAN APPLEBY for DAIRYING. Mentions FRIENDSHIP with APPLEBY’S. DON and WYN’S house unchanged.

02.50 CHILDREN. 10 acres at RYAL BUSH had RACE TRACK. BOYS learned to drive MOTORBIKES young. Describes. MECHANICAL SKILLS at an early age. STUART now HEAVY INDUSTRIAL MECHANIC. DOUG AND LOGAN both skilful BUILDERS. DOUG in FIRE SERVICE.

04.50 Children at school. Returned to PART-TIME NURSERY WORK at LORNEVILLE. 9-3, 5 days/wk. THOMAS BROS became BLAKES, then NEVILLE JONES, now DIACKS. Mentions LANDSCAPING. HORTICULTURE WAGES remained low. Details. [See also TRACK 4: 00.00]

06.05 Started TRAINING with RED CROSS to become AMBULANCE OFFICER. PETER seriously unwell. Original diagnosis of BRAIN CANCER revised to a STROKE. Slow recovery. Explains.

08.00 FINANCIAL HARDSHIP. PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT 10 hrs/week @ $15/hr. No SICKNESS BENEFIT. Describes chance meeting with WINSTON PETERS; argued case to support part-time hours.

10.30 Describes reality of FOOD SHORTAGES. Recalls kindness of neighbour ANITA WISHART arriving with a casserole.

11.25 Describes stressful incidents. Boys believed to have Jellymeat [cat food] sandwiches for SCHOOL LUNCH. Actually PRESSED OXTAIL and TONGUE. Explains. SCHOOL STATIONERY ACCOUNTS waived. Explains. PETER off work for 9 months. Despite pressure, HARDSHIP fostered qualities of TENACITY and RESILIENCE.

14.55 PETER was first full-time employee of E.H.BALL & SONS. Loved WOOD WORK. Originally one of four staff: owners DEREK and JO plus son WARWICK. Today 46 EMPLOYEES. Southland-owned, independent TIMBER MERCHANT. Supported PETER during illness. Explains.

END TRACK 9

TRACK 10

00.07 RED CROSS managed from DUNEDIN; INVERCARGILL a satellite. EMPLOYMENT grew from 10 hrs/week to FULL TIME, teaching FIRST AID to SCHOOLS and WORKPLACES. Became OTAGO/SOUTHLAND SENIOR INSTRUCTOR. Details arduous nature of WORKING WEEK. Reference: status of WOMENS REFUGE and subsequent growth.

02.00 Describes instances of DOMESTIC ABUSE. Dowdy dressing a strategy to avoid attention. HOME VISIT where “home wasn’t a home”. Details.

04.10 Left RED CROSS because of EMPLOYMENT CONDITIONS. In one year, worked 380 hours over 40 hrs/week; could not be paid or take TIME IN LIEU. Mentions government ruling soon after that enforced TIME IN LIEU payment. LONG HOURS stressful for FAMILY. Describes.

05.50 Next EMPLOYMENT at HEALTHCARE was “horrendous”. Sanctioned for speaking out over CLIENT ABUSE. LAWYER, CHRISTINE FRENCH found company at fault. Explains. Details instance of ABUSE over burst COLOSTOMY BAG. Departure November 2005 triggered by WRONGFUL ACCUSATION. Explains.

08.51 March 2006 started work for SPORT SOUTHLAND. EMPLOYED for 10 years. “Brilliant!”

END TRACK 10

TRACK 11

00.14 Employed by SPORT SOUTHLAND as GREEN PRESCRIPTION ADVISOR. Explains concept and operation. Also involved in COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES. FALLS PREVENTION FOR SENIORS PROGRAMME adopted nationally by ACCIDENT COMPENSATION CORPORATION (ACC). Expresses pride. Ten years later, ready for change.

03.00 Head-hunted by IDEA SERVICES as an OUTCOMES FACILITATOR. Explains role. After 12 months the role was scrapped. Explains value of independent advocacy for SERVICE USERS. Critical of some SERVICE PROVIDERS. Explains. Believes decision must have been financially driven. Mentions NOBBY CLARK as advocate for SERVICE USERS. Mentions wasteful management practices.

06.03 Started PART-TIME EMPLOYMENT with FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND. Again loved working with DISABILITIES as activity-based OUTCOMES FACILITATOR. Saw CLIENT/VOLUNTEER interaction as key confidence builder. Explains. Recognised potential for INVERCARGILL CITY COUNCIL’S QUEEN’S PARK STUMPERY and AMPHITHEATRE (developed by FRANK WELLS) to be part of a SENSORY GARDEN. Explains SENSORY AWARENESS opportunity. Similar opportunities also for SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL. Describes.

END TRACK 11

TRACK 12

00.02 Left FOUNDATION FOR THE BLIND when reduced hours made it uneconomic. Explains. Returned to GARDENING at DIACKS NURSERY, LORNEVILLE. “Returned full circle.” SCIENTIFIC PLANT NAMES main change. Explains.

01.30 PIPING. Recalls “humbling” experience of playing at FUNERALS. Explains. Describes HUMOUROUS INCIDENTS. Emotional example of BOY’S FUNERAL when HAKA and BAGPIPES sounded in unison. Describes.

04.23 PIPE BAND experience had “ups and downs”. Recalls distress when she was not allowed to play at FUNERAL of friend and DRUM MAJOR “Russell” (despite family request) because of ‘OLD SCHOOL’ behaviour. Explains. Left the band as consequence.

06.36 MILITARY TATTOO in WELLINGTON was a highlight. Describes atmosphere of 140 PIPERS playing in CAKE TIN. Not getting to MILITARY TATTOO in SCOTLAND a regret. Mentions with satisfaction 780 FUNERALS, 130 WEDDINGS, 40 ANZAC DAYS. TAUGHT PIPING to 40-50 PUPILS. Describes QUALITIES needed for PIPING.

END TRACK 12

TRACK 13

00.12 WAR MEMORIALS. Curiosity aroused by ANZAC DAY PIPE CEREMONIES in HALLS. Noticed MEMORIAL BOARDS but little WAR reference. 1975 STUART McKERCHAR, JAMES HARGEST HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER, encouraged her interest in RESEARCHING WAR MEMORIALS. Explains. No documentation. Reference CLIFF BOYLE 1990s. Ann made presentation to SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL. FRANA CARDNO and MR ADAMSON supportive. Explains support offered with assistance from BOBBI BROWN. RESEARCH identified 130 plus WAR MEMORIALS. CURRENT NUMBER NOW 426.

04.10 MEMORIAL found on FIRE BRIGAGE MUSEUM floor, INVERCARGILL has been framed and hung. MEMORIALS from FORTROSE and NIAGARA works in progress. Explains context for RESTORATION WORK. TINA AND DUNCAN McGREGOR, FIORDLAND MILITARY MUSEUM, now the destination for UNWANTED MEMORIALS. Permanent loan. Explains.

06.50 HONOURS RECOGNITION. Hesitant to accept QSM INVITATION. Accepted on behalf of everyone involved with WAR MEMORIAL PROJECT. Explains.

08.43 McKENZIE BROTHERS FLAGPOLE WAR MEMORIAL, BLUFF HILL. Find was a memorable moment. Explains. Expressions of HUMILITY and LEADERSHIP. Describes. Reference HAUROKO VALLEY SCHOOL: ANZAC DAY demonstration of knowledge and respect by students.

END TRACK 13

SESSION 3: 12 December 2002

Recorded at Hospice Southland

TRACK 14

00.01 Introduction

00.24 AFTERTHOUGHTS comprise this final session.

00.40 PRIMARY SCHOOL MEMORIES. LOCHIEL SCHOOL “a lot of fun”. Teacher NOEL ALLISON, “heart of gold” but ready with the strap. Describes escapade with REX SYCAMORE. Ann’s CLASS OF ’66 had recent 50 YEAR REUNION. Twenty from twenty one students plus teacher present. Great publicity. Describes. HEADMASTER MR FAIRBANKS another good but strict teacher. Recalls “pea flicking” competition involving 20 cent MEAT PIES from WINTON. BEDE KANE [?] spanked with sooty half shovel. Describes.

END TRACK 14

TRACK 15

00.03 Recalls FANCY DRESS PARTY for end of SCHOOL year. Mentions DENISE BELL, ‘MISS LOCHIEL’ COMPETITION. Hated identical DRESSES made by MOTHER for YOUNGER SISTER HEATHER and herself. Explains. Recalls dreadful properties of CRIMPLENE MATERIAL. Details.

02.28 JACK and FREDA SHAW, family friends lived in a two-storey WOODEN VILLA in LOCHIEL. Describes its ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES and MAGNIFICENT GARDEN. FREDA a “master” of VANILLA SLICES. Explains.

05.35 MORE PRIMARY SCHOOL MEMORIES. NATIONAL ANTHEM changed in 1970s. Recalls bringing piano outside to practise. Describes MAYPOLE in action. Recalls accident when boy hit his head. Expression: “Not a well budgie.” LOCHIEL HALL had GYM EQUIPMENT. Describes. Recalls TRAMPOLINE ACCIDENT when WINTON DR. WILSON’S 4 year old SON broke his neck. Reference: SAFETY. Recalls SPORTS DAY and success in DISCUS and SHOT PUT. Explains.

END TRACK 15