Abstract of Montague Graham (Monty) BOLGER, 1998
Item
Identifier: H06110002
Abstract
Interviewee: MONTAGUE GRAHAM BOLGER
Interviewer: Edna McKelvie
Recorded: 10 February 1998
Abstracted by: Brigitte McIntosh
Side 1
0.00 Gives full name, born at CHRISTCHURCH 1910. Parents names, JOHN AND ETHEL, fathers occupation was FARMER.
0.7 Talks about GRANDPARENTS, GRANDFATHER BOLGER when he left home, (IRELAND) aged 15 years. Spent 20 years in INDIAN ARMY discharge in Bombay came to N.Z and never returned to IRELAND
1.7 Details grandfather... meeting grandmother MARY GALLON from COUNTY TYRONE, grandad came from the south, COUNTY CARLOW Met on journey to NZ.
2.1 Arrival in NZ of grandparents, Mary employed by people in WAIKAIA, grandad got some land up about MEDBURY, NORTH CANTERBURY
2.8 Mentions grandparents MARRIAGE building of a wooden house in late 1800s.
3.2 Mentions the raising of four boys and the DEATH OF MARY in 1905
3.4 JOHN DIED in 1912
3.5 Names the boys, JOHN, JIM, PERCIVAL AND THOMAS
3.8 Three boys stayed in Southland, THOMAS in Christchurch and had 2 children, a boy and a girl.
4.2 Mentions that his own parents John & Ethel had 6 BOYS and talks of his UNCLES and the number that each had.
4.7 Tells where each family lived. JIM in INVERCARGILL, PERCIVAL at GLENMORE, his father had FARM at WINTON/MATAURA, of 56 acres
5.4 Describes the farm 1912, his father’s various employment: COSTERS COAL MINE, and the Mataura FREEZING WORKS, describes tasks father did around farm
7.4 Recalls how he used to get lost as a child around the farm, and the ensuing hunt for him
7.8 Talks about 1st COWSHED built on property, around 1920 new cowshed was built by MOUAT a builder from Mataura
8.8 Tells how many cows were on farm at various times
9.3 Says he was ELDEST IN FAMILY. First pair of new boots. Reminisces about misadventures in boyhood.
10.8 Talks of interest in aviation, Recalls the time when a chap SCOTLAND came to Southland during the war. about 1914, and seeing the plane he piloted
11.8 Farm was located on MATAURA/WINTON ROAD
12.2 SCHOOL. Attended MATAURA SCHOOL when 6yrs old, traveling distance of 2 miles.
13.3 Recalls SLATE AND SLATE PENCIL, making pot hooks. Bead frames used for counting which he still sees this today in his mind’s eye instead of figures. Jeyes fluid used to clean slates.
16.0 First TEACHER was MISS FOWLER up to Primer 4. MR KELLY was the Standard teacher, recalls his sense of humour. Recalls that TOM GORDON or FORREST DIXON had problems learning. Standard 2 teacher was MISS PULLAR OF PUKERAU and later a MISS WINNING. Recalls a particular happening with gatepost and sun measurements.
189 Recalls MATAURA SCHOOL FIRE so school was held at the CHURCH OF CHRIST. Standard 3, 4 and 6 were also there,
19.8 Mentions other teachers MISS BRISTOW of MATAURA who later left school and married a chap SHEPHERD, and MISS CUNNINGHAM possibly from MCNAB area. Says how Miss Cunningham always use to tell the class about her holidays, and he would recall these stories when later he visited these places
222 Remembers how in Standard 5 his father’s ILLNESS, Time off school to help on the farm. Extra year in Standard 4 due to this,
23.8 INFANTILE PARALYSIS was about and causing trouble.
24.0 LEFT SCHOOL AGED 14 years about 1925-
24.5 Fathers health had returned and he took a job as ENGINE DRIVER at ROWES COAL MINE.
24.9 Father offered managers job in mine and MONTY aged 15yrs took over fathers job as ENGINE DRIVER at Rowes Coal mine about 6 JANUARY 1926. Talks for a time about the type of work he carried out.
27.5 After first twelve months on job, was given task of pre-venting the boiler for inspection and telling the inspector of machinery he was 18yrs old when he was 16
28.1 Tells where the mine was situated.
29.0 JOHN KYLE was first owner of this mine, an open cast pit
30.4 SIMPSON AND BLACKWOOD later took over. Says how water was pumped out, eels and trout retrieved. Not having enough capital the mine passed to ROWE and this was when the coal mine came into existence.
SIDE 1 ENDS
SIDE 2
0.5 Gives detail of JOB CONDITIONS. RATE OF PAY in mine was 3/6d per ton
1.2 Says how tonnage obtained, EXPLOSIVES used and purchased from Rowe the mine owner. Number of miners working at time, horses used to get coal out of mine and general working of coal mine. WORKING HOURS were eight to four
4.1 COAL PRICES discussed
4.7 Mentions working relationships between miners and truckies
4.8 Describes MINING. Miners USED OWN TOOLS, named what was supplied by them and for them. 1928 STEAM ENGINES out of use, talks about why and what replaced them, an ELECTRIC MOTOR.
7.5 BILL KNIGHT a truckie in mine.
8.1 Describes Machinery, relates how the change-over of STEAM to MOTOR went. Problems encountered. Steam called back in when pump failed. Recalls that he now looked after the pump and did some work as a truckie in the mine.
9.4 Father left mine and another manager took over. Monty went to DRIVING A TRUCK above ground
10.2 Monty did not enjoy his job, it was just a job.
10.5 At 19yrs old he sat exam for SECOND CLASS STEAM TICKET which he got, a requirement for jobs in dairy factory work etc. Enjoyed engineering
11.7 1924 Compulsory to have LICENSE to drive. Tells how many trucks CHARLEY ROWE had and of helping LINDSAY ROWE, son of Charley, deliver coal around the town.
12.8 Contract for coal supply to MATAURA PAPER MILL, AND FREEZING WORKS obtained by Rowe, new truck brought for job.
13.5 WINTON ROAD upgraded and Rowes Mine provided gravel and watering of the road Discusses upgrade. McCONNELL got contract. From Mataura boundary to foot of the Brydone Hill LINDSAY ROWE gets contract to water this stretch of road during construction.
14.5 Monty assigned to truck that delivers coal to the Paper Mill, meant longer hours.
152 Explains where he found time to STUDY for his steam ticket.
15.7 General talk of Lindsay Rowes job Relates humorous tale WAGES increase when he took over Lindsay Rowes job- Early starts. Relates tales of work etc, getting new truck.
20.4 Effects of the 1930s DEPRESSION.
21.4 BILL MACLEAN, 22 JUNE 1936 offered employment at the NZ PAPER MILL at MATAURA, received from Rowes 2 weeks’ pay. Had been at Rowes for 10 yrs. First job at Mill was SHOVELLING COAL. Recalls people he worked with.
25.8 LARKINGS COAL MINE supplying mill at this time.
26.5 MAY 1937 new boiler installed at mill. New job with boiler meant Monty came 'clean! For the first time in years, no more coal work.
1939 changes in boiler house saw him go from steam turbine back onto boiler, stayed on this all through the WAR YEARS - 8yrs - recalls working occasionally for OSBORNE, HAZLEY AND CO.
30.3 The WAR YEARS played big part in fleecing the area of good drivers for companies and made things difficult for them.
30.7 Reflects on his study, got FIRST CLASS STEAM TICKET IN 1940, remembers being secretive about studying, had never finished an apprenticeship or completed Std 6 at school.
32.9 SIDE 2 ends
SIDE 3
0.0 BILL MCLEAN offered Monty a position in the WORKSHOP, accepted much to delight of LEAH his wife, as this meant DAY WORK. Worked on and off in 'shop' for 12 months.
1.5 Prior to this, Bill had approached him re learning to start mill from cold from IAN MARSHALL. Monty took pleasure in learning.
2.6 Another job, with JACK LUSCOMBE, SHIFT ENGINEER, for a fortnight, later turned into 18 years. Gratitude for this job.
4.6 Over many years, put into practice the theories learnt through the BRITISH INSTITUTE of ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (B.I.E.T), considers it taught him how to conduct life as an engineer and a man.
6.1 Recalls other courses taken and reminisces on a time BILL MCLEAN drew diagram in chalk on brown paper on workings of a voltage regulator, has this in his collection even today. Relates story concerning voltage regulator.
8.2 Tells of carrying a 2 foot rule, a piece of chalk and paraffin wax in overalls, these being handy 'tools' of the trade, to stop the 'doctor' squealing!
10.2 FLETCHER CORP took over the PAPER MILL. FIRST CLASS ENGINE DRIVERS TICKET holders had to sit exam and pass as MARINE ENGINEERS and gain 3RD MARINE TICKET and join the staff. Monty failed exam.
11.4 Leah and Monty go to North Island in the old vanguard. While there, go to see the SECRETARY of1NSTITUTE OF MARINE & POWER ENGINEERS, Mr SCOTT - to verify just what qualifications were required. Relates story and the outcome.
14.1 General discussion re MATAURA RIVER and FISHING carried out by his wife. Conversation leads to offer of meeting CHIEF EXAMINER for MARINE DEPT. and discuss problems relating to exam pass etc.
15.2 Meets MR OLIVER, every job situation discussed, considers Monty very experienced, gives him a 7 YEAR APPRENTICESHIP.
17.9 Several weeks after meeting, he receives MEMBERSHIP to Institute of Marine and Power Engineers. Took this to Power House Engineer at Mill, after completing form etc hears no more and is very disillusioned. Considers joining PAT MURRAY sweeping streets rather than waste time doing more study if this was outcome.
18.8 Relates a meeting between Mill manager BOB WALKINGTON and Heads of Depts re Old Mill-Hands and what was to be done with them (non ticket holders). WALKINGTON presumes that because Monty had not said about his acceptance to I.M.P.E , he was not interested. DAVE CORMACK, Power House Engineer confirmed Monty was member. Tells humorous tale of outcome.
21.9 Goes from WAGES IN HAND to SALARY, no wages to hand to Leah from then on, pay into bank.
22.7 Tells of how he carried out his job, his attention to detail, affinity with machinery and disaster averted. Admiration from manager.
26.4 1966, SENIOR SHIFT ENGINEER and finally POWER HOUSE ENGINEER till RETIREMENT, AUGUST 1975.
27.7 Relates a tale about belts and pulleys in the old Number 2 Mill, and ALAN MCKAY (MAC) admonishing him for laughing when in fact he was in tears. (Early years) as way of breaking the ice etc.
29.9 safety precautions taken at Mill discussed and the SAFETY CARD RULE. The shift engineer had control of Mill (5pm - 8am).... change over tape...
END SIDE 3
SIDE 4
0.0 ELECTRICIANS considered they should have control of HOLD CARDS, Monty disagreed and says why and roll of Shift Engineer, relates discussion with manager.
1.7 Sums up his working life and considers that Shift Engineer was his niche in life. Power House Engineers job in office, was o.k., telling people what to do without them bleating about it was not to his liking. Was a happy man at the PAPER MILL.
5.8 Reflects that lack of schooling made things difficult but choice was his, never regretted leaving school, farming life not for him but had its rewards where his family concerned. BAILIFF was never far from the door at times! Is happy with his life and experiences.
END OF TAPE See more
Interviewer: Edna McKelvie
Recorded: 10 February 1998
Abstracted by: Brigitte McIntosh
Side 1
0.00 Gives full name, born at CHRISTCHURCH 1910. Parents names, JOHN AND ETHEL, fathers occupation was FARMER.
0.7 Talks about GRANDPARENTS, GRANDFATHER BOLGER when he left home, (IRELAND) aged 15 years. Spent 20 years in INDIAN ARMY discharge in Bombay came to N.Z and never returned to IRELAND
1.7 Details grandfather... meeting grandmother MARY GALLON from COUNTY TYRONE, grandad came from the south, COUNTY CARLOW Met on journey to NZ.
2.1 Arrival in NZ of grandparents, Mary employed by people in WAIKAIA, grandad got some land up about MEDBURY, NORTH CANTERBURY
2.8 Mentions grandparents MARRIAGE building of a wooden house in late 1800s.
3.2 Mentions the raising of four boys and the DEATH OF MARY in 1905
3.4 JOHN DIED in 1912
3.5 Names the boys, JOHN, JIM, PERCIVAL AND THOMAS
3.8 Three boys stayed in Southland, THOMAS in Christchurch and had 2 children, a boy and a girl.
4.2 Mentions that his own parents John & Ethel had 6 BOYS and talks of his UNCLES and the number that each had.
4.7 Tells where each family lived. JIM in INVERCARGILL, PERCIVAL at GLENMORE, his father had FARM at WINTON/MATAURA, of 56 acres
5.4 Describes the farm 1912, his father’s various employment: COSTERS COAL MINE, and the Mataura FREEZING WORKS, describes tasks father did around farm
7.4 Recalls how he used to get lost as a child around the farm, and the ensuing hunt for him
7.8 Talks about 1st COWSHED built on property, around 1920 new cowshed was built by MOUAT a builder from Mataura
8.8 Tells how many cows were on farm at various times
9.3 Says he was ELDEST IN FAMILY. First pair of new boots. Reminisces about misadventures in boyhood.
10.8 Talks of interest in aviation, Recalls the time when a chap SCOTLAND came to Southland during the war. about 1914, and seeing the plane he piloted
11.8 Farm was located on MATAURA/WINTON ROAD
12.2 SCHOOL. Attended MATAURA SCHOOL when 6yrs old, traveling distance of 2 miles.
13.3 Recalls SLATE AND SLATE PENCIL, making pot hooks. Bead frames used for counting which he still sees this today in his mind’s eye instead of figures. Jeyes fluid used to clean slates.
16.0 First TEACHER was MISS FOWLER up to Primer 4. MR KELLY was the Standard teacher, recalls his sense of humour. Recalls that TOM GORDON or FORREST DIXON had problems learning. Standard 2 teacher was MISS PULLAR OF PUKERAU and later a MISS WINNING. Recalls a particular happening with gatepost and sun measurements.
189 Recalls MATAURA SCHOOL FIRE so school was held at the CHURCH OF CHRIST. Standard 3, 4 and 6 were also there,
19.8 Mentions other teachers MISS BRISTOW of MATAURA who later left school and married a chap SHEPHERD, and MISS CUNNINGHAM possibly from MCNAB area. Says how Miss Cunningham always use to tell the class about her holidays, and he would recall these stories when later he visited these places
222 Remembers how in Standard 5 his father’s ILLNESS, Time off school to help on the farm. Extra year in Standard 4 due to this,
23.8 INFANTILE PARALYSIS was about and causing trouble.
24.0 LEFT SCHOOL AGED 14 years about 1925-
24.5 Fathers health had returned and he took a job as ENGINE DRIVER at ROWES COAL MINE.
24.9 Father offered managers job in mine and MONTY aged 15yrs took over fathers job as ENGINE DRIVER at Rowes Coal mine about 6 JANUARY 1926. Talks for a time about the type of work he carried out.
27.5 After first twelve months on job, was given task of pre-venting the boiler for inspection and telling the inspector of machinery he was 18yrs old when he was 16
28.1 Tells where the mine was situated.
29.0 JOHN KYLE was first owner of this mine, an open cast pit
30.4 SIMPSON AND BLACKWOOD later took over. Says how water was pumped out, eels and trout retrieved. Not having enough capital the mine passed to ROWE and this was when the coal mine came into existence.
SIDE 1 ENDS
SIDE 2
0.5 Gives detail of JOB CONDITIONS. RATE OF PAY in mine was 3/6d per ton
1.2 Says how tonnage obtained, EXPLOSIVES used and purchased from Rowe the mine owner. Number of miners working at time, horses used to get coal out of mine and general working of coal mine. WORKING HOURS were eight to four
4.1 COAL PRICES discussed
4.7 Mentions working relationships between miners and truckies
4.8 Describes MINING. Miners USED OWN TOOLS, named what was supplied by them and for them. 1928 STEAM ENGINES out of use, talks about why and what replaced them, an ELECTRIC MOTOR.
7.5 BILL KNIGHT a truckie in mine.
8.1 Describes Machinery, relates how the change-over of STEAM to MOTOR went. Problems encountered. Steam called back in when pump failed. Recalls that he now looked after the pump and did some work as a truckie in the mine.
9.4 Father left mine and another manager took over. Monty went to DRIVING A TRUCK above ground
10.2 Monty did not enjoy his job, it was just a job.
10.5 At 19yrs old he sat exam for SECOND CLASS STEAM TICKET which he got, a requirement for jobs in dairy factory work etc. Enjoyed engineering
11.7 1924 Compulsory to have LICENSE to drive. Tells how many trucks CHARLEY ROWE had and of helping LINDSAY ROWE, son of Charley, deliver coal around the town.
12.8 Contract for coal supply to MATAURA PAPER MILL, AND FREEZING WORKS obtained by Rowe, new truck brought for job.
13.5 WINTON ROAD upgraded and Rowes Mine provided gravel and watering of the road Discusses upgrade. McCONNELL got contract. From Mataura boundary to foot of the Brydone Hill LINDSAY ROWE gets contract to water this stretch of road during construction.
14.5 Monty assigned to truck that delivers coal to the Paper Mill, meant longer hours.
152 Explains where he found time to STUDY for his steam ticket.
15.7 General talk of Lindsay Rowes job Relates humorous tale WAGES increase when he took over Lindsay Rowes job- Early starts. Relates tales of work etc, getting new truck.
20.4 Effects of the 1930s DEPRESSION.
21.4 BILL MACLEAN, 22 JUNE 1936 offered employment at the NZ PAPER MILL at MATAURA, received from Rowes 2 weeks’ pay. Had been at Rowes for 10 yrs. First job at Mill was SHOVELLING COAL. Recalls people he worked with.
25.8 LARKINGS COAL MINE supplying mill at this time.
26.5 MAY 1937 new boiler installed at mill. New job with boiler meant Monty came 'clean! For the first time in years, no more coal work.
1939 changes in boiler house saw him go from steam turbine back onto boiler, stayed on this all through the WAR YEARS - 8yrs - recalls working occasionally for OSBORNE, HAZLEY AND CO.
30.3 The WAR YEARS played big part in fleecing the area of good drivers for companies and made things difficult for them.
30.7 Reflects on his study, got FIRST CLASS STEAM TICKET IN 1940, remembers being secretive about studying, had never finished an apprenticeship or completed Std 6 at school.
32.9 SIDE 2 ends
SIDE 3
0.0 BILL MCLEAN offered Monty a position in the WORKSHOP, accepted much to delight of LEAH his wife, as this meant DAY WORK. Worked on and off in 'shop' for 12 months.
1.5 Prior to this, Bill had approached him re learning to start mill from cold from IAN MARSHALL. Monty took pleasure in learning.
2.6 Another job, with JACK LUSCOMBE, SHIFT ENGINEER, for a fortnight, later turned into 18 years. Gratitude for this job.
4.6 Over many years, put into practice the theories learnt through the BRITISH INSTITUTE of ENGINEERING TECHNOLOGY (B.I.E.T), considers it taught him how to conduct life as an engineer and a man.
6.1 Recalls other courses taken and reminisces on a time BILL MCLEAN drew diagram in chalk on brown paper on workings of a voltage regulator, has this in his collection even today. Relates story concerning voltage regulator.
8.2 Tells of carrying a 2 foot rule, a piece of chalk and paraffin wax in overalls, these being handy 'tools' of the trade, to stop the 'doctor' squealing!
10.2 FLETCHER CORP took over the PAPER MILL. FIRST CLASS ENGINE DRIVERS TICKET holders had to sit exam and pass as MARINE ENGINEERS and gain 3RD MARINE TICKET and join the staff. Monty failed exam.
11.4 Leah and Monty go to North Island in the old vanguard. While there, go to see the SECRETARY of1NSTITUTE OF MARINE & POWER ENGINEERS, Mr SCOTT - to verify just what qualifications were required. Relates story and the outcome.
14.1 General discussion re MATAURA RIVER and FISHING carried out by his wife. Conversation leads to offer of meeting CHIEF EXAMINER for MARINE DEPT. and discuss problems relating to exam pass etc.
15.2 Meets MR OLIVER, every job situation discussed, considers Monty very experienced, gives him a 7 YEAR APPRENTICESHIP.
17.9 Several weeks after meeting, he receives MEMBERSHIP to Institute of Marine and Power Engineers. Took this to Power House Engineer at Mill, after completing form etc hears no more and is very disillusioned. Considers joining PAT MURRAY sweeping streets rather than waste time doing more study if this was outcome.
18.8 Relates a meeting between Mill manager BOB WALKINGTON and Heads of Depts re Old Mill-Hands and what was to be done with them (non ticket holders). WALKINGTON presumes that because Monty had not said about his acceptance to I.M.P.E , he was not interested. DAVE CORMACK, Power House Engineer confirmed Monty was member. Tells humorous tale of outcome.
21.9 Goes from WAGES IN HAND to SALARY, no wages to hand to Leah from then on, pay into bank.
22.7 Tells of how he carried out his job, his attention to detail, affinity with machinery and disaster averted. Admiration from manager.
26.4 1966, SENIOR SHIFT ENGINEER and finally POWER HOUSE ENGINEER till RETIREMENT, AUGUST 1975.
27.7 Relates a tale about belts and pulleys in the old Number 2 Mill, and ALAN MCKAY (MAC) admonishing him for laughing when in fact he was in tears. (Early years) as way of breaking the ice etc.
29.9 safety precautions taken at Mill discussed and the SAFETY CARD RULE. The shift engineer had control of Mill (5pm - 8am).... change over tape...
END SIDE 3
SIDE 4
0.0 ELECTRICIANS considered they should have control of HOLD CARDS, Monty disagreed and says why and roll of Shift Engineer, relates discussion with manager.
1.7 Sums up his working life and considers that Shift Engineer was his niche in life. Power House Engineers job in office, was o.k., telling people what to do without them bleating about it was not to his liking. Was a happy man at the PAPER MILL.
5.8 Reflects that lack of schooling made things difficult but choice was his, never regretted leaving school, farming life not for him but had its rewards where his family concerned. BAILIFF was never far from the door at times! Is happy with his life and experiences.
END OF TAPE See more
Dates
- 1998
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For access please contact the Southland Oral History Project Coordinator at sohp@ilibrary.co.nz.
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From the Record Group: 1 folder(s)
Language of Materials
From the Record Group: English
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Creator
- From the Record Group: McKelvie, Edna (Interviewer, Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Southland Oral History Project Repository