RUSSELL JOSEPH BECK

Interviewer: Cathy Macfie

Abstracter: Cathy Macfie

SESSION 1 27th January 2017

Introduction

TRACK 1:

00.00 Great grandfather settled at MONOWAI in 1863. Explains. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND; SCOTLAND.

00.30 Chose a block of land at Monowai; walked to DUNEDIN to register it. Reference: LAND REGISTRY

00.50 Wife and children sailed from Scotland. Met at BLUFF with bullock-drawn dray and drove to Monowai. Reference: TRAVEL

01.15 Lived in bush before shifting to APARIMA. Describes typical early settler house. Reference: CONSTRUCTION; TOTARA SLAB; THATCH. [Photo of house and original site is available.]

02.20 An original totara slab survives as a table. Reference: ARTEFACT. Describes great-grandfather as an entrepreneur who died young. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND; HEALTH; HARDSHIP

03.17 Father did not enjoy farming; became a self-taught mechanic repairing farm machinery. Explains. Later employed by H&H MOTORS [Invercargill] repairing buses. References: EDUCATION; HEALTH; EMPLOYMENT; MECHANIC

04.40 c.1940 purchased building in Spey Street in partnership with Mr McKenzie. BECK & McKENZIE REPAIR GARAGE. Citroen car agent. Reference: MOTOR INDUSTRY; INVERCARGILL

05.20 Lived at 12 PARK STREET with brother Doug and 4 sisters. Remembers gravel street and weekly horse-drawn ash cart; frequent fires from hot ashes. Father built workshop for boys. Describes father’s philosophy of self- help. Enjoyed making things in workshop and supplying neighbourhood children. Explains. References: SERVICES; DISCIPLINE; WORKSHOP ACTIVITIES

06.57 Developed early interest in drawing. Disliked WAIHOPAI PRIMARY SCHOOL; did not thrive. Remembers experience with intimidating teacher who was “pretty stern”. Explains. From primary school went to SOUTHLAND TECHNICAL COLLEGE. Reference: EDUCATION – PRIMARY

008.50 Mother left Scotland at c.7 years and settled in APARIMA. Well-educated; read books to children and newspaper to husband. Despite limited education, father a successful businessman. Explains. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND – MATERNAL; EDUCATION – LITERACY

09.45 Mother had the patience of a saint. [EXPRESSION]. Russell has inherited her calm nature. Explains.

10.50 Family celebrations needed a big table. Explains. Boys received practical gifts; new nails especially precious. Workshop was a hive of industry. [EXPRESSION] Sisters had numerous domestic chores; the two boys (youngest in family) lived the life of Riley [EXPRESSION]. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND

12.00 Boys known locally for their workshop projects. Describes variety of projects and notoriety. References: QUEEN’S PARK; GUY FAWKES ROCKETS; HUTS; BICYCLES

13.45 Not allowed to use hammers on Sundays; sneaked to neighbour’s workshop. Explains religious observance. Reference: SUNDAY SCHOOL

14.20 1950s parents purchased lakefront section at TE ANAU. Cleared manuka scrub cover. Reference: CRIBS

TRACK 2

00.0 After initial resistance, SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL agreed to clear manuka scrub as far as BLUE GUM POINT. Reference: LAND DEVELOPMENT Family spent weekends in crib and fishing. Russell’s association with boats became a life influence. Explains. School friends with Te Anau cribs meant Christmas holidays were quite a ball. [EXPRESSION]. References: FAMILY BACKGROUND; CRIB; TE ANAU; LEISURE ACTIVITIES

01.28 Interest in GEOLOGY sparked by digging a long drop toilet. Explains. Then aged 10 or 11 years. (Repeated Std 3 at primary school.)

03.00 Succeeded at Tech [SOUTHLAND TECHNICAL COLLEGE]. Explains. Choice of school guided by father. Explains. Newly arrived Scottish teacher JOCK KELLOCK a positive influence. Explains. Familiar with practical content of woodworking and engineering in Year 1. Reference: EDUCATION – SECONDARY; TECHNICAL TRAINING

05.30 Year 2 focus on ENGINEERING. Respected MR KENNEDY (SCRUFF). Helped Russell to learn through drawing. Explains. Reinforced interest in GEOLOGY with display linking heavy metals to original ores.

07.30 MR KENNEDY triggered Russell’s exploration of Fiordland gems. Holiday visit to ANITA BAY, MILFORD SOUND was the start of lifelong interest in jade. Describes excitement of discovery. Reference: BOWENITE; GOVERNMENT TOURIST CORPORATION; TOURIST TRAVEL;

08.35 Anita Bay trip coincided with Russell starting work as apprentice at father’s garage. Details wage. Reference: EMPLOYMENT-APPRENTICESHIP

11.00 Mr Kennedy’s wife was invigilator when Russell sat gemology exams. Reference: GEMOLOGY ASSOCIATION OF GREAT BRITAIN.

11.30 Developed interest in ASTRONOMY in final year at Tech. Explains failed attempts to build 6” REFLECTING TELESCOPE and purchase of astronomical mirrors from England. Describes English exercise books full of telescope drawings.

14.47 Left Tech at 16 yrs and started work as apprentice around his 17th birthday (February).

TRACK 3

00.04 Apprentice study requirements duplicated Russell’s 3rd year of Tech. Explains frustration. Disappointed that apprenticeship focused on removing and replacing parts rather than creating and making. Explains enjoyment of making specialist tools for father’s [English] agency vehicles. Reference: DAIMLER, ARMSTRONG SIIDDELY; LAND ROVER; ROVER; CITROEN; JAGUAR

02.50 Spare-time focus on astronomy. Father fostered interest; also in natural history and art. Explains. Didn’t enjoy apprenticeship but appreciated access to engineering workshop facilities. Mentions brother’s successful apprenticeship. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND – PATERNAL

05.40 Explains increasing interest in GEOLOGY. First association with SOUTHLAND MUSEUM. Recalls peering into storeroom. References: SIEDLER replica sailing ship; TRAVEL-CYCLING; QUEENS PARK

07.50 Met GORDON WHITE newly appointed manager c.1961 after period of museum closure. Explains. References: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM HISTORY; OLGA SANSON; VOLUNTEERS

09.01 Decision to form an ASTRONOMICAL CLUB with GILL NORMAN confirmed by exploratory meeting. Explains. References: YMCA; GEOFF HALL-JONES; GORDON WHITE

09.45 Appeal of Museum display skills/techiques. Explains. Volunteered time at weekends for three years from 1961. More enjoyable than apprenticeship but no money. References: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM HISTORY; EMPLOYMENT; VOLUNTEERS

11.30 PETROLOGY contact offered Russell curator position; included University degree course. Explains. References: BILL WATERS; LOWER HUTT

Museum board found money to make a counter-offer; Russell accepted £7 per week and started work in 1965. Explains decision. References: EMPLOYMENT; FAMILY BACKGROUND

14.20 Explains Southland Museum’s administration and governance. New Board had broad representation. Details. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM HISTORY

TRACK 4

00.00 Explains funding arrangement for Southland Museum. Controlling influence and support of SOUTHLAND COUNTY COUNCIL [now Southland District Council]. Explains.

01.30 Explains strong community pride and sense of ownership in Museum. Supplies often gifted. Details. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM HISTORY

03.00 Introduces relationship with ANN QUEALE employed by his father as office girl while Russell was an apprentice. Describes ”courting in quarries”… Celebrated 50 years of marriage in 2016. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND – MARRIAGE

05.00 Explains ARTHUR MCKENZIE’S exceptional understanding of art and humanity; sparked Russell’s interest in ARCHAEOLOGY. References: ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGS; ARTEFACTS; SOUTHLAND COAST

07.20 Museum employed Russell for 3 months to assist Arthur McKenzie while GORDON WHITE overseas. Explains. Lists cleaning duties. Work on MAORI COLLECTION a revelation in early knowledge and understanding of GEOLOGY. Explains. References: GULBENKIAN GRANT; SOUTHLAND MUSEUM HISTORY; SOUTHLAND PRE-EUROPEAN MAORI; STONE TOOLS

10.50 Acknowledges ARTHUR MCKENZIE’S philosophical influence. Explains. His appreciation of art was a driver for the Museum’s art gallery section. Explains. References: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

11.35 Southland Museum [in Queen’s Park] was a 1940 CENTENNIAL PROJECT to commemorate the TREATY OF WAITANGI signing. Opened late (1941) as a Museum and Art Gallery. Explains. Mentions the coincidence of his birth in nursing home across road (Gala Street) a few days after the opening. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSJEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

13.00 JACK SORENSON the new museum’s first curator; focus on Maori and Natural History; no art. Explains. FRED HALL-JONES developed fund for Art Gallery extension and collection. Donation of ANDERSON PARK effectively created opposition to Museum art gallery initiative. Explains. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSJEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

TRACK 5

00.00 FRED HALL-JONES built art gallery c. 1960 using ROTARY funded prints. Explains. Future collection fostered by ARTHUR MCKENZIE then Russell. Discusses merits of ANDERSON PARK vis-à-vis SOUTHLAND MUSEUM for art gallery. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

01.30 ARTHUR MCKENZIE succeeded GORDON WHITE as director in 1967. Explains. Russell became assistant director without change in conditions. Explains. Late 1967–68 MICHAEL FORREST appointed as assistant. Explains. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY; EMPLOYMENT

03.45 Plans for ASTONOMY EXHIBITION based on strong ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY. Explains fun of after-school participation by young members, including LINDSAY HAZLEY. Explains reasons for Lindsay’s employment by Museum. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

05.20 Russell built 12” CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE. Describes characteristics. WATER TOWER unsuitable to house it. Explains. OBSERVATORY built in 1972, funded by SOUTHLAND SAVINGS BANK. Explains how plan for PLANETARIUM became MUSEUM CLASSROOM. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY; OPTICS

07.45 First Museum schoolteacher was MRS SPENCE. Family spent holidays in her ARROWTOWN cottage. Explains. Later bought adjacent block of land from her. Details costs. Remained in touch and eventually sold holiday home back to her family. References: FAMILY BACKGROUND; CRIB; ARROWTOWN

09.35 OBSERVATORY 1972 opening coincided with interest in space exploration. Explains popularity and volunteer staffing.

11.10 Pre-Observatory opening, SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTE contracted Astronomical Society to monitor moon probe crash. Explains. Describes all-night vigil at GEOFF HALL-JONES’ home fuelled by coffee and fruit cake. Reference: SPACE EXPLORATION; MOON SURFACE

12.45 OBSERVATORY has remained popular and ASTRONOMICAL SOCIETY membership sustained. Explains telescope maintenance and replacement by computer-controlled system. Mentions his CASSEGRAIN TELESCOPE now a catalogued artefact within the Southland Museum. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY; OPTICS

14.22 ALF POOLE’S arrival at Southland Museum coincided with a rough patch [EXPRESSION]. Explains.

TRACK 6

00.00 ARTHUR MCKENZIE’S vision for the museum blocked and he resigned. Explains. Russell recalls emotions when he was appointed director. Positive reception by local authorities. Explains. Chairman also resigned and ALF POOLE appointed. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

02.00 ALF POOLE - Southland CARDIOLOGIST. Russell describes first conversation at a wedding dance; explains why they agreed to meet the following weekend. That experience was the start of a close friendship. Explains. References: CAPLES VALLEY; NEPHRITE

04.20 ALF POOLE becomes CHAIRMAN MUSEUM BOARD. Their close relationship guided decision-making. Explains. References: GOVERNANCE; SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

05.15 Realised museum building was not fit for purpose. Provides examples. Both impressed by CULTURAL CENTRE, ADELAIDE. Developed concept of tipi-shaped MAORI WHARERAU as a cloak over treasures. Explains. Original plan to incorporate TANIKO pattern abandoned because of cost. Explains. Disappointed that public never understood the concept; confusion with Egyptian pyramid. References: MAORI DESIGN FEATURES; SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

09.10 Original plan to incorporate astronomica/sundial elements using pyramid did not work. Explains.

10.20 Important relationship with MAORI channelled through NAINA RUSSELL on Museum Board. Explains her leadership role.

11.15 Explains collaborative excitement and creativity of planning stage with Museum staff and architect.

13.00 LOU SIMPSON, ARCHITECT a positive influence. Explains personal relationship and Lou’s weekend commitment commuting to and from Nelson.

14.00 Estimated building cost $2.2 million was target. Attracted 1990 Project funding but kick-started by generous legacy from CORBETT FAMILY.

TRACK 7

00.00 Explains Local Authority requirement to fund community project for 1990 CELEBRATIONS. New museum an ‘easy’ option. Describes financial and logistical challenges . Vital LOTTERY BOARD funding withheld until ministerial intervention. Explains. ALF POOLE donation to complete Administration block. Explains. References: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY; FUNDING

03.30 Community support generated by roadshow. Explains. $2.2 million project initiated 1989. Explains context. Catalyst for other museum developments in New Zealand and Australia. Explains AUSTRALIAN MUSEUMS ASSOCIATION invitation to inspire Australian museum community. Reference: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; PROMOTION; FUNDING

05.30 Grand opening in three parts. Explains. DARRYL JONES orchestrated LIGHT AND SOUND show on roof. Describes. Large attendance. Details. References: ARTS TO SUBANTARCTIC EXHIBITION; DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION; SOUTHLAND ART FOUNDATION

07.19 Collections and displays unchanged but museum attendance increased steadily. Details

08.05 Museum a multi-function building. Explains. First NZ museum to house a VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE; since copied by others. Explains success. Pyramid design and Information Centre also reduced promotion budget. Explains. References: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY HISTORY

10.34 Idea for ARTS TO SUBANTARCTIC EXHIBITION brain child of Russell and LOU SANSON, DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION. Explains experiential concept and broad representation of genre. Later a successful touring exhibition. Explains. References: SUBANTARCTIC; ARTS; COLLABORATION

11.58 Explains how Museum Board obtained one work from each artist for the museum collection. References: FUNDING; ARTS; SOUTHLAND MUSEUM COLLECTION

12.23 SOUTHLAND ART FOUNDATION an idea put to TRUST BANK SOUTHLAND by Russell and ALF POOLE. Explains. Original concept now changed to ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE programme but retains provision for artwork donation. Explains. References: COMMUNITY FUNDING; ARTS; SOUTHLAND MUSEUM COLLECTION

14.30 Association of enjoyment/fun with new projects. Explains. Employment of Arts Curator allowed new development. Explains.

TRACK 8

00.00 Explains workload and financial challenge of short exhibition timeframe for turn around. DOLL CLUB request for exhibition was a winner. Explains. Simultaneous exhibitions of dolls and MOTORCYCLE CLUB bikes even more successful. Explains. Museum became known for its innovation and change. References: ART EXHIBITIONS; POLICY; COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; FUNDING

02.30 Policy of minimising gallery closure during exhibition change. Explains. Logistics of backroom preparation and allowing visitors to watch set-up. Galleries deliberately configured to expose museum visitors to art. Invaluable for children. Explains. Invercargill’s integration of art gallery and museum successful and cost effective. Explains. Reference: MUSEUM/ART GALLERY PHILOSOPHY 06.30 ‘Beyond the Roaring 40S’ gallery a collaboration with DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION. CONSERVATOR, LOU SANSON introduced Russell and staff to subantarctic islands; generated enthusiasm for project. Explains. Details DOC support. Explains Gallery’s popularity. Reference: BEYOND THE ROARING 40S SUBANTARCTIC EXPERIENCE; CATHY MACFIE STORYLINE; COLLABORATION

09.00 Gallery opened by Sir Edmund Hillary. Describes honour. Second meeting with Sir Ed at RAKIURA NATIONAL PARK opening CHAIN SCULPTURE. Explains. With co-operation and combined resources, anything is possible. Explains.

10.10 Success put museum on itinerary of visiting dignitaries. Explains. Media opportunities especially provided by TUATARA. LINDSAY HAZLEY responsible for world renowned programme. Tuatara house sponsored by THE SOUTHLAND TIMES. Explains. References: CAPTIVE BREEDING; COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; CITY ICON

12.45 Donor/sponsor recognition important to new development. Explains. Disappointment Museum’s acknowledgments have been removed. Reference: COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT; RECOGNITION

14.00 Retired 1999 after 34 years at the museum. Explains.

TRACK 9

00.00 Despite Museum success funding was hand to mouth [Expression]. Explains. Justifying annual Museum budget was tiring. Reference: LOCAL AUTHORITIES; FUNDING

01.07 Wanted to develop other interests. Gave 6 months notice to the museum. Explains. References: EMPLOYMENT – RESIGNATION; ART; JADE/CARVING

02.05 Interest in jade began at ANITA BAY. Little information available in New Zealand. Explains. REED publishers encouraged him to research and write book. Describes new experience. Now recognised AUTHOR and AUTHORITY. Reference: JADE

04.04 Interested to see how jade formed overseas. Developed relationship with CHINESE EMBASSY through TOURING EXHIBITION. Explains. Some years later [1986] GEOLOGICAL MUSEUM in BEIJING organised expedition for NEW ZEALAND JADE STUDY GROUP. Explains itinerary and activities. Mentions AUREL STEIN visit in 1911. References: KUNLUN MOUNTAINS; URUNGI; TAKLAMAKAN DESERT; KHOTAN; CHINESE CULTURE; JADE SOURCES

07.10 Describes reciprocal visit of CHINESE to New Zealand part-funded by MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS. Opened first NEW ZEALAND JADE EXHIBITION at Southland Museum and visited key sites. Established EXCHANGE SYSTEM for GEOLOGISTS. Explains. Illustrates another avenue for EXHIBITION DEVELOPMENT with international perspective. References: SOUTHLAND ART FOUNDATION; DSIR; OTAGO UNIVERSITY

10.00 Describes first JADE/NEPHRITE trip [6 weeks in 1980] with ALF POOLE en route to a JADE-CARVING demonstration at a CRAFT COUNCIL SYMPOSIUM in Vienna. Explains. Includes discovery of NEPHRITE OUTCROPS (associated with ASBESTOS mining) in KOBUK area of ALASKA. Mentions ESKIMO COMMUNITIES and ARCTIC environment. Returned to New Zealand via STONEHENGE just after fence was erected. References: DON WOBBER [JADE CARVER], SAN FRANCISCO; VANCOUVER; ALASKA; EUROPE JADE SOURCES

TRACK 10

00.00 Mentions re-meeting at STONEHENGE English jade carver colleague from ALASKA. Describes discovering JADE BOULDER on ALASKA tundra airstrip. Reference: JADE SOURCES.

01.55 STONE CARVING a satisfying hobby. Explains. Inspired by intricacy of MAORI CARVING. Explains. Reference: LEISURE ACTIVITIES

03.03 Describes symbolism of jade gift to Chinese friend [c.2014] Unexpected success in INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION. Explains. Explains Maori concept of JADE as FISH. References: SYMBOLISM; SPIRITUALITY

04.47 Prefers a satin finish. Explains. Emphasises importance of feeling jade. Explains. Reference: JADE CARVING

05.30 Much of his JADE knowledge now written up. Explains. Describes 1994 trip to SIBERIA with ALF POOLE [c.76 years] and other jade enthusiasts. Two week trip to remote EAST SAYAN MOUNTAINS. Mentions FITNESS levels. ALF POOLE’Sl last overseas trip. References: INSTITUTE OF EARTH’S CRUST; IRKUTSK; JADE SOURCES

07.40 Relates stories associated with NEW ZEALAND JADE STUDY GROUP to URUMQI, TAKLAMAKAN DESERT, CHINA [1986]. Royal treatment. Explains. Fond memories of people. Explains. Continued travel to TAIWAN and KOREA. Exhausted and homesick. Explains. Reference: JADE SOURCES

10.51 Explains break before resuming travels. Has visited most JADE SOURCES in world. Lists. Includes anecdotes. People dominate memories. Explains.

12.38 Illustrates with story of kindness in ITOIGAWA, JAPAN. Russell recognised internationally for his knowledge of JADE. Draws parallel between NEW ZEALAND and TAIWAN for traditional use of jade and ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES. Explains.

TRACK 11

00.0 Two visits to TAIWAN. Explains.

00.25 1990 when Southland Museum opened Russell was exhausted. Explains. Family holiday in NEW CALEDONIA with ALF POOLE and wife. Heard of JADE SOURCE at southern tip of main island. Explains. Day visit to JADE MINE; not jade but type of FELDSPAR. KANAK use for BEADS. Explains. Reference: LEISURE ACTIVITIES

02.14 Returned to NOUMEA with ARCHAEOLOGIST CHRISTOPHER SAND to find JADE SOURCE. Describes car journey across island on new road. JADE OUTCROPS exposed by development. Explains discovery. Plan to explore other sources in 2016 postponed. Explains.

04.10 Visited JADE SOURCE in SWITZERLAND. (Part of European FAMILY ANCESTRY tour.) Explains. Describes jade associated with TALC MINE in mountains. Mentions other EUROPEAN JADE SOURCES not visited. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND; GERMANY; SCOTLAND

06.00 Identified STONE TYPES from NEW GUINEA in large SYDNEY MUSEUM collection. Many are NEPHRITE. Explains. Advised OTAGO UNIVERSITY ARCHAEOLOGISTS of likely source. Explains.

06.40 Russell has unique world-view of JADE. Explains. JADE is stone with properties of METAL. Explains. CIVILISATIONS which had access to jade had a head start [EXPRESSION]. Explains. Earliest known working site 19,000 years old in JAPAN.

SESSION 2 28th January 2017

TRACK 12 Introduction

TRACK 13

00.00 Completes JADE story with re-discovery of main source of POUNAMU for SOUTHERN MAORI. 1930s discovery of JADE in ROUTEBURN RIVER assumed source but inferior stone to MAORI COLLECTION artefacts. Explains. Unsuccessful attempts to find true source. Explains. References: GEOLOGICAL SURVEY MAPS; ROUTEBURN FORMATION FAULTLINE.

02.25 JADE sample brought to SOUTHLAND MUSEUM [1970] by TOM TREVOR. Explains circumstances. Recognised stone type of Maori collection. Explains. Visited site with ARTHUR MCKENZIE. Details. Found JADE pieces associated with geologically active slip and 20 ton boulder in dry creek bed. Explains. References: DART RIVER; SLIP STREAM

05.05 MT ASPIRING NATIONAL PARK gazetted SPECIAL SCIENTIFIC AREA to protect site from exploitation. Legally protected 1976. Annual visits found source outcrop at 5,500 feet; rocks carried downslope by avalanches. Explains. References: DSIR; OTAGO MUSEUM; CANTERBURY MUSEUM; NAINA RUSSELL

08.55 Challenging alpine environment. Explains. First ascent above bush line in fog; cleared to reveal skyline image of giant figure. Explains. Associated MAORI LEGEND. Explains. Respected site for IWI HIKOI. Explains.

12.15 Last MAORI EXPEDITION to take JADE from site dated 1838. Explains the circumstances that provided protection. Only site in world used by indigenous people but not subsequently exploited. Explains association with Southland stone-working sites.

14.00 Retirement goal to be a SCULPTOR. Enjoyed working OAMARU STONE but preference for METAL. Helped by son ANDREW BECK, ENGINEER.

TRACK 14

00.00 33 METAL SCULPTURES created since retirement [2017]. Lists largest. Explains his involvement when large sculptures contracted out. Nationwide distribution.

01.24 Develops THEMES. Mentions SOUTHLAND MUSEUM’S ROCK AND MINERAL COLLECTION. Fascination with CALCITE crystalline RHOMBOHEDRON shape that can appear CUBE shaped. Made 10 SCULPTURES based on rhombohedron theme. Explains TAY STREET example: ‘Cube of Learning’.

04.24 Looks for meaning behind SCULPTURE. LOU SANSON, DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION requested sculpture at entrance to RAKIURA NATIONAL PARK . Explains brief. ANCHOR CHAIN reflected MAORI and EUROPEAN perspectives. Explains. Describes logistics of MANUFACTURE.

07.19 BLUFF HISTORICAL SOCIETY requested other end of ANCHOR CHAIN [STIRLING POINT]. Describes MANUFACTURE and assembly. Explains popularity. References: ALUMINIUM; GOUGH BROTHERS MARINE ENGINEERS.

08.20 DON STREET ARTWORK was a MILLENNIUM competition. Explains multiple elements contained in his winning UMBRELLA concept. Public enthusiasm for FULTON HOGAN sponsored bricks inscribed with resident surnames. Explains challenges of INSTALLATION. Post-installation story relating to SUNDIAL continues on TRACK 22. References: CROWN SHEETMETAL; STAINLESS STEEL; INVERCARGILL WEATHER

TRACK 15

00.00 Notes increasing popularity of SCULPTURE in NEW ZEALAND started 20 years ago. AUCKLAND-centred. Explains. Participation in EXHIBITIONS with proceeds to CHARITY. Much work and cost involved. Explains. Sales only cover costs.

1.55 Known for recurring THEMES. Explains. LANDSCAPE FEATURES defined by GROOVES. Details. Also refers to MAORI TECHNOLOGY

03.14 INSULATORS another THEME. Mentions factory north of TIMARU. Explains FEATURES that create simplicity and strength.

04.45 Enjoys interface between SCULPTURES and NATURAL SURFACES in his GARDEN. Mentions preference for NATIVE PLANTS. Pleasure in bright colours. Explains. NATURE the source of CREATIVITY. Explains.

06.55 Encouraged to become a qualified GEMOLOGIST. Explains initial apprehension. Describes examination requirements and value of his qualification for mineral identification. References: EDUCATION – TERTIARY; FELLOWSHIP OF THE GEMOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION; MINERAL REFRACTIVE INDEX; MINERAL SPECIFIC GRAVITY

09.50 Became able to identify various types of jade and non-jade [look-alikes]. Explains. Describes enjoyment of added dimension. References: GEOLOGICAL PROCESSES

12.00 Interest in HISTORIC PLACES TRUST fostered by ALF POOLE. Explains. Joined Regional Committee representing SOUTHLAND MUSEUM. Listed SOUTHLAND/INVERCARGILL BUILDINGS with historic merit; made recommendations for CLASSIFICATION. Explains detective work [EXPRESSION] involved. ARCHITECT’S fingerprint. Explains.

SOUTHLAND MUSEUM employed two PEP WORKERS. Continues on TRACK 16.

TRACK 16

00.00 PEP workers photographed interesting buildings in INVERCARGILL late 1970s/early 80s. Explains selection process to recommend buildings for hpt classification. Reference: HISTORIC PLACES TRUST

01.00 Many buildings demolished despite hpt classification. Explains. DEE STREET HOSPITAL saved. Explains SOUTHLAND MUSEUM role. Building nearest GALA STREET restored to become ARTIST IN RESIDENCE STUDIO/ACCOMMODATION. Reference: SOUTHLAND ART FOUNDATION.

02.45 INVERCARGILL WATER TOWER unique building. Explains. Winning design by WILLIAM SHARP c. 1889. Explains. 1930 CUPOLA removed. Explains. Russell and ALF POOLE took initiative to replace. Explains process. CIVIC PRIDE. Explains. References: EARTHQUAKE RISK; HERITAGE BUILDINGS

07.00 HISTORIC PLACES TRUST replaced by SOUTHLAND BUILDINGS PRESERVATION TRUST. Explains role. Russell resigned but continues to support.

08.29 Designed and manufactured metal plaques for historic places trust classified buildings. Explains process and work involved. References: MANUFACTURE; FOUNDRY; FETTLING

11.25 ANN and FAMILY. Met Ann in 1960; married 1965. Describes PARTNERSHIP. Married 52 years; 3 sons. JOHN b.1970; ANDREW b.1972; PETER b.1977. ‘Industrious makers’. Explains. Practised same PHILOSOPHY as his father; WORKSHOP focussed activities. Explains. PETER progressed from MODEL AEROPLANES to ROCKETS. Describes ROCKETLAB. ANDREW qualified MECHANICAL ENGINEER AND ELECTRICIAN. Helps Russell with sculptures and STONE-CUTTING EQUIPMENT. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND

TRACK 17

00.00 JOHN owns CAR BUSINESS. Was NZ CHAMPION MOTORBIKE RACING. Boys are self-taught INNOVATORS. Explains.

01.05 Describes FAMILY TIME . ANDREW and JOHN INVERCARGILL-based. PETER AUCKLAND-based, holiday visits. GRANDCHILDREN. Details. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND

01.40 Explains ANN’S complementary COMPUTER, VOCABULARY and GRAMMATICAL skills. Couldn’t have written books without her. Acknowledged her mainstay role for family when he was out of contact on FIELD TRIPS. Reflects on ‘good life’. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND

03.40 ANN later accompanied him on FIELD TRIPS. Shared enjoyment of WALKING, TRAMPING. Explains.

04.45 Sees himself in his GRANDCHILDREN. Life after death continues through FAMILY. Explains. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND; SPIRIT

05.35 Describes FIRST HOME CHELMSFORD STREET. Large section. Explains. Preference for NATIVE PLANTS. Explains. ANN in charge of GARDENING. Explains. JOHN and ANDREW born there. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND

08.07 SECOND HOME other end CHELMSFORD STREET. Recalls visit as APPRENTICE. Mentions DAVE COBURN’s DAIMLER. Describes house and large section. Lived there 40 years. Reference: FAMILY BACKGROUND

09.27 Interest in cataloguing collections. Explains ANN’s help. Focus on ROCKS AND MINERALS used by MAORI. Helped SMALL MUSEUMS to identify STONE COLLECTIONS. Explains. Mentions NEW CALEDONIA and NEW GUINEA COLLECTIONS at SYDNEY MUSEUM and BRISBANE MUSEUM. Reference: RETIREMENT ACTIVITIES

11.07 Involved with FEASIBILITY STUDY for CHATHAM ISLANDS MUSEUM. Explains. Describes nature of partnership with ANN. Reference: RETIREMENT ACTIVITIES

12.10 Awarded on retirement OFFICER of NZ ORDER OF MERIT. Explains. Details additional NATIONAL AND COMMUNITY AWARDS. Explains attitude to recognition. Reference: COMMUNITY RECOGNITION

TRACK 18

00.00 Started MUSEUM WORK with interest in DISPLAYING OBJECTS. Realised inter-relationship between OBJECTS and ART. Explains. GOAL to identify SOUTHLAND HISTORY, collect and display objects. HISTORY GALLERY culmination of 3 years RESEARCH and COLLECTION. Fostered PRIDE in SOUTHLAND HERITAGE. Outlines ACHIEVEMENTS. HISTORY GALLERY dismantled. Loss explained. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY

03.05 Unique MAORI COLLECTION. Explains. Potential for large GALLERY that celebrates ‘wonderful history’ with OBJECTS that illustrate the stories. Explains. Reference: SOUTHLAND MUSEUM AND ART GALLERY CONCLUSION.