STEWART STENNING ROSE

Interviewer: Pam McCarthy

Recorded: 17 May 1998

Abstracted by: Pam McCarthy/ Brigitte McIntosh

SIDE 1

0.05 STEWART ROSE, born in 1919.

0.6 The big talking point while he was a small boy, was the FLU EPIDEMIC.

0.7 The rooms underneath the Grandstand at the GORE RACECOURSE, had been turned into a HOSPITAL. Three relatives of Stewarts, died here. Three of the SMITH family from Winton (later of GORE).

1.2 FATHER, CHARLES STEWART ROSE, was in the camp and did not get overseas to the WAR as the war stopped.

1.3 His father was pushed into the job of FUNERAL DIRECTOR and relates the story of how this happened.

3.2 Photo of Charles Rose, in "Mataura - City of the Falls" by D.C.W Muir. Charles Rose was a Funeral Director/Undertaker in Mataura, describes photo and relates story that goes with it.

4.0 Mataura Presbyterian Church was at foot of hill (Crawford Road), and the parishioners had to walk up the hill to the cemetery. The person whose funeral was featured in the photo was the last victim of the flu epidemic.

4.5 At the time of the flu epidemic, his father was in the Trentham Camp in Wellington

4.7 Charles Stewart Rose came to New Zealand in 1908, on the IONIC aged 23yrs, from a village near ABERDEENSHIRE in SCOTLAND.

5.0 MOTHER, was CAROLINE JANE STENNING. She was born on CHARLIE and MYRA TRIPPS farm out the back of GORE (Ferndale).

5.3 Grandfather was in partnership with a MR SCOTT (LAURIE SCOTTS father), but partnership did not last long.

5.6 Parents CAROLINE & CHARLES were MARRIED during the first World War in 1917, at Owaka (Pounawea).

5.9 Mother was a "sewer" (seamstress) and had received training from a tailor. Considered her to be an "exceptional lady".

6.1 Relates story of a funeral he conducted, of meeting a Maori man called MR WILSON, who related to him a story of Stewarts mother visiting the Wilson house to carry out some sewing, and teaching Wilson to sing "Jesus saves Me".

7.2 As a small boy he (Stewart) was a sickly child. Had pneumonia, whooping cough, and measles. Had a weak heart but "grew out" of this as a teenager. Also had asthma.

7.5 Living in Mataura at the time, mother put him in the front room on an elevated bed, where each morning he could see the milk carts (horse drawn drays). Relates story of looking for a particular young lady and her milk cart drawn by a white horse. This lady later became his sister-in-law.

8.2 She was HAZEL ELLEN and married ERIC JOHNSON. Lived at Waimumu but she died quite young.

8.5 DOCTORS FEES 2/6, during the depression. Mataura doctor was DR. WOODHOUSE, in GORE it was DR. McCARROW. Remembers a time when his mother wept at not being able to afford to send him to the doctor.

9.0 Had bad bout of asthma while on the ship AQUATANIA at age 23yrs going to EGYPT. Relates story of last attack (asthma) and reasons why.

10.0 Lived in ONSLOW STREET, GORE. LAKEMAN Family across the road.

10.1 MRS LAKEMAN in her 90's, daughters in 70's. No district nurses about at this time. Neighbours relied on each other or family.

10.4 Describes Mrs Lakeman.

10.5 Stewarts mother helped. Commode arrangements (Mrs Lakemans), made before leaving to go out. Relates story of Mrs Lakeman and her stick.

11.3 Remembers EDITH LAKEMAN (daughter), running in and telling the family (Stewart) that Mrs Lakeman was dead, and his mother’s uncharacteristic remark.

11.8 At age 7yrs, the family lived in Mataura. Opposite the FREEZING WORKS. MR JACK ROSS, famous for sheep counting, tells how it was done.

12.6 Pulling sheep into railway lorries using a team of horses, was MR McDONALD, his son GORDON McDONALD later MANAGER of H&J SMITHS in GORE.

13.0 Lived in Roxburgh for approx 18 months.

13.1 Father was a BUILDING CONTRACTOR, had large contract and employed 20 men building RAILWAY HOUSES, and WATER TANK, for engines.

13.4 Railway was mile and a half from Roxburgh town, on the East side.

13.6 Stewart not well or fit, had to be given ride to and from the school, mother would piggy back him home sometimes.

13.8 As his health improved, he would trot home to the "camp" at Roxburgh, located in middle of what was AITCHESONS ORCHARD, now DANSEYS.

14.2 Returned to Gore, was still unwell, spent a year living with his GRANDMOTHER at Pounawea. Attended the OWAKA school, returned to Gore for Standards and HIGH SCHOOL.

14.6 At school in Gore, the classes were never less than 55 pupils to one teacher, has photos to prove it.

14.7 Pupils in Standard 6 had to pass a PROFICIENCY EXAM in order to get job. Jobs scarce and everyone aware they had to pass. Tells how class passed, except for two pupils, relates their story.

15.5 JOSEPH HILL went to work on a farm, heavy work load caused heart attack, spent a year in bed (lived in Broughton Street). Relates story of Joe's confinement and visits made by him. Helped Joseph with his reading and maths

16.6 DOCTOR RODGERS his doctor (Josephs). Unable to pay medical fees.

16.7 At end of 2 year confinement, Joseph obtained office work at WRIGHT STEPHENSONS. Relates story of visit to Doctor to pay medical bill and the outcome.

17.5 Stewart Rose, had CARPENTERING SKILLS, worked at Dr Rodgers farm at MOKORETA, repairing and making sheds.

17.8 Started "going with Joyce at this time.

17.9 The 'doc' seemed to appear whenever he finished a job, only to give him another. Tells what happened the day he managed to get a day off.

18.4 Rodgers had a "retired trotter", SAILING LADY/ SET SAIL or similar, caught up in barbed wire, freed animal and went to TAYLORS, nearest neighbour to call vet before carrying on.

19.0 Road to REDAN was gravel, rough ride on the bike.

19.4 Doctor Rodgers SURGERY in TWO STOREY PLACE (now dental surgery) in IRK STREET Gore.

19.6 Stewart tells the 'doc', he is seeing a "nice girl" and he would not be working for him for a while.

19.9 Too old to drive himself, Dr Rodgers had a driver JIM MORRIS. Relates story of what happened when he told the doctor about the horse.

20.5 Another doctor in Gore at the time was DR WATERS.

20.7 As a FUNERAL DIRECTOR, Stewart visited a man in the GORE HOSPITAL to make funeral arrangements for a friend of the man. Tells what happened etc.

21.5 Dr Waters was a man who was always addressed as "Dr".

21.6 Both Stewart Rose and Dr Waters members of ROTARY, Stewart could address Dr Waters as JEFF.

22.2 Relates story of Dr Waters' last night in the district, sitting with him and also "GRAVEL JACK STEWART" at a dinner at a Rotary Meeting.

24.4 Dr Waters specialty was the delivery of babies. Relates conversation with Dr Waters re babies delivered in the district during the War Years.

25.0 War (WWII) started when Stewart was about 20yrs old. Was in the '1st SOUTHLANDS' for start. In a GRADE 2 camp at Forbury (DUNEDIN). Camp for not -so- fit people in the hope that they could be made fitter.

25.5 Slept under the Grandstand at the Forbury Trotting Park.

25.7 ARTHUR MORTON was in the same platoon as Stewart. Arthur finished up the War at Godley Heads defending New Zealand against Japanese invasion.

25.9 Relates an anecdote about Arthur and lack of fitness.

26.6 Arthur worked with his brother JOE MORTON for their father in a large shop in Gore, HARDWARE, IRONMONGERY & TOOLS.

27.0 On the site of the present POST OFFICE in GORE, there was a building that 'acted as a Post Office', there used to be the CRITERION HOTEL, with two shops underneath it.

27.3 One of Stewarts Aunties (grandmothers sisters), ran the Hotel. Relates story of being the bearer of 'bad news' to this Aunty (of her husband's demise) and her subsequent response to the news.

28.2 On the site where REID DAVIDSON had his GROCERY SHOP, there use to stand a hotel called THE CLUB HOTEL.

28.3 One of the MURDOCH girls use to work there as COOK. Relates conversation between this girl and a traveller re breakfast.

29.1 Describes end of time at Forbury camp and medical examination, and subsequent jump to grade 1.

30.1 Had no option but to go to War, or face jail.

31.1 After being 'called up he took a girl ROLLER SKATING, smashed elbow as result of fall, 'stood down' for 1 year. Would have ended up at ALAMEIN had he gone to war at this stage.

31.8 In the EIGHTH REINFORCEMENTS, 6-8000 men in this, but not really sure.

31.9 Were all aboard the AQUATAINIA, fourth largest boat afloat at the time.

32.2 Last bad asthmatic on the boat, never had one again.

32.6 Last reinforcement put into the DESERT WAR.

SIDE 2

0.2 Describes position in the war. Says that this is the time and place where 'the Maori man' won his V.C. Talks about the war for a bit.

1.2 WALTER SMALL from TALBOT STREET in GORE, second or third cousin of Stewart advised him to get into the 17 PLATOON.... (West Coast?). with NOEL. NOEL died two years ago (ca. 1996), and had worked at the coalmine at Shag Point.

1.7 Relates a story about a chap POPE in the platoon.

2.1 Ordered to march to hear the HONOURABLE JONES, MINISTER OF DEFENCE.

2.7 Talks for a time about a LENNY MCLENNON in Cairo, from Oturehua was a high country musterer.

3.4 Tells of first time going to the 'line'. ANDERBY? RICHARDSON, from Mataura Island tells them of the death of BILL WALLIS. Mentions family Bill was from.

4.0 'STIFFY' and LES were brothers of Bill. Les had worked with Stewart in H&J Smiths. Relates story about Bill and snipers.

4.4 Tells of his first turn at 'picket'.

5.0 Tells of ANDY CRAWFORDS escapades and of Andy teaching him the sounds made by Mortars. Feels knowing this saved his life.

6.0 Mr DICKENS, a direct descendant of Charles Dickens (author). Dickens wife HELEN (now remarried) used to live alongside the Waikaka Valley Church.

6.4 Talks some more on the War. Now in D Company'.

7.9 Remembers a mate called BRIAN who was a heavy smoker.

8.6 Water in the desert not pleasant, recalls taste etc, and relates story.

10.2 Talks at length about various happenings in the desert, journeys undertaken etc.

12.1 Tells of looking for water to wash feet after weeks at the line.

12.5 STEWART EASON a 'runner', had not washed his feet for 9-10mths.

12.9 Tells how and why Germans had such good socks.

13.5 While on boat to Italy, reminds Noel of the date and says why.

14.1 Sent back to Egypt from Italy with bad knee.

15.2 Learnt to speak Arabic and picked up Italian.

15.4 Received letter from MAY GERKEN nee BROWNLIE (parents had grocery shop in Gore), married SANDY GERKEN.

15.5 Relates how he contacted Sandy who was in Egypt with a 'North Island Outfit', and their resultant trip to town etc.

17.5 Sandy asks him to teach him the local language so he can preach 'Christ' to the people.

17.7 Sandy was an ELDER in the BAPTIST CHURCH in GORE. A PLAQUE to his memory (A.I. GERKEN) is on the right hand North side of the church.

18.0 Sandy's dad VICK was a carrier, later a publican at Millers Flat

18.1 Mentions that he was DEMOTED 5 times. Says why.

19.5 Relates brief life history of a friend (not named) who currently resides in St Andrews Home in Dunedin who served in the war with him.

21.3 Tells of the “Battle of the Sangro River” in Italy.

22.6 Depression 'exceptionally' bad for the Rose family and business. Father was SELF-EMPLOYED BUILDER and FUNERAL DIRECTOR. Employees 'laid off.

23.0 ALEX NEWMAN, MAYOR, father of BERT NEWMAN the HORTICULTURIST, GORE.

23.2 Tells story of Mr Newman (mayor) sending 'homies from the old country', who were destitute, to the Rose household. Says why.

23.6 Explains how family coped feeding the extra people when they (Roses) had no money.

23.7 Describes how people were sent to MONAGHANS out at CROYDON to get potatoes.

24.3 Milk. Tuppence per pint.

24.6 Describes bedding arrangements for the extra people, says what bedding was made up of, where they all slept.

25.5 Tells of jobs searched for, letters written etc.

25.7 Describes woes of a family shunted off a farm by WRIGHT-STEPHENSON.

26.4 HEALTH. Tells how scabies was treated.

27.1 Discusses how money was gathered for a man called GORDON, to enable him to go to Picton to obtain work and the subsequent result.

28.7 Skipped a couple of classes at Primary school (not named), went to HIGH SCHOOL (Gore?) for best part of a year.

29.3 EMPLOYED at H&J SMITHS, enjoyed his time there, talks about staff numbers and hours worked.

30.0 WAGES for 48hr week 12/6. Forced to a COMPULSORY SALESMANSHIP course at cost of 2 shillings & threepence for staff fund, took home 10 & threepence. Gives general opinion on work hours and conditions.

31.0 Got to know J.W SMITH (manager) quite well and liked him.

SIDE 3

0.4 Describes his jobs at Smiths and things learnt.

1.1 Wonders about a MR BROWN and his CLOTHING CLUB SHOP in the MAIN ST, GORE, during the DEPRESSION YEARS. Lived in ARDWICK ST, (Mr Brown) near where VIC HARRIS had a house.

1.9 Talks at length about possible promotion at Invercargill branch of H&J Smiths.

4.8 Left H&Js to work for his father.

5.1 Father gave him intensive TRAINING in the BUILDING TRADE.

5.8 Tells of small family FUNERAL BUSINESS at time.

5.9 COFFINS delivered to bereaved families at night time in those days. Describes coffin making.

6.3 Worked as CARPENTER for his father. KNEE INJURY prevented ladder/roof work, advised by father to take on the 'old family caper'.

6.7 FATHERS PARENTS in ABERDEENSHIRE, SCOTLAND were 'layer outers'. GRANDMOTHER & STEP-GRANDFATHER laid out the deceased person. Tells of old SCOTTISH CUSTOM, relates anecdote.

8.0 Tells when father started funeral business, where and how many conducted per year.

8.2 Describes how WREATHS were HANDMADE.

9.3 Tells of going to Hamilton, Mr SCRIMSHAW, New Zealand’s leading man in funeral directing and embalming. Learning the trade.

9.6 Describes build-up of his FUNERAL BUSINESS, hours mainly early mornings, deterioration of his own health.

11.0 Wife JOYCE rang the 'opposition’ who subsequently bought him out.

11.3 Went to Stewart Island to regain health. Describes life and diet while on the Island.

12.1 Recalls carrying out the bulk of funerals in TAPANUI & CROOKSTON. Says about unique requirement of CROOKSTON CEMETARY.

13.4 FATHER DIED aged 91years, circa. 1991.

13.5 Reminisces about father and stories he told three weeks prior to his death.

15.4 Comments about SOLICITORS around Gore in the early days. Method of collecting FUNERAL COSTS.

17.5 Says about temptation to publish list of unpaid funerals when he passes away, so they may be paid into his estate to benefit his family.

17.8 Purchased many of his coffins from a factory in Timaru, best of rimu used. Describes some coffins.

18.8 Considers his WIFE JOYCE an invaluable partner, FIRST WOMAN IN NZ TO HOLD AN EMBALMERS CERTIFICATE.

19.2 MRS WALKTON, of Kana Street, MATAURA prayed daily for the safe return of Stewart from the War. Says why and wishes to record his humble thanks to this lady.

20.4 Wasn't allowed to play football due to physical condition. Digresses at length about happenings during war.

25.1 Joyce his wife was first engaged to COLIN CLEARWATER of Mataura, Colin killed in war. Explains how he met Joyce. Mentions ERIC JOHNSTON and KAY (surname unknown).

27.3 Considers the "best thing I ever did, was to marry Joyce".

27.4 Had FOUR DAUGHTERS in 'four year gaps', Tells of the untimely DEATH of eldest DAUGHTER CAROL at age 34yrs.

28.4 Funeral business 'one man band' affair with help of Joyce. HOLIDAYS rare, recalls going 7 years without a holiday. Talks about trips taken.

29.4 Describes trips to Dunedin crematorium. About 17 to 24 per year.

29.8 Describes shopping in Dunedin, RE McCLEAN & SON in Dunedin had special place 'earmarked' for him to park hearse.

31.1 Describes Joyce's' height as about 5' 2 or 3". Tells of talking saleswomen into trying on outfits to see if they would suit Joy.

SIDE 4

0.5 Says demanding nature business prevented him taking outside interests. Two years as PRESIDENT CRIPPLED CHILDRENS SOCIETY very rewarding. Joined MASONIC LODGE in later years. Tells of a widow 'seen right' by the Lodge.

2.5 Became the ' boss man' in the CHAIR OF KING SOLOMON in Lodge a year prior to RETIREMENT.

3.0 Talks of MORALS, the difference between now and then. Relates some stories.

6.4 Tells of staff being ‘tested for honesty' at H&J SMITH, and wonders if perhaps the firm itself should have been tested, says why.

8.6 Father was an honest man, parents did a lot of CHARITY WORK.

9.2 FATHERS DEATH. Tells of his father dying in his (Stewarts) arms suddenly.

9.4 CONDUCTED FATHERS FUNERAL, at the BAPTIST CHURCH (doesn't say where). Talks of the funeral, one of the biggest he had ever done. Got to yarning about his father with various people outside church and so was late into the service. Sister SHIRLEY was furious.

11.9 Talks of close friends who have all since died.