Abstract of William Herbert (Bill) MOSS, 2022
Item — Box: 27
Identifier: H01790002
Abstract
MOSS, William Herbert (Bill)
Interviewer: Rebecca Amundsen
Abstracter: Judith Christie
First Interview: 1 November 2012
TRACK ONE
00.0 Born 19 August 1930.
01.0 Father’s name THOMAS HERBERT (BERT) MOSS. MOTOR MECHANIC, born DUNEDIN. Father’s parents were HENRY HERBERT MOSS, grandmother JAN MOSS NEE MCHUGH. Lived in BLUFF from 1900. Grandfather was a BLACKSMITH in Bluff. Father was a RIFLE SHOOTER, South Island Champion.
04.25 Grandfather’s father EDWARD MILE MOSS was a FERRYMAN, born in WALES, emigrated to NELSON, worked for NELSON WATERWORKS. FIREFIGHTER. ENGINEERING job brought him to CAVERSHAM, DUNEDIN. FERRY SERVICE FROM PORTABELLO to PORT CHALMERS prior to 1900. Built a boat called the TARAWAI, which ended up in Bluff and sunk in the Sounds. Grandfather died 1903. Moss Street in Portabello named after him.
7.25 Self inherited scrapbooks from GREAT AUNT DORRIE MOSS from North East Valley and GREAT UNCLE PERCY MOSS, MASTER MARINER.
8.25 Mother ROBINA MOSS NEE BALLANTYNE, born in Bluff. Little known about mother’s family. Mother’s brother BILL in WWI with SGT DICK TRAVIS, VC. Describes.
10.30 Parents lived in BLUFF when they met, lived around the corner from each other. Father great DANCER. Served APPRENTICESHIP in Invercargill. Worked for WILSON FRASERS in Dee Street, later TAPPERS. Father then started a GARAGE in DIPTON. Travelled to work from Bluff to Invercargill on HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORBIKE. Also DAILY TRAIN.
12.30 Parents moved to WAIKAWA during the Depression when Dipton garage went bust. Father finished up in MANAPOURI.
End of Track One
TRACK TWO
00.0 Family moved to NIAGARA, father worked in SAWMILL as a HAULER DRIVER. 1939, offered position with NATIONAL MORTGAGE (FISHERIES) in WAIKAWA. Looked after fishing boats.
01.30 Friends with DAVID MCCOLMAN, always in trouble. Describes.
2.00 Ten years old, described NIAGARA FALLS to Wellington friends.
2.45 Started school at NIAGARA, taken by neighbouring family. Three mile walk to school. Remembers BRIDGE over NIAGARA RIVER being built. Good WHITEBAITING river.
4.10 Tennis Court on property at Niagara, played TENNIS.
4.40 Moved to WAIKAWA SCHOOL. ERIC BARNES HEADMASTER of Niagara School. Describes. Latterly was given a book of Niagara School.
6.40 Family home now demolished, on 25 acres of land, purchased by grandfather for his two sons on return from WWI. Family dispute meant family had to get off the place.
7.50 Chores at home included getting in the firewood. WAIKAWA SCHOOL closed after a storm when self aged 10. Self was picked up with the wind, brother hurt. Describes.
8.50 Self has older sister. New house built at Waikawa, storm lifted the roof off while under construction. There was a ROAD ALONG THE BEACH FROM WAIKAWA TO CURIO BAY.
10.20 Shifting from WAIKAWA to WELLINGTON a transformation. While in Waikawa, came in to Invercargill by TRAIN once a year – big occasion. Purchased new boots, bought ice creams from EARNEST ADAMS, parked in THE CRESCENT. Describes.
11.30 Self and brother always thought of as twins – mother dressed them the same. BROTHER became a CABINET MAKER. Self became a PHOTO ENGRAVER.
12.20 Family moved to WELLINGTON for children’s education. UNCLE worked in garage there and got a position for father. Self aged ten. Drove to CLINTON by car, caught train from there, spent the day in Christchurch, then caught boat in Lyttleton. Describes.
13.50 WELLINGTON SCHOOL very different – more students. Attended MT COOK SCHOOL for twelve months, building now gone and a new one built.
End of Track Two
TRACK THREE
00.0 Parents purchased house in LYALL BAY, so self attended LYALL BAY SCHOOL for four or five years. Attended a school reunion two years ago.
00.10 Attended RONGATAI COLLEGE in Form One. Left school in Form Two. Wanted to start work in HUTT VALLEY WORKSHOPS (WILLIAM CABLES) to get a marine ticket and travel overseas but ended up with a firm in MIRIMAR (NZ ELECTRIC LAMP MANUFACTURERS) making light bulbs. Describes process. That August father found work for self as PHOTO ENGRAVER, commenced work as an APPRENTICE.
4.30 Unable to get engineering apprenticeship, but took to photo engraving immediately. Manufactured blocks, made glass negative. Describes process. Friend self started apprenticeship with is still a friend. Now in SALVATION ARMY full time. Name DON HUDSON – self was groomsman for him. Describes.
9.15 LYALL BAY – could walk to ATHLETIC PARK to watch the rugby. Watched the ALL BLACK TRIALS etc. Self played rugby as a back and cricket for KILBURNY. Discussion re sport and injury. Played TABLE TENNIS during winter. Rugby Coach JACK LAMMERSON.
14.00 Worked in Invercargill for CRAIG PRINTING. Earned £12/10/2d in Wellington, matched by Craigs, minus 1d. Told by General Manager of CRAIGS he would be playing for BLUES RUGBY CLUB.
End of Track Three
TRACK FOUR
00.0 Father did not know he would be working in Invercargill until he dropped him off at CRAIGS.
00.30 Stayed with a friend’s family, wanted him to play for PIRATES, but played for BLUES until the year after self married – 28 years old. Played for GALBRAITH SHIELD in 1958. REFEREED for 25 years at senior level. Mentions BRUCE THOMPSON as a fellow referee. Discussion re rugby. Mentions BRUCE MILLER as a fellow player. Mentions LES GEORGE, a life member of BLUES.
5.50 Signed apprenticeship papers, name on papers ARTIE LAMBOURNE, who was an ALL BLACK in 1934, FACTORY MANAGER. Talks about an aborted ALL BLACK TEAM TOUR to SOUTH AFRICA. More discussion about rugby.
8.50 Offered a job as a GOVERNMENT PRINTER in Wellington on a Mac Camera – describes. Chose job with Craigs in Invercargill instead. Describes more about job.
11.15 ? JACOB LIFE MEMBER of the GRAPHIC ARTS FEDERATION, ARTIE LAMBORNE also a life member and then self ended up a life member.
End of Track Four
TRACK FIVE
00.0 FATHER worked for SHELL OIL COMPANY at MIRIMAR. Worked on FLYING BOAT RONGATAI flying between Sydney and Wellington – refuelled them. 02.05 Father lived in WELLINGTON for eighteen months after self left, then got a job at RIVERSDALE, worked for LES HUTCHINGS on his first boat called THE PILGRIM. 03.50 Explains process of PHOTO ENGRAVING. Six years apprenticeship. 11.15 Person self worked with was first person to go to America to perform COLOUR WORK in 1945. Explains more about PHOTO ENVGRAVING.
End of Track Five
TRACK SIX
00.0 Continues explaining PHOTO ENGRAVING PROCESS.
03.00 Dangerous chemicals including CYANIDE, but used commonsense re safety. No safety masks or glasses.
7.40 APPRENTICESHIP at VICKER AND INKERSILL completed – explains process of apprenticeship. Stayed on for two years at this firm before working for CRAIGS.
8.30 Newspapers all had a photo engraving department.
8.50 Went to CRAIGS because wanted to return home.
9.30 Attended WEDDING on West Coast with father.
10.00 CRAIGS were in TAY STREET at the time. Discusses SOUTHLAND TIMES reunion and book.
11.30 PHIL GARRETT was manager at Craigs, which was no longer in the Craig family. Discusses SAM CRAIG’S DAUGHTER, who self met.
13.15 TED BUCKLEY started off photo engraving part of Craigs in 1932 or 1933. STAN TAYLOR took over from Ted Buckley.
End of Track Six
TRACK SEVEN
00.0 More information about work at Craigs. Self became FOREMAN, and modernised work practices.
02.00 Donated 50oz bottle of SILVER NITRATE to hospital for help with skin grafting c1956.
03.00 Also had CYANIDE –container fell on the floor and burst open. Self scooped it up and put it back in the tin – early 1960s.
04.15 NITRIC ACID dropped once, had to phone Fire Brigade. Other accidents with containers.
7.30 More information about the dangers of materials used as part of the job, and the old ways of disposing of material down the wastewater system.
9.30 At Craigs, started using DRY PLATE PRINTING, including colour. Explains. Three customers – SOUTHLAND NEWS, SOUTHLAND TIMES, H & J SMITHS. Craigs Printing own work was sent to Dunedin.
12.45 ROYAL VISIT, worked night and day. Also had to work for major incidents in the city, e.g. fires.
14.10 Usually worked from 8.00 am until finished for the day. PETER MULLER was the EDITOR of the SOUTHLAND TIMES, he drew the WEATHER MAP, which was then processed by self.
End of Track Seven
TRACK EIGHT
00.0 Once WEATHER MAP was produced back to front.
00.45 More explanation of processes.
01.15 Worked as a photo engraver until COMPUTERS came in - finished in 1983.
02.15 Until retired, made LITHOPLATES for CRAIGS PRINTING to produce books.
03.30 Explanation of processes.
05.00 Staff at CRAIGS included APPRENTICE who won a TOP PRIZE NEW ZEALAND WIDE. Responsible for THIRTEEN STAFF MEMBERS – a long way from Stan and self.
06.30 Describes OFFSET PRINTING.
07.15 RETIRED at 60 because of the pressure of the job. Purchased a house at RIVERTON before retirement and travelled in to town by bus for a while.
08.10 Served 20 years on NATIONAL COUNCIL and the INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE – became a LIFE MEMBER three of four years before retirement, attended CONFERENCES.
09.10 REUNION held in Christchurch – six attended.
End of Track Eight
Second Interview: 8th November 2012 TRACK ONE
00.0 Attended the launching of the SOUTHLAND TIMES: 150 YEARS publication as a selected guest. Former Editor PETER MULLER attended - he came to Invercargill in 1953, same year as self. Talked about back to front weather map. BOB WILLS was at the SOUTHLAND TIMES as well, born in the same year as self.
2.30 Event held at SOUTHLAND MUSEUM, along with artifacts including PRINTING PRESS.
3.50 Talked about process of PROOFING THE BLOCKS on the printing press.
5.00 SOUTHLAND TIMES a morning paper, SOUTHLAND NEWS an evening paper. Self would do the blocks for the Southland News as well. Explains the HORSE RACING news process.
6.40 Loved job – in unique position where Craig’s competitors were also customers. Enjoyed being on NATIONAL COUNCIL. No regrets about not entering engineering field.
7.40 As computers became part of the industry, camera operators and linotype operators became redundant. Now the Southland Times sends COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS to AUSTRALIA over the wire, and receives it back. Paper now printed in DUNEDIN.
9.00 JAPANESE people at a conference, talking about the future of the industry.
10.15 Sad day when RETIRED at 60 years old, but too much pressure in the job. Colleague BOB WILLS, ADVERTISING MANAGER, stayed on another five years.
11.20 MARRIED in 1958 – met wife SHIRLEY on a blind date, introduced by EMILY AND KEN MCKENZIE who was self’s rugby coach. MARRIED in LUMSDEN.
12.30 FIRST HOUSE purchased in YARROW STREET, after renting a house in WILLIAM STREET. Yarrow Street purchased with a 3% loan through STATE ADVANCES. PAUL SKELT, champion NZ BADMINTON PLAYER worked in State Advances. Self till has receipt book from State Advances.
End of Track One
TRACK TWO 00.0 Would get change out of a £10 when paying MONTHLY MORTGAGE – non renewable loan, so MORTGAGE INTEREST never increased. 19s/11d a month.
2.15 Then purchased a house in TWEED STREET, near Rugby Park so near rugby games.
3.00 Had a choice when building Yarrow Street of six house plans. Between ADAMSON CRESCENT AND LYON STREET there is a block of six houses which show the six different plans.
3.45 Builder CES FLAWS (?) ended up as a personal friend. Attended MASONIC LODGE with self.
4.00 SEALED ROAD stopped at ISABELLA STREET. CYCLE TRACK was originally planned, but did not eventuate. GLENGARRY was designed as a ‘state of the art’ suburb.
5.30 STATE HOUSES built at the same time (two storeyed blocks of flats). Became friends with some of the residents.
6.20 NO FENCES. Self put down PATHS. TOMMY TINDALL who won the TOUR OF SOUTHLAND cycle race lived in one of the houses. STAN AYLING lived on the corner of Adamson Crescent, worked at OCEAN BEACH FREEZING WORKS. Next to him was TOMMY AND MARGARET TINDALL, then CYRL AND BILLIE? DOWNEY worked for BITUMEN DISTRIBUTORS making roads, then self and Shirley, then KEITH AND MARGARET DUTHIE – Keith worked for WOOLSTORE as a wool classer and then FREEZING WORKER and Margaret worked for the SOUTHLAND FROZEN MEAT COMPANY. Next was NORMAN SMITH who was an ACCOUNTANT at SOUTHLAND FROZEN MEAT COMPANY.
9.15 Every year a CHRISTMAS PARTY was held. When Keith and Margaret Duthie got married, a TIN CANNING was held (a house warming).
10.50 BIKED to and from work with others. Families stayed in the same house for years. Discussion where residents live now.
13.30 When moved to Tweed Street, presented with a big scroll. Great years in YARROW STREET.
End of Track Two
TRACK THREE
00.0 FENCES started to go up in Glengarry when people built them themselves. Well known people lived there.
00.30 People thought Glengarry would become a SLUM AREA because of the 3% scheme, but incorrect assumption.
00.50 Houses owned by ‘BORSTAL BOYS’ (wardens from the Invercargill Borstal)
1.15 Opening of GLENGARRY TAVERN – free drinks provided by cousin who was a bartender on opening day. Went to pub after gardening. 6.00PM CLOSING.
2.20 Took visitors to the KELVIN HOTEL, which was on a different site opposite H & J Smiths were BNZ now stands.
3.20 Lots more SHOPS in Glengarry, including a SPORTS SHOP next to the tavern. BOOKSHOP, DAIRY, LAUNDRYMAT, SHOE SHOP, CHEMIST, FISH AND CHIP SHOP. WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKET.
4.40 Houses in LYON STREET built at the same time that self moved in. Very busy area. ROADS not in good condition.
5.30 Played sports, mowed lawns, gardened. No TV, a few parties at the weekends.
6.00 Wife involved in GLENGARRY KINDERGARTEN when is started up. Fund raising. GLENGARRY SOFTBALL CLUB. Mentions GRAHAM SYCAMORE, also worked at the Southland Times, good cyclist.
7.30 Discussion about origin of the NAME OF GLENGARRY – not known.
8.30 Discussion re ANNE STODDART and her involvement in the 100 Year Flood. Lived in Tweed Street at the time and affected by the flood.
10.00 Glengarry was knocked by people not living in the area, but residents were happy where they lived. YEW TREES planted – Owen Brown and a friend chainsawed two of the trees down during a party.
11.30 FATHER IN LAW arrived in a new car. Neighbour Stan hooked up a lawn roller to the car.
12.04 SON and three DAUGHTERS attended SURREY PARK SCHOOL, then LITHGOW. Oldest three went to JAMES HARGEST HIGH SCHOOL, youngest child Alison attended SOUTHLAND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL. Self attended single sex school. JHHS was a relatively new school.
End of Track Three
TRACK FOUR
00.0 Opening of WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKET – shopped on a Friday night. NEVILLE HOSKINS opened sports shop. Late night Friday nights until 9.00 pm.
02.10 POST OFFICE opened by RALPH HANNON. PETROL STATION opened 1976.
2.50 Self SOLD CAR TO PAY DEPOSIT of £100 on the house in Glengarry. Few people had cars. Second car purchased 60 years ago. BIKED everywhere before that, BUSED or took TAXIS. Father would pick up family to take them up to MANAPOURI for holidays.
5.00 FREEMASONRY – asked a friend to join in 1960s. MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CRAIGS seconded nomination. MORRIS JONES of the SOUTHLAND NEWS nominated him. Joined because fellow cricketer BILL TUCKER in Wellington suggested he join when in Invercargill.
8.00 People did not publicise membership, but self wears lapel badge. Provided companionship. Joined LODGE VICTORIA. More information about FREEMASONRY and the JOINING PROCESS. Became MASTER OF THE LODGE. Met once a month in the FORTH STREET BUILDING.
End of Track Four
TRACK FIVE
0.0 More information about MASONIC LODGE. Now a member of WALLACE LODGE in OTAUTAU.
04.00 Information about the origins of FREEMASONRY.
05.45 Went on a RUGBY tour of AUSTRALIA in 1968 with the BLUES RUGBY CLUB. 08.40 Discussion re FORTH STREET MASONIC BUILDING – opinion that it is the best masonic lodge building in the southern hemisphere.
9.30 Self MASTER of the lodge at the same time as PRESIDENT of the REFEREE’S ASSOCIATION.
10.50 49 year’s involvement in MASONS. Aiming for the 50 YEAR BADGE. Once nine lodges in Invercargill, but no longer. A lot of INDONESIAN FARM WORKERS involved in the Wallace Lodge. Explains.
End of Track Five
TRACK SIX
00.0 More information re FREEMASONRY.
00.50 Self doesn’t get out much because of WIFE’S HEALTH. When retired, moved out to RIVERTON. Got involved with freemasonry, involved with SENIOR CITIZENS stood for RIVERTON COMMUNITY BOARD, get in on second try and served for fifteen years. Represented Riverton to the SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL. RIVERTON was last to get MAIN STREET fixed.
3.50 Was Chair of the CONCEPT COMMITTEE of the COMMUNITY BOARD. Another Riverton near Adelaide in Australia produced a NEWSLETTER, and the Riverton Community Board got self to start up a newsletter too, with a friend in Riverton – involved for ten years, and newsletter (WESTERN STAR) still going.
7.00 Self involved in the merging of the two SENIOR CITIZEN GROUPS in Riverton – met in the RSA at first, and then purchased the FORMER DARTS HALL. Money raised to do up the Hall. Shortfall of $5,000 shortly before opening in 1994 – money found from the VICKERY TRUST. At one stage over 100 members. Was PRESIDENT for over ten years. Now a LIFE MEMBER. Meet every fortnight. Bus Trips, fellowship. Hall hired out to get funding.
12.10 WESTERN STAR – CATHERINE HILL now editor. Eight pages, sometimes a struggle to get copy.
13.30 Self also received a LIONS award, although not a member.
14.40 TOM MASON was a champion WOOD CHOPPER, travelled around the world, competed in Sydney. Was a legend in Riverton.
End of Track Six
TRACK SEVEN
00.0 More information about TOM MASON who was from Riverton. Had stories about CHINESE MINERS.
End of Track Seven
TRACK EIGHT
00.0 More stories about mining in the area. Story about a person falling down into a mine shaft. TOM MASON was ten years older than self. Information about CHINESE SETTLEMENT in ROUND HILL. Tom Mason’s wife name was IRMA(?) Had two daughters.
04.00 Self presented talk at Lodge about his life. Many schools and organisations self involved in have closed.
End of Interview
Interviewer: Rebecca Amundsen
Abstracter: Judith Christie
First Interview: 1 November 2012
TRACK ONE
00.0 Born 19 August 1930.
01.0 Father’s name THOMAS HERBERT (BERT) MOSS. MOTOR MECHANIC, born DUNEDIN. Father’s parents were HENRY HERBERT MOSS, grandmother JAN MOSS NEE MCHUGH. Lived in BLUFF from 1900. Grandfather was a BLACKSMITH in Bluff. Father was a RIFLE SHOOTER, South Island Champion.
04.25 Grandfather’s father EDWARD MILE MOSS was a FERRYMAN, born in WALES, emigrated to NELSON, worked for NELSON WATERWORKS. FIREFIGHTER. ENGINEERING job brought him to CAVERSHAM, DUNEDIN. FERRY SERVICE FROM PORTABELLO to PORT CHALMERS prior to 1900. Built a boat called the TARAWAI, which ended up in Bluff and sunk in the Sounds. Grandfather died 1903. Moss Street in Portabello named after him.
7.25 Self inherited scrapbooks from GREAT AUNT DORRIE MOSS from North East Valley and GREAT UNCLE PERCY MOSS, MASTER MARINER.
8.25 Mother ROBINA MOSS NEE BALLANTYNE, born in Bluff. Little known about mother’s family. Mother’s brother BILL in WWI with SGT DICK TRAVIS, VC. Describes.
10.30 Parents lived in BLUFF when they met, lived around the corner from each other. Father great DANCER. Served APPRENTICESHIP in Invercargill. Worked for WILSON FRASERS in Dee Street, later TAPPERS. Father then started a GARAGE in DIPTON. Travelled to work from Bluff to Invercargill on HARLEY DAVIDSON MOTORBIKE. Also DAILY TRAIN.
12.30 Parents moved to WAIKAWA during the Depression when Dipton garage went bust. Father finished up in MANAPOURI.
End of Track One
TRACK TWO
00.0 Family moved to NIAGARA, father worked in SAWMILL as a HAULER DRIVER. 1939, offered position with NATIONAL MORTGAGE (FISHERIES) in WAIKAWA. Looked after fishing boats.
01.30 Friends with DAVID MCCOLMAN, always in trouble. Describes.
2.00 Ten years old, described NIAGARA FALLS to Wellington friends.
2.45 Started school at NIAGARA, taken by neighbouring family. Three mile walk to school. Remembers BRIDGE over NIAGARA RIVER being built. Good WHITEBAITING river.
4.10 Tennis Court on property at Niagara, played TENNIS.
4.40 Moved to WAIKAWA SCHOOL. ERIC BARNES HEADMASTER of Niagara School. Describes. Latterly was given a book of Niagara School.
6.40 Family home now demolished, on 25 acres of land, purchased by grandfather for his two sons on return from WWI. Family dispute meant family had to get off the place.
7.50 Chores at home included getting in the firewood. WAIKAWA SCHOOL closed after a storm when self aged 10. Self was picked up with the wind, brother hurt. Describes.
8.50 Self has older sister. New house built at Waikawa, storm lifted the roof off while under construction. There was a ROAD ALONG THE BEACH FROM WAIKAWA TO CURIO BAY.
10.20 Shifting from WAIKAWA to WELLINGTON a transformation. While in Waikawa, came in to Invercargill by TRAIN once a year – big occasion. Purchased new boots, bought ice creams from EARNEST ADAMS, parked in THE CRESCENT. Describes.
11.30 Self and brother always thought of as twins – mother dressed them the same. BROTHER became a CABINET MAKER. Self became a PHOTO ENGRAVER.
12.20 Family moved to WELLINGTON for children’s education. UNCLE worked in garage there and got a position for father. Self aged ten. Drove to CLINTON by car, caught train from there, spent the day in Christchurch, then caught boat in Lyttleton. Describes.
13.50 WELLINGTON SCHOOL very different – more students. Attended MT COOK SCHOOL for twelve months, building now gone and a new one built.
End of Track Two
TRACK THREE
00.0 Parents purchased house in LYALL BAY, so self attended LYALL BAY SCHOOL for four or five years. Attended a school reunion two years ago.
00.10 Attended RONGATAI COLLEGE in Form One. Left school in Form Two. Wanted to start work in HUTT VALLEY WORKSHOPS (WILLIAM CABLES) to get a marine ticket and travel overseas but ended up with a firm in MIRIMAR (NZ ELECTRIC LAMP MANUFACTURERS) making light bulbs. Describes process. That August father found work for self as PHOTO ENGRAVER, commenced work as an APPRENTICE.
4.30 Unable to get engineering apprenticeship, but took to photo engraving immediately. Manufactured blocks, made glass negative. Describes process. Friend self started apprenticeship with is still a friend. Now in SALVATION ARMY full time. Name DON HUDSON – self was groomsman for him. Describes.
9.15 LYALL BAY – could walk to ATHLETIC PARK to watch the rugby. Watched the ALL BLACK TRIALS etc. Self played rugby as a back and cricket for KILBURNY. Discussion re sport and injury. Played TABLE TENNIS during winter. Rugby Coach JACK LAMMERSON.
14.00 Worked in Invercargill for CRAIG PRINTING. Earned £12/10/2d in Wellington, matched by Craigs, minus 1d. Told by General Manager of CRAIGS he would be playing for BLUES RUGBY CLUB.
End of Track Three
TRACK FOUR
00.0 Father did not know he would be working in Invercargill until he dropped him off at CRAIGS.
00.30 Stayed with a friend’s family, wanted him to play for PIRATES, but played for BLUES until the year after self married – 28 years old. Played for GALBRAITH SHIELD in 1958. REFEREED for 25 years at senior level. Mentions BRUCE THOMPSON as a fellow referee. Discussion re rugby. Mentions BRUCE MILLER as a fellow player. Mentions LES GEORGE, a life member of BLUES.
5.50 Signed apprenticeship papers, name on papers ARTIE LAMBOURNE, who was an ALL BLACK in 1934, FACTORY MANAGER. Talks about an aborted ALL BLACK TEAM TOUR to SOUTH AFRICA. More discussion about rugby.
8.50 Offered a job as a GOVERNMENT PRINTER in Wellington on a Mac Camera – describes. Chose job with Craigs in Invercargill instead. Describes more about job.
11.15 ? JACOB LIFE MEMBER of the GRAPHIC ARTS FEDERATION, ARTIE LAMBORNE also a life member and then self ended up a life member.
End of Track Four
TRACK FIVE
00.0 FATHER worked for SHELL OIL COMPANY at MIRIMAR. Worked on FLYING BOAT RONGATAI flying between Sydney and Wellington – refuelled them. 02.05 Father lived in WELLINGTON for eighteen months after self left, then got a job at RIVERSDALE, worked for LES HUTCHINGS on his first boat called THE PILGRIM. 03.50 Explains process of PHOTO ENGRAVING. Six years apprenticeship. 11.15 Person self worked with was first person to go to America to perform COLOUR WORK in 1945. Explains more about PHOTO ENVGRAVING.
End of Track Five
TRACK SIX
00.0 Continues explaining PHOTO ENGRAVING PROCESS.
03.00 Dangerous chemicals including CYANIDE, but used commonsense re safety. No safety masks or glasses.
7.40 APPRENTICESHIP at VICKER AND INKERSILL completed – explains process of apprenticeship. Stayed on for two years at this firm before working for CRAIGS.
8.30 Newspapers all had a photo engraving department.
8.50 Went to CRAIGS because wanted to return home.
9.30 Attended WEDDING on West Coast with father.
10.00 CRAIGS were in TAY STREET at the time. Discusses SOUTHLAND TIMES reunion and book.
11.30 PHIL GARRETT was manager at Craigs, which was no longer in the Craig family. Discusses SAM CRAIG’S DAUGHTER, who self met.
13.15 TED BUCKLEY started off photo engraving part of Craigs in 1932 or 1933. STAN TAYLOR took over from Ted Buckley.
End of Track Six
TRACK SEVEN
00.0 More information about work at Craigs. Self became FOREMAN, and modernised work practices.
02.00 Donated 50oz bottle of SILVER NITRATE to hospital for help with skin grafting c1956.
03.00 Also had CYANIDE –container fell on the floor and burst open. Self scooped it up and put it back in the tin – early 1960s.
04.15 NITRIC ACID dropped once, had to phone Fire Brigade. Other accidents with containers.
7.30 More information about the dangers of materials used as part of the job, and the old ways of disposing of material down the wastewater system.
9.30 At Craigs, started using DRY PLATE PRINTING, including colour. Explains. Three customers – SOUTHLAND NEWS, SOUTHLAND TIMES, H & J SMITHS. Craigs Printing own work was sent to Dunedin.
12.45 ROYAL VISIT, worked night and day. Also had to work for major incidents in the city, e.g. fires.
14.10 Usually worked from 8.00 am until finished for the day. PETER MULLER was the EDITOR of the SOUTHLAND TIMES, he drew the WEATHER MAP, which was then processed by self.
End of Track Seven
TRACK EIGHT
00.0 Once WEATHER MAP was produced back to front.
00.45 More explanation of processes.
01.15 Worked as a photo engraver until COMPUTERS came in - finished in 1983.
02.15 Until retired, made LITHOPLATES for CRAIGS PRINTING to produce books.
03.30 Explanation of processes.
05.00 Staff at CRAIGS included APPRENTICE who won a TOP PRIZE NEW ZEALAND WIDE. Responsible for THIRTEEN STAFF MEMBERS – a long way from Stan and self.
06.30 Describes OFFSET PRINTING.
07.15 RETIRED at 60 because of the pressure of the job. Purchased a house at RIVERTON before retirement and travelled in to town by bus for a while.
08.10 Served 20 years on NATIONAL COUNCIL and the INDUSTRIAL COMMITTEE – became a LIFE MEMBER three of four years before retirement, attended CONFERENCES.
09.10 REUNION held in Christchurch – six attended.
End of Track Eight
Second Interview: 8th November 2012 TRACK ONE
00.0 Attended the launching of the SOUTHLAND TIMES: 150 YEARS publication as a selected guest. Former Editor PETER MULLER attended - he came to Invercargill in 1953, same year as self. Talked about back to front weather map. BOB WILLS was at the SOUTHLAND TIMES as well, born in the same year as self.
2.30 Event held at SOUTHLAND MUSEUM, along with artifacts including PRINTING PRESS.
3.50 Talked about process of PROOFING THE BLOCKS on the printing press.
5.00 SOUTHLAND TIMES a morning paper, SOUTHLAND NEWS an evening paper. Self would do the blocks for the Southland News as well. Explains the HORSE RACING news process.
6.40 Loved job – in unique position where Craig’s competitors were also customers. Enjoyed being on NATIONAL COUNCIL. No regrets about not entering engineering field.
7.40 As computers became part of the industry, camera operators and linotype operators became redundant. Now the Southland Times sends COLOUR PHOTOGRAPHS to AUSTRALIA over the wire, and receives it back. Paper now printed in DUNEDIN.
9.00 JAPANESE people at a conference, talking about the future of the industry.
10.15 Sad day when RETIRED at 60 years old, but too much pressure in the job. Colleague BOB WILLS, ADVERTISING MANAGER, stayed on another five years.
11.20 MARRIED in 1958 – met wife SHIRLEY on a blind date, introduced by EMILY AND KEN MCKENZIE who was self’s rugby coach. MARRIED in LUMSDEN.
12.30 FIRST HOUSE purchased in YARROW STREET, after renting a house in WILLIAM STREET. Yarrow Street purchased with a 3% loan through STATE ADVANCES. PAUL SKELT, champion NZ BADMINTON PLAYER worked in State Advances. Self till has receipt book from State Advances.
End of Track One
TRACK TWO 00.0 Would get change out of a £10 when paying MONTHLY MORTGAGE – non renewable loan, so MORTGAGE INTEREST never increased. 19s/11d a month.
2.15 Then purchased a house in TWEED STREET, near Rugby Park so near rugby games.
3.00 Had a choice when building Yarrow Street of six house plans. Between ADAMSON CRESCENT AND LYON STREET there is a block of six houses which show the six different plans.
3.45 Builder CES FLAWS (?) ended up as a personal friend. Attended MASONIC LODGE with self.
4.00 SEALED ROAD stopped at ISABELLA STREET. CYCLE TRACK was originally planned, but did not eventuate. GLENGARRY was designed as a ‘state of the art’ suburb.
5.30 STATE HOUSES built at the same time (two storeyed blocks of flats). Became friends with some of the residents.
6.20 NO FENCES. Self put down PATHS. TOMMY TINDALL who won the TOUR OF SOUTHLAND cycle race lived in one of the houses. STAN AYLING lived on the corner of Adamson Crescent, worked at OCEAN BEACH FREEZING WORKS. Next to him was TOMMY AND MARGARET TINDALL, then CYRL AND BILLIE? DOWNEY worked for BITUMEN DISTRIBUTORS making roads, then self and Shirley, then KEITH AND MARGARET DUTHIE – Keith worked for WOOLSTORE as a wool classer and then FREEZING WORKER and Margaret worked for the SOUTHLAND FROZEN MEAT COMPANY. Next was NORMAN SMITH who was an ACCOUNTANT at SOUTHLAND FROZEN MEAT COMPANY.
9.15 Every year a CHRISTMAS PARTY was held. When Keith and Margaret Duthie got married, a TIN CANNING was held (a house warming).
10.50 BIKED to and from work with others. Families stayed in the same house for years. Discussion where residents live now.
13.30 When moved to Tweed Street, presented with a big scroll. Great years in YARROW STREET.
End of Track Two
TRACK THREE
00.0 FENCES started to go up in Glengarry when people built them themselves. Well known people lived there.
00.30 People thought Glengarry would become a SLUM AREA because of the 3% scheme, but incorrect assumption.
00.50 Houses owned by ‘BORSTAL BOYS’ (wardens from the Invercargill Borstal)
1.15 Opening of GLENGARRY TAVERN – free drinks provided by cousin who was a bartender on opening day. Went to pub after gardening. 6.00PM CLOSING.
2.20 Took visitors to the KELVIN HOTEL, which was on a different site opposite H & J Smiths were BNZ now stands.
3.20 Lots more SHOPS in Glengarry, including a SPORTS SHOP next to the tavern. BOOKSHOP, DAIRY, LAUNDRYMAT, SHOE SHOP, CHEMIST, FISH AND CHIP SHOP. WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKET.
4.40 Houses in LYON STREET built at the same time that self moved in. Very busy area. ROADS not in good condition.
5.30 Played sports, mowed lawns, gardened. No TV, a few parties at the weekends.
6.00 Wife involved in GLENGARRY KINDERGARTEN when is started up. Fund raising. GLENGARRY SOFTBALL CLUB. Mentions GRAHAM SYCAMORE, also worked at the Southland Times, good cyclist.
7.30 Discussion about origin of the NAME OF GLENGARRY – not known.
8.30 Discussion re ANNE STODDART and her involvement in the 100 Year Flood. Lived in Tweed Street at the time and affected by the flood.
10.00 Glengarry was knocked by people not living in the area, but residents were happy where they lived. YEW TREES planted – Owen Brown and a friend chainsawed two of the trees down during a party.
11.30 FATHER IN LAW arrived in a new car. Neighbour Stan hooked up a lawn roller to the car.
12.04 SON and three DAUGHTERS attended SURREY PARK SCHOOL, then LITHGOW. Oldest three went to JAMES HARGEST HIGH SCHOOL, youngest child Alison attended SOUTHLAND GIRLS HIGH SCHOOL. Self attended single sex school. JHHS was a relatively new school.
End of Track Three
TRACK FOUR
00.0 Opening of WOOLWORTHS SUPERMARKET – shopped on a Friday night. NEVILLE HOSKINS opened sports shop. Late night Friday nights until 9.00 pm.
02.10 POST OFFICE opened by RALPH HANNON. PETROL STATION opened 1976.
2.50 Self SOLD CAR TO PAY DEPOSIT of £100 on the house in Glengarry. Few people had cars. Second car purchased 60 years ago. BIKED everywhere before that, BUSED or took TAXIS. Father would pick up family to take them up to MANAPOURI for holidays.
5.00 FREEMASONRY – asked a friend to join in 1960s. MANAGING DIRECTOR OF CRAIGS seconded nomination. MORRIS JONES of the SOUTHLAND NEWS nominated him. Joined because fellow cricketer BILL TUCKER in Wellington suggested he join when in Invercargill.
8.00 People did not publicise membership, but self wears lapel badge. Provided companionship. Joined LODGE VICTORIA. More information about FREEMASONRY and the JOINING PROCESS. Became MASTER OF THE LODGE. Met once a month in the FORTH STREET BUILDING.
End of Track Four
TRACK FIVE
0.0 More information about MASONIC LODGE. Now a member of WALLACE LODGE in OTAUTAU.
04.00 Information about the origins of FREEMASONRY.
05.45 Went on a RUGBY tour of AUSTRALIA in 1968 with the BLUES RUGBY CLUB. 08.40 Discussion re FORTH STREET MASONIC BUILDING – opinion that it is the best masonic lodge building in the southern hemisphere.
9.30 Self MASTER of the lodge at the same time as PRESIDENT of the REFEREE’S ASSOCIATION.
10.50 49 year’s involvement in MASONS. Aiming for the 50 YEAR BADGE. Once nine lodges in Invercargill, but no longer. A lot of INDONESIAN FARM WORKERS involved in the Wallace Lodge. Explains.
End of Track Five
TRACK SIX
00.0 More information re FREEMASONRY.
00.50 Self doesn’t get out much because of WIFE’S HEALTH. When retired, moved out to RIVERTON. Got involved with freemasonry, involved with SENIOR CITIZENS stood for RIVERTON COMMUNITY BOARD, get in on second try and served for fifteen years. Represented Riverton to the SOUTHLAND DISTRICT COUNCIL. RIVERTON was last to get MAIN STREET fixed.
3.50 Was Chair of the CONCEPT COMMITTEE of the COMMUNITY BOARD. Another Riverton near Adelaide in Australia produced a NEWSLETTER, and the Riverton Community Board got self to start up a newsletter too, with a friend in Riverton – involved for ten years, and newsletter (WESTERN STAR) still going.
7.00 Self involved in the merging of the two SENIOR CITIZEN GROUPS in Riverton – met in the RSA at first, and then purchased the FORMER DARTS HALL. Money raised to do up the Hall. Shortfall of $5,000 shortly before opening in 1994 – money found from the VICKERY TRUST. At one stage over 100 members. Was PRESIDENT for over ten years. Now a LIFE MEMBER. Meet every fortnight. Bus Trips, fellowship. Hall hired out to get funding.
12.10 WESTERN STAR – CATHERINE HILL now editor. Eight pages, sometimes a struggle to get copy.
13.30 Self also received a LIONS award, although not a member.
14.40 TOM MASON was a champion WOOD CHOPPER, travelled around the world, competed in Sydney. Was a legend in Riverton.
End of Track Six
TRACK SEVEN
00.0 More information about TOM MASON who was from Riverton. Had stories about CHINESE MINERS.
End of Track Seven
TRACK EIGHT
00.0 More stories about mining in the area. Story about a person falling down into a mine shaft. TOM MASON was ten years older than self. Information about CHINESE SETTLEMENT in ROUND HILL. Tom Mason’s wife name was IRMA(?) Had two daughters.
04.00 Self presented talk at Lodge about his life. Many schools and organisations self involved in have closed.
End of Interview
Dates
- 2022
Conditions Governing Access
Access to oral history recordings is via the Archives Research Room only. We are unable to provide access to this material remotely. Where access agreements allow, abstracts, audio extracts and photographs will be accessible online.
Conditions Governing Use
This material is copyright of the Invercargill City Libraries and Archives. In accordance with agreements held with interviewees, it is strictly prohibited to reproduce (copy) oral history recordings, abstracts, audio extracts or photographs without prior written consent. Applications for the reproduction of these recordings and associated materials, in whole or part, must be made in writing to the Southland Oral History Project Co-ordinator, c/o Invercargill City Libraries and Archives.
Extent
From the Record Group: 1 folder(s)
Language of Materials
English
Creator
- From the Record Group: Amundsen, Rebecca (Interviewer, Person)
Repository Details
Part of the Southland Oral History Project Repository
