Overview Val talks of her early life being part of a Conscientious Objectors family during WW2. Her parent’s dairy farmed at Waimatua. Val describes and details life on the farm and the kindness of neighbours when her father was taken to Detention Camp. She explains her father’s reasons and what he did during his 2.5 years in the camp. She goes onto describe the living conditions and routines of the family at home during this time. When her father returned home, he became a rabitter. She recalls her own...

Overview This interview covers the history and stories around Ken’s family property at Rakahook; his growing up there, his education which included attending Lincoln and subsequent running of the property when his father went to World wWr II. Ken and his mother went to see his father off on the ‘Empress of Britain’ and met the Maori Battalion. Ken discusses the depression and farming practices he adopted and his views on farming. He looks at farming in the earlier days and now in his son James time.

Overview Nan discusses and describes her family history: her father and grandfather settling in NZ and making a life here; her education first at Spar Bush school then at Southland Girls High. She talks of her memories of the depression and farm conditions at this time. When she left school she qualified as a nurse in 1936. Nan recalls and mentions wartime Invercargill e.g. ration books, petrol rationing, Park Hospital and the purchase of her Vauxhall 12 car for £300.00. Nan worked for ten years at Park...