Overview Ron, born 1937, grew up in Mandeville, near Gore. He is one of 10 children in a close knit family. His parents were not well off— rabbits were a valuable source of family income. Music was a big part of family life. About half the family played musical instruments - Ron later played in dance bands.After attending the local primary school and secondary school in Gore, Ron began work as a labourer in the early 1950's. In 1952 his brother helped him get a job at Fleming & Co where he has...

Overview Montague Bolger was born in Christchurch in 1910. Mentions his Irish grandparents meeting on the journey to New Zealand and subsequently having four sons. Notes that his parents John and Ethel had six sons. Recalls his father's employment at Costers coal mine, the Mataura Freezing Works and on their farm on the Mataura Winton road. Describes attending the Mataura School and leaving at the age of fourteen. Talks about working as engine driver at Rowes coal mine where his father was manager....