Overview Before the government undertook a major farm development programme in the Te Anau Basin between the 1950s and 1980s, the scattered large leasehold runs were in the hands of individuals/families. The Hazlet family of Invercargill took up the Burwood, Centre Hill and Mavora Runs in the 1920s but it wasn't until the estate became the responsibility of Bill's father (also named Bill) in the late 1940s that major developments were pioneered with the help of the newly introduced system of...

Overview In this interview, Tom tells of family history, his education and employment history. He describes his time overseas during WW2 in Egypt, North Africa and Italy over a 3-year period. On return to New Zealand Tom tells of employment and purchase of a farm at Lochiel as well as talking of his interests which included: playing rugby and horse racing. He both raised and owned race horses.

Overview Robert shares his family history, living at the Invercargill Race Course where his father was the caretaker for 41 years. Robert covers his education, employment record, and years in the war where he was in Italy, Egypt and Casino; on returning to NZ he married, had a family, set up business in Gore with Fred Harvey for 20 years and purchased 200 acres of land. He introduced plumbing to business and were the first to produce long run spouting in NZ. He also gives a description of making metal...

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Overview Michael recalls his early life, education, and employment on NZ railways. He gives a detailed narration of his passion/interest of the horse racing industry in Southland and New Zealand i.e. history, breeding, race meetings, jockeys and commentators etc.