Overview Bert speaks of and describes his family history, life, education and growing up at Rimu e.g. attending Rimu School, rabbiting, sports, working on and owning his farm and farming practices. He also covers the outbreak of World War 2 and its effects on family and country.

Overview In this interview Annie talks about her grandfather John Gordon, who came to New Zealand, via Australia and married Ann Munro. They settled in Edendale where Annie grew up. She talks of her early relatives and makes some comments on home life, including chores and church.

Overview Bert Horrell was born in Gore in 1917. Describes how his grandfather emigrated to New Zealand in the 1880s. Talks about their farm across the Mataura River and the difficulty of crossing it to get to school. Mentions how his father, as a child, had learned how to cross the river with a horse and dray full of school children. Talks about his father buying a farm at Mandeville. Describes going to Mandeville school, conditions, teachers Alan Prentice and Miss Barclay and sitting Proficiency....

Overview This interview covers Bob’s working life at the Flax Mill where he grew up in Redan, Eastern Southland. Detailed accounts of the working of the mill including a description of the dam and water race – turbines. Also some discussion of farming and contracting.

Overview In this interview whilst Avis covers her family history dating back to her grandparents, she predominantly focuses on the flax industry through reflecting on and describing her family’s involvement in this industry, the history of the industry and its workers. Avis also covers her education, employment and siblings.

Overview In this interview Ralph talks of his family history, education, employment, sporting interests, marriage and children. But predominantly this interview is about his keen interest in mountain climbing of which he gives a detailed description discussing planning, equipment, safety gear, climbing companions, avalanches and mountains climbed.

Overview Edna talks about family history and life when growing up. She talks about the vegetable garden, helping her father in the dairy factory where he was manager, games played and chores as a child. She describes her father’s work and the operation of the factory and cheese making. She details her mother’s role in the home and goes onto talk about her education until leaving school at 15. Her out of school activities included going to Balclutha to learn music and going to Dunedin to learn...

Overview Myrle talks of her family background, life, religion, education and growing up in Balfour where her family were the local bakers. She goes onto to tell of her employment history - at the local Grocer’s shop, looking after children for the Farry family in Gore and joining the Air Force at the outbreak of World War 2. After the war she talks of her marriage and family.

Overview This interview was recorded as part of the About Us Voices of Southland collection. In this interview Jane talks of her early life, family, her sporting interests, employment and personal relationships. She goes on to talk about her company the Seriously Good Chocolate Company its beginnings, evolution to the business it is today and her aspirations for it in the future.