John Crowley was born in Reefton in 1912. Describes how his father was a gold dredger based in Waikaia. Talks about moving to Dunedin, Catholic schooling, working at Gallien's Pharmacy at the Gardens in Dunedin and his interest in swimming, yachting, life saving, tramping and football. Mentions appearing before the Otago Rugby Union after an incident. Discusses becoming an apprentice plasterer to George Newman and work plastering at Teschemakers Convent near Oamaru. Mentions a stutter and how it was corrected. Describes working `for his keep' on a farm, working at Argyle Station near Waikaia and working for his uncle and aunt Jack and Ann Dennis. Recalls Chinese miners Charley King and Ah Wing. Describes meeting his wife Cath Ferris in 1935, marrying in Gore in 1940 and a North Island honeymoon despite petrol rations. Talks about their first home in Castle Street, Dunedin, wages and living conditions, the birth of son Richard in 1942, enlisting in the Army and his wife's move to Gore while he was in the Army. Mentions he did not serve overseas. Gives reasons for staying in Gore. Talks about other children born, employment at the Mataura freezing works, buying a house and getting a cartage licence. Describes what he carried in his cartage business. Mentions purchasing land in the Thistle-Johnston Street area which he later subdivided and sold. Recalls building a crib (holiday home) at Glenorchy and holidays there. Discusses involvement with meals on wheels, St Mary's Boxing Club, life saving, deer stalking and the establishment of a deer park. Describes negotiating for land for St Peters College in 1969, the opening of the College and involvement with building the new Catholic Church. Talks about his wife's death in 1987. Gives details of his family members.