In this interview James talks of his family history and the arrival of his father, who was a baker, to New Zealand in 1902. Father and Uncle had a bakery first in Balfour then in Otautau before buying a farm with brother Tom in 1902. James tells of his parents wedding and his father’s involvement in the community. He recalls memories of school days, education at the Southern Technical College and the declaration of World War 2. He goes onto tell of his recreational past times, religion and completing military training. He also covers his involvement in the community via Federated Farmers, Otautau River Board and Agricultural and Pastoral Organisation. Talks about the 1984 flood, marriage, children and their achievements as well as giving a history of the Dairy Factories in Southland and his involvement in these.