Overview This interview is divided into three parts. The first is a joint one in which Bill and Francis Watt tell of their first meeting, social life of the time, marriage and honeymoon. This followed by employment history through to becoming manager of Mount Hamilton and later a field officer based in Invercargill. In Bill’s interview he tells of his family history, early life and memories in Timaru and the shift to Matarua after the death of both his parents. He looks at his life here e.g. education,...

Abstract June Marie Elizabeth StrachanInterviewer: Nancy Burnett Date: 14 & 20 February 2007 Abstract: Cathy OnellionDisk 1 - Track 100:00 [interviewer introduction and information]01:06 Gives full name and address. Confirms spelling and pronunciation of last name S-T-R-A-C-H-A-N. Describes born in REDCLIFFS, near SUMNER, CHRISTCHURCH. Describes it as having a steep bank and recounts how mother had piano hauled up there....

Overview June talks of her education in Dunedin; training and employment as a Dental Nurse; her first clinic in Orepuki and the surrounding areas; there is a description of the dental equipment and her uniform. During the war June drove transporters for soldiers and was seconded to work in the hospital. After marriage June and her family lived in many areas around NZ in relation to her husband’s occupation; June gives an account of each of these areas and life in them. She shares her use of IT to keep...

Abstract William Patrick Watt (Bill)Interviewer: Cathy MacfieAbstract: Cathy Macfie1:00 Born in INVERCARGILL but shifted at early age. Spent first four years at ASHBURTON. Recalls early CHILDHOOD MEMORIES. Describes visits to grandparents’ boarding house; incident with Alsation dog; trip with father up Ashburton River bed to get firewood. Explains context 1931-32 Depression Years. Father worked at Ashburton Grain Store. Remembers ‘Assyrian’ lady at boarding...

Abstract Bill and Glenaray WattInterviewer: Cathy MacfieAbstract: Cathy Macfie00:10 GW: First met playing TABLE TENNIS at GLENARAY HALL. Describes. Recalls beating MRS HAYMER ‘first time in history’. No dances as such. 02:15 BW: 1947 arrival at Glenaray. Six single men aware of ‘local talent’. Limited female company available. Table tennis first social opportunity.03:09 GW: COURTSHIP Recalls MR PINCKNEY loaned hack so they could ride together....

Abstract Glenaray WattInterviewer: Cathy MacfieDate: 18 July 2007Abstract: Cathy Macfie00:10 BORN two weeks early at GLENARAY STATION. Cook, MRS CARROLL was midwife. HOPE PINCKNEY, daughter of GEORGE PINCKNEY drove to nearest telephone exchange at RIVERSDALE. Explains. Describes doctor’s arrival after the birth which should have taken place at GORE HOSPITAL. Origin of names: Francis, Hope, Glenaray. Details.2.13 Father JIM DILLON (born 1892)...

Overview This interview covers Violet's early life at Otaitai Bush. She and her siblings were taught music and singing although Violet preferred and enjoyed singing. Violet tells of meeting her husband, marriage, living at Pourakino Valley and later shifting to town. She describes her ‘Step into the Past’ collection and sourcing the items within this.