Overview Mattie’s family lived at Hakataramea until getting a balloted farm at Beaumont around 1915. Beaumont was a thriving community until the railway closed. Grocery, butchery and bakery deliveries were once a week. Mattie describes the effects of her mother breaking her leg, her father’s ill health and her brother Alister’s war service which lead to his death in the Solomon Islands. Mattie took charge of the Post Office and Telephone Exchange. After her marriage they moved to her husband’s family...

Overview Photograph taken at the time of the interview [14 December 2010].

Abstract Recorded: 14 December 2010 Interviewer: Joy LeitzAbstracter: Jean Hawkes TRACK 100:00 Introduction00:20 Interview identification01:07 LESLIE JAMES REDDITT born in 191301:23 End of Track 1 TRACK 200:09 Recording Agreement00:47 Born at MANSE BUSH ROAD – Youngest of five Father GEORGE REDDITT – Mother CATHERINE MARY (McBEAN)01:24 [SIBLINGS]: BERTHA WATSON...

Overview Taken at the time of the interview [14 December 2010].

Overview Leslie talks of his family history, education and home domestic life in the Tapanui area. He describes the depression years, working in the forestry in Rotorua, the loss of his brother in the war, his marriage/family and farming life, where he has seen many changes and practices over 70 years in the industry. Leslie also talks about steam trains and rail service in the area as well as his interest in the Racing Club and Dog trails.