Overview In this interview Jim describes his family history, life in Nightcaps, early childhood memories and education at Wrey’s Bush Convent and St Kevins in Oamaru. He worked in the mining industry for 43 years and gives a detailed description of this work and the history of the mines, conditions of work, strikes and an explosion/fire in the Wairaki mine in 1972. He tells of his marriage and 5 children; their lives and achievements.

Abstract JAMES FRANCIS NEYLONInterviewer: Nancy Burnett Abstracter: Jean HawkesTRACK 100:00 Interview identification00.41 JAMES FRANCIS NEYLON born in 1922 at OTAUTAU - maternity home at NIGHTCAPS.01:26 WREYS BUSH, NIGHTCAPS, OHAI – north west of INVERCARGILL.02:03 Grandparents – from WREYS BUSH, originally from IRELAND. Many Irish families settled at WREYS BUSH, English families in APARIMA area. Jim's father and mother both...

Overview Audrey discusses life on the Soper family farm at Athol, her education, the clothing worn there and sports; how the various epidemics (Polio, diphtheria) affected the school. She tells of the impact of the war, of family members going to war, the method of Military call up and volunteers; of keeping in touch through letters and parcels. She describes life on the farm during this time e.g. milking, butter making and the killing of farm animals to supply meat to Athol and the use of coupons....

Abstract AUDREY RICHMOND Interviewer: Jenny CampbellAbstracter: Jean Hawkes TRACK 100:00 Interview identification00:40 [WAR YEARS]: No bought dolls – Made own toys – No 'girlie' things. Making toy boats – Described Lived on a farm – fun times – Family to play with – Fishing in creeks NEIL and ACK, ADELE, GIBSON, RALPH SOPER – Mentioned02:31 Self's maiden name SOPER02:39 Three...

Overview In this interview Michael gives a detailed account of Mutton birding i.e. traveling to the Islands, catching, processing and storage of the birds. Michael speaks of his strong family connections and history in Southland and gives a detailed description of his involvement in tribal affairs i.e. he has been on the board of Te Rununga o Ngai Tahu since 1999. He also gives a history of Ngai Tahu settling in the South. This interview was recorded as part of the About Us Voices of Southland...

Abstract Interviewer: Rebecca AmunsdenAbstracter: Courtney EllisonMichael SkerrettTRACK 01 00:00 Interview identification01:15 Father Claude Skerrett, worked as Sailmaker at Railway, born in Bluff. His Father was George Skerrett and his mother was Anna West. Michael’s mother Cora Rask (sp?) was born in town, early life at SANDY POINT, father Charles Rask half Danish half Irish, mother was Mary Murray who was Irish. Michael’s Mother’s...