Overview Reginald Ashwell was born in Bluff in 1914. In this interview, Reginald iscusses his children, parents, grandparents and kaumatua. He mentions that his wife Peg worked in the Bluff Theatre. He talks about being in the army and World War II. Reginald discusses oysters, muttonbirding and the Irwin's (Urwin's) Fishing Company. He talks about the Stewart Island ferries, the harbour and Bluff shops in the 1920s and discusses his hobby of making walking sticks and woodwork.

Abstract REGINALD GEORGE ASHWELLRecorded: 02 December 1998Interviewer: Pat Christiansen Abstracter: Colin Gray (re-typed by Jean Hawkes) NOTE: Extra details added from information form REGINALD GEORGE ASHWELL born 1914 at BLUFF One sister – One brother [EDUCATION]: BLUFF SCHOOL – SOUTHLAND TECHNICAL COLLEGE [EMPLOYMENT]: OCEAN BEACH FREEZING COMPANY – Wharfie – Foreman/Shipwright for IRWINS FISHING COMPANY [SPOUSE]: PEGGY LILLIAN BEATON...

Overview Muriel Henderson was born in 1917. In this interview she describes her schooling. She talks about her brothers Gordon and John who were drowned at Omaui. She mentions the Riverton Rocks area and Thomson's Bush, motorbike racing, boxing, school picnics and opera. She discusses broadcasting at 4YZ radio station and mentions Bill Cherry. She describes her interest in duck shooting, the fishing hut at Awarua and rabbits and ferrets. Kauri trees were planted at Stewart Island for the brothers....

Overview Mary describes growing up and family life on a farm on the Morton Mains Estate, near Waituna. Her parents died when she was 20 years old and she and her 18-year-old sister brought up her younger siblings. She talks about the opening of the Oteramika Hall. Mary describes industries in the area: dairy factories, the sugar of milk factory at Edendale and a tinned rabbit factory and linen flax mill in Woodlands. She married a neighbour, Alexander McMillan and moved to his farm in Waituna where she...

Overview Sarah Leitch was born at Colac Bay in 1908. In this interview Sarah describes her schooling and living for some time with the Cootes family of Otaki. She recalls returning home to Southland and working at hotels including the Grand Hotel and the Club Hotel and as a housekeeper for Mrs Lillicrap. Sarah talks about the Depression years and muttonbirding from Big South Cape and Puwai. Describes washing day. She recalls visiting her grandfather Henry Davis at Morven. She describes marrying at the...

Abstract MARY FERGUSON McMILLANRecorded: 19 August 1998Interviewer: Ailsa DawsonAbstracter: Ailsa Dawson (Retyped by Jean Hawkes)Track 100:00 MARY FERGUSON McMILLAN born in 1908 at Mrs KENT'S NURSING HOME, INVERCARGILL – Twin of ANDREW01:15 [PARENTS] [FATHER]: DUNCAN McKENZIE – Farmer [MOTHER]: JANE ISABELLA McDONALD 02:05 First home at MOA FLAT – Father managed HOWELL'S ESTATE Mr HOWELL – Lawyer in INVERCARGILL – His...