Invercargill Archives

Overview Reg is from a farming family and describes his background in Southland, the depression, education, social life and transport services. Reg has spent his whole life involved in farming, promoting animal health and participating extensively in the Colombo Plan. Reg won a Dominion Farmers Traveling Scholarship.

Overview This interview covers the history and stories around Ken’s family property at Rakahook; his growing up there, his education which included attending Lincoln and subsequent running of the property when his father went to World wWr II. Ken and his mother went to see his father off on the ‘Empress of Britain’ and met the Maori Battalion. Ken discusses the depression and farming practices he adopted and his views on farming. He looks at farming in the earlier days and now in his son James time.

Overview This interview covers Mick’s many and varied life and work experiences as well as history of family business – George Wilson and Bros which his father started. Mick speaks of farming types in Southland i.e. sheep, crop, deer, and dairy. He also talks about Gold mining, oil exploration, wind turbines and the early stages of the Manapouri Hydro Project as well as discussing Apprenticeship schemes.