Invercargill Archives

Overview This interview is part of the Gorge Road Collection. In this interview Russell describes the huge changes in the landscape in the Waituna area. From the 1950s land around the Waituna Lagoon was drained and cleared of moss, manuka, flax and scrub and converted into farmland. Russell describes the machinary used and the processes involved in the conversion process and the support provided by central government.

Overview Murray reflects on his education at Waituna and Marist Schools, the need to run the family farm at the age of 15 when his father became ill, his marriage and employment on the sale of the family farm. He also looks at living and working around Kapuka/Gorge Road; Mentioning some of the local identities e.g. Andy Barker and Lionel Lobb as well as looking at some of the local history. Murray tells of setting up O’Connor Contracting giving a description of the sort equipment required and being...