Invercargill Archives

Overview Bob looks at family history and their settling on the Ermadale farm, its condition, childhood chores and child pass times e.g. hut building and collecting birds eggs. He briefly looks at the war years; his marriage, children and of a 100 acres farm at Gropers Bush. He eventual grew his farm ownership to 1100 acres between Gropers Bush, Waipango and Ermadale; talking of the condition and farming of these. He also worked as a contractor and shearer and purchased a portable hay baler working...

Overview Roland talks of his family history and settlement at Bayswater on their 1000 acre farm called Studleigh. He looks at the use of draft horses on the farm, the depression years, the growing and processing of linen flax for the war effort. After the war the crops changed to wheat, barley, and oats. He describes the care and contribution of sheep, horses and dogs. Roland mentions bus services and the Thornbury Vintage Museum; and reflects on his life.

Overview In this interview Jack talks of his family history and grandparent’s employment with mining e.g. Nightcaps and Linton Coal Company; the family orchard in McIvor Road. Jack goes on to recall his own education, employment with the Post Office and war experiences where he was in the Army Signals in 21st battalion posted in the Middle East. In 1945 he returned to the Post Office transferring to Wellington-Lower Hutt exchange. In 1956 he and wife Thelma returned to Southland and purchased a small...