Jim Dodds was born in Charlton in 1917. Describes the house in which he grew up and schooling at Charlton School from 1922 to 1930. Comments on the effect of the Depression and World War II on neighbourliness. Recalls the children's farm jobs and his work driving a team of horses after leaving school. Recalls family holidays to Owaka, Otawa and Riverton. Describes music at the dances, meeting his wife, his engagement and wedding. Talks about conscription for World War II and being released to work on Jenkin's farm. Mentions lambing, feeding, shearing and checking stock. Describes his first farm, which was a tussock block, and his first car, a Vauxhall. Describes the process of clearing the land. Mentions ploughing, soil condition, buying horses and operating a horse team. Details the stock, which was mainly Romney ewes, the increase in stock numbers, the role of the stock firm as stock buyer and bank, farm equipment, the size and cost of farms over the years, the location of dairy factories and freezing works and the work performed by women. Discusses social life on the farm including visiting neighbours, and concerts and choir recitals. Mentions excursions into town, ordering the groceries, attending A and P shows and dog trials.