Overview In this interview Ngaire discusses her early life in South Canterbury on a farm. She shares family stories including tracking sheep and trapping rabbits on the farm. She goes on to talk of her education, employment and social life. She joined the Air Force and worked in the Technical Library at Whenuapai, in Auckland. She travelled overseas 58 times. She tells of her marriage to Brian and their family. Over the years she was involved in the running of bookshops and had ‘Ngaire’s Bookshop’ in...

Overview This interview covers Olive’s early life in Northern Southland, her attendances at Lumsden School and subsequent School Jubilees. She gives a description of rabbiting and talks of her work history, marriage, children and shop ownership with husband Jim. Has an explanation of RSA WELFARE in relation to life after husband’s death. Talks about life in small communities.

Overview In this interview Ailsa talks about growing up in Makarewa and then Wyndham. She describes what she remembers of Wyndham growing up and her schooling and past times. Ailsa talks about the impact of WW2. She then talks of moving to Invercargill and meeting her husband through church and her parents in later life.

Overview Muriel discusses her family and education history which reflects on the times i.e. training to be a teacher and her first posting at Nightcaps, marriage, life on the farm pre electricity and telephone; country life, being a member of the WDFF through which she ran sewing classes. Muriel tells of their connections with Waipara lighthouse and her husband Ronald’s war years.

Overview This interview covers Donald’s early family life, his father's business and a description of their family life. He shares his experiences in the army and being in the 9th Reinforcements sent to the Middle East. Donald reflects on the effects of war and describes life after the war: marriage, going into farming through the ballot system gaining a farm in the Waikaka Valley, and the rehabilitation scheme. Joined Men of the Trees and planted several plantations.

Overview Audrey discusses life on the Soper family farm at Athol, her education, the clothing worn there and sports; how the various epidemics (Polio, diphtheria) affected the school. She tells of the impact of the war, of family members going to war, the method of Military call up and volunteers; of keeping in touch through letters and parcels. She describes life on the farm during this time e.g. milking, butter making and the killing of farm animals to supply meat to Athol and the use of coupons....