Overview Born in Nightcaps Robert talks of family, his mother’s vegetable garden and chores, the effects of mining on the town and the reduced number of people living in Nightcaps now. He tells of work and friends in the mining industry where he worked underground for 41 years. He worked at Mt. Linton mines where the workers had to work hard. He helped to set up the Ohai Railway Trust Board and finishes the interview by recalling the building of the Pub in Ohai by the Taylors.

Overview Beth recalls her family history, education and living on a farm at Wairio. Her employment included: aiding at the Nightcaps Maternity Hospital, Nursemaid at Mt. Linton for the McGregor family, and working at the local bakery. She describes wages and cost of items of the time as well as social activities and the meeting of and marrying her husband. She discusses his employment in transport and mining and her concerns for him in his occupation of 40 years in the mines. She goes on to recall...

Overview In this interview Vincent recalls his life and work in the mines around Nightcaps and Ohai for forty years. He also talks of the retail outlets in Nightcaps and latterly their decline, his interest in rugby, home ownership, marriage and friends.

Overview In this interview James tells in detail his family history before talking of his employment in various areas of Australia and his return to Rotorua and Auckland. When he moved to Christchurch, he became a long-distance truck driver until he had an accident and decided to return come to Southland where he worked in the coal mines for 23 years before being made redundant. Safety issues in the mines were a concern of his. After leaving the mines he was employed by Brightwood Sawmill in Otautau,...

Overview In this interview Walter discusses family, education, employment, teaching career and leisure pursuits e.g. fishing and hunting that bolstered food supplies. He talks about being a conscientious objector and the consequences of this on his life. He goes on to share some history of mines in Western Southland and some local stories e.g. the first and only train robbery in Southland.

Processing Information This collection is awaiting arrangement and description. Please contact Archives staff for details of collection content.

It contains photographs relating to Marshwood Gardens (West Plains Southland), Barretts Jewellers 140 Dee St, Wairio, Birchwood, and Ohai.

Overview This interview covers Henry’s retirement to Ohai and the attractions of the area e.g. good trout fishing. It also covers his passion for saving seeds where he saves ‘anything at all’. Plus the storage of these, Maori potatoes, crop rotation and pest remedies. Henry describes carrot varieties and flavours and how to grow them.

Overview Marty talks of his family history and life growing up in a large family in Nightcaps; his education and employment in the local mines. He recalls topics such as: mine safety, explosives, physical work, unions, mine managers, wages etc. His father built their family home and this is one of the oldest homes in Nightcaps. Marty also looks at friendships built through his work.

Overview Processing Note This collection has been partially arranged and described. A small amount of unprocessed material remains in Accession ICA01.004. Contact Archives staff for details.