Komene, William (Bill)
Production date
1994
Description
Oral history. Bill talks about his life in Taranaki - childhood, schooling, army service with the Maori Battalion in World War II, family life and work in New Plymouth after the war.
Recorded: 24 March 1994.
Interviewer: Joy Peckham.
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Object detail
Part 1
Tape 1 Side 1:
b.1918, Okato. Talks of family and schooling in Okato and Tataraimaka. Father died of TB and his mother remarried Albert Hau. Talks of incident where mother was accidentally shot and required hospital treatment. Talks of working for Bob Davies at his nursery and farm at Oakura.
Tape 1 Side 2:
Talks of making model planes out of wood from fruit boxes. Talks of starting a band - Willy Tairoa on piano, and self on ukulele and vocals. Band called Dusty Entertainers - disbanded at outbreak of war. Went into the army 28th Maori Battalion.
Tape 2 Side 1:
Talks of active service - Turkish border - Alexandria - Crete. Talks about work when he came back to New Zealand in New Plymouth and Mokoia. Married Bobbie Dodunski and moved to Taumaranui. Neither family approved. Talks of their children and other members of the family.
Tape 2 Side 2:
Talks of alterations to uniforms and his active service - voyage to England - English pubs, shortage of food, etc.
Recorded: 24 March 1994
Interviewer: Joy Peckham
Abstraction: Carol Sampson
Part 2
Abstract
Part 3
Master tape
Digital file
WAV
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