Heritage > Mervyn Kemp Oral History, Part 2

Recorded 24th September 1995

These files are in MP3 format. If you don't have software that will play MP3 files (e.g. Windows Media Player, iTunes), here are some suggestions: Winamp, iTunes.

Part 2, (28.4MB)

Contents

Time marker: Summary:
00' 40" Upbringing discussed. Father was posted to Armidale, then to South Queensland. This was during the time of the Great Depression when there were few employment opportunities.
02' 00" Started work aged 13. Describes his early studies. Family moves to Toowoomba
03' 40" Job obtained with the KR Pork company. Studied accountancy for five years while working
07' 00" Explains why he resigned form the Salvation Army and describes his father's response. Explains how a rift developed regarding attendance at dances and cinemas
09' 20" Joins the Presbyterian Church instead. Challenged by the church for playing tennis on Sunday so ended association with the church. Explains how many years later he joined the Church of England
15' 40" Loses job at KR Pork so describes how he finds work as a door-to-door whiteware salesman. Father is promoted to head the Salvation Army in Wellington. Mother suggests that he join the family there - which he does aged 26
18' 00" Starts working for Kenners on Lambton Quay as an accountant. Lives with parents before they return to Sydney, then shifts to live in a boarding house on the Terrace
21' 40" Early impression of Wellington are given (not positive). Describes the stress of working and studying at the same time
24' 20" War breaks out. Refers to earlier Territorial training. Wants to volunteer rather than be conscripted. Recalls the difficulty in being released from job.
28' 00" Main job as an officer trainer. Sent overseas as a Sergeant, then becomes a Gunner. Explains why.

WCC Events Site I Heritage Links (Local History)