Interview with Robin Bruce.
(OHInt-0403-5)

Robin Bruce was born in Kilbirnie, Wellington in 1932. Gives details of his family background - the Bruce family on his paternal side and the Hobman family on his maternal side. Recalls growing up at 24 Wexford Road, a house which no longer exists because of the Wellington airport construction. Describes how his father, a builder, built 24 Wexford Road and 22 Wexford Road, his present house, which was moved to its current location about 1958 when the Rongotai airport was constructed. Describes the house and outhouses in detail.

Discusses the importance of sport to his father John Bruce, an ex All Black, and the involvement of his mother, Beatrice Bruce, in organisations including the Methodist Women's Union and Prisoners' Aid Society. Notes that she was a pianist and there was a lot of music around the house. Discusses the effect of the Depression on his father's building firm. Describes childhood routines including meals, table manners, listening to the radio, Monday washday, frequent visitors to the house and many relatives living nearby. Recalls his brothers Donald and Neil and the death by accidental shooting of Neil. Describes the effect on the family.

Describes neighbours, neighbouring properties, the power station, Miramar Wharf, childhood friends and schooling at Miramar South Primary School and Rongotai College. Comments on the effect of World War II, the Japanese threat, his father's involvement in the Home Guard and the Emergency Precaution Scheme (EPS), drills and air raid shelters. Recalls spending time at the airport during the War.

Describes his jobs as a delivery boy and social life including pictures, dances, rugby at Athletic Park and fishing. Recalls the Centennial Exhibition and the destruction of the exhibition buildings by fire. Describes the use of trams and other public transport and no telephone till 1951. Recalls the planning of the Rongotai airport and the shift of housing and its effect on his family. Talks about leaving school with School Certificate and work poisoning rabbits, as a clerk and as a sales representative with Automobile Supplies. Describes marrying Alice MacInnes in 1962, moving to Wainuiomata, having a family and returning to Kilbirnie in 1985. Talks about establishing his own firm, Spares and Accessories in 1983. Gives reasons for staying in Kilbirnie.