David Woodcock talks about coming to Russell in October 1934 as a store-keeper. He purchased the store from Clem Woodall who later became Mayor of Devonport. The area was feeling the effects of the Depression with many local men doing relief work. He talks about the small village Russell was in those days, with 78 pupils at the school, including eight Māori, and two teachers. He eventually married one of the teachers.
There was no power or street lights. Power was connected in December 1939. He recalls the key role of the church in community life.
He contrasts the Russell of the 1930s with its wild colonial history as Kokorareka.
There was no road into Russell until 1932 and many old hands resented it going through.
They discuss the increasing tourism in Russell and how it and its residents have adjusted.
Some recollections of the Queen's visit.
Recording date unknown [late 1960s?]
Fasset Burnett and his wife Huia are artists who live on a remote farm in the Bay of Islands. His perfection of the art of batik making was recently filmed by Sonia King and the National Film Unit are about to film him. Recording date unknown.
Elizabeth Shaw, former lecturer in Anthropology at Auckland University was on holiday in the Bay of Islands and tells of a major find (archaeology speaking) and what it means to history. Also what she is working on presently. She also tells of her recent research in Fiji and the Government grant to do this work. Recording date unknown.