A compilation of items:
Tk 1 - Memories of the riot by Japanese prisoners of war at Featherston Camp on the 25 February 1943. Recorded in 1970. The first two speakers are not identified but appear to have worked as guards at the camp.
The first man describes how he came to be at the Featherston camp. They didn't know that they would have Japanese prisoners of war. General feeling was one of curiosity about the prisoners. Got to know them when they were on duty. Arrived at the camp under armed guard and put into one of three compounds. Segregation made due to patriotism.
Shooting occurred with compound three, with the semi-fanatical POW's. Other two compounds had retired but this group were still milling around. Were ordered to retire but would not, and at what seemed like a pre-determined signal the guards were rushed. Warning cross-fire was given and there was a suicidal-type rush. Order was given to stop firing. Reinforcements were called in immediately and nothing was allowed to be touched. Forty to fifty prisoners died.
An unidentified man talks briefly about the different types of prisoners: servicemen and labourers from what were called' work battalions'. He says there were not many officers, although one man was well-educated and spent his time translating Shakespeare into Japanese.
Russell Orr, an interpreter during the war, talks about how the Japanese prisoners of war were separated into compounds. He says most cooperated but there was one compound of 'difficult' men who would not co-operate. For the Japanese to become a prisoner was the height of shame - back home they were considered dead. Does not recall any of them getting mail from Japan. For identification purposes they had all the prisoners photographed. A rumour quickly went around that these photos were going to be published in Japanese newspapers for propaganda purposes. Much negotiating went on but about 30 POW's had to dragged to the chair to be photographed and these men tried to distort their faces beyond recognition. Talks about going back to the camp 30 years later with a fellow interpreter. Recalls his Japanese language teacher planting 2 pine trees in 1943 and he found these now fully grown.
Keith Gunn, who was a recorder at the Board of Inquiry, relates the story of the riot as he heard it at the official inquiry. A human conflict situation where an armed guard is being rushed at by 200 POWs and opens fire. The defiance of the Japanese naval men and further description of how it began. Believes the Japanese wanted to die because of the shame being captured had brought upon them.
Tk 2 - HMNZS Otago is farewelled by the Prime Minister, Norman Kirk, as it leaves to go and protest against French nuclear testing at Mururoa Atoll. He says New Zealand is a small nation but we will not abjectly surrender to injustice. He calls for a nuclear-free Pacific and says New Zealand must act on behalf of our smaller Pacific neighbours. The sound of the Otago's horn is heard, as an unidentified male reporter describes the frigate leaving Waitemata Harbour. Recorded 28 Jun 1973.
Tk 3 - Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy, possibly the Andrews Sisters. Recording date unknown.