Although The passing years is predominantly a family record, his nightmarish experiences on the Somme during World War One may be of interest to a wider audience. His work also covers such topics as: his upbringing in Waimate, South Canterbury, New Zealand, during the early 1900s; student life and exploits whilst at Timaru Boy's High School, Canterbury College, and Rolleston House; and insights into the activities of The Metropolitan Vickers Electrical Engineering Company, Trafford Park, Manchester, United Kingdom, from 1924 to 1928"--Back cover.