I would have enlisted at the outbreak of war, but my father could not release me as we had just taken over a large block of land at Waimauku, but I was called up in the first ballot and served with 11th LAFV until I was drafted into 8th Reinforcements. I served with 21 Battalion signal platoon.

On return from Tunisia, I received a call to the Christian Ministry and I studied at the Trinity Methodist Theological College 1946 -48. I married the 2nd year of college to Miss Grace Parker of Kaitaia. Service at Reefton 3 1/2 years; Motueka 5 years, New Brighton 5; Eltham - Kaponga 5; Bombay-Tuakau 6; Otorohanga 6 years.

Retired 1979 and filled in as a supply minister at Tuakau for a year.

We had two boys - the elder was a bank officer and was killed in a motor accident; the second boy became a draughtsman with Franklin Power Board and then became a traffic officer. He is now in a ceramic business with his wife.

I am a bit loathed to say anything about my service with the church but my wife and I had a very happy time. All churches we were at reached a peak in membership by hard work of preaching and pastoral care. I was Chaplain at Burwood Hospital, Christchurch and Raventhorpe in the Bombay-Tuakau parish.

I am an Honorary padre of the Pukekohe and Districts RSA and a past President of the Tuakau RSA of which I am still a member of the committee. I am a trustee of the Pukekohe and Districts RSA Welfare Account. AWMM