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Voices of the Hunter

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Jack Delaney

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Voices of the Hunter

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Cessnock, NSW

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Walter "Darby" Roe (1906-1983) - Mineworker, horse bus & ambulance driver. Recorded 5 June 1981. Part 2/2.

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Summary240B Wally “Darby” Roe
Recorded 05 June 1981
Part 2 of 2

0:04
Talk of an almost accident at the track after sneaking onto racecourse. Working with the ambulance brigade in 1942, in the pits he was the unofficial ambulance man. Hemingway suggested he go to the mine rescue station as a trainee, then to ambulance classes. He became a member of the St. John's Ambulance Brigade. They would volunteer at the soccer games with their own equipment. Wilkinson the butcher started a fight with Darby at a football game.

5:00
Paper route for Pearce's newsagency. Pearce owned Cessnock except Aberdare, then sold it to Alderway and it was separated into East Cessnock and West Cessnock. Allen's restrooms. Served 30 years as ambulance officer, Jack Hancock was there longer. Talk of first ambulance driving test. Frank Lovett suggested he go to for the job at Boolaroo but had to be checked over by Dr May Harris first. Ted Maughan got the job and Darby got his job. Talk of "Podge" Maughan and Henry Maughan.

11:29
Wages working as ambulance officer. Worked with Jack Hope, talk of the shifts. Jack Hancock was on after him. Harry Bell was the collector, also worked with Bert Gilpen. Early ambulance officers were from Newcastle, "Bunny" Searle. Paddy Slavin did many jobs, including gardening the garbage man, fed the boilers, did ward work, and drove the ambulance. Talking of ambulance runs to Dairy Arm, and of babies born while driving. Funny story about Dr John Ward who was a great doctor. Recollection of a story with Dr Waddell. Darby remembers giving a lecture at Lyceum Hall during War time. Having Dr Cecil Bloomfield as his doctor, and his illness that had him in hospital for 15 weeks.

24:04
Geordie Hunter offered Darby a job for whenever he was better. Talking of being clippers union representative and an accident in the pit, and getting time off to heal. "Scaley" Dickson was a constant compensation claimer. Darby became Aberdare Miners Lodge Treasurer. Jim Berry loaned money for their change. Bob Elliott, Wal Thompson and Bob Hatton never took an interest in the business.

30:20
Recalls payment of wages from John Doyle, he had Vince Drummond working for him as well as Darby. Fry Bros. funeral hearse and coach, and their horses. "Blue" Blanch was a fighter at the time of Jim Bailey, Milty Bailey, Mick Scanlon, Ted Hodges and Al King, they fought at The Strand Theatre in Cessnock. Joe Shakespeare fought earlier, "Nutty" Fairhall and "Jamito" were early boxers, and Billy Graham. ‘Nutty’ was Frank Fairhall’s brother. Sid Blanch met the trains. Peter Bonomini used to work at Aberdare. He left his money to Henry Bonomini. ‘Scaley’ would get others to buy his drinks. Billy Player was Aberdare Lodge Secretary.

37:16
A.E. Kirk, Darby used to pinch fruit out of his orchard. Bill Collins was troublesome. Sid Slade gave nickname "Darby", the kids called him that when he was in the horse races.

38:52
End (Tape 240/Side B) Part 2 of 2. Last edited by: Dave Trimble

SubjectRoe, Walter, 1916-1983 Last edited by: lyn.keily@newcastle.edu.au

Ambulance service -- New South Wales -- CessnockCessnock (N.S.W.)Ambulance drivers - New South Wales -- CessnockCoal mines and mining -- New South Wales -- CessnockPersonJack Delaney Last edited by: lyn.keily@newcastle.edu.au

Depicts or Relates ToMilton "Milty" Bailey Last edited by: lyn.keily@newcastle.edu.au

Henry Bonomini (1903-1979) - Cessnock resident. Recording date unknown. Part 1/1. Last edited by: lyn.keily@newcastle.edu.au

CreatorRoe, Walter, 1916-1983Delaney, Jack, 1919-2010CollectionVoices of the Hunter Last edited by: lyn.keily@newcastle.edu.au

PlaceCessnock, NSW Last edited by: lyn.keily@newcastle.edu.au

Date Created5th June 1981Identifier240B Last edited by: lyn.keily@newcastle.edu.au

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