Storytelling is an ancient way of preserving and transmitting cultural and family heritage, and it has been variously described as an 'art' or a 'craft'. Peter Leyland simply described himself as 'a gasbag'.
1. Fishing. There's much more to fishing than catching fish! Peter Leyland reveals where the real action is.
2. Instinct. In which Peter Leyland discovers a novel method for catching fish at Foxton Heads.
3. The Game of the Name. Attitudes towards choosing the right baby name. Not every name resisters.
4. Zig-zag Trenches. Why would anyone dig World War One trenches in Palmerston North — 10,000 miles from the front-line?
5. Bruce Ben's Father. A lesson in listening.
6. I thought we were Polish! Because of the war, I was raised to dislike Germans. I don't want to be 'German'.
7. Chisellers Needed. The advent and installation of milking machines. The Mighty Thor motorbike. New Zealand country-style cooking.
8. Leyland and Larsen. Horses, carts, and the way things were.
9. City of Lagoons. An Irish story-teller recounts the difficulty of shooting ducks within the city limits.
10. Ladies Afternoon Tea. Earl Grey, Lady Chaytor, and the rules of the ritual.
11. Big Erections. Dr. Peach, and hard times in Palmerston North.
12. The Irish Side.
13. She Grabbed Us! An unaccustomed show of affection.
14. Uncle Digby's Disease. (Formerly titled 'A Most Starling Statement) Digby Leyland — man of mystery.
15. Una Watson. An old flame?
16. Big Fuss — Little Bottles. ... and more about Una Watson.
17. Rexona, Epsom Salts and Sulphur. Simple remedies fix everything.
18. Elephant on Main Street. When the circus came to Palmerston North.
19. Shakespeare. ... The Complete Works of William
20. Morse Code. A handy skill.
21. We Got Exploited. The need for 'Men's Liberation'.
22. Guns, Guns, Guns. '... and we didn't waste ammo — it cost a bob a packet.'
23. Trout. What should you do when you're all alone in the middle of a long bridge, with a rifle?
24. I Came Rollin' On In. '... and as I rolled up to the tents one of these solemn officials at the command tent stopped me ...'
25. Percy Coleman. How can a one-eyed man be world champion?
26. The Harriet Puzzle. ' ... in those days there was nothing much else to do in the evenings ... '
27. Cougars. 'Cougars? I’ve heard about them. Great animals. Big cats.'
28. On The Buses. 'Now Arty was an unusual character in a way — '
29. Scratching. ' ... but we never starved. But the grandfather, Old Phil, he nearly did, on Great Barrier Island.'
30. Straight Furrows. 'I was one of the mugs who did his ploughing!'
31. 'You Should Get Paid.' Well, opinions differ.
32. Shanghai How things have changed.
40 The House Looked Different. DIY with explosives?