Peter grew up in the Hastings district during the Depression. There were only two children in the family, he and Doreen. He thought of himself as Peter and didn't respond to 'Leslie'. In 1928 he was lucky to have a ride in the 'Southern Cross' which was on a publicity tour. He was at school during the Earthquake, but fortunately it was playtime. He was mad on horses, but had a bad experience when he was thrown when a horse shied; he was sent to a health camp to recover. He spent only one year at Hastings Boys High School before taking an apprenticeship as a motor mechanic, following his father's trade. He won a swimming cup, and took up boxing, rugby, and ballroom dancing! Peter was part of the War 10th Reinforcements from July 1943 to January 1946. He served in Egypt and Italy as a driver-mechanic, towards the end as part of the allied liberating forces. After Peter and Cherry's marriage in 1946 the couple moved to Greenmeadows, and Peter began working a the HB Farmers garage. Peter stayed with his trade as a mechanic until 1968 when he became manager of the Vehicle Testing Station from where he retired at 60. After retirement, Peter would go over to Hastings every day to help Evelyn and Dick with their manufacture and deliveries. They worked from a large shed and garage on their property.

Sources: May DAVIS, Cherry SWAYN