Interview with Carl Ryan

Born in Auckland 1927. Gives family background - grandfather Ryan from Limerick, Ireland and in New Zealand became a publican in Karangahake (between Auckland and Coromandel) - maternal grandparents, Charles and Mrs Hayes, general storekeepers in Silverdale. Father, Albert, known as Alva, `Bert' or `Dinky' Ryan.

Recollection of early memories includes; depression 1930s; politics; religion; discipline; school.

Interview continues with details of employment, starting at Sharland & Company, Mason Brothers Engineering Co, Gilseal Co-operative, and in 1951 joined Fletcher Merritt Raymond as cost accountant on the Import Wharf Project - describes background to project. Mentions Alec Craig (Construction Manager), Joe Craig, John Watts, Bill Bourke, Ken Greeney (Steel) and Fletcher Burnard Smith. Discusses in detail construction of Kawerau Town (1953) where he was Office Manager. Mentions Kaingaroa Forest and laying the ground work for Tasman Pulp and Paper Co. Explains sponsorship by Merritt Chapman Scott (Americans). Held various positions with Fletchers in Auckland and Dunedin which he elaborates on. Backgrounds appointment as Managing Director, Fletcher Steel. Refers to Stan Kingston. Mentions role in Steel Merchants Association - was 1st President of Steel Merchants Federation of New Zealand. Discusses union problems. Other topics discussed include; Rationalisation of engineering industry; Closure of Fletcher Burnard Smith; Pacific Steel; Company restructuring (1976); Appointment as managing director, Tasman Pulp and Paper; Sale of Reed Bowater shares; longest strike in Tasman industry (1978) and his part in a strike breaking team; Fletcher Challenge merger (1980). Mentions background to appointment as president, Crown Forest Industries Canada (1982) and assistant Managing Director, Fletcher Challenge (1985) with reference to Hugh Fletcher.

Venue - Auckland

Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe

Venue - Fletcher Challenge House, Penrose, Auckland

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 0153.

Alternative form available: Copies available at Fletcher Challenge Ltd Archives