Interview with Vera Ellen

Vera Ellen born in Te Puni Street Nursing Home which was run by Nurse Welsh. Gives details of family background - mother came to New Zealand on a scheme for young women to go to the colonies. Gives an account of her voyage to ca 1922-1923 and going into service for doctor in Christchurch. Father born in Methven and after World War I worked as a photographer.

Recalls life in Petone during Depression. Parents sponsored several families to New Zealand. Gives details of father's death in his early forties and describes how mother coped. Reference to Thelma Douglas, Salvation Army. Mentions Rudolph McLay who initiated tradition of music at Petone Technical College. Describes school in Jackson Street - was earlier located at Prices Folly - reference to Maynard, the infant school teacher. Recalls Alex McFarlane, a teacher, who later became Mayor. Describes how Miss Fleet, another teacher, became Mayoress. Talks about teaching methods of that period.

Trained as a nurse at Wellington Hospital (class of 1948) and gives details of training. Reference to Roland (Roly) O'Regan, senior surgeon in ward 28. Describes change of direction - gives details of Kenny Institute for Poliomyelitis. Completed Fulham course in poliomyelitis then a course in tropical diseases at St Pancras before returning to Wellington Hospital to teach obstetrics.

Outlines involvement with National Council of Women - took over from Margaret Barrance as President of Hutt Branch and continued in Executive until 1993. Other topics covered include: involvement on Parliamentary Watch Committee (1990); involvement with Soroptimists, becoming President; Royal New Zealand Nursing Corps as territorial and at time of retirement as Principal Matron of 2nd Field Hospital. Elaborates on invitation to become Honorary Nursing sister to Governor General Sir Arthur Porritt. Recalls how NCW brought awareness of women's rights.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Petone

Interviewer(s) - Mary Tallon

Venue - Petone

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006310-006312

Quantity: 3 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1446.

One photocopy of a b&w photograph of Vera Ellen taken outside Hutt Hospital and one coloured photograph of 4 women sitting at a table - note on back reads: Vera Ellen May 1994 at NCW HQ, second from left and underneath, Ann Holden, Vera Ellen, Dame Stella Casey, Grace Dawson.