Interview with Haig Whiting

Haig Herbert Whiting born Wanganui 1918. Gives family background - mother, Eileen Emma Price, a pianist and singer - father, Herbert William Whiting, a brass band cornet player. Recalls father's involvement in the Trade Union Movement and Chairman of the Industrial Efficiency Council in World War II.

Recalls years spent at Wanganui Technical College and mentions Mr Newton (Principal) and Mr Chappel (Deputy Principal). Describes Wellington Teachers' College and refers to Frank Lopdell (Principal), Walter Scott (Head of English) and Frank Combs who wrote `Toad in the Hole'. Describes probationary year at Tawhero and refers to principal who was keenly promoting Oscar Natska. Discusses methods used as a sole charge teacher at Ngamatea school near Karioi, Ohakune.

Discusses Military Service, serving in the Middle East with 18th Armoured Regiment training new arrivals at Maadi Camp then Italy as Adjutant. Refers to Sangro River Campaign, Cassino and others.

Recalls how hard it was resuming normal life after World War II. Talks about rewarding experience teaching at Hutt Central School (1946) and refers to Gerald Tangney (Principal). Gives reasons for moving to Featherston District High School (1948) as Deputy Principal and move to Correspondence School in 1952. Mentions Massey Residential School for children and School Broadcasting experience. Outlines other career moves before becoming principal of Wilford School, Petone (1961), Stokes Valley School (1964), Wainuiomata Primary School, South Wellington Intermediate School and Wainuiomata Intermediate School (1976). Mentions grading system. Discusses Educational Development Confernece 1972-1973 and secondment to Educational Review Staff. Talks about NZEI (New Zealand Educational Institute). Describes changes in Social Studies teaching.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Interviewer(s) - Valerie Craven

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009002-009003

Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2759.

Photocopy of one coloured photograph of Haig and Patricia Whiting 1995 and photocopies of two b&w photographs: (1) Stokes Valley Head 1966 and (ii) photograph of Haig Whiting on British Forces Identification Card - Middle East.

Original recordings not available for playback. Surrogate copies will be provided.