Rail and Maritime Transport Union Inc

Date: [ca 1890-1994]

By: Crosado, Douglas Armstrong, 1921-1994

Reference: MS-Group-0396

Description: Records are mainly of railway trade unions, especially with reference to the railway workshop unions; also research notes and drafts of studies made in the history of the railway workshops and trade unions; the records also include large amounts of circulars, and publications. Crosado's main area of activity was with the Otahuhu Branch of the Railway Tradesmens' Association, and the records reflect this bias. Papers concerning compulsory unionism in the railways and re-organisation of the railway workshops Source of title - Supplied Arrangement: The records have been box-listed. The main unit within these archives boxes are file boxes which have on them Crosado's own file number. Quantity: 120 box(es). 9 volume(s). 2 folder(s). 40.50 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holographs, mss, typescripts, printed matter Finding Aids: Mr Crosado's own alphabetical (and somewhat incomplete) index to his file system is at 95-072-100.. Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donation, Mr K Crosado, 1988 & 1995 (88-292 & A95-072) Transfers: To Oral History Collection - 4 boxes of tape recordings made by Mr Crosado - To Serials Collection - 4 boxes of periodicals - To Photographic Archive - Photographs (to be counted). Processing information: Previous access statement "Restricted - Content cannot be accessed without permission" was removed on 18 July 2022 when access restriction was updated to 'No access restrictions'.

Date: 14-21 August 1998 - 14 Aug 1999 - 17 Aug 1999

From: Trade union oral history project

By: O'Sullivan, John Doyle, 1912-2003

Reference: OHInt-0478/39

Description: John (Jack) O'Sullivan born Wellington of Irish parents. Recalls living in a Railway house in Plimmerton; leaving school in 1927 and first job of bricklaying; moving to Hawkes Bay in 1931 to pursue bricklaying after earthquake; becoming a plasterer; experiences and wages while on relief work during the Depression, working on the construction of the Paremata bridge. Joined New Zealand Railways as electric line erector, becoming control room operator and explains progression through New Zealand Railways. Recounts experiences working for New Zealand Railways during World War II. Backgrounds involvement with Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants / National Union of Railwaymen and positions held. Recalls 1950 Railway strike in Paekakariki. Describes union officials, Bernie Dempsey, Harry Dent, Tommy Lord, Lois McLaren, Terry Redmond (General Secretary), Harry Strang (President), Don Goodfellow (General Secretary), Bill Stirling (National Councillor), Barney Rush (Branch Secretary), Norris Collins, Bob McLachlan, Alf Still and Dennis Kane. Explains and details preferential voting for national ballots, with reference to National Office scrutineer, Barney Rush. Recalls women in the union - refreshment branch and cleaning staff. Recalls penny-slot toilets. Recounts problems with stewards employed on the Silver Star and discusses end of Silver Star service and its relocation to Asia. Recalls events of 'Wahine' storm and railway co-operation with the rescue effort. Other topics discussed include; Railway Safety Committee; introduction of ACC (Accident Compensation); compensation cases, with reference to Des Dalgety (lawyer); communist influence on national conference during the Vietnam era and invasion of communists into Wellington branch after 1951 from the Carpenters Union. Discusses Catholicism and discrimination because of religious beliefs. Mentions politicians, Savage, Nash and Semple. Recalls memories of Fintan Walsh and A J Neary. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Shaun Ryan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007587-007590 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.52 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1916. Photocopy of 1 b&w photograph of Jack O'Sullivan taken by Earle Andrew, Wellington NZ

Date: 4, 5, August 1998 - 04 Aug 1998 - 05 Aug 1998

From: Trade union oral history project

By: Grant, Steve, 1934-

Reference: OHInt-0478/37

Description: Steve Grant born Scotland, arrived in New Zealand 1947. Recalls apprenticeship as an electrician with Union Steam Ship Company. Describes working life on ships before joining the Otahuhu workshops. Talks about union activities at the workshops and how he became General Secretary of the Railway Tradesmen's Association. Recalls introduction of Amenity Blocks. Discusses progression through the union ranks and the role of the RTA; compulsory unionism; branch relationship with union executive; Catholic Action Group at Otahuhu workshops to counter communist influence; Muldoon electioneering in Otahuhu workshops; strength of apprentices during World War II; 1952 Railway strike; working conditions in the Railways during the late 1950s and 1960s and reaction of RTA to new technology. Mentions the introduction of female apprentices into Railway workshops and some of the resulting problems. Mentions Doug Crosado, Ray Gough, Bill Higgins, Harry Taylor, Allan Goldsmith, Richard Prebble and [Brian] Talboys. Discusses the Combined State Services Organisation and the Ruling Rate Survey in relation to Railway Officers Institute. Explains the relationship with Locomotive Engineers' Association, Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants / National Union of Railwaymen (employees), New Zealand Engineers' Union and Federation of Labour. Talks about formation of joint union-management scheme - Employees Assistance Programme and its introduction within the Railways. Other topics recalled include: health and safety issues; concerns over asbestos; wage freeze by Kirk Goverment; Compulsory Medical Retirement in 1972; relationship between RTA and Accident Compensation Corporation; education programmes; RTA Journal; Federation of Labour Transport Union Committee; RTA protest over Vietnam War; opposition of Otahuhu branch to Springbok rugby tours; support for international strikes; strike in Twizel; campaign for allowances for apprentices; 1966 strike; Save the Rail Campaign; Employment Contracts Act (1991): sale of New Zealand Rail, with reference to Wisconsin Rail and Ruth Richardson. Mentions Jack Marshall, Tom Skinner, Norris Collins, Trevor Gebbie, Ken Douglas, F P Walsh, Norman Kirk, Koro Wetere. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Shaun Ryan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007578-007582 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4.11 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1914.

Date: 2006, 2009-2011

Reference: OHColl-1451

Description: Includes interviews with maritime and transport union members around New Zealand.Topics include life histories, union involvement, 1999 death of Christine Clarke in Lyttelton, and the1951 waterfront dispute. Recorded by Ian Anderson with the intent to create a documentary. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 32 videocassette(s) Mini digital video cassestte(s). Search dates: 2006 - 2011

Date: 1995

By: Collins, Norris Arthur, 1920-2000

Reference: MSX-4120

Description: Subitled `Life of a Trade Union "Boss"', Collins tells the story of his family background and his participation in Anglican church affairs, his trade union activities which rose from his employment in railways, and politics, chronologically. Norris continues with his narrative from when they moved to Wellington ca 1963 up to the present day. An index, in the form of contents, lists the various categories by which the autobiography is arranged. A full curriculum vitae is supplied as a bibliography, listing Collins' appointments, church positions and overseas travel. Alun Richards contributed the foreword. Relationship complexity - One unrestricted copy also at Beaglehole Room, VUW Norris Collins arrived in NZ with his family in 1926, living in Heathcote, Christchurch. He attended Christchurch Technical College, became a projectionist and in 1936, an apprentice boilermaker at Addington Workshops. He was also very active in Anglican church affairs which has continued throughout his life. By 1950 he was deeply involved in trade union affairs which ultimately led to several trips abroad and to his becoming a member of parliament. About 1963 the family moved to Wellington and Collins continued his active participation in trade union and church affairs. He was active in VSA, ALAC, a JP, marriage celebrant and received the OBE in 1976. The family had considerable contact with Japan and Japanese people especially those associated with the Anglican Church in Japan. Quantity: 1 volume(s) (94 leaves). 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript (94 leaves) (in case folder)

Date: 23 March 1994 - 23 Mar 1994

From: Labour Movement Oral History Project - Part II

By: Cameron, Wesley Raymond, 1928-2006

Reference: OHInt-0059/03

Description: Wesley Raymond Cameron born Linwood, Christchurch. Outlines family background - father a floor moulder, making plough shares. Recalls father being unemployed and working on Relief Scheme. Recalls picture of Michael Joseph Savage on the wall and the 1951 strike (Lockout). Was apprenticed aged 13 as typewriter mechanic and explains that when other men went to war he was the only mechanic left in the workshop. After the war worked on farms as labourer and recalls becoming aware of master / servant relationship. Refers to the Belfast Freezing Works. Talks about the New Zealand Labour Party. Mentions Frank Kitts, Neville Pickering, Jack Watts, Harry Lake, Bert Walker and Kerry Burke. Recalls being selected as MP for Rangiora in 1963, gives reasons for stepping down and concentrating on union (Freezing Workers Union). Recalls, on the death of Bruce Barclay, becoming full time Union Official. Reference to Workers Educational Association. Mentions F P Walsh. Other topics discussed include: equal pay - representing Federation of Labour at Arbitration Court with reference to Chief Judge Horne, Derek Castle and Noel Williamson; Exclusive Brethren and membership of Exemption Tribunal; debate when Tom Shand offered voluntary unionism 1961; Promise of ACCORD; Muldoon's `Cossacks of '75' with reference to Cooks and Stewards Union taking the country to ransom; lack of television time given to unions; womens groups with reference to Helen Clark and Ruth Dyson; Pressure groups; Maori issues and National Union of Railwaymen. Venue - Oamaru Interviewer(s) - Robert Paton Venue - Oamaru Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006031-006033 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1354.

Date: 1-4 September 1998 - 04 Sep 1998

From: Trade union oral history project

By: Collins, Norris Arthur, 1920-2000

Reference: OHInt-0478/23

Description: Norris Collins born England 1920. Gives some family history and reasons why family came to New Zealand in 1926. Recalls offer of boilermaking apprenticeship with Railways in 1937. Discusses railway apprenticeship system at Addington. Gives reasons for joining ASRS (Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants) and rejecting the Railway Tradesmens Association. Outlines duties as a delegate and recalls invitation to join Federation of Labour delegation to the Soviet Union with Frank Langley. Outlines progression through union and appointment as General Secretary. Mentions: Peter and Gordon Bridges; Ray McKenzie; Morris Adams; J K McAlpine; Peter Gordon; Barney Russ; Ray Toole; Terry Redmond; Percy Allen; Geoff Sim; Dennis Kane and Lois McLaren. Describes Railway Industrial Tribunal. Gives views on compulsory unionism, `believed in voluntary unionism'. Details involvement in CORSO (Council for Organisation of Relief Overseas). Recalls memories of Paul Robeson's visit to Addington. Refers to allegations of rigging of the 1963 election, challenge to election and Arbitration Court hearing. Mentions Des Dalgety and Bell Gulley. Reflects on memories of the Crosado - Goldsmith dispute. Describes Tony Neary and his difficulties with the FOL. Recalls experiences on Alcohol Liquor Advisory Council (Chairman) representing the FOL. Recalls receiving OBE. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Shaun Ryan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007519-007523 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4.58 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1900. Photocopy of one photogaph of Norris Collins

Date: 1-4 September 1998 - 01 Sep 1998 - 04 Sep 1998

From: Trade union oral history project

By: File, Ernest W, 1921-

Reference: OHInt-0478/24

Description: Bill File born Gisborne 1921. Recalls origins of parents. Discusses childhood in Gisborne during Depression and love of rugby and injury resulting from the sport. Gives reasons for joining Railways in 1939 as locomotive cleaner and progression to railway fireman. Mentions first memory of union - father involved in the Timber Workers Union. Discusses conditions of work in railways and outlines labour process. Recalls transfer to Auckland and marriage 1942; election to Auckland branch committee of EFCA in 1944; becoming an engine driver; return to Wellington in 1955 and election as Grand Councillor 1958. Describes duties as National Councillor and time spent on advocacy for union members. Backgrounds appointment as General Secretary and terms of appointment. Recalls appointment by Tom Shand to Conscientious Objection and Compulsory Union Membership Board and mentions Bert Bockett who was chair of the Board. Refers to Trust Scheme to maintain wages of sick or injured union members. Discusses need for more stringent medical examination for locomotive men and EFCA response to disasters and accidents with reference to Manawatu Gorge derailment and serious accident outside Auckland which was blamed on poor training. Describes introduction of system for training locomotive trainees developed by the LEA in the 1970s `properly structured system of training'. Mentions Workmen's Compensation Act. Describes working for New Zealand Railway during the war. Recalls formation of Railways Industrial Tribunal. Discusses replacement of steam locomotives with diesel/electric engines. Mentions problems of compulsory unionism; relationship with FOL; Black Budget; Royal Commission to control railways in early 1950s. ECFA response to 1951 Waterfront Lockout / Strike; formation of the Bill File Scholarship; localised disputes; compulsory retirement age and Government Superannuation and own involvement in the Labour Party. Interviewer(s) - Shaun Ryan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007524-007528 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 4.49 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1901.

Date: 1989, 2002-2012

From: Franks, Peter Langdon, 1950- : Papers and photographs

Reference: MS-Papers-11694-09

Description: Papers mainly relate to RMTU. Also included is a paper titled `Women's involvement in the Post Office Union - A short story', covering the period 1899-1989 Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1922-1954

By: Rail and Maritime Transport Union Inc

Reference: MS-Papers-7053

Description: File of material relating to legal aspects of `The Maoriland worker' including correspondence, share certificate, liquidation report and agreement Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 2 folder(s). 0.02 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescript and printed matter

Date: 1890-1995

By: Rail and Maritime Transport Union Inc

Reference: PA-Group-00509

Description: Group conference photographs of industrial unions associated with the New Zealand Railways The unions depicted are the Combined Union of Railway Employees (flourished 1990s), National Union of Railwaymen (flourished 1980s), National Union of Railway Workers of New Zealand (flourished 1990s), New Zealand Railway Tradesman's Association (flouished 1920s-1980s), Amalagamated Society of Railway Servants of New Zealand (flourished 1890-1960s) Note: flourished dates based on the dated photographs in this collection. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 108 b&w original photographic print(s). 13 colour original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Photographic prints Transfers: To Cartographic Collection - Two maps showing the railway net works in the North and South Islands of New Zealand - To Manuscripts & Archives - Three documents relating to the Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants and the Maoriland Worker; A share certificate for New Zealand Labour Newspapers Limited; a document related to the winding up of New Zealand Labour Newspapers Limited; two copies of the Southern Cross newspaper..

Date: 2002-2004

From: Farrell, Damer, 1943-: Photographs of the West Coast

Reference: PADL-000364

Description: Photographs of protests at Blackball. Arrangement: These files were originally delivered to the library within a folder called "Protests" Quantity: 66 digital photograph(s).

Date: 2004

From: Smith, Ashley W, 1948- :[Digital cartoons published in the Shipping Gazette, MG Business, or Presto]

Reference: DCDL-0004695

Description: Shows a badly assembled locomotive train sitting on railway tracks with two men looking at it. One of the men is from Toll New Zealand and is shocked at the bad assembly. The other man is from the union and tells Toll New Zealand "Get my drift?". Refers to Toll New Zealand's decision to assemble locomotive trains locally and the rail unions doubts whether there was enough skilled workers to do such a job. Published in New Zealand Shipping Gazette Arrangement: This cartoon file was orginally delivered to the library within a sub-folder called 'NZ Shipping Gaz', which was inside a folder called 'AWS Cartoon Highlights, Nov'04-May'07' Quantity: 1 digital cartoon(s).