Interview with Ernest Nightingale

Ernest (Ernie) Nightingale recalls being an Oamaru boy all of his childhood, attending Waitaki Boys High School, a form one to seven school. Mentions Frank Milner. Backgrounds decision to train as a primary school teacher and mentions public attitude to teaching which was `seen as a lesser career'. Talks about Training College and refers to Ernie Patridge (Principal); Mr North (Education lecturer); Joan Stevens (English, later Professor of English at Victoria) and Joan Watson. Mentions 'Agony' Payne, whose daughters are well known - Alison Holst and Patricia Payne (singer).

Recalls on leaving college being offered position as assistant area organiser of Physical Education for Mid Canterbury area, responsible for fifty-two schools. Mentions George Webb, Gus Shrimpton, Jack Mann, Bill Direen and Roy Young. Refers to combined `learn to swim week' for country schools. Describes difficulties encountered with transport. Talks about epidemic of Infantile Paralysis early 1948 when all schools were closed. Discusses acute shortage of teachers and moving out of Physical Education. Outlines teaching career at Ashburton, Allenton (four years), Oamaru South (first assistant), Portobello school (Head teacher); Ravensbourne and Corstorphine. Other topics discussed include: Red syllabus; in-service courses; Queen's visit to Dunedin; school committees; school houses; Orphans's Club and Savages Club; Ballantynes fire; membership of Dunedin Principals' Association and involvement with NZEI. Mentions ? Ashbridge, Ted Simmonds, Jack Smith (later on executive of World Confederation of Teaching Professions), Helen Anderson, Joan Paske, Keith Moore, Ted Pankurst and Bill Renwick (Director General).

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Abstracted by - Ann Packer

Interviewer(s) - Jack Rutherford

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008957-008961; OHLC-004604-004608

Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 5 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2787.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-004604 - OHLC-004608