Interview with Jean Clark

Jean Clark (nee Burgess) born Cheshire, England. Came to New Zealand with family aged 14 months. Outlines family background - mother was a close friend of Lady Nash (Lotty May Nash). Describes: childhood; education, with reference to John Howell, headmaster at Wellington Technical College.; religion - interested in philosophy of religion but not practising christian. Recalls time as a pupil teacher at Wellington Technical college, describing travel - horse drawn transport from Taita to Hutt Railway Station and then train to Thorndon station etc. Summarises teaching career at Hutt Valley High School, Petone Technical College and Hutt Intermediate School. Describes husband's involvement with Social Credit Party and time spent campaigning for Monetary Reform - with reference to visit of Major Douglas to New Zealand. Recalls 1935 election when a young ex Australian, John Hogan stood against (Sir) Walter Nash). Reference to Montague Norman, Chairman of Bank of England. Talks about: husband's (Gilbert Clark) involvement with Jewish Immigrants whom he sponsored prior to World War II (1939-1945); return to New Zealand after the war and being under suspicion as Nazi agents; post war - husband and self went into Hotel Business, reference to partnership in new Eastbourne Hotel with Dick Jepson.

Backgrounds concerns over son Campbell who was handicapped from birth (1945) and decision to place him in St John of God Home for two years. Discusses involvement with IHC and the first New Zealand Committee with reference to H S Anyon (President), Olive (H L) Grenfell, Mrs M Anyon, J J Doyle, Mrs B Gordon, A H Helleur, Mr J Nicholls and Mr R W S Botting. Reference to Kimberley Hospital. Reflects on own contribution to IHC, becoming Vice President. Recalls fundraising and developing ideas for services with reference to Senior Occupation Centre at Petone and Jepson Home (originally called Kristina Home). Compares IHC then and now. Talks about new style to IHC set by Dr Beasley and the establishment of Intellectually Handicapped Childrens' Parents' Association Inc (1949).

Accompanying material - Historical notes of New Zealand Society for the Intellectually Society

Venue - Wellington

Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson

Venue - Mrs Clarke's home in Mount Victoria, Wellington

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001461-001643

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0227.