Interview with Basil Potter

Basil Watson Potter born Auckland. Mentions strict Presbyterian upbringing - father had been a Congregationalist. Gives educational background. Recalls getting job, receiving a pound (sterling) a week, with family friend who was a coal merchant and studying at university at night. This was followed with job as office boy for Clarke and Mathieson. In 1933 went to Teachers' Training College. Talks about first teaching position at Northcote Primary (1937) and later at Palmerston North Technical School where he remained until outbreak of war, when he joined as an infantryman. Describes George Adair. Worked at Camp Hunua as a volunteer leader. Outlines other areas of involvement. While at Waiouru became interested in library and this led to working in the YMCA. Became a Field Secretary, was interviewed by George Briggs and R M Brasted. Describes duties at Trentham. In 1941 went overseas with 6th Reinforcements. Describes troopship in which he was librarian. Explains there were six YMCA secretaries on board. Describes duties in Egypt. Was at Maadi camp Aug / Sep 1941. After three months worked for NZYMCA as office manager. Mentions Commissioner Harry Shaw who became a POW. Became senior secretary and recalls being attached to the New Zealand Division and moving with it wherever it went. Gives his views on General Freyberg whom he met. Worked with Selwyn Toogood. Remained with Divisional Headquarters to the end of war. Gives details of experience and his position as Commissioner of the YMCA. Outlines the circumstances of the death of David Henry. Feels the most important aspect of YMCA work was looking after morale. Recalls mobile cinema. Describes the role of military chaplains. Recalls a Battalion concert organised by Royden Busfield. Mentions Patriotic Fund. Other people mentioned are: Bert Steptoe, Harry Shove, Charlie Bennett (Secretary of Maori Battalion) and Tom Searle.

Returned to New Zealand 1945. Mentions writing a history of YMCA in World War II which was never published. In 1947 became Head of Commerce Department at Northcote College, but left teaching 1951 to become an accountant with Kerridge Odeon. Describes setting up own accountancy business in 1953. Became active as a fund-raiser. Mentions lack of involvement with the YMCA, other than reunions, since the war. Comments on the role of the YMCA during the war. Mentions Jean Williams who tried unsuccessfully to encourage national council to take an interest in the history of the work of YMCA during war years. Recalls Jim Pritchard.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Wellington

Other - No biographical sheet available

Interviewer(s) - Nicholas Boyack

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006412-006413

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1495.

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