Interview with Jack Young

John Alexander (Jack) Young born Hamilton. Outlines family background - father, Sir James Alexander Young (Alec Young), a dentist, was Mayor of Hamilton and MP for Waipa - paternal grandfather, ? Young, came from County Sligo in Ireland. Was aged 2 years when mother died. Describes childhood and growing up with relatives; education; other members of the family; early work on farm and gumfields, with reference to Ridd, Trelorne and Kennedy (first milking machines). Recalls his early interest in reading about politics and developing an interest in Parliamentary reporting. Recalls his expereince of World War I (under age to go to war) but was sent to C1 Camp at Featherston which he describes. Describes Flu Epidemic (1918-1919) and recalls the numbers who died at Featherston Camp - gives a detailed description of making coffins and digging graves. Reference to ship `Niagara'.

Backgrounds his entry into reporting, joining the Waikato Times as a printer and then as a reporter (1922); Dominion Newspaper, Wellington (1926-1964) and Parliamentary Press Gallery in 1928, where he remained for 27 years, being appointed Assistant Editor of Dominion Newspaper in 1957. Considers his most distinguished contribution to Journalism was as a writer of `Lobby Letter', a column on the editorial page. Refers to Neil Blundell.

Describes politics and politicians, particularly for the 1930s. Describes a statesman. Gives views on first Labour Government (1935) and describes Peter Fraser. Mentions Ken Poulton (Press Gallery). Discusses capital punishment and hangings attended by journalists which was regarded as an ordinary newspaper job. Recalls Parliamentary Inquiry into capital punishment with reference to comments made by Sir Arnold Nordmeyer.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Wellington

Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe

Venue - 14 Hector Street, Seatoun, Wellington

Accompanying material - A substantial collection of photographs, clippings, parliamentary reports, newspapers, books and memorabilia relating to Mr Young's years as a Parliamentary journalist

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004875-004876; OHLC-001108-001110

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 3 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-0894.

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

Alternative form available: A digital copy of the recording is available