Interview with Arthur Quinn J P

Arthur Philip Quinn who was born Waimata Valley Gisborne, outlines family background - father born in England, came to New Zealand on the `Mary Rose' ca 1879 and settled at Matawhero (outside Gisborne) - reference to Te Kooti Massacre. Mother born in Scotland - came to New Zealand ca 1918.

Talks about secondary education and explains range of options were limited. Describes his working career: Rosy & Co (Gisborne); Grundy & Sheridan, Findlays Bakery; Red Bus Service and finally at the age of 17 joined the Railways in Wellington as a casual emergency junior iron machinist. Gives details of conditions in railway workshops. Describes the vital role played by Railways during World War II; Appeal System and Appeal Board. Recalls end of war and explains how war time experiences and traumas took its toll - reference to Dr Stout.

Backgrounds his interest in the Trade Union Movement. Talks about the major reforms made by the 1935 Labour Government: health, with reference to Dr Milne - describes the Panel System; education - reference to Dr Beeby who was put in charge of designing a new `Child centered Education scheme'; housing - mentions John A Lee's contribution towards State Housing with reference to `One days pay for one week's rent'. Describes Michael Savage and John A Lee. Also mentions Robert Semple, Peter Fraser, Ralph Hannan and Robert Muldoon.

Joined the Communist Party in 1938 and describes the party at that time. Recalls some incidents with the SIS. Discusses the ideological split between Soviet Union and Chinese Communism and how it affected New Zealand Communist Party. Mentions Trevor Gibby, Alec Aaltonen, Percy Doubtis, Bill Anderton, Connie Birchfield, Elsie Locke (Freeman), Fred Freeman, Con Doyle, Dough Galbraith (son of Alex Galbraith), Henry Togson Guy, Dick Griffin and his brother, Gerard Griffin, Mary Heppinstall, Colin Scrimigeour (Uncle Scrim) and Friendly Road Broadcasting System. Also mentions Grave of Argus.

Other topics discussed include: the Waterside dispute; `Think Big Projects'; Peace Movement; Anti-conscription Movement; World Court Project; religion, and Parent Teacher Association.

Other - Interview undertaken in two sessions

Interviewer(s) - Gabrielle McLaughlin

Venue - 3 Bentinck St Upper Hutt

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005445-005448; OHLC-001412-001415

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.40 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1076.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-001412 - OHLC-001415