Interview with Paula Hesterman

Pauline Anne Hesterman born Essex England and has been in New Zealand 20 years. Recalls: growing up close to Colchester, an Army Town; childhood memories of World War II - describes activities of army camp next to house and mother's friendliness to prisoners which was quite acceptable, with reference to a young German prisoner called Hans who used to visit the house with the permission of Camp Commandant; school being disrupted several times a week when sirens sounded and all had to head for damp shelters. On leaving school trained in London as a physiotherapist and recalls living in Nottingham during period of the John Christie murders. Relates story of friend treating him (John Christie) for back trouble and only later, on reading he was arrested, realised who he was - describes him.

Talks about work with crippled children and describes pilot programme to integrate handicapped children into normal classroom environment. Gives reasons for coming to New Zealand (1973) and practiced as a physiotherapist in Waihi before going to Sydney to study acupuncture for 2 years and then to China in 1982 on a three months course to get more experience which she describes.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Venue - Waihi

Interviewer(s) - Rose MacBeth

Venue - Waihi

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-05859A; OHV-0270B

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB-1266.

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