Interview with Ellen Bell

Ellen Edith Bell (nee Collins) born Auckland. Recalls early life in a political family. Gives early memories of school and on feeling different politically and being a Catholic in a Methodist Community. Describes difficulties getting jobs, 128 applicants for one job. Describes social life with reference to Catholic Church functions. Talks about World War II employment - manpowered to work in hospital. Recalls boss joining New Zealand Freedom Association, the forerunner of the National Party. Self joined New Zealand Labour Party. Recalls joining Clerical Workers Union and mentions Clerical Workers Union Conference in Invercargill, 1963. Gives views of Finton Patrick Walsh. Refers to State Department Bursary and recalls going to Geneva and USA on Bursary. Comments on: Unqualified Preference Clause (Compulsory Unionism); State Housing and market rents; retirement age with reference to pressure put on women to retire at fifty four and men at sixty. Speaks on women during depression and women in World War II.

Venue - Hamilton

Interviewer(s) - Robert Paton

Venue - 492 Grey Street, , Hamilton

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-006029-006030

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1353.

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

Alternative form available:

Listening copies available at OHLC-007081 and OHLC-007982