Interview with Richard Thompson

Richard Huberht Thurlow Thompson born London 1924, family emigrated to New Zealand 1926. Gives family background - father, Russell Thurlow Thompson was on church paper, The Challenge. Recalls childhood, in Lower Hutt, Wellington and Christchurch. Reflects on education at Canterbury University and discusses involvement with Student Christian Movement and refers to John Johnson. Describes Theological College and licentiate in theology and experience as a lecturer at Otago University and then Canterbury University. Recalls being Dominion Secretary for International Student Service World Student Relief (ISSWSR), an offshoot of World Student Christian Federation and recalls commencement of the Colombo Plan. Describes link with Quakers from 1940, being pacifist in war time. Refers to Philip Thorne, Amy Thorne, Reginal Hughes, Mrs Page and the Sutherland family. Mentions marriage; birth of children; registering for PhD at Birmingham University and rejection of thesis `The Church Hesitant' a study of 4 Anglican parishes; return to New Zealand and involvement in 1959 with protests - sports & South Africa with reference to HART (Halt all Racist Tours). Mentions Patrick Duncan, editor of Liberal paper and Denis Brutus (leading figure in protest movement in South Africa). Backgrounds career in local government which ended in 1980. Refers to standing with John McKenzie. Discusses: Hillsborough Residents Association and introduction of Ward System; Amalgamation of Heathcote & Peninsular; Regional Planning Authority; Museum Trust Board; Old Stone House Trust Board and Cashmere High School Board of Governors. Recalls producing 50 reports as Councillor to 1980.

Accompanying material - Typed list of Richard Thompson's publications

Interviewer(s) - Penelope Dunkley

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007447-007449

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s) - abstract. 1 interview(s). 2.45 Hours and minutes Duration.

Physical Description: Textual file - Microsoft word

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1881, 000811.

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