Interview with Ron Sinclair

Ron Sinclair was born in Eltham in 1930. His early life was spent in Taranaki where his father was a school teacher. Recalls being keen on sport, being dux, going to Ardmore Teachers College and teaching at Inglewood. Talks about when his mother died, his father broke his neck, his brother and sister were in hospital and he went to work on his sick uncle's dairy and cropping farm near Dannveirke. Recalls that this was 1952 and he stayed on the farm for twenty years. Mentions marrying in 1954 and having three children.

Comments on his interest and involvement in church life. Recalls being a lay reader, being encouraged to go into the church and being ordained a priest in 1976. Mention his withdrawal from the Masonic Lodge and giving up divining water. Recalls working in the Anglican ministry at the hospital, putting a share-milker on the farm and becoming minister at Porangahau. Discusses the challenge of getting to know Maori, attending tangi, services on the marae and baptism of Maori. Describes a move to New Plymouth, family discussions and chaplaincy at the Taranaki Base Hospital. Recalls returning to Hawkes Bay to care more for his father. Mentions industrial chaplaincy and being minister at Hastings. Talks about his children's occupations.

Comments on boundary changes in the new electorates, local body politics, art deco buildings and Jeremy Dwyer, Mayor of Hastings. Comments on parochialism between Napier and Hastings, the need to combine sewerage systems, the Hastings hospital and the proposed motorway. Mentions the growth of the local polytechnic and the move to degree courses. Discusses the Maori occupation of Moutoa Gardens, Maori sovereignty, the need for more consultation, the proposed Maori Council and Ken Mair.

Discusses the first MMP election, the wait for the coalition, the power of Maori and New Zealand First. Comments on being retired but continuing with church work. Mentions Lions. Talks about the integration of girls into Te Aute College. Recalls training with the first women to be ordained in the Church, Cherie Baker and Bishop Penny (Jamieson). Talks about communion and the Church.

Interviewer(s) - Pamela Lockhart

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2144.

Search dates: 1930 - 1996

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-004050 - OHLC-004052