Interview with Ethel Menzies

Ethel Menzies was born in Dunedin in 1915. Describes how her father was killed when she was six and she and her brothers lived in a children's home for two years when their mother was unwell. Recalls helping with chores. Comments briefly on school and becoming a machinist apprentice at a knit wear factory, D H Blackie. Discusses her work, the impact of the Depression and giving most of her earnings to her mother. Describes meeting Ian Menzies, who fought in World War II, and their marriage in 1945. Discusses dissatisfaction with the care at the public maternity hospital when her son was born in 1947 and a decision to have her next child at another maternity hospital. Describes damage to her daughter Karen at birth causing cerebral palsy. Comments that she believes medical staff were responsible and she was not told of the disability for some time.

Describes Karen Menzie's disabilities when she was young, an unsuccessful operation to help her to walk and physiotherapy. Recalls beginning contact with CCS when Karen attended the CCS kindergarten. Mentions that she cared for her mother in addition to her family. Comments on the involvement of both husband Ian and son Bryan in CCS. Recalls work done by the family on the Gertrude Powley Holiday House in Roxburgh. Describes Karen's attendance at the Cerebral Palsy School in Waverley and then the CCS adult care centre. Discusses her feelings of responsibility for Karen. Comments on their relationship and how caring for her has affected her life. Mentions hysterectomy. Discusses some CCS services and staff. Discusses transport and an incident with a bus driver. Mentions that Karen is now living in the CCS Residential Care Unit (hostel).

Interviewer(s) - Helen Frizzell

Accompanying material - Copies of photos of Ian and Ethel Menzies; photos of the Menzies family; photos of Karen Menzies in various CCS group photos; newspaper articles featuring Karen Menzies at the Mosgiel Abilities Resource Centre and obituary of Ian Menzies

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2575.

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

Alternative form available: A digital copy of the recording is available in the Library's Reading Room