Interview with Roger Kirkham

Roger Kirkham was born in Dunedin in 1917. Gives details of his family background, childhood in Caversham and attitudes to religion and politics. Mentions his father worked at the Mosgiel Woollen Mills and later at the Onehunga Woollen Mills as a designer. Talks about the death of his sister and two brothers at a young age. Describes being close to his uncle with whom he became involved in drama and in doing a radio play. Recalls education at Mt Albert Grammar School. Describes doing a commerce degree and going to Wellington as a cadet with the Transport Department. Mentions marriage to Marjorie Gapes in 1943. Discusses being a survey officer in the Field Regiment of the artillery during World War II, becoming a chartered accountant after the war and becoming the NAC branch accountant in Auckland.

Discusses the RNZAF, Whenuapai, the conversion of DC3 aeroplanes and, antipathy between Union Airways and the Air Force. Explains how NAC was made up. Recalls moving to Christchurch as a personnel administration officer and talks about industrial problems and some of the staff. Discusses Arthur Smaile and NAC chairmen Sir Leonard Isitt, Sir Andrew McKee, Alan Gilkison and Bill Mace. Talks about pilots including those involved in crashes at Port Underwood and on Ruapehu. Mentions the DC3 crash at Waikanae and the 1957 Bristol Freighter crash at Christchurch. Describes the establishment of Straits Air Freight Express (SAFE) based in Blenheim and its General Manager, Des Linsky. Comments on Mt Cook Airline and Harry Wigley. Discusses Geoffrey Roberts, Morrie Davis, Doug Patterson and Group Captain J J (Jack) Busch. Discusses routes, airways, airport dues and Ministry of Transport involvement.

Discusses the introduction of the Vickers Viscount in 1958 and the ordering of Fokker Friendship aeroplanes. Mentions the possibility of merger with TEAL. Discusses the formation of SPANZ in 1960 supported by Keith Holyoake. Recalls becoming superintendent of economic research at Head Office in 1962. Discusses NAC's financial difficulties, staff reduction by attrition and discussions with Doug Patterson and Allan Kenning. Describes market research work and trying to develop a demand forecast model. Talks about becoming Director of Planning, withdrawing an aeroplane from service and the political reaction. Comments on the relationship between NAC and Air New Zealand and the attitude of Air New Zealand to building the Rongotai terminal. Recalls becoming Assistant General Manager (Commercial) and advising Polynesian Airlines on replacing its aircraft. Discusses freight services and the insistence of Peter Gordon on maintaining Safe Air. Discusses the computerisation of reservation systems. Refers to cabinet ministers Peter Gordon, Martin Finlay, Tom Shand, Colin McLachlan and Sir Basil Arthur. Mentions Bert Edwards. Describes retirement and becoming director of Safe Air, NZ Aerospace Industries and Freeline Reservations. Mentions involvement with the Double Bay tourist resort proposal.

Discusses the Erebus crash and attempts by Doug Patterson to have polar flights stopped before the crash. Comments on the change of coordinates leading to the crash and on the opinion of Judge Mahon. Mentions Morrie Davis, Norman Geary, Robert Muldoon and Des Dalgety.

Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008632-OHC-008636; OHLC-004398-OHLC-004402

Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 5 Hours Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA 2699.

Photo of Roger and Joan Kirkham and granddaughter; photo of Roger Kirkham about 1958; photo of Roger Kirkham and other NAC managers during training

Search dates: 1917 - 1998

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-004398 - OHLC-004402