Interview with Colin Morrison

Colin William Morrison born Gore 1912, moved to Dunedin. Describes early childhood in Dunedin before moving to Wellington 1924 and attending Wellington College, travelling by electric tram each day. Recalls playing representative fourth grade rugby for Wellington College and moving to Rongotai College when it opened in 1927. Recalls that Depression prevented him from attending university and became a clerical cadet in chief's engineer's office [Railways] before working for Maori Affairs Department under Sir Apirana Ngata until 1942 when he was seconded to CORSO. Refers to the Quakers (Society of Friends) forming a Quaker relief and reconstruction committee to cope with problem of post war relief - millions of refugees and backgrounds formation of CORSO (ca 1942). Notes that constitution was drawn up by [Mr A] Eaton Hurley. Refers to the Patriotic Purposes Fund Board. Mentions Mr [J H] Boyes (first chairman of CORSO). Refers to request from UNWRA to provide personnel to help countries rehabilitate and describes trip to China in 1947. Talks about Rewi Alley. Mentions Shirley Barton and Tom Somerville.

Talks about visit to India, describing poverty of Delhi and Calcutta and contacting amoebic disentery in Bangladesh. Refers to Dr Cook, Commissioner for Salvation Army. Mentions Korean Dae Duk land reclamation project. Recalls being approached by Lady Hogan and being seconded to set up Community Chest in Hong Kong. Concludes interview talking about retirement to Tauranga an wife's illness.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Interviewer(s) - Cecily McNeill

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011233-011235 ; OHC-005515-005517

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-3923.

Two coloured photographs of [Colin Morrison]

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-005515 - OHLC-005517