Interview with Fiametta Jackson-Thomas

Fiametta Cecily Jackson-Thomas born Roslyn, Dunedin. Gives parents background and talks about father's life as a Punch and Judy expert, trapeze artist and snake handler until the age of 35 when he became a cabinet maker. Describes own school days, clothing worn, discipline in school, cadet uniform, chanting of tables, pole drill, description of games played, explaining how boys and girls played games differently. Recalls outbreak of World War I, its effects on women, friends receiving telegrams and comforting each other, white feather incident and attitutes to conscientious objectors. Talks about brother's involvement in World War II. Refers to 6 o'clock closing as a war measure. Recalls being only family in street not contacting flu during epidemic. Refers to garlic as used in Corsica.

Describes work experience, working in art department of photographic firm and going to School of Art 1/2 day per week. Talks about Ngaio Marsh who was in class. Refers to Ronald McKenzie, also in class. Recalls learning cabinetmaking which was considered radical for the period - 3rd woman in New Zealand to do so. Talks about social hierarchy of Christchurch. Mentions visit of Prince of Wales.

Backgrounds meeting and marrying husband, Arthur, and his brief involvement with the Communist Party. Describes helping watersiders during 1951 Waterfront Dispute and at end of dispute Arthur being made honorary Life Member of Seamen's Union. Talks about Walter Nash. Also refers to Bastion Point occupation and reads poem about Maori sweeper. Gives background to poem. Mentions husband's position of manager of Auckland's Progressive Book shop and invitation to publishing house in China to help Chinese writers in English. Describes time in China, cultural revolution and immense relief on leaving China. Describes her poetry writing and refers to poem `Idle time'.

Interviewer(s) - Alwyn Owen

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-011607-011609

Quantity: 2 C70 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 interview(s).

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4004.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-007381 - OHLC-007383