Interview with Phil Samways

Phil Samways was born in Auckland, in 1926. Recounts loss of sight and registration with the Foundation for the Blind in 1945. Tells of lack of rehabilitative training, part time work in the Foundation workshops and adult education classes with Ray Brown learning Braille and touch typing. Details workshop conditions and products manufactured including cane and willow furniture, rugs and nets for the navy during World War II. Talks about first outside job in 1960 working for Bell Radio on Dominion Road. Outlines work career and redundancies until retirement in 1978. Mentions the Blind Invalid's Benefit, 1958.

Discusses the formation of the workshop committee, his position as a committee member and the establishment of the Dominion Association of the Blind in 1945. Talks about Joe Broadfoot and Wally Christiansen, Foundation directors; Mr Packman the workshop foreman; the attitude of the Board of Trustees. Details the living conditions and lack of stimulus at Pearson House for residents, institutionalisation and restriction of movement outside the Foundation grounds. Mentions lack of socialisation between residents and staff. Talks about segregation of male and female residents and his marriage to a sighted girl in 1948. Depicts the activities and members of the Foundation's Blind Band.

Discusses the first meeting of the Dominion Association of the Blind, chaired by Lionel Voice. Recalls Association activities and conferences. Talks in detail about Cyril White and his wife Ethel Gibson, petitions to abolish means testing, the Board of Trustee elections, Bruce Kibblewhite and the Foundation placement services and outside employment.

Discusses his first guide dog in 1961, training in Australia and early problems with acceptance of guide dogs in public places around New Zealand. States his position as one of the first guide dog owners in New Zealand. Mentions formation of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association formed in 1962, the Lady Nell School and the National Guide Dog Centre in Australia. Recalls the opening of the Guide Dog Centre in New Zealand in 1972. Remembers the book 'Lady of the Seeing Eye' about the first guide dog in America.

Outlines activites after retirement, including further schooling to gain School Certificate, and attempts to learn Braille.

Interviewer(s) - Greg Newbold

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-009806

Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-3281.