AUDIO

Interview with Jack Mulheron

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Date

20 June and 8 July 2003 - 20 Jun 2003 - 08 Jul 2003

By

Kennett, Jonathan Peter, 1967-; Mulheron, John Joseph, 1924-2006

Reference

OHColl-0821-01

Description

Interview with Jack Mulheron born 1924 in Te Awamutu. Son of Patrick James and Anne Sarah Mulheron who immigrated to New Zealand from London, England after the Great War. Mentions his parents settling in Karori, Wellington and his strict Catholic schooling and scholarship at Saint Patrick's College. Talks about his Irish heritage and Catholicism in detail and his personal annexation from the church. Describes his first trip away from home on a cycling trip on the Gentle Annie Road between Taihape and Napier. Discusses playing hockey and going on to be a representative in the New Zealand Hockey Team. Talks about his marriage to Sonia in a Registry Office in Sydney and the controversy this caused. Recalls various jobs including the Merchant Navy and becoming involved in the 1951 Waterside dispute. Talks about the fear of communism in New Zealand, the influence of McCarthy, and how unionists were ostracised following the 1951 Strike. Describes his career change in becoming a teacher. Discusses his beliefs that children should be taught to ask questions and demand answers. Mentions his first school, Karori West and his views on the "values" that were being taught at this time. Refers to Professor Geering who was charged with heresy in the 1950s. Describes his time at Kaiwharawhara School in detail, his plans for it as an alternative school for Maori, and its closure. Discusses the various politics surrounding the education system and religion including the Education Act and Integration Act. Talks about forming the Committee for the Defence of Secular Education (CDSE), later known as the Society for the Protection of Public Education (SPPE). Mentions various politicians including Helen Clark and Jim Anderton. Explains his unpopularity with the unions (PPTA and NZEI) over the Integration Act. Discusses his thoughts about the influence of Christianity in education and politics.

Interviewer(s) - Jonathan Kennett

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-4157, OHDL-000030.

Colour photograph of Jack Mulheron. Black and white photographs of Jack Mulheron at Kaiwharawhara School

Search dates: 1924 - 2003

Additional description

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

Alternative form available: Both printed and digital versions of the abstract are available

Use/Reproduction

Public use may require the written permission of the copyright holder Copyright: Copyright is held by the National Library.

Access restrictions

Partly restricted material

Part of

Oral history of cycling in New Zealand

Format

5 C60 cassette(s), 1 printed abstract(s), 1 Electronic document(s) abstract, 1 interview(s), 5 Hours Duration, Oral histories, Electronic records (Digital records), Electronic documents, Illustration: Colour photograph of Jack Mulheron, Illustration: Black and white photographs of Jack Mulheron at Kaiwharawhara School

There are 7 items in total.

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