Interview with Marjorie Browne

Interview with Marjorie Browne (nee Clark), born in Napier in 1924. Talks about her family background, the breakdown of her parents' marriage, and being active in the Methodist Bible Class Movement in Whanganui. Recalls sorrow in the family about deaths in World War I and dislike of the glorification of war. Comments on rapid social changes during the first year of the war, a cousin Noel Ginn refusing to enlist, but her brother enlisting and returning later from the Solomon Islands with malaria. Describes joining the Christian Pacifist Society, and president of the Society the Rev. Alan Brash praying of conscientious objectors (COs) at an ANZAC Day observance in Whanganui. Talks about the development of anti pacifist feeling, the RSA (Returned Services Association) wanting COs to be imprisoned for 10 years, and the unwillingness of newspapers to publish anything that was contrary to the war effort. Refers to being declined for teaching because she wanted to add a proviso to the oath of allegiance. Discusses having to register as exempt under the manpower regulations and the hostile meeting with the Area Officer who interviewed her. Describes reactions of family members to her pacifism.

Talks about visiting detention camps which were located in isolated places, bicycles being important for transport, and visitors having to nominate a specific person they wanted to see. Refers to the "girlfriends on wheels" who cycled long distances together to visit camps. Comments on men being moved between detention camps without warning. Mentions sending a Christmas parcel to detained men in 1943, her future husband Merv receiving it, corresponding through censored letters, and meeting in late 1944. Recalls being barred from visiting detention camps after a clandestine letter was traced to her. Refers to Merv escaping from detention, meeting him in Wellington, the ways the COs communicated with supporters in the community, and being followed by police. Mentions Merv would not sign a conditional release form after the War, and he participated in a hunger strike at Rangipo. Recalls the process of his release, the difficulties COs had getting work, and living on a farm when they first got married. Comments that COs were not allowed to vote for 10 years and teachers could not return to teaching. Talks about the pacifists being "a thorn in the side of the church institution", feeling betrayed by the church, but taking up some preaching. Reflects on the leaders of the movement and their sincerity.

Interviewer(s) - Alison Parr

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-022526 - OHC-022529

Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.54 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-7325.

Copies of black and white photographs of Merv and Marjorie Browne on their wedding day (1946) and in 1947; printout of colour photograph of Marjorie and Merv Browne (2007)

Search dates: 1924 - 2007