Whenuaroa Detention Camp

Date: 1942 - 1943

By: Magill, Kenneth Thomas, 1910-2000

Reference: A-351-020

Description: Shows a landscape of hills with two monolithic rounded peaks in the backgrouns. Strathmore Camp was also known as Whenuaroa Camp. Inscriptions: Verso - centre - [Title] Quantity: 1 watercolour(s). Physical Description: Watercolour, on paper glued to cardboard, 229 x 303 mm. Provenance: Donated by the artist's brother Paul Magill, in 2001.

Date: 14 Dec 1942-2 Jan 1944

From: Gormack, Robert Sydney (Bob), 1918-2006 : Papers

Reference: 91-083-1

Description: Comprises six letters from Wilf Foote to Gormack written from the Defaulters' Detention Camp at Whenuaroa near Rotorua and from Paiaka near Shannon (1942-1944); also hand-drawn Christmas card from Foote Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1941-1945

From: Scott, Thomas Henry, 1918-1960 : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-6309-16

Description: Letters written by Scott describing his experiences in detention camp to his family from Mt Crawford, Wi Tako, Whenuaroa (1941-1943); from Whitanui (1944, 1945); inward letters to Tom and Lou Scott from C T [?] Furey, Whitanui, Sigmund (Rotorua) and from Sigmund to Mac from Auckland; anonymous letter to Mike re camp conditions (n d); and letter from Rex, Linton Military Camp, to Scott Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [ca 1940]-[ca 1945]

By: Mason, Read Rex, 1904-1992; Megget, Alice Joyce, 1914-2009

Reference: PAColl-8427

Description: Collection comprises photographs of cabbages and other vegetables planted between rows of New Zealand flax at Piaka, entrance to the Whenuaroa Detention Camp, and a wedding portrait, taken ca 1940s. Source of title - Title supplied by Library Quantity: 10 b&w original photographic print(s). Provenance: Donated by Mrs A J Megget, Auckland, 2005. Read Mason's widow gave these papers to Ron Megget soon after Mason's death (ca 1990). Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - 2005-016 : Mason, Read Rex : Papers.

Date: 1942 - 1943

By: Magill, Kenneth Thomas, 1910-2000

Reference: A-351-021

Description: Shows a wire fence between three small wooden huts. Strathmore Camp was also known as Whenuaroa Camp. Title supplied on accompanying roll (packaging). Quantity: 1 watercolour(s). Physical Description: Watercolour, on paper 260 x 370 mm. Provenance: Donated by the artist's brother Paul Magill, in 2001.

Date: 1942-1944

By: Gormack, Robert Sydney, 1918-2006

Reference: 91-083

Description: Comprises six letters from Wilf Foote to Gormack from detention camps at Whenuaroa and Paiaka (1942-1944); proofs from printing blocks re Lincoln Efford; seven printing blocks of Lincoln Efford; and one hand-drawn Christmas card Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 1 box(es) (hollinger box with 1 folder and 1 box of blocks). 0.14 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss, typescripts and printed matter and printing blocks Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Mr R S Gormack, Christchurch, Mar 1991 Processing information: Not yet listed

Date: 1942

By: Magill, Paul John, 1920-2005

Reference: Eph-B-WAR-WII-Strathmore-1942

Description: Includes: Strathmore Detention Camp dance and music programme ca 1942 featuring Kenneth and Paul Magill, T Journet and R Durrant "Sarsparilla"; an extravagant pantomime in three spasms and seven obscenes. Strathmore Detention Camp programme, Boxing Day, 26 December 1942. Names many performers Christmas Eve concert programme [1942] - with watercolour border showing a snowy mountainous scene. Performers included P Magill, A Stead, K Magill, W Young, M Mollick, and L Clements. Quantity: 3 b&w photo-mechanical print(s) including one mounted on a watercolour border. Physical Description: Typescripts on thin paper, sizes varying below 350 mm. Provenance: Donated by Mr Paul Magill in 2001.

Date: 15 March 1989 - 15 Mar 1989

From: NZOHA Country Library Service Oral History Project

By: O'Neill, Joseph Bonaventure Cerretti, 1916-1999

Reference: OHInt-0058/05

Description: Joseph O'Neill gives the origin of his names and comments on them. Describes his background, his Roman Catholic upbringing and schooling, his brothers and sisters, his consideration of going into the church and his current position as a lay preacher, his parents education and employment histories, their attitudes to alcohol and smoking and discipline in the family. Recalls the importance of reading, music, visual arts and theatre in his childhood and his lack of interest in sport. Describes his education in Auckland and Wellington, his interest in teaching or medicine, looking for jobs during the Depression, finding a clerical job in 1934 with Smith and Smith and working conditions. Mentions the introduction of a minimum wage by Labour Government. Describes his next job with the Pensions Department. Details his decision to become a conscientious objector in 1941 and the attitude of the Church. Describes turning down the chance to join the Medical Corps, his police interview, quitting his government job, being arrested for `failing to parade' and being sent to detention camps in Strathmore and Whitanui. Mentions support for his stance including from his parents. Talks about conditions in the camps, the cross section of people there, the Country Library Service in the camps, attitudes to the end of the war, adjusting to civilian life and trying to get a job. Talks about fellow detainees. Details being able to take only labouring jobs and his involvement with the WEA Theatre during this time. Recalls his friendship with Charles Brasch, applying to become a field librarian, delays in getting confirmation of his position because he was a conscientious objector and his relationship with G.T.Alley. Describes being a field librarian including learning to drive his van, the extent of his territory, how the `A' and `B' libraries worked, routines at different libraries, book selection, relationship with the public, Council staff and librarians, censorship issues, changes in reading patterns, staying with people in their homes, the itinerary and working hours, salary and allowances and how the request, reference and interloan services worked. Notes the lack of interest in New Zealand books. Discusses the issue of racial discrimination and attitude to Maori in the `B' libraries. Talks about his favourite areas. Recalls the Hamilton Country Library Service being established and the effects. Recalls librarians and library students coming to get experience on the book van. Discusses the predominance of men in field librarian work and mentions Eve Franklin. Recalls looking after the vans. Describes studying at Auckland University in 1950 and going to Library school in 1951. Summarises his later library career culminating in a position as Technical Services Librarian in the new Auckland Library. Talks about his retirement to the the Coromandel in 1977 and involvement in groups there. Venue - Coromandel Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mr O'Neill's home in Coromandel Accompanying material - Printed abstract contains a photocopy of an article on Joe O'Neill which appeared in `Northland' issue number 5, November 1958 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002052, OHC-002053, OHC-002054 Tape numbers - OHA CLS 2702, 2703, 2704, 2705, 2706, 2707 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 309. Printed abstract contains a photograph of Joe O'Neill outside his home in Coromandel dated 1978; a photograph of Joe O'Neill with Rewi Alley in Northcote, Auckland ca 1973 and a photograph of Joe O'Neill with Vivienne Lee-Johnson at Waimamaku, Hokianga ca 1955. Search dates: 1916 - 1989

Date: 18 Dec 1996

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II

By: Smith, Neil Gibson, 1921-2002

Reference: OHInt-0426-09

Description: Neil G Smith backgrounds involvement in the Christian Pacifist Movement. Recalls father, a Presbyterian minister and an Army Chaplain in Egypt and France during World War One (1914-1918), came back determined to do all he could to prevent another world war. Talks about involvement with Student Christian Movement at University. Refers to strong Irish background. Recalls being 18 years and at university at outbreak of war, and complying, out of respect for law, peace and family, for 1st requirement which was a medical (1941). Describes: refusing to swear oath of allegiance and consequences; refusing a military order and right to appeal against military service; establishing proof which meant demonstrating part of creeds beliefs that one didn't fight, with reference to Quakers, and difference between a conscientious objector and a military defaulter. Refers to term `insincere'. Outlines war years spent at various detention camps, commencing at Strathmore, then Paiaka in the Manawatu swamp, Hautu, Whitanui and Mt Eden prison. Mentions `Red Compound' at Hautu and fire in pine forest at Atiamuri, January 1946. Refers to being under manpower to work where directed when released at the end of the war. Mentions visit to Europe with wife Jean and on return setting up a poultry farm at Otorohonga and attending poultry unit at Massey. Talks about his change from christianity to ethical humanism. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Julian McCarthy Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007806-007808 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2065.

Date: 14 May 1997

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II

By: Gordon, Donald Wilson, 1916-2007

Reference: OHInt-0426-04

Description: Wilson Gordon born Dunedin. Recalls upbringing by mother who belonged to an exclusive religion with one of its basic tenets being not to fight. Discusses employment, firstly on a farm and later in railway workshops. Refers to moulding shop which was making bomb cases for the Mills bomb. Talks about balloting process for army and Appeal Board during World War II. Recalls refusing to go on duty around the tankers at the wharf as requested, being summoned to court and getting one months hard labour. Mentions Jack Baxter, nephew of Archibald Baxter. Refers to the Quaker religion which was also against war but with 300 years of that tradition, most of their members were excused. Describes experience and conditions in the various detention camps - Stratmore and Hautu camp. Talks about study opportunities in camp. Discusses post war experience, difficulties of getting employment in a government department and not being allowed to vote. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Julian McCarthy Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007794-007795 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2060.

Date: 20 Jun 1997

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II

By: Johnston, Alexander Talbot, 1919-2004

Reference: OHInt-0426-06

Description: Alexander (Lex) Johnston born Papakura. Recalls interest in pacifism through Methodist bible class. Explains that father, an Irish protestant, was intensely patriotic, pro British and the crown. Mentions that great grandfather, a Quaker, emigrated from Northern Ireland to New Zealand. Recalls marriage at the age of 21. Describes call up and summons to attend drill hall to enrol for World War Il, refusal and subsequent summons to court and sentence to one months imprisonment in Mt Eden. Talks about appeal system and the procedure of one month in prison, then a return to court and a sentence to detention camp for the `duration' of the war. Discusses conditions at Strathmore detention camp and Rangipo, a prison farm. Recounts story of escape, with reference to Henry Tozer, and re-capture. Recalls punishment which included bread and water for 40 days. Talks about V E Day which didn't mean release for `conchies' (Conscientious objectors). Notes last conscientious objectors were released May 1946. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Julian McCarthy Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007798-007800 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2062.

Date: 5 Jun 1997 - 05 Jun 1997

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II

By: Palmer, Arthur Reeves, 1918-2018

Reference: OHInt-0426-07

Description: Arthur Reeves Palmer born Australia where he spent six months before parents moved to New Guinea for two and a half years, followed by two years in Devon and finally settling in New Zealand. Talks about parents strong influence on ideas from an early age and father's connections with Quakers in England. Recalls outbreak of war in 1939, appearing before Appeal Board and sentence to one month at Mt Eden Prison followed by detention camp until end of war. Describes in detail attitudes of public to conscientious objectors; Strathmore detention camp, with reference to Mr Duffy; Hautu prison; different philosophies of other conscientious objectors - political, humanitrian, religious as well as Marxist and trade union philosophy. Recalls being released on 2nd April 1946 and talks about the effects the whole experience had on his life and his post war experiences as a bee keeper. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Julian McCarthy Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007801-007802 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2063.

Date: 04 Dec 1996

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II

By: Gunn, George, 1917-2009

Reference: OHInt-0426-05

Description: George Gunn born Scotland. Recalls: interest in international affairs and reading the New Statesman from age 15; attending Institute of Technology in Dundee to study pharmacy; involvement with pacifism and signing the Peace Pledge ca 1937, with reference to Canon Dick Shepherd of St Martins in the Fields. Came to New Zealand 1939, working in Boots (Chemists) until war was declared in September. Describes being called up to be sergeant dispenser at Ngaruawahia and on refusing being sentenced to defaulter detention camp, spending the war years in a number of camps plus two mainstream prisons for `non cooperation' in defaulters camps - Notes that these defaulter camps were set up by Walter Nash. Describes the clandestine mail run between Rangipo prison and Hautu detention camp. Recalls meeting Ormond Burton whom he describes. Discusses revision authority to deal with release at the end of the war, with reference to Walter Nash. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Julian McCarthy Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007796-007797 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2061.

Date: 1997, 9 Jun 1998 - 09 Jun 1998

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II

By: Browne, Mervyn Mills, 1922-2011

Reference: OHInt-0426-02

Description: This interview is in 2 parts - the first is a recorded piece from a speech given by Merv. Browne in 1997 - the second part is an interview made in Hamilton on 9/6/98. Mervyn Mills Browne who was born in Wanganui recalls having a vigorous and stimulating youth with the Bible class movement, athletics, rugby and cycling taking up most of his time. Explains how the Bible Class Movement at that time was quite unique, being youth power at its best. Recalls Wanganui being a great place, with outspoken pacifists like the Rev Allan Brash and Archdeacon Young as good role models, and Ormond and Nell Burton in Wellington. Describes Peace Convention held in Cambridge in 1939, with reference to key speakers, Martin Sullivan - later Dean of St Pauls, London and Dean Chandler. Recalls 1939 when war was declared and Prime Minister Fraser's announcement, `where Britain goes, we go'. Talks about the patriotic fervor which swept through New Zealand. Describes attitude of colleagues at the Wanganui Herald where he was an apprentice printer. Recalls how family, which was close and supportive before the war, parted at this point - elder brother was fighting in Greece and later became a prisoner of war in Italy and Germany, another brother was a seaman, later at the landing of Normandy, while younger brother and self were pacifists. Mentions the changing attitudes of the Church - it became, `the end justifies the means' and refers to the number of Methodist ministers and their wives who continued to proclaim that `war is contrary to the teachings of Christ'. Describes the Conscientious Appeal Boards and relates some of the remarks made by board members. Recalls own conscription for military service in the first 18 year old ballot and being arrested and sentenced to one months hard labour in Wanganui prison. Recalls from then on being designated a military defaulter. Notes that the government was not prepared for 800 conscientious objectors. Outlines the following five years spent at Waiouru military camp detention barracks; Mt Eden prison; Strathmore detention camp at Reporoa, south of Rotorua and Hautu Detention Camp, five miles from Turangi. Describes prison escape, with reference to Chris Palmer, recapture, hunger strike for 36 days, contacting TB (Tuberculosis) and lack of treatment while in prison. Discusses post war experience and employers' attitude to conscientious objectors. Mentions Riverside Community. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Julian McCarthy Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007791 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2058.

Date: 20 May 1997

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II

By: Willetts, John, 1922-2010

Reference: OHInt-0426-10

Description: Jack Willetts recalls being a convinced pacifist by the age of 15. Discusses involvement with the Methodist bible class movement and refers to bible class leader who was strongly influenced by Ormond Burton, a methodist minister who had been decorated in the first world war for bravery, but came out convinced that the new testament was clearly pacifist in its teaching so he founded the New Zealand Christian Pacifist Movement. Recalls joining the movement at the age of 18 and attending NZ Christian Pacifist conferences. Mentions family attitude. Describes the tribunal set up for conscientious objectors during World War II. Refers to street meetings and `soapbox'. Outlines war years spent in various prisons and detention camps - Mt Crawford, Mt Eden, Strathmore, Hautu, Whitanui and the `birdcage' at Trentham. Discusses the positive things about detention and recalls development of hobbies, painting and reading. Describes involvement with the Riverside Pacifist Community for 10 years after the war. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Julian McCarthy Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007809-007810 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 1.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2066.

Date: 22 Apr 1997 - 27 Apr 1997

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II

By: Silvester, David William, 1913-

Reference: OHInt-0426-08

Description: David William Silvester born Frankton, Hamilton and lived there until the age of 20 years. Recalls memories of soldiers with wounds, crutches etc in Frankton after World War I, and peace celebrations in Hamilton including a ceremony and tree planting at school for a teacher who was killed in the war. Backgrounds involvement with Pacificism, with reference to youth director of Methodist church, bible class and attendance at conference in 1933 which led to becoming one of the first members of New Zealand Pacifist Society (1935/1936) and involvement with the Christian Pacifist Movement. Discusses: outbreak of World War II: interview with Public Service Commission Office; street meetings and soapbox once a week and sentence to Mt Crawford prison with Ormond Burton and Archie Barrington. Describes conditions at Mt Crawford and notes prisons were not fitted to take conscientious objectors, hence the commencement of detention camps. Refers to CO (conscientious objector) at Strathmore hospital who died from meningitis as it wasn't diagnosed. Recalls being sent to Waikune, with reference to Jeremiah Quill and then to Hautu. Refers to censorship of CO's letters and describes CO's mail run arrangements and escape attempts. Talks about involvement with Riverside Christian Pacifist Community after World War II. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Julian McCarthy Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007803-007805 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2064.

Date: 23 May 1990

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II by Hautu Productions

By: Hamerton, John Robert, 1913-2002

Reference: OHInt-0697/02

Description: John Robert Hamerton recalls joining Christian Pacifist Society 1939, refusing to enrole, spending 14 days at Mt Eden and being taken to detention camp. Talks about conditions at Hautu and Strathmore camps and refers to hunger strike, escapes and censorship. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Margaret Long Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHV-0556A, OHV-0557, OHV-0558; OHLV-0264 (covers all tapes) Quantity: 3 videocassette(s). 1 folder(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other Notes - OHA-3438.

Date: 13, Aug 1988, 21 Nov 1990 - 13 Aug 1988 - 21 Nov 1990

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II by Hautu Productions

By: McCreary, John Rushford, 1920-1995

Reference: OHInt-0697/06

Description: John McCreary recalls experiences while being detained at Strathmore camp as a conscientious objector during World War II and describes work conditions etc. Talks about review of Appeal Board. Refers to Peace Movement, Peace Pledge Union and Christian Pacifists. Mentions Michael Young and Arthur Carman. Lists different kinds of conchies [conscientious objectors]. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Jock Phillips Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHV-0562, 0563, 0564, 0565, 0566; OHLV-0278, 0279 Quantity: 5 videocassette(s). 1 folder(s) - handwritten notes. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other Notes - OHA-3441.

Date: 17 Dec 1990

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II by Hautu Productions

By: Walsh, Thomas Patrick, 1920-2012

Reference: OHInt-0697/23

Description: Thomas Patrick (Tom) Walsh recalls working as copy bolder at Dominion, being called up Feb 1941, not going through with appeal and being sent to prison at Trentham and later Strathmore and Hautu Camps. Describes conditions and types of people at camp. Mentions escape and mail run. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Margaret Long Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHV-0606, 0607 ; OHLV-0286 Quantity: 2 videocassette(s). 1 folder(s) - handwritten notes. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other Notes - OHA-3459.

Date: 14 Nov 1990

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II by Hautu Productions

By: Weeber, Raymond Lewis, 1917-2011; Weeber, Betty, active 1940s-1990

Reference: OHInt-0697/24

Description: Ray and Betty Weeber talk about their experiences as conscientious objectors during World War II. Ray recalls being called up in 1941, appeal being dismissed, walking out from medical exam and being arrested. Talks about time at Strathmore and Hautu camps. Betty talks about being in a pacifists group during the war and fellowship with other conscientious objectors. Refers to Read Mason, Eric Slyfield, Mike Young, Aida Weeber, Joyce Megget and Lucy Rogers. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Margaret Long Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHV-0608, 0609 0610; OHLV-0288 Quantity: 3 videocassette(s). 1 folder(s) - handwritten notes. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other Notes - OHA-3460.