Bricklayers - Trade-unions

Date: 14-21 August 1998 - 14 Aug 1999 - 17 Aug 1999

From: Trade union oral history project

By: O'Sullivan, John Doyle, 1912-2003

Reference: OHInt-0478/39

Description: John (Jack) O'Sullivan born Wellington of Irish parents. Recalls living in a Railway house in Plimmerton; leaving school in 1927 and first job of bricklaying; moving to Hawkes Bay in 1931 to pursue bricklaying after earthquake; becoming a plasterer; experiences and wages while on relief work during the Depression, working on the construction of the Paremata bridge. Joined New Zealand Railways as electric line erector, becoming control room operator and explains progression through New Zealand Railways. Recounts experiences working for New Zealand Railways during World War II. Backgrounds involvement with Amalgamated Society of Railway Servants / National Union of Railwaymen and positions held. Recalls 1950 Railway strike in Paekakariki. Describes union officials, Bernie Dempsey, Harry Dent, Tommy Lord, Lois McLaren, Terry Redmond (General Secretary), Harry Strang (President), Don Goodfellow (General Secretary), Bill Stirling (National Councillor), Barney Rush (Branch Secretary), Norris Collins, Bob McLachlan, Alf Still and Dennis Kane. Explains and details preferential voting for national ballots, with reference to National Office scrutineer, Barney Rush. Recalls women in the union - refreshment branch and cleaning staff. Recalls penny-slot toilets. Recounts problems with stewards employed on the Silver Star and discusses end of Silver Star service and its relocation to Asia. Recalls events of 'Wahine' storm and railway co-operation with the rescue effort. Other topics discussed include; Railway Safety Committee; introduction of ACC (Accident Compensation); compensation cases, with reference to Des Dalgety (lawyer); communist influence on national conference during the Vietnam era and invasion of communists into Wellington branch after 1951 from the Carpenters Union. Discusses Catholicism and discrimination because of religious beliefs. Mentions politicians, Savage, Nash and Semple. Recalls memories of Fintan Walsh and A J Neary. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Shaun Ryan Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-007587-007590 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.52 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-1916. Photocopy of 1 b&w photograph of Jack O'Sullivan taken by Earle Andrew, Wellington NZ

Date: 1892-1985

By: New Zealand Building Trades Union

Reference: MS-Group-0415

Description: Comprises records of the Wellington and Wanganui branches of the Carpenters' Union and its predecessors, and of their National Executive; also records of the Wanganui Gasworkers and Painters' unions, the Wellington Plumbers' and Bricklayers' unions, and the Ship's Carpenters' branch of the Wellington Watersiders' Union. An apparently unrelated collection, that of the Wellington Milk Roundsmen's Union, was also found with the records. Also includes records of the Wellington and Wanganui Trades Councils Source of title - Supplied Quantity: 43 box(es). 6 volume(s). 2 folder(s). 16.50 Linear Metres. Finding Aids: Box listings available. Transfers: To Photographic Archive - 14 group portraits - To Other - Film to NZ Film Archive.

Date: 1962-1967

From: New Zealand Federation of Labour : Records

Reference: MS-Papers-4100-20/12/1