Interview with Margaret Hall

Margaret Hall (nee Julius) was born in Dunedin in 1908. Notes that her family moved to Palmerston North and talks about being educated at Queen Margaret College. Describes how she would have liked to have taken up music but did shorthand typing instead. Recalls attending Miss Glyde's School of Typing and starting work for law firm Salek, Turner and Brown. Discusses the fact that it was easy to get jobs in the 1920s. Recalls beginning work for Macalister Mazengarb in 1929. Describes the partners O.C. Mazengarb, E.P.Hay and R.L. Macalister and other staff. Recalls their personal qualities and areas of work expertise. Notes that E.P. Hay was Mayor of Lower Hutt and R.L. (Robert) Macalister was Mayor of Wellington.

Explains the office hierarchy and the difference between secretaries and typists. Recalls the importance of Grace Ewing who did court preparation work. Comments that working women in the 1920s were all single. Discusses the effect on the firm of the Depression. Describes the ledger system, cash book, day book and office routine. Describes the atmosphere in the office, treatment of staff by the firm and affection for the firm. Recalls promotion to the position of accountant, office renovations and new partners A.J. Mazengarb, F.L. Parkin and L.G. (Les) Rose. Describes her attitude to working with male bosses.

Describes joining the Red Cross as a voluntary aide during World War II. Notes that eleven staff members went to World War II and recalls the effects on the firm and individuals. Comments on the impact of Accident Compensation legislation in 1974 on the firm.

Venue - Wellington : 1988

Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe

Venue - Mrs Hall's home in Khandallah

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-003602; OHC-003603; OHC-003604

Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration.

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 618.