Interview with Arthur Black

Arthur Gordon Black recalls earliest recollections when he was a boy of four at Porangahau (Southern Hawkes Bay) in 1923 living on a soldier's resettlement farm. Mentions grandfather who lived with them and who had served in Afghanistan war. Describes childhood activities, traversing much of the countryside on foot and pony, finding a bird's nest which contained a human skull with a stone axe in it, and which is now in Napier Museum. Also describes Porangahau School and mentions Miss Tracey who taught there from 1924-1945 and Alf Mudgway. Mentions itinerant gentleman who took music. Other aspects of Porangahau discussed includes: Six o clock closing and Maori rule of not being allowed to take liquor away from hotel; 1931 Earthquake; Proficiency exam; lack of co-educational schools; camps for unemployed; Depression; college uniforms and church parades.

Describes Wellington Teachers' College which re-opened after the Depression in 1938 and refers to New Education Conference. Mentions Frank Lopdell, Frank Coombs, Walter Scott and Ron Lockhart. Refers to First Labour Government in 1935. Outlines teaching career, commencing with probationary year at Te Awa School followed by sole charge at Tarawera. Explains how sole charge operated. Talks about experience in Air Force, spending three months in Mounted Rifle camp and refers to Sir Andrew Russell. Mentions Conscription. In 1942 joined Navy and talks about trip across Pacific to Canada, referring to `HMS Philomel' and `Capetown Castle'. Recalls two months course at St Vincents; flying Tiger Moths, Harvards and Barracuda (flying bomber) and learning to dive bomb and drop torpedoes. Talks about experience when at Crail. Recalls returning to New Zealand on HMS 'Illustrious'. Mentions wife, Margaret, having to wait for ship bringing war brides.

Recalls having to undertake refresher course [post war] before taking a teaching position at Te Karaka District High School. Mentions A E Manning (Principal). Talks about involvement in Institute (NZEI). Other aspects of teaching career discussed include: Currie Report; Ruatoria School which was used as a model school for Maori education; Grading systems; first parent teacher group; Truant Officers; role of visiting teacher; Basic equipment scheme; Maori schools which were administered by Maori Affairs Department with separate Maori inspectors; teacher welfare; corporal punishment; Ministers of Education, with reference to Phil Amos and discussion on maternity leave [early 1970s]. Considers NZEI has helped teachers immeasurably in conditions of service. Mentions Dr Beeby and his philosophy.

Access Contact - see oral history librarian

Interviewer(s) - Roger Dougls Caley

Venue - Massey Street, Hastings

Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008898-008899, OHC-008900; OHLC-004545-004547

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

Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2763.

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

Alternative form available: Listening copies OHLC-004545 - OHLC-004547, and digital copies