Patterson, Douglas Augustine, 1914-1993

Date: 1955-1971

By: Hill, Morris James, 1929-2002

Reference: PA-Group-00375

Description: Wellington, openings of Parliament, politicians, Governors General, show personalities, Antarctic teams, police, army, visiting diplomats and heads of state, ship visits, memorials, RNZAF, fighter planes and fighter plane training, rugby and rugby players and selectors, film censorship, conferences, agricultural air shows, artists, royalty, manufacturing industries, models and fashion parades, New Zealand Players, etc Source of title - Title supplied by Library Arrangement: Negatives housed at 35mm-18037 to 18703, 120-0881 to 0959, 1/4-071736 to 072044, 1/2-177020 to 177461. Quantity: 1483 b&w original negative(s) 78 120 strips comprising 158 images, 666 35mm strips comprising 1,976 images, 308 1/4 plate negs, 441 1/2 plate negs. Total images 2,883. Finding Aids: Library generated negative registers provide a good access point to this collection. The negatives are listed within subject groupings.. Processing information: Originally arranged and described in 1995. Reference number changed from PAColl-4814 to PA-Group-00375 in 2009.

Date: 16 Dec 1999

From: National Airways Corporation (NAC) 50th anniversary oral history project, Stages I and II

By: Johnston, Joseph Wilton, 1914-2001

Reference: OHInt-0439-04

Description: Wilt Johnson was born in Invercargill in 1914. Gives details of his family background. Talks about his father and grandfather being partners in J Johnston and Sons which built lime works, freezing works and steam locomotives. Talks about his education at Waihopai Primary School and Southland Boys High School. Describes being taken for a ride in a Gypsy Moth. Discusses working unpaid for the Southland Aero Club for a year, being put on the payroll and being taught to fly by John Smith, who established the Aero Club. Describes becoming Assistant Engineer for Union Airways in Dunedin in 1936. Recalls that DH86 aircraft were imported in huge boxes and assembled. Discusses Union Airways staff members Len Mangham and Doug Patterson and others. Describes getting his Aircraft Maintenance Engineers' Licence. Refers to the Union Steam Ship Company and handling passengers. Discusses the effect of World War II on Union Airways and the takeover of the DH86 aicraft by the RNZAF. Talks about the formation of NAC and staff coming from the Air Force. Recalls becoming engineer in charge of maintenance in Palmerston North in 1944. Discusses aeroplanes including the Lodestar, Electra, DC3, Fokker Friendship and Vickers Viscount. Explains the Fail Safe and Safe Life philosophies (the American and British philosophies) of building aircraft in connection with aircraft purchase. Talks about General Managers Maurice Clarke, Captain J J Busch and Doug Patterson. Describes being Maintenance Officer at Christhcurch from 1952 until his retirement in 1979. Comments on Chief Engineer Arthur Smaile and industrial management. Describes several months in Holland and Seattle working with Fokker and constructing Boeing 737 aircraft. Discusses operational differences between Air New Zealand and NAC and feelings about their merger. Talks about getting into avionics (aircraft instrumentation). Discusses a number of aeroplane crashes including the Erebus crash in 1979. Gives views on Justice Mahon and Morrie Davis, General Manager of Air New Zealand. Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008637-OHC-008639; OHLC-004403-OHLC-004405 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 folder(s) accompanying material. 1 interview(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-2700; accompanying material OHA-2700/1, OHA-2700/2. Photo of Wilt Johnston and car in 1937 and photo of Wilt Johnston about 1970 Search dates: 1914 - 1999

Date: 14 Sep 1998

From: National Airways Corporation (NAC) 50th anniversary oral history project, Stages I and II

By: Kirkham, Albert Roger, 1917-1999

Reference: OHInt-0439-03

Description: Roger Kirkham was born in Dunedin in 1917. Gives details of his family background, childhood in Caversham and attitudes to religion and politics. Mentions his father worked at the Mosgiel Woollen Mills and later at the Onehunga Woollen Mills as a designer. Talks about the death of his sister and two brothers at a young age. Describes being close to his uncle with whom he became involved in drama and in doing a radio play. Recalls education at Mt Albert Grammar School. Describes doing a commerce degree and going to Wellington as a cadet with the Transport Department. Mentions marriage to Marjorie Gapes in 1943. Discusses being a survey officer in the Field Regiment of the artillery during World War II, becoming a chartered accountant after the war and becoming the NAC branch accountant in Auckland. Discusses the RNZAF, Whenuapai, the conversion of DC3 aeroplanes and, antipathy between Union Airways and the Air Force. Explains how NAC was made up. Recalls moving to Christchurch as a personnel administration officer and talks about industrial problems and some of the staff. Discusses Arthur Smaile and NAC chairmen Sir Leonard Isitt, Sir Andrew McKee, Alan Gilkison and Bill Mace. Talks about pilots including those involved in crashes at Port Underwood and on Ruapehu. Mentions the DC3 crash at Waikanae and the 1957 Bristol Freighter crash at Christchurch. Describes the establishment of Straits Air Freight Express (SAFE) based in Blenheim and its General Manager, Des Linsky. Comments on Mt Cook Airline and Harry Wigley. Discusses Geoffrey Roberts, Morrie Davis, Doug Patterson and Group Captain J J (Jack) Busch. Discusses routes, airways, airport dues and Ministry of Transport involvement. Discusses the introduction of the Vickers Viscount in 1958 and the ordering of Fokker Friendship aeroplanes. Mentions the possibility of merger with TEAL. Discusses the formation of SPANZ in 1960 supported by Keith Holyoake. Recalls becoming superintendent of economic research at Head Office in 1962. Discusses NAC's financial difficulties, staff reduction by attrition and discussions with Doug Patterson and Allan Kenning. Describes market research work and trying to develop a demand forecast model. Talks about becoming Director of Planning, withdrawing an aeroplane from service and the political reaction. Comments on the relationship between NAC and Air New Zealand and the attitude of Air New Zealand to building the Rongotai terminal. Recalls becoming Assistant General Manager (Commercial) and advising Polynesian Airlines on replacing its aircraft. Discusses freight services and the insistence of Peter Gordon on maintaining Safe Air. Discusses the computerisation of reservation systems. Refers to cabinet ministers Peter Gordon, Martin Finlay, Tom Shand, Colin McLachlan and Sir Basil Arthur. Mentions Bert Edwards. Describes retirement and becoming director of Safe Air, NZ Aerospace Industries and Freeline Reservations. Mentions involvement with the Double Bay tourist resort proposal. Discusses the Erebus crash and attempts by Doug Patterson to have polar flights stopped before the crash. Comments on the change of coordinates leading to the crash and on the opinion of Judge Mahon. Mentions Morrie Davis, Norman Geary, Robert Muldoon and Des Dalgety. Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008632-OHC-008636; OHLC-004398-OHLC-004402 Quantity: 5 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 5 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA 2699. Photo of Roger and Joan Kirkham and granddaughter; photo of Roger Kirkham about 1958; photo of Roger Kirkham and other NAC managers during training Search dates: 1917 - 1998

Date: 13 Sep 1998

From: National Airways Corporation (NAC) 50th anniversary oral history project, Stages I and II

By: Ramsden, Matthew Arthur, 1921-2007

Reference: OHInt-0439-05

Description: Matthew Ramsden was born in Wellington in 1921. Give details of his family background, family home at Rongotai and attending Rongotai College. Describes his enthusiasm for aviation and living near Wellington Airport. Recalls the effect of the Depression on family members. Talks about going to work as a clerk for furniture manufacturers Scoullar Company in 1936. Describes his social life and activities. Mentions football, the pictures, races, listening to the radio, reading and playing the piano. Describes joining the RNZAF during World War II, becoming a pilot, going to the United Kingdom and flying Lancaster 153 Squadron aeroplanes for Bomber Command. Talks about marrying Joy Gibbins in England in 1944, coming back to New Zealand in 1946 and joining NAC as an Administration officer in Palmerston North. Discusses the amalgamation of Union Airways, East Coast Airways, Cook Strait Airways and Air Travel under the first Labour Government. Talks about the role of the Union Steam Ship Company in travel between the North and South Islands and the importance of the train. Comments on the New Zealand National Airways Corporation Act of 1945 and later changes to its original intention of providing economic air services. Mentions a policy change under the National Government, the wish of Stan Goosman, Minister of Civil Aviation, to sell NAC and controls put on NAC. Comments on the social environment during the post World War II era. Mentions shortage of supplies and demand for houses. Describes the need for airfield development. Mentions Harewood, Palmerston North and Whenuapai. Talks about the first NAC chairman Sir Leonard Isitt. Discusses aircraft purchase and government pressure to buy a British Aircraft Corporation (BAC) aeroplane rather than a Boeing 737. Mentions the British government and the EEC. Comments on attempts by NAC to resolve the problem of unprofitable provincial routes by providing commuter services. Mentions Eagle Air and Air Nelson. Talks about the NAC Chief Executive Doug Patterson. Mentions Deputy General Manager Leslie Ford. Recalls becoming Personnel Manager and involvement in industrial relations. Comments on the Industrial Conciliation and Arbitration Act and compulsory unions. Discusses Fintan Patrick Walsh, the Federation of Labour, the Engineers' and Related Trades Industrial Union of Workers, Jimmy Neale, the Cooks' and Stewards' Union and the Airline Pilots' Association. Mentions involvement in the New Zealand Institute of Personnel Management. Discusses the merger of NAC and Air New Zealand. Mentions Morrie Davis and Bert Edwards, Secretary for Transport. Recalls becoming Regional Manager in Wellington, Marketing Manager and then Assistant General Manager (Commercial). Mentions student standby, bulk fares, charters and package tours. Comments on minimal competition from Mt Cook Airlines and SPANZ. Discusses computerised reservation systems. Talks about leaving NAC, becoming a consultant in aviation tourism and becoming the Chairman for Eagle Air. Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008640-OHC-008643; OHLC-004406-OHLC-004409 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 4 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA 2701. Photos of Matt Ramsden in 1941 and 1961 and 1981 Search dates: 1921 - 1998

Date: 27 Sep 1998

From: National Airways Corporation (NAC) 50th anniversary oral history project, Stages I and II

By: Williams, Richard Landeg, 1933-

Reference: OHInt-0439-06

Description: Richard Williams was born in New Plymouth in 1933. Gives details of his family background. Describes how his father was postmaster at Okato and his mother was a school teacher. Mentions his father was part Maori. Describes the effect of his dsciplined childhood on his later career. Recalls his childhood interest in aviation and meeting war heroes Douglas Bader and Yvette from the French Resistance. Talks about becoming an administration clerk with NAC in 1950 and being a boarder at the Public Service hostel in Oriental Bay. Describes the glamour of an airline job. Discusses becoming an airline traffic officer at New Plymouth in 1951 and work with weights and balances, loads, baggage and cargo. Recalls that most of the NAC pilots were ex-RNZAF and mentions Morrie Pirie, J Neville Jackson, Ron Walton and Maurice Cullinane. Discusses office staff including Colin Bamfield and Vera Farrell. Comments that the 1951 waterfront strike helped NAC in its demonstration that air travel was a viable alternative. Recalls how the death of three children in the 1954 DC3 crash at Paraparaumu led to the employment of cabin crew in aircrafts. Describes becoming passenger scheduling officer at Head Office in 1956 and then Agency officer. Mentions aircraft checks and timetabling details. Describes the introduction of the Vickers Viscount and Fokker aircraft. Discusses his involvement in the opening of Wellington airport. Talks about General Managers Maurice Clarke, J J Busch and Doug Patterson and the latter's association with Robert Muldoon and Morrie Davis. Mentions his first wife Lulu Eades, their three daughters, and his remarriage to Estelle Robertson in 1970. Comments on women pilots and the first female pilot, Susan Truman. Mentions that marketing in the early days was dones by self-taught local managers. Describes becoming assistant to the Public Relations manager Arthur Feslier. Discusses the production of annual reports, the arrival of jet aircraft in New Zealand and the associated media campaign. Mentions that Public Affairs worked closely with all departments. Recalls Johnny Walker, Allan Kenning, Charles Labette, Dave Foley, Les Ford and Dave Johnston. Describes becoming Advertising Superintendent in 1973 and working with J Ilott Advertising. Mentions the marching girls campaign and sales missions to Australia. Recalls the 1978 merger of NAC and Air New Zealand and the effect on families, suicides and lack of counselling. Comments that the Erebus crash of 1979 brought things together although there was division within the airline about the cause of the crash. Comments on the bond amongst NAC staff, the encouragement of staff social life by management, open days, air shows, joy rides and flights for charities. Mentions the media response to this. Discusses postions held with Air New Zealand including Marketing Support and Advertising Co-ordinator. Mentions retirement in 1996 and some consultancy since. Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-008644-OHC-008647; OHLC-004410-OHLC-004413 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 interview(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA 2702. Search dates: 1933 - 1998

Date: 1977

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-224959-F

Description: Publicity portrait of Mr Patterson, taken for the New Zealand National Airways Corporation ca 1977 by K E Niven and Co, commercial photographers of Wellington. Other - envelope number: 797/77F, NAC Publicity portraits, executive board members. Quantity: 1 colour original negative(s). Physical Description: Dye coupler negative

Date: 1977

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-224933-F

Description: Publicity portrait of Mr Patterson, taken for the New Zealand National Airways Corporation ca 1977 by K E Niven and Co, commercial photographers of Wellington. Other - envelope number: 797/77F, NAC Publicity portraits, executive board members. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 1973

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-224310-F

Description: Copy - portrait of Mr Patterson, taken for the New Zealand National Airways Corporation ca 1973 by K E Niven and Co, commercial photographers of Wellington. Other - envelope number: 771/73F, NAC 2 c/n Mr Patterson. Description from negative envelope. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 1977

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-224935-F

Description: Publicity portrait of Mr Patterson, taken for the New Zealand National Airways Corporation ca 1977 by K E Niven and Co, commercial photographers of Wellington. Other - envelope number: 797/77F, NAC Publicity portraits, executive board members. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 1973

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-224309-F

Description: Copy - portrait of Mr Patterson, taken for the New Zealand National Airways Corporation ca 1973 by K E Niven and Co, commercial photographers of Wellington. Other - envelope number: 771/73F, NAC 2 c/n Mr Patterson. Description from negative envelope. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: 1977

From: K E Niven and Co :Commercial negatives

Reference: 1/2-224934-F

Description: Publicity portrait of Mr Patterson, taken for the New Zealand National Airways Corporation ca 1977 by K E Niven and Co, commercial photographers of Wellington. Other - envelope number: 797/77F, NAC Publicity portraits, executive board members. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Cellulosic film negative

Date: Aug 1959

From: Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs

Reference: WA-51341-F

Description: Photograph taken by Whites Aviation. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Film negative, 1/4 plate

Date: Aug 1959

From: Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs

Reference: WA-51343-F

Description: Photograph taken by Whites Aviation. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Film negative, 1/4 plate

Date: Aug 1959

From: Whites Aviation Ltd: Photographs

Reference: WA-51344-F

Description: Photograph taken by Whites Aviation. Quantity: 1 b&w original negative(s). Physical Description: Film negative, 1/4 plate