Whitanui Detention Camp

Date: Apr 1945

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

Reference: MS-Papers-6309-19

Description: Detailed diary entries from various inmates at Whitanui; also includes pamphlet by NZCER on standardized tests Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [1941-1987]

From: Megget, Ronald Calverley, 1913-1996 : Papers and sound recordings

Reference: MS-Papers-7655-02

Description: Correspondence and other papers relating to Megget's time as a conscientious objector in World War Two including including reunions of detainees (1987-1994) and notebook of carpentry instructions (1943). The papers relating to Whitanui include minutes of the Whitanui and Paiaka educational committees, the inter-camp educational committee, the Shannon inter-camp committee, materials required for vocational training classes and WEA correspondence. 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: [1942-1946]

From: Megget, Ronald Calverley, 1913-1996 : Papers and sound recordings

Reference: MS-Papers-7655-08

Description: File relating to Megget's time in Whitanui Detention Camp; includes correspondence, notes, parole leave warrant, arts and crafts exhibition notice etc Other Titles - Defaulters' digest (1 Dec 1941) Other Titles - Fellowship of Conscientious Objectors' newsletter (1945, 1946) Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1994-1996

From: Megget, Ronald Calverley, 1913-1996 : Papers and sound recordings

Reference: MS-Papers-7655-07

Description: Letter to Megget from Jack Rogers with enclosures relating his experiences in Hautu detnetion camp and other events during World War Two. Also copy of letter from Jean and Jack to Walter and letter from Arthur to Jack focusing particularly on Hautu and the Maori history associated with it. Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [1940-1946]

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

Reference: MS-Papers-6309-20

Description: Script for `Sarsparella', described as an extravagant pantomime in three spasms, and written by Scott and John McCreary (1942); rules relating to the control of defaulters' detention camps (1941) on verso of employment vouchers; `New Yorker' extract (12 May 1945); copies of testimonials from J J Stevenson, F C Lopdell, R G Lockhart, H B Kirk, S M Kemp, D Rust, R Sheffield; revision authority for Scott (1946); declarations re Scott for his release; copy of correspondence between Scott and R Semple; instructions for camp Other Titles - Sarsparilla In Jonathan Scott's `Harry's absence' the title of the production, `Sarsparella' is given as `Sarsparilla' Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: Apr 1945

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

Reference: MS-Papers-6309-17

Description: Detailed diary entries from various inmates at Whitanui Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1944 - 1945

By: Megget, Ronald Calverley, 1913-1996

Reference: B-174-009/016

Description: Includes pencil portraits of internees, and a sketch of a hut in the detention camp. The sketches, all head and shoulder, some in profile, may all be of the same man. The watercolour is by Brian Snowdon on 17 September 1944, and shows a green one-room hut (number 28) with the window open at the right, and the door ajar to reveal the legs and boots of an internee with his feet up on the bed or bench. Location assumed from the fact that this collection came in with a programme for a production of William Saroyan's "The beautiful people" at Whitanui Camp 31 March 1945 (Eph-A-WAR-WII-1945-02). Quantity: 1 watercolour(s). 7 drawing(s). Physical Description: Pencil sketches and watercolour, sizes varying Transfers: From Manuscripts & Archives - MS-Group-1344 - Other material from the same provenance is held in the Ephemera Collection, Oral History Collection, PAColl-9516 and MS-Group-1344..

Date: 1945

By: Bollard, Albert Ernest, 1912-1993

Reference: Eph-A-WAR-WII-1945-02

Description: Programme for production of 'The beautiful people', with plot synopsis, and profile silhouettes (of cast members?) by A Bollard. Producer R Kennedy, stage and properties by P O'Neill. Cast included K Mulrennan, N Ginn, D Dubbelt, N Bennett, W Lawry, J O'Neill, H Scott, N Pierson. Two copies held Quantity: 1 b&w art print(s). Physical Description: Stapled booklet, of typescript, collages and relief prints, 217 x 190 mm. Provenance: Both copies donated by the Megget family, Auckland, in 2008-2009.

Date: Apr 1945

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

Reference: MS-Papers-6309-18

Description: Detailed diary entries from various inmates at Whitanui Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [1940-1945]

From: Megget, Ronald Calverley, 1913-1996 : Papers and sound recordings

Reference: MS-Papers-7655-05

Description: Programmes for three productions performed at Whitanui Detention Camp in 1944 and 1945. Each programme was designed by A Bollard; two productions were plays by Maxwell Anderson and Willliam Saroyan and the third was a song recital by Tom Sharp; also a notice regarding inmates' parcels from the National Service Department. Quantity: 1 folder(s).

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: 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: 25 Oct 1989

From: Conscientious objectors of World War II by Hautu Productions

By: Woodley, John Henderson, 1919-2001; Woodley, Myrtle, 1920-2007

Reference: OHInt-0697/10

Description: Myrtle and John Woodley talk about their experiences as Pacifists, anti-war activities, appeal system, poster parades and John being arrested May 1941 at Pigeon Park. They refer to bible-class pacifists. John mentions paintings in Whitanui and Hautu camps and Myrtle refers to problems with visiting. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Interviewer(s) - Margaret Long Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHV-0574B, OHV-0575 ; OHLV-0289 Quantity: 2 videocassette(s). 1 folder(s) - handwritten notes. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - other Notes - OHA-3445.

Date: [1940-1945]

From: Mason, Read Rex, 1904-1992 : Papers

Reference: 2005-016-16

Description: Inward and outward correspondence and related material; most correspondents identified and entered in the Name field. Also includes letters from Ron, Gisborne; [?] Marr [?] Tarkington, Hikurangi; letters to Bob and Doreen, Orakei; and Ken. Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: Mar-Apr 1943

From: Hansen, Dan Haig, 1918-2006: Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-8773-03

Description: Correspondence between Harold Hansen at Paiaka Detention Camp and members of his family at Beeville, Orini Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Mss

Date: 1937-[197-]

By: Bowie, Ronald Trent, 1907-2000

Reference: 80-194

Description: Producer's copies of plays produced by Bowie. Many of the copies are annotated. Also included are programmes (some autographed), reviews and photographs of the productions. Source of title - Supplied title Bowie was associated with the setting up of the Auckland Repertory Theatre in 1937 and was a regular producer of plays in Auckland in the late 1930s, and 1940s. During the 1950s he moved to Wellington and produced plays for Unity, Stagecraft and the Wellington Repertory Theatre. He also made several films for the National Film Unit, including the production presented at EXPO 70 in Japan. Quantity: 2 box(es). 0.60 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss Finding Aids: Preliminary listing of the plays produced available.

Date: May-Jun 1943

From: Hansen, Dan Haig, 1918-2006: Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-8773-04

Description: Correspondence between Harold Hansen, imprisoned at Whenuaroa and Paiaka detention camps and members of his family at Beeville, Orini Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Mss

Date: Jan-Feb 1943

From: Hansen, Dan Haig, 1918-2006: Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-8773-02

Description: Correspondence between Harold Hansen and his family at Beeville, Orini while imprisoned at Whenuaroa and Paiaka detention camps Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Mss