Women clerks

Date: 5, 14 December 1994; 17 November 1995 - 05 Dec 1994 - 17 Nov 1995

From: Otago Women and Work - Paid and Unpaid Oral History Project

By: Cunninghame, Rose, active 1992; Poulter, Eileen Jane, 1911-2004

Reference: OHInt-0148/22

Description: Born in Dunedin in 1911, eldest of 6 children. Family moved to Wanganui for a while, then returned to Dunedin. Had polio when young. Attended schools in Wanganui and Dunedin - was Dux at school. Wanted to train as a teacher but had to find a job. Worked as a clerk in Lands & Deeds office for 10 years - left when married in 1938. Raised 6 children. Later returned to paid work force - school librarian for many years, loved books and reading. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Dunedin Interviewer(s) - Rose Cunninghame Venue - Dunedin Arrangement: Tape sequence - OHC-018586-018589; OHLC-010025-010028 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6435 and OHDL-000756.

Date: 6, 15, 26, 29 October 1992; 1 November 1992 - 06 Oct 1992 - 01 Nov 1992

From: Otago Women and Work - Paid and Unpaid Oral History Project

By: Harrex, Robyn, active 1992; Rutherford, Helen Elizabeth, 1908-1997

Reference: OHInt-0148/25

Description: Mrs Helen Rutherford, born and spent childhood in Dunedin. Parents worked for the Post Office, mother also taught music. Family moved to Napier because of father's ill health. Helen excelled at secondary school particularly in music, passing her ATCL and LRSM. Music also played important role in family life. Although her mother and grandmother were keen for her to attend university, Helen took up an offer of office work in Wanaka - over the next few years she continued as an office worker for family businesses and a number of other employers. During the war she moved to Poolburn having married a farmer. In addition to raising 5 children Helen has been very involved in community organisation, in particular adult education, plunket and WDFF - the latter two of which she is a life member. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Central Otago Interviewer(s) - Robyn Harrex Venue - Central Otago Accompanying material - Photographs of Helen Rutherford 1992 and various documents. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-018530-018539; OHLC-009969-009978 Quantity: 10 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 9.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-6422 and OHDL-00758.

Date: 17 Mar 1989

From: Housing Corporation of New Zealand oral history project

By: Cantwell, Phyllis Maude, 1915-2011

Reference: OHInt-0185/15

Description: Phyllis Cantwell was born in Devonport, Auckland in 1915. Describes her forebears on both sides as early settlers in the Auckland area. Recalls her childhood in Devonport and briefly in New Plymouth. Describes the effect of her father's support of the Labour Party on her attitude to politics. Recalls school and her school uniform of gym slip, hat, gloves and stockings. Comments on the effect of the Depression on her father's building work. Describes clerical and receptionist work in Auckland, Te Kuiti and Hamilton before beginning work with State Advances Corporation in Hamilton as an office assistant in 1942. Describes the office, staff, time-keeping, her salary and working on calculating interest rates and filing. Talks about starting accountancy and graduating with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1947. Summarises her career. Describes an unsuccessful appeal for regrading in 1969 and promotion in 1970. Talks about the accounting system in Hamilton including budget control, balancings, rehabilitation and other loans and the last day of the financial year. Refers to Jack Ashton, Johnny Wood and Ron Millard. Discusses working conditions including morning and afernoon teas. Talks about enjoying farm accounting work, the beginnings of computerisation and a staff effectiveness evaluation. Describes being the branch accountant in Nelson and being the first woman in State Advances Corporation to be examining accountant. Comments on being part of the equal pay campaign in the 1950s. Considers that opportunities for women were not as good as those for men but that State Advances Corporation was relatively fair. Describes retirement in 1978. Venue - Hamilton : 1989 Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Venue - Phyllis Cantwell's home in Hamilton Accompanying material - `My years in the State Advances Corporation of New Zealand, later divided into the Housing Corporation of N.Z. and the Rural Bank' by Phyllis Cantwell Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002254; OHC-002255; OHC-002256 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 417.

Date: 31 Jan 1986

From: New Zealand Post Office Oral History Project

By: Mackie, Lilian Edith, 1911-1995

Reference: OHInt-0070/20

Description: Lilian Mackie recalls family background, childhood, early work as shorthand typist in 1926, work as shorthand typist at Ashburton Post Office from 1928, duties, social life, treatment by other staff, hours of work, salary, daily routine, Remington typewriters, reference to Repetitive Strain Injury, work as shorthand typist at Chief Post Office in Christchurch in 1938, acceptance of outsiders, rotation of jobs, routines, types of work, confidential jobs, function of the Inquiry Office, atmosphere, boarding for twenty years at Melville House, Christchurch, call out work, effect of World War II. Describes the Ballantyne's fire in 1947, impressions of Mabel Howard MP, speed of typewriting and shorthand taking, some Post Office colleagues, retirement and marriage, thoughts of Post Office as a career for women, the Post Office welfare services. Venue - Christchurch Interviewer(s) - Alison Parr Venue - Lilian Mackie's home at Flat 4, 326 Montreal Street, Christchurch Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-001257 - OHC-001258 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1.56 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 160. Search dates: 1911 - 1986

Date: 18 Feb 1990

From: Bay of Plenty Earthquake (1987) Oral History Project

By: Fyfe, Judith Mildred de Visme, 1944-; Sisley, Matekitawhiti Eliza, 1950-

Reference: OHInt-0106-04

Description: Mate Sisley was born at Otakiri on 4 March 1950. She grew up in a large extended family in Otakiri and was largely raised by her maternal grandparents after her father had an accident. Describes her schooling, going to secretarial college and working at Tasman Pulp and Paper. Talks about what her siblings are doing now. Describes her marriage and moving to Wellington with her husband. Recalls working for Robert Muldoon, socialising with him and being the only Maori working for the National Party. Describes having her children, the death of her husband in a car accident and its effect on her. Talks about the day of the earthquake and her job as secretary to the Mayor and Council at the time of the earthquake. Notes that the Council was meeting at the time. Describes the Council buildings being set up as Civil Defence headquarters. Comments on the role of Wira Gardiner. Talks about returning home and going to see her children at a relative's house. Describes taking the children to Rotorua and cleaning the mess at her house. Describes disorganisation and alienation and recalls that it took a few days before people developed a community spirit. Describes the work of the army and recalls elderly people being taken to the marae. Talks about working at the Disaster Recovery Centre at Edgecumbe. Comments on the work of Elsie Walker, the lack of involvement of politicians and difficulties with insurance. Describes her children as still frightened. Venue - Whakatane : 1950 Interviewer(s) - Fyfe, Judith Venue - At 12 Kauri Street, Edgecumbe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002889; OHC-002890; OHC-002891 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 555. Photograph of Mate Sisley in February 1990; photograph of Mate Sisley and others about 1980; photograph of Mate Sisley and Judith Tangitu about 1953 Search dates: 1990

Date: 16 Feb 1990

From: Bay of Plenty Earthquake (1987) Oral History Project

By: Fyfe, Judith Mildred de Visme, 1944-; Hahipene, Winifred Margaret, 1955-

Reference: OHInt-0106-02

Description: Wini Hahipene was born in Whakatane on 29 November 1955. Talks about growing up in Te Teko and being educated there, in Auckland and in Edgecumbe. Describes qualifying and being employed as a data processor and secretary in Auckland, Wellington and other parts of the country. Recalls returning to live in Te Teko in 1984 and being employed as Office Clerk/Secretary for the Rangitaiki Skills Centre at the time of the earthquake in 1987. Gives details of the actual earthquake. Talks about her involvement in the evacuation of Te Teko to the marae and being a member of the Earthquake Recovery Team. Comments on the involvement of the Mongrel Mob. Talks about post earthquake feelings, some abuse of the welfare system after the earthquake and changes, particularly in Te Teko, since the earhquake. Venue - Edgecumbe : 1990 Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - At Wini's home at Edgecumbe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002898; OHC-002899; OHC-002900 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 558. Search dates: 1990

Date: 22 Jul-24 Oct 1985 - 22 Jul 1985 - 24 Oct 1985

From: Nelson and Golden Bay Oral History Project

By: Masters, Charles Reuben George, 1906-1989; Masters, Kathleen Mary, 1914-1986

Reference: OHInt-0053/16

Description: George Masters was born in Constable in Great Britain in 1906. Recalls his family's emigration to New Zealand in 1911 and settling in Nelson in 1915. Describes F.G. (Soss) Gibbs, headmaster of Nelson College for Boys. Comments on the youth activities of various churches and his family's social position in Nelson. After being a pupil teacher at Nelson Central School for Boys, he attended Teachers College in Christchurch and studied physical education at Dunedin Training College. Describes his student days. Recalls teaching at the Railways Public Works Camp at Gowan Bridge and the Resolution Bay Household School, Murchison and Collingwood. Describes his involvement in civil defence during World War II including taking Air Force cadets as he had an aviation licence. Talks about alternative lifestyle people and hippies in the Collingwood area other changes in the makeup of the population of Collingwood. Comments on sex education. Describes services to the community including work as an ambulance driver, member of the Education Board and Treasurer of the school committee. Kathleen Masters was born in Christchurch in 1915. Recalls her family background and childhood in Christchurch and the social pressures that she felt as a young woman there. Talks about being `finished off' at Rangiruru College. Describes the death of her first husband in Crete in 1940 and staying with her sister, Margaret Nicholson, who was married to the Collingwood vicar, Bob Nicholson. Talks about meeting and later marrying George Masters, employment with McNabb Motors and the Collingwood Dairy Factory, Collingwood and Rockville shops, married life, childbirth and child rearing, sewing and thrift, family finances, local entertainment and care of the elderly. Venue - Collingwood : 1985 Interviewer(s) - Rosie Little Venue - The Masters' home in Collingwood Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-003003; OHC-003004; OHC-003005; OHC-003006; OHC-003005; OHC-003008; OHC-003009; OHC-003010; OHC-003011; OHC-003012; OHC-003013; OHC-003014 Quantity: 12 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 580.

Date: 4 Nov 1991 - 04 Nov 1991

From: Women in World War II Part I

By: Bell, Cynthia Tohe Adelaide, 1922-1997

Reference: OHInt-0060/01

Description: Cynthia Bell was born in Levin on 4 September 1922. Gives some details of her whakapapa and growing up at the accommodation house at the Otaki Maori Racing Club Race Course where her father was caretaker and her mother did the catering. Describes family life, chores, involvement in sport, religion and her mother's beliefs about bringing up children on the marae. Talks about her education at Otaki and Palmerston North. Talks about the outbreak of war and being given a position in Base Records in the War Office in 1941. Explains the work which included typing telegrams prepared from casualty lists and involved some secrecy. Recalls her involvement with Ngati Poneke and their role in entertaining troops. Talks about Peni Tahiwi and the arrival of American troops in Wellington. Recalls her clothing, hair and reading,leisure and sport involvement. Talks about her father who fought at Gallipoli and played in the Maori Pioneer Rugby Battalion which toured England and France at the end of World War I. Notes that he also played for the New Zealand Maori rugby team and was an All Black. Describes the ability of her brother Ranfurly and members of the Winiata family (her mother's side) at playing rugby. Describes meeting and marrying Benjamin Raniera Bell at Rangiatia (Rangiatea) Church on his return from war. Talks about the Maori Battalion, tikunga (tikanga), attitudes to sex, the birth of her daughter and the role of Dr Atmore (a woman doctor) in helping Maori women overcome their fear of doctors. Mentions the local sanatorium and the incidence of tuberculosis. Describes working at the tobacco factory and then as a stenographer. Talks about the RSA and her love of golf, the involvement of Ben Bell and herself in horse racing, fashion and hats at the races and meeting Governors-General Freyberg and Fergusson as a result of his role as President of the Otaki Maori Racing Club. Describes her increasing involvement with Raukawa (Te Wananga o Raukawa). Talks about her use of traditional Maori medicine, love of Maori food and her mother's support of Raukawa and Maori Women's Welfare League. Venue - Otaki : 1991 Interviewer(s) - Queenie Rawinia Hyland Venue - Mill Road, Otaki Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004675; OHC-004676; OHC-004677 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 820. Photograph of Cynthia Bell in the War Records Office; photograph of Cynthia Bell in 1991

Date: 29 Jun-3 Jul 1992 - 29 Jun 1992 - 03 Jul 1992

From: Women in World War II Part II

By: Crisp, Enid Elizabeth, 1919-2009

Reference: OHInt-0064/12

Description: Enid Crisp was born in Greytown on 28 March 1919. Her father was a barrister and solicitor who also stood as a National Party candidate. Her mother was Plunket Society president and a founding member of the Little Theatre. Describes their home life, her schooling and teenage activites such as Bible Class dances, ping pong and going to movies. Talks about living next door to Maata Asher, a good friend of Katherine Mansfield's, and describes Maata's style. Talks about doing a secretarial course at Masterton Technical College, boarding at Masterton, working at Wright Stephensons and then with an accountant's firm. Describes her first date with husband to be John (Jack) Crisp and a group of friends socialising in `jalopies' with some alcohol. Notes that Masterton was a `dry' area. Describes Jack joining up at the start of the war, being sent to Burnham and as an officer sent overseas on long range desert campaigns. Focuses on her wartime involvement with patriotic activities including playing the piano at the Anzac Club and organising dance performances. Recalls soldiers camps at Solway showgrounds, Tauherenikau and other locations, which became tent cities. Talks about the American troops. Describes her involvement in the Emergency Precautions Scheme (EPS) and talks at length about the 1942 Masterton earthquake. Notes that Jack Crisp was invalided home from the war. Venue - Greytown : 1992 Interviewer(s) - Dr Cathy Casey Venue - Greytown Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004768; OHC-004769; OHC-004770 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 851.

Date: April 1989

By: Biggs, Michael, active 1989

Reference: OHColl-0076

Description: Interviewer(s) - Michael Biggs Quantity: 7 C60 cassette(s). 3 printed abstract(s). 3 interview(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete.

Date: 19 Aug 1988

From: Housing Corporation of New Zealand oral history project

By: Oliff, Olwen Jean, 1924-1990

Reference: OHInt-0185/10

Description: Olwen Oliff was born in Upper Hutt in 1924. Gives the origin of her surname as Middle English. Discusses her family background and the importance of religion. Notes that her father was a railway shift worker who worked long hours. Describes education at Upper Hutt Primary School and Hutt Valley High. Recalls her first day at State Advances when she was one of seven new cadets. Describes the offices. Comments that women ran State Advances during World War II. Describes the other women on the staff and discusses salaries. Discusses the impact of war deaths on the office and male-female relations in the office when the men returned after the war. Talks about working in the records section, moving to accounts and later working in statistics. Describes the work and the adding machines. Discusses the temporary status of most women staff and notes that she worked seven years before becoming a permanent staff member. Comments on the effect on women's finances of this lack of grading, the increased impetus to marry as a result of this and the stigma attached to being unmarried. Talks about Agatha O'Shea, Edith Lerwill, Doris Hare and Veronica Ross. Describes how the Head Office men had an army of clever women working for them. Discusses the beginning of the campaign by the PSA for equal pay for women. Notes that she worked part-time for a BA and was initially refused time to finish the last year of her degree. Describes training many staff. Talks about the role of a public servant and the importance of impartiality and discretion. Describes getting the job as section clerk for Housing Allication despite some resistance as it was normally a male postion. Recalls responding to ministerials. Comments on allegations of favouritism by the Housing Allocation Committee and expresses her view that it was very fair. Describes writing the original draft for the Corporation manual. Recalls working for the Committee of Inquiry into Housing and The Commission of Inquiry into the Rural Bank. Discusses the restructuring of State Advances Corporation into the Housing Corporation and the Rural Bank. Describes getting a job as Divisional Administration Officer of Lending and her emphasis on trying to get loans for single women. Recalls G.E. Miller, T.N. Smallwood, J.D.R. Wood, W. Hay, R.G. Millard, E.J. Babe, H.J.(Hec) King, C.A. Reid and Albert Fear. Comments on being a trailblazer for women in the public service. Venue - Wellington : 1988 Interviewer(s) - Susan Fowke Venue - Ms Oliff's home in Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002234; OHC-002235; OHC-002236; OHC-002237 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 411.

Date: 20 Jun 1988

From: Macalister Mazengarb 75th Anniversary Oral History Project.

By: Hall, Margaret Elizabeth, 1908-2002

Reference: OHInt-0203/03

Description: 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.

Date: 22 May, 13 June 1983 - 22 May 1983 - 13 Jun 1983

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part I

By: Hawker, Charles Roland, 1900-1986

Reference: OHInt-0096/04

Description: Charles Roland Hawker born Cust, North Canterbury 1900. Outlines family background - Maternal grandparents, Patrick Mullen, a printer and his wife Hannah Keating lived in Thames, both died from tuberculosis (TB. ). Recalls childhood in Oxford and Cust and describes the outdoor pastimes; chores; lighting in the home - kerosene lamps etc; religion; politics - father a staunch Labour Party supporter; education; World War I (1914-1918) and how it affected the family - brother, Roy was killed. Recalls parent's description of the fire which destroyed their home in Oxford 1899 and how they lost everything. Talks about Flu Epidemic and the inhalation chamber in the Christchurch bike cellar where people came in to breathe formalin. Refers to lack of doctors in country areas. Outlines career with customs, joining as a cadet March 1917. Gives views on several aspects of Customs work - Import Licensing and salaries and promotion. Other topics discussed include: Customs premises, Christchurch; job rotation; salary and expenses; Depression / slump and the two 10% cuts; joining Statistics; women in customs with reference to Miss Robie Rae and her filing system. Mentions Miss Rae's sister, Mary, who was drowned in the Marquette, a hospital ship which was bombed and sunk. Speculates on why ship was bombed. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Waikanae Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - 17 Ruru St, Waikanae Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000582A, 000581, 000609, 000610 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1506.

Date: 1 May 1984 - 01 May 1984

From: NZOHA Customs Department Oral History Project Part II

By: Langton, Phyllis Elizabeth, 1919-1993

Reference: OHInt-0101/10

Description: Phyllis Elizabeth Langton born Auckland 1919. Outlines family background. Recalls joining Customs and attitude towards women. Describes working with Burroughs calculating machines. Notes that women were treated well in Customs but had no chance of promotion. Gives brief impression of effect of WWII on Customs. Recalls Remmington and Imperial manual typewriters. Gives reasons for resignation from Customs and desire not to return. Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000485 Quantity: 1 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 1 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0096. Search dates: 1919 - 1984

Date: 28 Nov 1991

From: Women in World War II Part I

By: Cassidy, Eileen Margaret, 1918-2016

Reference: OHInt-0060/03

Description: Eileen O'Connor was born on 17 August 1916 in Christchurch . Discusses her parent's views on education, the Depression and her job as a shorthand typist. Talks about her faith as an Anglican and then a Catholic by marriage. Discusses politics now and in the 1930s with particular reference to the Labour Party, Communism, fascism and the Spanish Civil War. Mentions mixed flatting, the 1938 election, the social security system, night classes in education, jobs in the Department of Labour and Employment, the Pensions Department and the Economic Stabilization Commission. Discusses World War II and New Zealanders going to fight. Talks about rationing, propaganda, the scare of a Japanese invasion, American servicemen, parcels sent by her mother to her brother Edward O'Connor and treatment of foreigners and pacifists. Recalls entertainment for women during the war including Drama Club, the Red Cross, the Ladies Riding Club, the Badminton Club and ballroom dancing classes. Discusses working for Walter Nash after the war and going to Cuba with the heads of government departments. Discusses Fidel Castro and the Cuban crisis and her perception of Walter Nash. Talks about going on leave to Britain, her job as secretary at the Finance Minister's Conference and transfer to Paris at the end of 1949. Talks about meeting Francis Cassidy in 1951 and their marriage in 1953. Describes getting her Bachelor of Arts degree and subsequent teaching career. Mentions separation from her husband, involvement with the Committee on Vietnam, the anti-apartheid movement and HART and being arrested during the Springbok Tour in 1981. Describes teaching in Palestine and going to Eritrea. Venue - Wellington : 1991 Interviewer(s) - Johanna Woods Venue - Newtown, Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004681; OHC-004682; OHC-004683 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 822. Wedding photograph of Eileen Cassidy and husband in 1953

Date: 24 July 1993 - 24 Jul 1993

From: Women in a Mining Town, Waihi 1883-1993, Oral History Project

By: Cowan, Pauline Iris, 1960-

Reference: OHInt-0067/091

Description: Pauline Iris Cowan born Waihi and lived there all of her life. Recalls playing around Martha Hill during childhood. Describes what it was like for her mother looking after family on her own as father died when Pauline was three years. Talks about: schooling at Waihi and advice from career advisor; work experience at Ashley Tubmans, Accountants - reference to Munro processing machine, and later work at Waihi College. Describes involvement with SPCA (Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). Mentions grandfather, a policeman, who was involved with the police keeping order during the Waihi Miners' Strike. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Waihi Other - limited biographical information available Interviewer(s) - Rose MacBeth Venue - Waihi Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005850A; OHV-0272F Quantity: 1 C90 cassette(s). 1 videocassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 45 Minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available AB-1257.

Date: 8 Dec 1991 - 08 Dec 1991

From: Women in World War II Part I

By: McKenna, Neva Yvonne Clarke, 1920-2015

Reference: OHInt-0060/17

Description: Neva McKenna was born in Gisborne on 20 April 1920. Describes her Gisborne childhood and her grandmother, Eliza Jane Fox, who was a musician, writer and member of the Gisborne Hospital Board. Talks about her enjoyment of school and jobs at the office of a Crown solicitor and then with the Valuation Department and the Department of Maori Affairs. Comments on the public service work ethic. Talks about her father's death. Recalls the Napier earthquake. Mentions playing basketball, running and swimming for Poverty Bay. Describes her engagement to Geoff Chambers and working in Whakatane when she heard that he had been killed in action. Describes the impact of his death and the part that it played in her volunteering to go overseas in the clerical division of the Women's Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC). She went to Italy and served as Officer commanding the Clerical Division of the WAACS. Recalls her three years in Italy in detail. Talks about everyday life in the army, work relationships, ciphering, male-female interrelationship, hitch-hiking round Italy and civilian life in Italy. Comments on American and British troops. Talks about getting engaged to a Scotsman who was killed three weeks later. Describes returning to New Zealand and being invited to work in the Prime Minister's Department. Comments on New Zealand post World War II and the psychological effects of the war. Venue - Mangonui : 1991 Interviewer(s) - Jane Tolerton Venue - Mangonui Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004727; OHC-004728 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 837. Photograph of Neva Clarke McKenna near Bari (Italy) in 1944; photograph of Neva McKenna about 1990

Date: 4 Feb 1988 - 04 Feb 1988

From: The Matriarchs Oral History Project

By: Daly, Aileen Winifred, 1917-1992

Reference: OHInt-0048/02

Description: Aileen Connor was born in Dunedin. Discusses her family and strict Catholic upbringing, church socials, her fear of religion and her parents. Discusses her mother's talents as a tailor, her grooming and Aileen Daly's views on clothes and appropriate dressing. Talks about her father Bertrand Stanislaus, his political beliefs and job at Hallensteins, her opportunities as a child, the family home and the Depression years. Discusses leaving school, Karitane nursing care and her mother's health. Compares the lack of sex education during her youth with more recent trends. Discusses being dux at primary school, wanting to do clerical study at secondary school and the Dominican Convent in Dunedin. Talks about her job in the clothing department of the DIC in Dunedin, social life, alcohol and double standards. Discusses her job as salaries and wage manager for EMI, Lower Hutt from 1957-1987. Recalls her husband, his tuberculosis infection after World War II, drinking and the deaths of two of their children from tubercular meningitis. Discusses difficult living conditions, sewing, to subsidise the family wage, negativity towards working mothers of young children and working at Kirkcaldie and Stains. Talks about her surviving daughter and son, attitudes to life and age, the advent of her love of marching and positions held in the Wellington Marching Association. Talks about the role of chief recorder and judge, marching competitions, the satisfaction of marching, commitment, technical skill and its competitive nature. Discusses the development of marching by Roly Hill, Joe Meldrum and Bill Smith, the magazine `Quick March' and the heyday of marching. Describes retirement, family and voluntary work. Venue - Wellington : 1988 Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Karori, Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-004155-OHC-004157; LC-2328-LC-2330; LC-3206-LC-3208 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 Electronic document(s). 2.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-1639 and OHDL-000578.

Date: 24 January 1994 - 24 Jan 1994

From: Justice Department, Corrections Division Women's Suffrage Centennial Oral History Project

By: Spence, Noeline Katrine, 1929-2011

Reference: OHInt-0136/05

Description: Noeline Katrine Spence, born Christchurch. Describes background, growing up in Christchurch and career, commencing as a typist with State Advances Corporation (1946) and retiring (1991) as manager of typing services at Christchurch Probation Office (Justice Department) Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Christchurch Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005598-005599 Quantity: 2 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 2 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1149.

Date: 1 February 1994 - 01 Feb 1994

From: Justice Department, Corrections Division Women's Suffrage Centennial Oral History Project

By: Weaver, Delva May, 1927-2003

Reference: OHInt-0136/06

Description: Delva May (Del) Weaver describes family background and working career in a variety of jobs before joining the Probation Office (1970) as a clerk and retiring (1987) as Administration Officer. Was Honorary treasurer, Prisoners' Aid and Rahabilitation Society (1988-1992). Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Megan Hutching Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-005600-005601 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB-1150.