-
You must be logged in to Tag Records
Interview with Mary Baird, retired office worker [sound recording] / interviewer, Wendy Lowenstein
Bib ID 2244515
Format AudioAudio [sound recording]
Author
Baird, Mary Jean, 1921-
 
Access Conditions Written permission required for research, personal copies and public use during the lifetime of the interviewee. 
Description 1995 
2 digital audio tapes (120 min.) 
Series

Communists and the Left in the arts and community oral history project

Summary

Baird speaks of joining the Communist Party of Australia in the late 1940s in Malvern, Vic., how she was caught in the post-war housing shortage, eviction from her rented house because an ex-serviceman bought it, an offer of emergency accommodation at the Watsonia Army Camp, her refusal to accept the living conditions which were dreadful, how she lobbied John Cain, Senior Leader of the Opposition and this got her into an emergency housing settlement at Camp Pell established at Royal Park, other occupants were primarily Roman Catholic so her family was persecuted likened to Cold War hostility, how her family was terrorised and the role played by the police, cites Phyllis and Ken Ophel as the communist activists in the camp but were discriminated against over obtaining a Housing Commission home, Gerald O'Day was the local communist doctor would answer calls at Camp Pell, tenants had no rights against the power of the officials such as sabotaging their attempts to provide sports for the children.

Baird concludes explaining that her husband eventually left the CPA over their tactics in union elections.

Notes

Not yet preserved.

Recorded on May 9, 1995 at Eltham, Vic.

Subjects Baird, Mary Jean, - 1921- - Interviews.  |  Communist Party of Australia.  |  Clerks - Victoria - Interviews.  |  Public housing - Victoria.  |  Communists - Victoria - Interviews.  |  Housing - Victoria.
Other authors/contributors Lowenstein, Wendy, 1927-2006

To learn more about copyright and requesting copies watch this short online video Help Video.
close Can I borrow items from the Library?

You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video embedded.

You can view this on the NLA website.

close What can I get online?

You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video embedded.

You can view this on the NLA website.

close Can I get copies of items from the Library?

You need Flash player 8+ and JavaScript enabled to view this video embedded.

You can view this on the NLA website.

Members of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and Maori communities are advised that this catalogue contains names and images of deceased people. All users of the catalogue should also be aware that certain words, terms or descriptions may be culturally sensitive and may be considered inappropriate today, but may have reflected the author's/creator's attitude or that of the period in which they were written.