Origins Newsletter of the UNSW Archives UNSW the of Newsletter

No 10 June 2006

2 John Niland 4 University Archives in 2005 5 Sir John Clancy’s photographs 6 Archives and Records merge 6 Evolution of Studio One 8 UNSW Regiment 9 W. Ross Blunden 10 Oral History report 10 Accessions 12 Contact the Archives ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW UNDER WAY JOHN NILAND Vice-Chancellor 1992–2002

t the ceremony on 22 February traineeship at Newcastle, he enrolled political change and increasing 2006 to mark the renaming for a BCom at Newcastle University industrial relations tension as A of the Scientia building as College in 1958. At BHP he joined national economic problems grew. the John Niland Scientia Building, another young trainee in industrial John initially joined the Australian Vice-Chancellor Professor Mark relations, John Prescott, who was National University as a senior Wainwright described Emeritus eventually to become BHP’s chief lecturer in the department of Professor John Niland as leading executive officer. Economics but by July 1974, at 33 the University of New South Wales John came to UNSW and Basser years of age, John was back ‘home’ through a golden age, especially of College in 1960 to complete his at UNSW, appointed professor campus revitalisation and in the honours year, following which he of Economics and head of the international sphere. As Professor undertook an MCom, with a thesis in department of Industrial Relations Wainwright put it, the Scientia the field of labour history. A natural (school from 1988). symbolises John Niland’s ‘vision for, student leader, he was president of the and dedication to UNSW’. Students’ Union for two years (1961– - - - History will no doubt make its 62) and of the University Union assessments of the Niland years, a (1964). He and Carmel Hume (BA At UNSW, John Niland found process that has begun already with 1965) met through student politics himself at the right place in Patrick O’Farrell’s UNSW: a portrait and married in December 1965. academic industrial relations at (1999). For the university record In 1961 John was inaugural the right time. In 1976 and 1977 and the nation’s historical purposes, director for Foundation Day and, he also served as president of the however, it is important that the as such, responsible for the overall Federation of Australian University story of John Niland’s life and times publicity it generated, for its pranks Staff Associations (FAUSA), the be recorded in his own voice. This and the first city procession — an university staff union. The late 1970s John has generously agreed to do for event that thrust the small second and early 1980s were dramatic the University Archives’ Oral History university in literally into the times in industrial relations. It was Program. face, minds and media of the city. a period encompassing the Whitlam The Niland interview continues a One Niland message had already and Fraser years, and the transition sequence unique among Australian become clear: UNSW was not to of Bob Hawke from ACTU leader universities. The three former be second-best to the University of to Labor prime minister in 1983, UNSW vice-chancellors — Sir Philip Sydney, not in commemorative events followed by the Accord negotiated Baxter (1953–69), Sir Rupert Myers nor in any other respect. between the Hawke government and (1969–81) and Michael Birt (1981– In 1967 the Nilands left the unions on prices and incomes, 92) — have all been interviewed, for the United States and John went which then held firm for most of the as has the former chancellor, the to study at the Institute of Industrial 1980s. Hon. Dr (1976–94); Relations, University of Illinois With the national interest in interviews that have all led to (Urbana-Champaign campus), where industrial relations, both staff publications. he graduated in 1970, the first person numbers and enrolments increased to be awarded a PhD there; at the in the department and an Industrial - - - same time Carmel graduated with an Relations Research Centre was MA. John and Carmel then moved to established at UNSW in 1980. The John Niland was born at Kyogle upstate New York, where John took centre hosted nationally focused in 1940, and grew up in Lismore, up the position of assistant professor forums, attracting a veritable who’s northern New South Wales. He was in the prestigious school of Industrial who in industrial relations that dux of Lismore High and considered and Labor Relations at the Ivy League included as participants senior studying law at the University of Cornell University. An intense and figures from government, unions, Sydney; but, attracted to a BHP happy period of academic projects, business, and industrial relations teaching and hands-on experience instrumentalities, as well as other front cover within the United States industrial academics. John Niland’s profile Professor Niland addressing the relations system followed. Notably, within academia was also expanding, audience during the UNSW Anniversary the campuses at Cornell and Illinois and, in 1989, he became dean of the Parliamentary Debate Re-enactment, were, and remain among America’s faculty of Commerce. 24 March 1999, which took place in the more attractive. John’s industrial relations parliamentary chamber, Macquarie Street. The Nilands returned to Australia expertise led to his involvement in an [04/25/1/16] Photographer: Tony Potter in 1972 at a time of significant advisory role with both federal and

2 O R I G I N S N o . 10 State governments. He was invited interviews are now turning to his February 2001, that he was leaving to prepare Transforming Industrial years as vice-chancellor, focusing UNSW at the end of his second five- Relations in New South Wales: a green on the transformation of the year term in mid 2002 to pursue paper for the Greiner–Fahey State organisation and management of other interests. government, which helped shape the UNSW, particularly through In 2001, for the third year Industrial Relations Act 1991. Later, and its working parties, which running, UNSW was named by for Senator Peter Cook, minister for led to dramatic faculty, budgetary Business Review Weekly as the Industrial Relations in the Keating and systems restructuring. In most admired institution in the government, John co-authored addition, the interviews examine government, education and health a report which examined the the transformation of the physical sector and John Niland was voted application of enterprise bargaining campus; this began under Professor the sector’s most admired leader and agency agreements to the Michael Birt but was taken up with nationally. That same year, adding Australian Public Service. A further, great vigour by John Niland, with the to his AO, John was made a very significant involvement with the result that infrequent visitors were, Companion in the Order of world outside universities came with and probably still continue to be Australia (AC) for services to his appointment in 1990 by the State quite stunned by the extraordinary education. government to the under-performing look and 21st century feel of the Once his years as vice-chancellor State Pollution Control Commission Kensington campus. have been covered in the interviews, (SPCC); appointed initially as The inevitable strains also emerge, it will be important for the chairman, he was soon given revealed through the interviews. comprehension of a life of such executive authority to transform this A 1998 staff survey showed that sustained drive and capacity to touch organisation. staff were hurting from increasing upon aspects of John’s subsequent The year 1992 was an activities. The impressive extraordinary one for John scope of his activities Niland. As president of the since leaving the vice- International Industrial chancellorship includes Relations Association, he the following: chairman, hosted its ninth world UNSW Foundation congress in Sydney; Ltd, 2002–04; director, he oversaw the change Macquarie Technology of the SPCC into the Fund, 2000–03; director, Environment Protection Macquarie Bank Ltd, Authority; he was made since 2003; chairman, an Officer in the Order of Centennial Park Trust, Australia (AO) for services to industrial relations; and, since 2001; member of with some self-confessed the Board of Trustees, elation, he was appointed Singapore Management vice-chancellor of UNSW. University, since 1999; Transforming member of the University organisations was a Grants Committee of passion, and creating a Hong Kong, since 2000. first-rate public reputation As a consultant, he has for them equally so. also been involved with Professor Niland with His Holiness the Patrick O’Farrell’s view in his history such entities as the World Bank, Dalai Lama, following an exchange of the Association of Commonwealth of UNSW is that the university did gifts, 24 September 1996, at the Clancy not know what it was getting in John Auditorium, where the Dalai Lama was Universities, the South Australian Niland; but the public interview giving the 10th Annual Wallace Wurth government, and Carnegie Mellon process, the Niland track record Memorial Lecture. [98A1] Photographer: University. and the close vote in his favour do Tony Potter John Niland’s is clearly a life of suggest that some in the university importance, not just to UNSW, but to had a very good idea. In fact, the the nation; the interviews to date have Niland vision for UNSW was openly content of significance for both. They workloads created by declining in place before day one, and it was show a life of living out ambitious, resources. In 1999, the year UNSW to be pursued with great conviction reforming visions with enormous celebrated its fiftieth anniversary, and energy. energy, self-belief, optimism and the push for improved wages and dedication to the task, characterised conditions intensified. That ever- - - - too by a special devotion to the fluid relationship between leader betterment of the University of New and the led, the discomfited and The oral history interviews recorded South Wales, for which second-best to date have canvassed all of the the particular circumstances of the was never an option. ❖ above and much else besides of day all culminated in a decision, contemporary events. The continuing announced by John Niland in early LAURIE DILLON

O R I G I N S N o . 10 3

The University Archives in 2005

he year 2005 was another busy status as State archives, university Library and Information Centre of one for the University Archives archives, private papers or oral history Mahidol University, Thailand, and Tand was the year in which it program materials in preparation Karen Harris, University of Pretoria, celebrated its 25th anniversary. A for making access determinations South Africa. generous grant from the university’s under the State Records Act 1998; the In September Karin Brennan U Committee enabled the Archives microfilming of UNSW’s vital records gave a presentation on ‘Training to produce Origins (in May), and to including the minutes of Council and Opportunities for Archives and publish Gordon Samuels – Looking its major committees; the addition Records in Australia’ at the 11th Back. A university chancellor reflects, of a new online exhibition on the Conference of the Pacific Regional written by Roderic Campbell. The University Archives website entitled, Branch of the International Council book was launched at a function the ‘Sir John Clancy Photographic on Archives (PARBICA) held in marking the 25th anniversary, which Exhibition’; and preservation copying Nadi, Fiji. The conference, with was held at the end of November for to digital format of the Sir John the title ‘Recordkeeping for Good friends, supporters and staff of the Clancy photographic collection and of Governance’, brought together sixty- Archives. Roderic Campbell wrote other photographs which had suffered six archivists and recordkeeping the book based on the extensive oral general deterioration or which had specialists from all over the Pacific history interview undertaken by Julia been affected by vinegar syndrome. region to discuss strategic issues and Horne, the former oral historian, and Work on the Sir John Clancy expand on the competencies required in consultation with the Hon. Dr photographs was made possible for effective recordkeeping. The Gordon Samuels. through a generous donation of funds program examined recordkeeping While waiting for a new administra- from Associate Professor Eric Sowey. for governance, the current state of tive structure to be put in place, work Carolyne Bruyn, oral historian, recordkeeping, advocacy to support was carried out under temporary completed the 2004 Oral History recordkeeping as well as training staffing arrangements with assistance Project and worked on transcribing requirements for recordkeeping across from casual staff and staff on placement and editing the backlog of tapes from government. PARBICA delegates from other areas within the university. the interviews project. In the second reported on recent initiatives After being associated with the half of the year Emeritus Archivist and issues facing recordkeeping University Library for nearly 20 years, Laurie Dillon commenced an oral in their respective countries and the University Archives has become history interview with Emeritus territories and actively participated part of the Division of the Deputy Vice- Professor John Niland, former vice- on panels and in group discussions. Chancellor (Academic) under Professor chancellor. International speakers included: Dr Robert King and reports to Mr Paul Throughout the year staff engaged Anne Thurston, OBE, director of the Macpherson, Manager, Records and in a number of professional activities, International Records Management Archives, who has responsibility for among which: Katie Bird participated Trust; Abel Caine, Communication university-wide management of on a working party established by and Information Programme UNSW’s corporate record. State Records of New South Wales to Specialist of the UNESCO Office Mrs Jenny Horder, Board of review GDA9, the General Disposal in Apia; and Ms Mahfuzah Yusuf, Governors of the Alumni Association, Authority for University Records; International Council on Archives was appointed to the University both Katie Bird and Karin Brennan deputy secretary-general, from Archives Advisory Committee, attended the Annual General Meeting the National Archives of Malaysia. replacing Dr Jessica Milner Davis, and Conference of the Australian Delegates formulated a number of who stood down, after eight years Society of Archivists held in recommendations and the conference of service, from her position as Wellington, New Zealand. During concluded with the creation of a a member of the committee. The the second half of the year a seminar Declaration on Recordkeeping for Good committee met twice in 2005. was held in the Archives for 20 pre- Governance to be forwarded to the Major achievements throughout the honours students from the school individual heads of government of year included appraising the holdings of History. Visitors to the Archives countries associated with PARBICA. ❖ of the Archives with regard to their during 2005 included staff from the KARIN BRENNAN

Gordon Samuels – Looking back. A university Copies of the book are available through chancellor reflects, written by Roderic the UNSW Bookshop and selected Campbell, is the latest book in a series of bookshops: RRP $24.95. The book’s publications produced by UNSW Archives cover features the Clifton Pugh portrait honouring significant figures in the of Gordon Samuels, which hangs in the history of the university. Chancellery.

4 O R I G I N S N o . 10 COLLECTION SPOTLIGHT Sir John Clancy’s Photographs

hotographs comprise a inscriptions on the outside of the John Clancy (right) with a fellow soldier, valuable component of the paper sleeves, which were usually on a rickshaw, ca 1918. From these two PUniversity Archives’ holdings tricky to decipher and very general similar photos the advantages of being able and currently number over 20,000 in nature. In addition, many of the to enhance the collection can be seen: the items. One recent addition of prints and negatives had faded or one on the left gives an indication of the significance has been the photos suffered other forms of deterioration poor condition many of the prints arrived in; the photo on the right is one of those for acquired as part of the Sir John owing to their age and how they had which no print existed and was, in effect, a Clancy papers. Sir John was a been stored over time. concealed image until extra funding enabled foundation member of the University These issues are difficult for us to make a new print from the original Council and later became the archivists to address. Attempts negative. [02A118] university’s second chancellor. Sir are made to match prints to John was a keen photographer and negatives and place all items in the photos provide a rich glimpse inert polypropylene sleeves, which of his life, especially for the period prevent further damage and allow 1914–30. He was a soldier, husband, the images to be handled and viewed father, judge, bushwalker, friend safely, but the process often stops considered to be of high archival — all aspects of his life that are here because of a lack of available value were digitally scanned at a represented in the images. resources. On this occasion, however, high resolution. Unfortunately, such a wonderful thanks to a generous donation from The end result is a collection resource rarely arrives in the Associate Professor Eric Sowey, the of photos that has been rendered Archives in perfect condition. In this Archives was able to further enhance richer, better protected and more instance some prints and negatives preservation of the Clancy photo accessible to users. The entire were housed in paper film sleeves, collection and provide access to it. collection is also now arranged in while others were simply scattered Prints were made from a manner that allows researchers loosely throughout Sir John’s papers. negatives where the original print to appreciate the full extent of Sir Many negatives were not located no longer existed or where it had John Clancy’s photographic life. with corresponding prints; instead faded badly, and this enabled An initial online exhibition has they were bundled together in significant and otherwise ‘hidden’ been developed and can be viewed unidentified groups. Little descriptive images to emerge. Conversely, not at http://info.library.unsw.edu.au/ information relating to the photos all prints had matching negatives archives/about/clancy.html ❖ existed aside from brief handwritten and so a number of faded prints KATIE BIRD

O R I G I N S N o . 10 5

Archives and Records merge

n May 2006 the University administrative structure within as evidence of human activity to Archives and Records Admin- the portfolio of the Deputy Vice- satisfy business needs, social needs I istration Section were merged Chancellor (Academic) will enable and cultural needs and are kept for into the new Records and Archives a well-managed corporate records as long as they are of value, whether Unit. Paul Macpherson has been program for UNSW. that be for a day or for a millennium. appointed manager of this new unit. The University Archives will The new unit, and this new The merger will benefit records remain located in the University approach, will result in some changes management for the university, Library building and continue with to the way the University Archives resulting in better business its other activities — collecting are organised: more tasks are likely practices and compliance with records that reflect the history of to be shared or divided in new ways the State Records Act. The former UNSW and conducting the Oral between the Records Management Records Administration Section History Program. ❖ Unit and the Archives and renewed shared responsibilities with the ANDREW WELLS emphasis in both units will be University Archives for records given to assisting the university management over many years, he amalgamation of the to gain advantages from improved although each unit reported to University Archives with recordkeeping and to meet its different administrative areas. In Tthe Records Administration obligations under the State Records recent years the University Archives Section, outlined by Andrew Act 1998. The changes should, has reported to the University Wells, is not only required by however, be seamless so far as users Librarian within the Division of the business needs and statutory of the Archives are concerned and the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education responsibilities of the university but research access to the collections will and Quality Improvement), while also reflects modern recordkeeping continue as normal. the Records Administration Section philosophy, in which there is no I look forward to my involvement is situated in the Division of the clear-cut division between records with the Archives and its depositors, Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic). and archives. All records capture, donors and users. ❖ Bringing these two units into one maintain, and deliver information PAUL MACPHERSON

RESEARCH PROJECT REPORTS The Evolution of Studio One (D10) y study of the history of lecturer. In a break with conventional For this edition of Origins we Studio One resulted from pedagogy, Parsons recognised asked two students from the Mmy major project in the the inherent need for a practical school of History, Luisa Lyons Researching and Writing History element in the teaching of drama and Luke Burman, to write course in 2005. As an active member to university students. However, he about projects they researched of the New South Wales University and his colleagues encountered a during 2005 in the University Theatrical Society (NUTS) and a problem, one that would continue Archives. Luisa, who has been regular audience member in Studio to haunt student theatre for many investigating the evolution One, I was interested in discovering years — a lack of available theatre of Studio One, is currently the history of this space. space. The Old Tote Theatre (now Fig completing an Arts degree with Building D10 was built between Tree Theatre) and the Parade Theatre a double major in English and March 1952 and September 1953 were for the sole use of, respectively, History. She hopes that her along with a number of other ‘huts’ on the Old Tote Theatre Company and future career path will combine lower campus. There is little available the National Institute for Dramatic information on what D10 was used Art (NIDA); other spaces such as performing, theatre, writing, for from the time of its completion the Physics and Science Theatres and research. Luke has looked until it was taken over by the school were inappropriate for experimental at the history of the University of Drama. According to maps of the productions. In 1970 the school of Regiment, in which he recently UNSW campus dating from 1959–67 Drama was allocated four classrooms completed his training; this held by UNSW Archives, D10 was for tutorial space; these became year (2006) he has been occupied by the school of Metallurgy known as Studios One (D10), Two, pursuing honours studies in and used as a laboratory. Three and Four. In the course of history and his dissertation will In 1965 Dr Philip Parsons joined making the transition to a theatrical look at the portrayal of military the department of Drama (which, in space D10 appears with different history in computer games. 1966, became the school of Drama, names in the extant sources: in within the faculty of Arts) as senior programs from the early 1970s, for

6 O R I G I N S N o . 10 instance, the building is referred to Crucial to the historical has been used on a regular basis as the ‘Drama Hut’. In my research I recognition of D10 as a theatre is by NUTS (formed in 1986) and discovered that most people with a the fact that most users of the space other amateur theatre groups for connection to the building from that regarded it as a classroom rather theatre performances, workshops era only identified with the building than as a theatre. Towards the end of and auditions. Little documentary when given that name as a cue. It the 1970s the GRS discovered that it evidence is available, however, about is therefore unclear exactly when no longer had an accessible ‘theatre productions mounted in Studio One, the name ‘Studio One’ came to be space’ because classroom shortages reflecting a significant gap in the associated with this building. meant that the building was in historical record. constant use as a classroom. GRS ------activities were subsequently limited, Throughout the 1970s the only doors then, to ‘lunchtime performances At the time of writing the long-term to the building were the double doors two days a week’, while evening future of Studio One is uncertain. on the western side. The front section performances were restricted because In Campus 2020, UNSW’s blueprint of the building has always been of issues over the use of sets. for future development of the performance space. The middle room, Kensington campus over the next now used as a dressing-room, was fifteen years, D10 is earmarked for once used as ‘stagehand space’. The demolition, or ‘possible demolition’, back room, now a storage area for flats to make way for the ‘creation and props, was used as a dressing- of a new green space area’ or ‘a room for productions and as another landscaped public area’. In the short- classroom for the school of Drama. term, though, it will remain as a Technically, Dr Parsons was not theatre space since Studio One was supposed to teach practical elements officially licensed by Randwick City within the drama course, so in 1973 Council, in June 2005, as a Place he established the Green Room Society of Public Entertainment (PoPE). (GRS) as ‘a kind of student dramatic The theatre is now able to seat up society simply for students from the to 70 patrons for a performance, Drama department’. Dr Parsons’s wife although it must renew its licence and artistic collaborator, Katharine after five years. Repairs and upgrades Brisbane, recalls that D10 was ‘a good have recently been undertaken to little space’ because it was allowed to Graffiti protest at Studio One as part of the ensure that the building complies be ‘messy’ with ‘paint on the floor’. continuing campaign for more theatre space with occupational health and safety The space, just a large, square room, on campus, April 1980. [CN50] regulations as well as guidelines was flexible and intimate — attributes stipulated under the PoPE licensing it still possesses. The GRS was highly rules. active during its time, staging several By 1978 the school of Drama Studio One has been serving evening productions each year, as was in desperate need of a properly the UNSW campus and society as a well as many popular ‘Lunch Hour equipped and more professional cheap, accessible and intimate theatre Productions’ of shorter works. Its theatre and made submissions to the for nearly thirty years. It has played most successful production was university authorities on this issue. an important role in adding to the Molière’s Le Misanthrope; this Students from the Dramsoc (the campus experience of many students amateur–professional production, Drama Society) also ran a concerted and staff who have graced its stage staged in Studio One in 1973 under campaign, placing a number of or attended its shows as audience the direction of John Tasker, was articles in Tharunka, for example, members. From my perspective, to well-attended and attracted media and producing protest badges. Some lose it would be a tragedy. ❖ attention. The ABC ultimately individuals felt so passionately LUISA LYONS bought the rights to Le Misanthrope about the issue that they spread and recorded the production for graffiti over Studio One and adjacent transmission. Despite research buildings in the area. In September enquiries at a number of archives 1978 the University Council formed The University Archives welcomes including the ABC and the National a committee to investigate the donations from the university Film and Sound Archive, I was unable availability and utilisation of theatre community to allow the Archives to to locate a copy of this production. space on campus and it received pursue additional projects outside Over this period the GRS made various submissions highlighting its normal funding. Donations made a number of approaches to the the difficulties faced by the school of through the UNSW Foundation university administration to seek its Drama. While no concrete decisions Ltd are tax-deductible. Donors assistance in securing a licence for were made at that time, the process set should indicate their preference for Studio One as a performance venue in train events that would ultimately the donation to be directed to the so that members could advertise its lead to the building of the Io Myers University Archives. The Foundation productions to the general public, Theatre, which was opened in 1982. can be contacted on (02) 9385 3277 but these approaches were all Since that time Studio One has or at [email protected] unsuccessful. remained a theatre space and

O R I G I N S N o . 10 7 The UNSW Regiment

n 2005, as a student enrolled in Dr for a budding historian their From the late 1950s until Grace Karskens’s pre-honours assistance was very welcome. the 1970s the regiment and the Ipublic history course, I was required The material held in the UNSW university enjoyed a particularly close to complete a historical project on a Archives included such items as relationship. Parades and ceremonies topic of my choosing. At the time I correspondence between the vice- were conducted on university grounds was a member of the University of chancellor and members of the and the regimental band played at New South Wales Regiment (UNSWR), regiment as well as a number of graduation ceremonies. Some former the university’s army reserve unit, photos, regimental dining-in-night students can recall the band rehearsing located on Day Avenue, Kensington, menus and administrative files. during their exams, and being unsure next to Western Campus, and I This material helped reconstruct whether to curse the racket or applaud wanted to write something on the part of the history of the regiment’s the music. Regimental dining-in- regiment and its relationship with the relationship with the university and, nights took place in the Roundhouse local community. We were encouraged when combined with sources found with the vice-chancellor and other to use as much primary and secondary at the Bowen Library in Maroubra, senior academics attending as special source material as we could handle enough material was gathered to guests. And it was on the University and consult local sources such as demonstrate that for much of the Oval that the regiment received the council archives and libraries. After regiment’s history the relationship Queen’s Colours and its Regimental initially experiencing trouble finding was a close one. Over time, however, Colours from the governor of New useful sources at the UNSW Regiment, the ties between the two loosened South Wales, Lieutenant-General Sir I was advised that UNSW Archives somewhat, which was probably owing , in October 1963. might be able to provide assistance for to the social tensions generated by the Relationships with the community my project. I found the staff members Vietnam War together with a general have been strong, too, over the years. there friendly and extremely helpful; declining interest in military service. Since its establishment the regiment has maintained links with local RSL (Returned Servicemen’s League) branches at Maroubra, Kensington and Rockdale, providing ceremonial guards and a band for ANZAC Day services and other functions. Over time a unique relationship was also forged with St Spyridon’s Greek Orthodox Church in Kingsford, where the regiment’s old colours are now housed. When UNSW declined to house the old colours within university grounds, another location had to be found. The commanding officer of the time, Lieutenant-Colonel Ian Lalas, already had a close connection with St Spyridon’s and he approached Father Steven Scoutas to enquire whether the old colours could be placed in his church. Father Scoutas agreed to this request, and The regiment was originally The University of Technology Regiment, St Spyridon’s congregation, the formed in 1952 in Ultimo as the New whose commanding officer then was Greek sub-branch of the RSL and its Lieutenant-Colonel W.M. McGilvray, South Wales University of Technology ladies’ auxiliary supported him. St ED, provided the guard of honour at this Regiment, reflecting the then name Spyridon’s is believed to be the only university’s first graduation ceremony on of the university. In 1954 it moved Kensington campus, 16 April 1955, an Greek Orthodox Church that houses to High Street, Kensington, and then colours. Housing the event combined with the official opening of to its present home in Day Avenue the Main Building by the NSW Governor, regimental colours provides a link to Lieutenant-General Sir , in 1959, the year it was renamed the Greek community’s proud heritage seen here inspecting the honour guard, the University of New South Wales and Greek-Australian identity as well accompanied by Captain Brookes Wilson, Regiment (following the university’s as a means of honouring the sacrifices the commander of the guard. name change). Since its inception made by men and women in the From Government Printing Office UNSWR has trained men and women collection, State Library of New South military service of both nations during for service within Australia’s part-time the Second World War. ❖ Wales GPO2-06419. © Library Council of forces — first in the citizen military New South Wales forces, and now in the army reserve. LUKE STUART BURMAN

8 O R I G I N S N o . 10 PRIVATE PAPERS Emeritus Professor W. Ross Blunden

he first indication that Ross , where he was assistant States, and Canada, ‘to study and Blunden would enjoy a director of Mechanical Engineering, assess the work covered by Scientific Tsuccessful and rewarding and he ended his military service Advisers abroad with a view to career as an engineer emerged with the rank of lieutenant-colonel. implementing similar work here’. The when he was a schoolboy attending In June 1946 Blunden accepted a major part of this trip was spent in Haberfield Public School in Sydney’s position teaching civil engineering the United Kingdom, where he was inner-west, as he recalled attached to the War Office in in an oral history interview Professor W. . recorded for UNSW Archives in Ross Blunden, In August 1956 Ross 1985. It was things other than ca 1960. Blunden was appointed school work that interested [96A106-1] Foundation Professor of him, he says, ‘particularly Traffic Engineering at the building models of motor New South Wales University chassis with gear-boxes and of Technology (which became those kind of things’. The UNSW in 1958). This was attention paid by the young the first appointment of Blunden to ‘things other than its type anywhere in the writing compositions and British Commonwealth. essays’ initially held him back Professor Blunden’s writings academically and, because of on traffic engineering were his examination results, he highly regarded by his peers; had to spend three years at they were published in the Petersham Boys’ Intermediate journal Traffic Engineering High School before being able and Control, and later in two to transfer to Fort Street Boys’ monographs: Introduction to High School. However, at Fort Traffic Science (1967) and The Street he performed brilliantly, Land-Use/Transport System: becoming dux of the school Analysis and Synthesis (1971). in 1932, and went on to the This second book, which has . From been translated into Polish there, having graduated with and Japanese, was extensively a BSc in 1937 and a BE (Civil) revised in 1984 by Professor in 1939, both with honours, Blunden and his colleague he joined the NSW Public Service at the Sydney Technical College, Professor John Black and published in 1939. His first appointment was Ultimo. The following year he by Pergamon Press as The Land-Use/ in the Department of Works and became a senior research officer Transport System (2nd edition). His Local Government as an engineering with Commonwealth Scientific and teaching — at UNSW, to Australian assistant, and later that year he Industrial Research (CSIR; which and international students, and transferred to the Department of became CSIRO in 1949) in charge also as a visiting professor in North Main Roads as an assistant engineer. of the Mathematical Instruments America, the United Kingdom, and In 1940 Ross Blunden enlisted in Section. His main task was to build throughout Asia — was considered the Australian Imperial Force and the CSIR Differential Analyser — the to have had a significant influence saw active service in the Corps of first large-scale automatic computer on the field. He saw his research and Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Australia. During his time with teaching activities as a contribution in Egypt, Palestine and Syria. He CSIRO Blunden also taught an to ‘the development of traffic into a then returned to Army Headquarters honours course as a visiting lecturer scientific discipline that formalises in Melbourne to work on the in control engineering in the school the nature of interaction between development of radar equipment. In of Electrical Engineering at the land use and transport’. He also 1944 with the rank of major, Blunden University of Sydney. From 1952 engaged in consultative work for was sent to the Royal Military College until 1956 he was the first Scientific government, industry, and the of Science, near Shrivenham in Adviser to the Military Board, where community. Oxfordshire, to study fire control he pioneered the early development Professor Blunden’s association systems and then to the Admiralty of operations research in Australia. with UNSW continued, after his Research Laboratory, at Teddington, During 1953 he was sent on an retirement in 1981, as an emeritus Middlesex, to work on computing extensive overseas research trip professor. In 1989 he was the equipment. His final military posting to Singapore, Malaya, the United first recipient of the Institution of was again at Army Headquarters in Kingdom, Germany, the United Engineers (Australia) Transport

O R I G I N S N o . 10 9 Panel medal, and at the 22nd ORAL HISTORY PROJECT National Conference of the Australian Institute of Transport Planning and Management held in Migrant student Sydney in October 2003, he was awarded its Outstanding Service experience — to 1960 Award. Professor Blunden died on 2 December 2003, aged 87. he 2004 Oral History Project thing. Because if you carry a heavy was designed to explore accent you are always looked upon as - - - Tthe experiences of some of an outsider; that I have never been.’ the early migrant students at this Interestingly, most of the interviewees Professor Blunden’s papers were university. The project focused on were unaware, at the time they were donated to UNSW Archives by overseas-born students who had studying, that many of their fellow his widow, Mrs Valda Blunden. settled in Australia and was limited to students were also migrants. Today, They cover major aspects of his those who had graduated by 1960. It they recall their student days with professional career with the NSW sought to examine the reasons first- humour and affection; some enjoyed Public Service, CSIRO, Defence generation migrants came to study at their educational experience so much Department and UNSW. There is the university and how they coped that, if given the opportunity to do also considerable information about with a new culture, a new language so, they stayed on at the university as Professor Blunden’s military career and a daunting curriculum. Many tutors and lecturers. including an interesting series of juggled full-time jobs, study and Although no special educational documents from June 1945, when he family life, travelling long distances support — such as language classes was sent to France as part of a team each week to complete their degrees. or student counsellors — was to interrogate Dr Albert Speer and Alumni who were interviewed provided by the university, few of other other high-ranking German for the project are now elderly but the interviewees felt they would have officials about their knowledge of retain strong memories and they had the time, in any case, to have operations research. provided illuminating and sometimes taken advantage of such services. The Blunden papers complement a unexpected insights into the earliest Instead, students experienced a close previous accession of organisational days of the university and their camaraderie with their lecturers, who records and private papers which particular range of experiences. What evinced a real willingness to offer came from Professor Blunden’s came through most strongly was that help and advice when the need arose, former office in the school of Traffic none of the interviewees wished to be and strong friendships were formed Engineering in March 1981. The thought of as a migrant or as special that endure to this day. Archives also holds a comprehensive in any way: born outside Australia, The interviews for this project oral history interview that Professor yes; language and other difficulties to are now available for research and Blunden recorded between March be overcome, yes. But they wanted to complement the Archives’ collection and May 1985, which provides blend in. As one interviewee said, ‘First of interviews conducted earlier with detailed information on many aspects of all, I acquired the lingo, acquired students who came to UNSW under of his life and career. ❖ early in the piece, and that made the Colombo Plan. ❖ PAUL WILSON me disappear and that is the good CAROLYNE BRUYN

W H A T H A V E YOU GOT THAT MIGHT Accessions INTEREST US? his is a selection of papers and faculty of Military Studies, 1981, We would like to hear from you private papers received by the 2005 [05/121]. University Archives during 2005. Cheong, Simplicius. CDs of live if you are leaving UNSW and T The Archives extends its special performances: Simplicius Cheong have personal papers or other thanks to all depositors. Access Quartet at the ‘No Black Tie’, Kuala records relating to your time here enquiries to the collection are Lumpur, Malaysia, 29 March 2002; or can help us document any invited. In some instances access is Simplicius Cheong Trio at Nanyang part of the story of the university restricted or special conditions apply. Technological University, Singapore, and its people. 1 October 2003 [05/60]; Simplicius Family members of those Personal donations Cheong and friends, 13 May 2005, who have been associated with Australian Academy of Science. CD and Swing and Cuban Jazz ‘El Sabor Cubano’ the university in any way may transcript of oral history interview – Live@Roundhouse [05/96]; Jazz also like to contact the Archives with Emeritus Professor George Chamber Solo and Digital Works, n.d., about depositing personal papers, Szekeres conducted as part of the and copies of original music scores, 1971–2004 [05/63]. photographs or memorabilia Academy’s Australian Scientists project, 2004 [05/114]. Crawford, Doug. Private papers they have inherited. Burns, Emeritus Professor J.C. relating to the Ben Lexcen Sports Correspondence regarding the Scholarships, 1986–90 [05/115].

10 O R I G I N S N o . 10 Cromarty, Gregory. Tie of the 2005 [05/112]. U Committee Book Fair. A group Electrical Engineering Society of Oldroyd, Professor David. Private photograph annotated ‘Cobden the New South Wales University papers, 1996–2004 [05/93]. Parkes - Cob and mates’, ca 1915 of Technology; program for the Paxinos, Professor George. Copies [05/86]. Engineering Science Golden Jubilee of private papers of an anti- Wills, Dr Bernie. Program for the Luncheon for 1954 graduating amalgamation committee formed to Basser College Re-orientation classes, 2004 [05/77]. oppose the proposal to link UNSW Dinner, 2005 [05/67]; CD-ROM Estonian Archives in Australia. Issues with regional colleges of advanced containing photographs and video of Technology and Metallurgical education, 1989 [05/123]. clips taken at Basser College Review, 1956–62 [05/102; 05/120]. Reinhardt, Dr Olaf. Committee papers Re-orientation Dinner, 2005 Holohan, Suzanne. The Little Hut that of the Friends of the University of [05/98]. could, a report on the history of the New South Wales Library, 1990– Yu, Dr John. Awards and other Old Tote Theatre for the HIST 3094 2002 [05/100]. memorabilia presented to Dr Yu Public History course, 2003 [05/64]. Rivett, Dr Kenneth. Private papers, during his period as chancellor, Hora, Emeritus Professor Heinrich. 1949–99 [05/105]. 1992–2005 [05/101; 05/116]. Copies of academic papers and Samuels, The Hon. Dr Gordon J. Digital promotional flyer for his book Laser Plasma Physics. Forces and the Po Mar Nonlinearity Principle, 2000 [05/89]. (UNSW Kessler, Emeritus Professor Clive. alumnus: Photographs taken at a retirement BCom 1970) function for Emeritus Professor Sol ready for the Encel, 1989 [05/75]; statement ‘Why Great Pram Rory Fell: A Bystander’s View’, 2004 Race, 29 June [05/76]; audio tapes of speeches 1968, a pre- made at the retirement function Foundation for Professor Encel, 1989, and Day event: the photos from the school of Sociology race, run by seminar, ‘Needs and Civil Society’, teams of two, 1989 [05/124]. was between McNamara, Tony. Unicom – a history, ca Liverpool 2003 [05/111]. Street and Marshall, Professor Kevin. CV, July Circular 2005 [05/104]. Quay.[05/98] Milner Davis, Dr Jessica. Academic gown, hood and bonnet of Emeritus Professor C.J. Milner [05/82]; eulogy for Mrs J. Milner, 22 April 2005 [05/84]; order of service for the funeral of Mrs J. Milner, 22 April 2005 [05/87]; A Passion for Physics: The Story of a Woman Physicist, by Joan Freeman, 1991; letter from Emeritus Professor H. Hora and photocopies from Professor Hora’s book, Laser Plasma Physics, referring to Dr Davis’s grandfather, S.R. Milner, and his contribution to the study of physics, 2005 [05/90]; scientific objects and an autograph book kept by Emeritus Professor Milner, 1950s–60s [05/95]; copies of personal photographs used Governance & administration photos and email correspondence in Gordon Samuels – Looking Back. Archives. Staff photocopy cards, 1980s concerning a reunion of the network A university chancellor reflects, ca and ca 2000 [05/103]; scanned of individuals formed in 1989 to 1920s–1990s [05/108]. image of the Hon. Dr Gordon oppose the proposed amalgamation Sowey, Associate Professor Eric. Samuels as a barrister, late 1970s of UNSW with regional colleges Publications, news clippings, [05/118]; records generated as part of advanced education, Nov. 2005 and personal copies of minutes of the University Archives 25th [05/122]. of the faculty of Commerce and anniversary celebrations, 2005 Musa, Suharman. Group photograph Economics, 1968–92 [05/88]. [05/119]. showing Mr Musa with Dr Connie Sparkes, Dr A.W. Private papers, 1966– Chief Financial Officer, office of. Office Wilson and Paul Scifleet of the 69 [05/110]. files, 1987–2001 [05/109]. school of Information Systems, Szekeres, Judy. Emeritus Professor Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic), Technology and Management, and George Szekeres’s doctoral division of. Photographs of Professor Karin Brennan, UNSW Archives, academic gown and bonnet, and Robert King presenting awards to May 2004 [05/69]. 1982 International Mathematical students at the faculty of the Built Myers, Sir Rupert. CV update, Sept. Olympiad jacket [05/113]. Environment’s Fifth Annual Awards

O R I G I N S N o . 10 11 o ocnatteA h ves chi Ar the contact to How Ceremony, 2004 [05/58]; Freedom presentations, 1990s [05/81]; of Information Statement of Affairs, photographs taken at farewell 2004 [05/62]. function for the chancellor, Dr John Library. Photograph of Andrew Wells, Yu, 25 August 2005 [05/106]; 2 1982 [05/65]; Universitas 21 Report pp. paper written by the artist Tom and Summary Report prepared by Bass on the creation of the Falconer Rhonda Langford, 2004 [05/68]; two sculpture, 1998 [05/126]; copy audio cassettes (self-guided tour and of Professor Wainwright’s speech ‘How to Use the Library’), 1980s, delivered at the UNSW Benefactor’s ‘Your Libraries’ video, 1987, and Reception, Nov. 2005 [05/127]. Staff Information Bulletins, 1994–97 [05/71]; video and booklet for Faculties, schools and centres faculty of Commerce and Economics Australian Defence Force Academy. conferring of awards ceremony, 2001 Annual Status Report, 2004 [05/92]. [05/73]; Gender Equity in Academic Commerce and Economics, faculty of. Employment at UNSW report, 2002 Booklet produced for the Alumni [05/80]. Leaders 50th Anniversary Dinner Marketing and Development Office. and two CD-ROMs with scanned DVD copy of UNSW’s corporate images from the University Archives’ video, UNSW - Above and beyond, collection used in the publication, 2004 [05/66]; UNSW calendars and 2005 [05/117]. handbooks, 1950–2004 [05/74]; Electrical Engineering and photographs and video recordings of Telecommunications, school of. UNSW events, 1997–2004 [05/94]. Photograph of Professor Charles The Archives is open by appointment Printing and Publishing Services. Brian Speedy, ca 1960s [05/97]. Monday to Friday UNSW Calendar, 2005 [05/57]; Medicine, faculty of. Draft copy of 9am – 1pm, 2pm – 5pm UNSW Calendars and handbooks, Dr Winton’s history of the faculty With Hand and Mind and Heart, Closed on public holidays 2005 [05/72]; Undergraduate and and 25 December to 1 January Postgraduate Handbook, 2006 [05/125]. 1999 [05/59]; faculty records and Registrar and Deputy Principal. File photographs, mostly collected while Location regarding Kensington Colleges, June researching faculty history, 1960s– Level 1, University Library 1996 [05/79]. 1999 [05/91]. Secretariat. Documentation regarding Science, faculty of. Group photograph Telephone the Hall matter, 2002–04 [05/61]; taken at a function to celebrate the Acting University Archivist External Independent Review of fifth anniversary of the Centre for Mrs Karin Brennan Complaints made against Professor Quantum Computing Technology, (02) 9385 2906 Bruce Hall by the Hon. B.C. 2005 [05/85]. Acting Assistant University Archivist Social Work, school of. Video copy Ms Katie Bird Hungerford, QC, June 2004 [05/70]; (02) 9385 2908 of a 16 mm UNSW Archives’ film Report for the University of NSW Archivist Council. External Independent Review (CN664) documenting teaching Dr Paul Wilson of UNSW Policies and Procedure by the activities and visits to clients, ca (02) 9385 3058 St James Ethics Centre, Apr. 2005 1965 [05/107]. [05/83]. Facsimile Student Information and Systems Office. University organisations and (02) 9385 1228 Examination Papers, 2003 [05/99]. associations Vice-Chancellor, office of. Six mock-ups Senior Common Room/University Club. Email of the Scientia used for fundraising Club records, 1965–2001 [05/78]. ❖ [email protected] Website http://info.library.unsw.edu.au/archives/about/ archives.html

Postal Address University Archives The University of New South Wales SYDNEY NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA

Origins is prepared by the staff of the University Archives edited by Dr Paul Wilson & Roderic Campbell design by Di Quick

ISSN 1326 – 5407 Staff relax at the University Club The U Committee’s during the 1970s. generous assistance in the [05/78] publication of Origins is gratefully acknowledged.

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