Hocken Digital Collections

Paul, John Thomas : Papers

Details

Reference NumberARC-0191CreatorPaul, John Thomas, 1874-1964DescriptionThe collection includes diaries, correspondence and subject files relating to personal matters, Paul's involvement with various bodies, and files relating to political, union and parliamentary matters. There is also a substantial collection of subject files relating to Paul's tenure as the Director of Publicity. Also included are drafts of Paul's publications, scripts of radio talks, newspaper clippings, and photographs.
Only a small part of this collection is digitised and available through Digital Collections. Information about other items can be found on the Hākena catalogue, through the Library Catalogues link above.History / BiographyJohn Thomas Paul was born in Victoria, Australia, 16 August 1874. Working on farms until 1913, he joined a local newspaper as a compositor. He became interested in industrial matters and social questions. On 10 November 1897 Paul married Ethel Blake.
J.T. Paul arrived in Dunedin in March 1899 and gained employment with the Otago Daily Times. He soon established himself as a force in Otago trade union circles, becoming President of the Otago Trades and Labour Council in 1903. In 1905 he was appointed to the Land Commission, and in 1906 became editor of the Otago labour paper, the Liberal, later renamed the Beacon. Also in 1906 he became a Justice of the Peace, Commander of the National Defence League, Otago Division and a member of the Otago Harbour Board Vigilance Committee.
In January 1907 Paul was nominated to the Legislative Council. He held this position until 1919. He then joined the literary staff of the Dunedin Evening Star and later the Otago Daily Times. From 1924-1932 Paul was editor of the Otago Witness. He rejoined the Otago Daily Times staff until 1939 when he became New Zealand's Director of Publicity for World War II and moved to Wellington. In 1946 Paul was re-appointed to the Legislative Council and remained a member until it was abolished in 1950.
In 1958 Paul was awarded a C.B.E. He died on 25 July 1964.

Photograph

De Havilland aircraft factory, Rongotai

Rongotai airfield and De Havilland aircraft factory

De Havilland aircraft factory, Rongotai

Cargill's Castle

Depicts Or Relates To

SubjectsPoliticiansJournalistsTrade unionsNew Zealand - Politics and GovernmentLocal history

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Paul, John Thomas : Papers

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