Hocken Digital Collections

Smithells, Philip Ashton, Professor : Papers

Details

Reference NumberARC-0494CreatorSmithells, Philip Ashton, Professor, 1910-1977DescriptionThis large collection includes a wide array of correspondence, papers and photographs collected during Smithells' career as Professor of Physical Education. It includes material concerning the establishment of the School of Physical Education and papers relating to the New Zealand Association of Physical Education. There are also papers relating to various notable physical education figures such as Royd Garlick, C.E. Hercus, R.E. Roper, A.P Roydhouse and J.P. Northey. Other material includes papers, publications, clippings, photographs and slides relating to health and welfare, dance and drama, and physical and general education for all ages.
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 / BiographyPhilip Ashton Smithells was born in Leeds, Yorkshire, England. He was educated at Bedales, a liberal boarding school, and then attended Cambridge University where he graduated with a BA in English and Economics in 1932 and an MA in 1935. From 1932 he studied Physical Education with R.E. Roper, a leading authority, and then obtained the position of master in charge of Physical Education at Gresham Free Grammar School, where he also taught English. Here, Smithells developed his research into remedial work for pupils with poor physical skills. In 1934 he married Inge Ross Christensen, a Danish student.
In 1939 Smithells moved to Wellington, New Zealand, as Superintendent of Physical Education in the Department of Education. During this time, he formulated policies and philosophies which revamped the primary and secondary school syllabuses. During World War II he also advised the army and air force on remedial training and rehabilitation. In 1944 Smithells divorced his first wife and married Olive Frances Whitta, a teacher of physical education and dance.
In 1938 C.E. Hercus proposed a School of Physical Education to teach a three-year diploma course to selected students. It was not until 1947 that the School was finally established at the University of Otago, with Smithells appointed as Director. He recruited staff, devised a curriculum and assembled equipment in time for teaching to begin in 1948.
Throughout his teaching he stressed the responsibility of physical education teachers towards those with poor motor skills and the average performer. His professional writings were published widely in New Zealand and overseas and he was heavily involved in the affairs of the Physical Education Society of New Zealand.
Smithells had many other interests, including drama and dance. He acted in various Dunedin theatre companies. In their retirement he and Olive lived in the Society of Friends settlement in Wanganui, where Smithells died on 13 January 1977.

Philip Smithells and two women in outdoor gymnastic demonstration

Depicts Or Relates To

SubjectsPhysical education and trainingGymnasticsDanceTheatreDrama - Study and teachingPhysiologySportPhysical education teachersAthleticsRecreationOutdoor recreationPlaygroundsUniversities and collegesUniversity of Otago - Staff, Council and GraduatesUniversities and colleges - Faculty

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Smithells, Philip Ashton, Professor : Papers

Hocken Collections | Te Uare Taoka o Hākena