HomeObjectsBook: The Story of the AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY Inc 1937–1987, Compiled by John M. Hunt

Book: The Story of the AUCKLAND DEAF SOCIETY Inc 1937–1987, Compiled by John M. Hunt

A book compiled by John Hunt on the first half century of Auckland Deaf Society. The cover of the book shows the old Balmoral Clubroom at 164 Balmoral Road, Auckland. This book was released in 1987, during Auckland Deaf Society’s 50th celebrations.

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NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

The Rebuild of Auckland Deaf Society’s Balmoral Clubroom

Kevin talks about the rebuild of the Auckland Deaf Society building. The receptionist often received calls from people wanting to buy the property, but they were always given a firm no. A member survey was held, and the decision was made to go ahead with the rebuild. Angela Sew Hoy and Chris Blum oversaw the project. While the work was underway, Friday night gatherings were temporarily moved to the local Balmoral Bowling Club.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Kevin Pivac

A Night to Remember at Balmoral Hall

Kevin recalls how the Auckland Deaf Society’s Balmoral Hall was one of the largest venues in Auckland at the time. In 1970, it hosted the Halberg Awards. From the upstairs clubroom, Kevin remembers looking down at the formal dinner set-up with flash tables and decorations. That same evening, a protest took place outside in response to the invitation of a presenter from South Africa. Graffiti was sprayed on the Deaf Club’s exterior, and police were present at the scene.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Schischka

From Indoor Bowls to Indoor Netball: The Evolution of the Balmoral Hall

John Schischka reflects on the old Auckland Deaf Society hall on Balmoral Road. Originally used for indoor bowls and hired out to hearing groups, the Balmoral Road hall was often thick with cigarette smoke – a common sight back in the day. Later, the badminton and basketball clubs made use of the space, but as time went on, it became a bit of a ‘white elephant.’ The Board eventually leased it as an indoor sports centre, where indoor netball became popular. Deaf members would play on Friday nights, then head upstairs for Club night.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt

Compiling ‘The Story of the Auckland Deaf Society Inc 1937 – 1987’ book

John was keen to know about the history of Auckland Deaf Society, and upon the approval of the Board of Management, he compiled a book two years before the 50th Anniversary of ADS. It took him three years to finish the book, and it was released one year after the anniversary.
John Hunt
John Hunt

Relevant Links

Taonga source:
Auckland Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, 483-O-ADS
Copyright status:
This work is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0
Note:
This item has been compressed and/or edited.

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