HomePublicationsAuckland Deaf Society newsletter: October 1965

Auckland Deaf Society newsletter: October 1965

Some of the items featured in Auckland Deaf Society’s October 1965 newsletter:

  • Obituary of Robert Oliver (Bob) Scott who passed away on 17 October 1965. Bob was the President and Treasurer of the Auckland Deaf Society and the Secretary of the Wellington Deaf Society.
  • The Annual Meeting of ‘NZ Deaf News’ was held on 27 September. There has been some re-organisation. John Hunt is now Chief Editor and Laurie Schishchka is in control of the finances.
  • The second newsletter from Manawatu Deaf Club has been received. Their club seems to be really booming! For the interest of members, their Christmas Party will be held on the 6th of November. 
  • Graham Dawson, a member, has been selected to represent Auckland in the National Weightlifting Championships on 16 October.
  • Deaf Clubs
  • TV/Media
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Hunt

Establishing the ‘NZ Deaf News’ in 1962

John Hunt's involvement with NZ Deaf News spanned 23 years. Upon moving to New Zealand in 1962, he was surprised to find out that there was no NZ Deaf News at a time where radio and TV (which was inaccessible for Deaf people) were one of the main medium of news. He established the NZ Deaf News publication with a group of 10 people. The first issue was only 8 pages and with donations, the next one was 16 pages. It grew exponentially and was the place to go for Deaf-related news.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

The Rise of Table Tennis at Auckland Deaf Society

Terry Kane, one of ADS’s top-ranked table tennis players, shares how he got involved with the club. He recalls encouraging 26 players to join, with games played on 4 to 5 tables in the old Balmoral hall. It was a popular time, with strong fundraising and high participation. Terry remembers it as a wonderful period. He also talks about the Auckland Adult Deaf Society Challenge Cup, established in 1938, interclub competitions, open championships, and matches against hearing players at Waitemata.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Shirley Bregmen

Honouring Her Mother: Shirley on the Bregmen 8 Ball Trophies

Shirley talks about the ‘Bregmen Memorial Trophy: Eight Balls Championship’ and the ‘Bregmen Trophy: 8 Ball Pool, Auckland Deaf Society vs R.S.A.’ – two meaningful trophies donated to the Auckland Deaf Society by her father in memory of her mother. Her father, who was Vice President of the Mt Wellington R.S.A. Club, wanted to honour her legacy and create a lasting connection between the two communities.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

ADS 8 Ball Memories: Terry Kane’s Time at the Table

At the old Auckland Deaf Society Clubroom in Balmoral, there was two pool tables. At that time, Terry Kane was the Chairperson of the ADS 8 Ball Pool Club. There were lots of matches between the Auckland and Hamilton Deaf teams where there were trips to Waikato and back. Around 2011 Christchurch also came and played in Hamilton. Terry Kane won singles 2011, and doubles 2009. He says he didnt have much time to mow the lawns with his focus on sports!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Unknown, Colleen Norris

Colleen’s Bowls Win While Six Months Pregnant

Colleen explains how she got involved in Auckland Deaf Society’s indoor bowls team for the 1968 NZ Deaf Sports Convention in Christchurch. The team was short on players, and since her husband was already going to play basketball, she decided to join. Her mother-in-law came to help look after her daughter. At the time, Colleen was six months pregnant. Despite that, she won the singles, doubles, and team events. She remembers how formal team photos were back then. In the November team photo, everyone tried to hide her pregnancy!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Donating the Doubles Trophies: Terry Kane’s Gift to ADS Table Tennis

Terry Kane shares how he donated two trophies to the ADS Table Tennis Club, one for men’s doubles and one for women’s doubles. The club held annual prizegivings to celebrate its players. As a former chairperson, Terry helped carry on the legacy of earlier leaders like the Seddons and players such as Rae McKie.
NZSL story – Taonga source: John Mansell

John’s Early Days on the Indoor Bowls Mat

John gave indoor bowls a go in the late 1960s and played for about a decade. He started in 1968, the year his team won the overall Jerome Plate. He was lucky to play under Skip Sen Smith, a top indoor bowls player in both Auckland and New Zealand. John remembers how everyone had to dress formally for team photos, wearing suits and ties. Unlike today’s more relaxed style, he believes things were better back then.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Table Tennis Drill Sessions That Paid Off

Top-seeded ADS table tennis players Terry Kane and Lyndon Malcolm were coached by a hearing man, Sonny Rivers. To improve their game, they trained several times a week. Terry recalls Sonny pushing them hard, especially with spin returns from the training machine. Over time, their technique improved, leading to wins against both hearing and Deaf opponents.
NZSL story – Taonga source: Terry Kane

Ending the Streak: Terry’s Proud Table Tennis Memory

Terry Kane captained the ADS table tennis team at the 1985 Sports Convention in Napier, where they won the Men's Interclub Table Tennis Cup. He also ended an 11-year winning streak by defeating a long-dominant Christchurch player. Terry recalls spotting a weakness in his opponent’s game and using it to secure a very satisfying win!
NZSL story – Taonga source: Michelle Kruger

From Newcomer to NZ Deaf Games Winner

After moving from South Africa to New Zealand, Michelle was eager to meet new people and join a community. The Auckland Deaf Society’s 8 Ball Pool Club turned out to be the perfect place to start. What began with learning the basics soon became a fun and social challenge. She bought her own cues, built her skills, and went on to compete in the NZ Deaf Games as part of the Northern Zone Deaf 8 Ball Pool team. Despite her early inexperience, Michelle steadily improved and proudly came home with the NZ Deaf Games’ top trophy.
Taonga source:
Auckland Deaf Society
Reference number:
SignDNA – Deaf National Archive New Zealand, ADS1965-10-MJN
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