I started off as an office assistant toward the end of 1976. I got this job through the Labour Department, after returning from a trip to France to find out about what was happening in Cambodia at the time. I was hoping to be able to return to Cambodia, however I found out that the Pol Pot regime would not tolerate people like me. I received a Colombo Plan Scholarship to study in New Zealand for one year in 1975.
I was fortunate enough to obtain the job at the Library. This job led me to a position as a Library Assistant in the Catalogue section. During my time at the Library, I was very much touched by the many kind gestures of the Chief Librarian and his Deputy. I was allowed to take a leave of absence, not just once, but three times, to go to work in the refugee camps and try to get my family out of Cambodia. People showered me with their generosity of spirit, which helped me tremendously to cope with the fact that I did not know what happened to my family in Cambodia. When they finally arrived in New Zealand as refugees in 1980 and 1981, Library staff provided great assistance through the donation of clothing and other necessities.
Many fond memories are flooding back when I think of the time I worked in the Library. I am forever grateful to all.
Tholla Chan, 1976 to 1981.
