Frank Sargeson: 1903-1982

Frank Sargeson was born as Norris Davey in Hamilton, New Zealand, on March 23, 1903, of conservative, puritanical, Methodist parents. After leaving school he took a job in a law office and began studying law.

After a row with his mother (she had learnt that he had made a sexual joke in a letter), he went to Auckland and then to London in 1927.

On his return in 1928 (now calling himself Frank), he got a job with the Public Trust in Wellington. It was also about this time that he started writing in earnest.

After being arrested for homosexual practices Frank went to stay with his much-loved uncle Oakley Sargeson at Okahukura near Taumarunui. Two years later, forced off his uncle's farm by the Depression, he emerged as Frank Sargeson, writer of stories.

In May 1931 he moved to the family house in Takapuna which was then a northern suburb of Auckland. And there he spent the rest of his life.

Like Katherine Mansfield, Sargeson helped to put New Zealand literature on the world map and his role is enormous also as a promoter and encourager of other talents.

He died on March 1, 1982.