AUCTION OF RARE BOOKS

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23647, 26 May 1942, Page 2

AUCTION OF RARE BOOKS

EFFORT FOR PATRIOTIC FUNDS Around the Churchill Book, which was presented to New Zealand’s Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) last year by Mr Winston Churchill, is being built up a collection of rare books, rare documents, manuscripts, autographed letters, pictures, and prints, Maori and general curios, all of which are to be auctioned in aid of the patriotic funds. The Churchill Book was written by Sir Winston Churchill, father of the first Duke of Marlborough and a direct ancestor of Mr Churchill, and is an exceedingly rare volume entitled “All the Kings of This Isle,” published in 1675. It has been autographed by Mr Churchill and by Mr Fraser, and will be auctioned by radio over a national hook-up on a date to be arranged. The other book ud art treasures are to be put up in separate lots at auction in each of the four main centres. Already, in response to the appeal made recently, some interesting cultural gifts have reached Mr Pat Lawlor, of Wellington, who is organising the appeal. “The auctions will have ‘no jumble sale aspect,” said Mr Lawlor. “The assistance of experts has been obtained. Historical and even repair committees have been set up to see that everything will be put up in real Christie style.”