OLD COPIES OF “THE TIMES”

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26511, 28 August 1951, Page 3

OLD COPIES OF “THE TIMES”

BATTLE OF THE NILE ISSUE

NEW BRIGHTON MAN’S PROPERTY

“The Times” of November 7, 1805, with an official account of the Battle of Trafalgar, described in a Press Association message from Dargaville as “probably not only the oldest newspaper in New Zealand but possibly one of the world’s most historic” has many rivals in claims to interest. The same issue is now reported by the Press Association to exist in several other places in New Zealand, but Mr A. A. Cooper, of 155 Shaw avenue, New Brighton, has one which, he claims, caps them all. It is a perfectlypreserved copy of “The Times” of October 3, 1798, announcing that “The official news of Admiral Nelson’s great victory (at the mouth of the Nile) arrived at the Admiralty yesterday morning at a quarter past eleven. It was brought by the Hon. Captain Capel, one of Lord Essex’s sons, lately made master and commander of the Mutine. cutter, from the admiral’s flagship.” Nearly all of the middle pages is devoted to the story, the remaining two columns describing “Rebellion in Ireland.”

Advertising on the front page announces “a grand gala in honour of .Lord Nelson’s glorious victory over the French fleet at the mouth' of the Nile to be held at Ranelagh, the proceeds to be devoted in relief of the widows and orphans of the brave men who fell on the occasion.” Nearby advertisements mention the hunting season at Goldsmith and “£lO,OOO wanted on the transfer of the mortgage on a very valuable freehold estate. The interest at 5 per cent, will be paid half-yearly on the very date that it is due at one of the most eminent banking houses in London.” Mr Cooper found the copy framed in a shop at New Brighton about 12 years ago.

The Canterbury Public Library holds even older newspapers, notably the “Whitehall Evening Post” of August 10 to 12, 1727. and “The Star,” London, of March 2. 1797.