Turnbull Library Acquisitions

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30795, 6 July 1965, Page 18

Turnbull Library Acquisitions

The acquisition by the Alexander Turnbull Library of valuable books, manuscripts, pictures and maps, is outlined in the annual report of the Department of Internal Affairs. The library’s collection of first editions of nineteenth century novels was strengthened by the addition of Thomas Hardy’s “Tess of the D’Urbervilles," W. M. Thackeray’s “The Necomes.” Charles Dickens’s “A Tale of Two Cities.” eight novels by Anthony Trollope and five Surtees items. Purchases of first editions of authors who lived during Turnbull’s life time include works of D. H. Lawrence. W. H. Hudson, Max Beerbohm. G. K. Chesterton, Virginia Woolf and Rudyard Kipling. At an auction at Sothebys. the library acquired two important additions to the collection of voyages: Alexander Campbell’s “Sequel to Bulkeley and Cummin’s’ voyage to the South Seas,” published in 1747 and suppressed soon afterwards, and “Relation d’un voyage du Pole Arctique au Pole Antarctique par le centre du mond,” 1721. Mr Rupert Hart-Davis of

London gave to the library a group of 40 novels by Hugh Walpole translated into various languages. Valuable manuscripts acquired include the papers of John Houston, which reflect his interest in Maori history, horticulture and wildlife; the papers of Alan Mulgan on New Zealand writing and writers; the papers of W. O. Beere relating to the New Zealand flax industry: and the papers of B. R. Langton recording the development of a Canterbury sheep station. The Polynesian Society placed on permanent loan manuscripts on Maori history. A group of letters by Edward and Sarah Pratt, who lived in New Plymouth 1858-85, on the land question and showing how social conditions affected the ordinary settler, was acquired. Mr K. A. Webster gave the library further valuable material, including Thomas Chapman’s “Narrative of a visit to Tauranga 1831” and his "Journal, 184546.” Manuscripts of the papers of Robert Parker, William Pember Reeves, Arthur Hugh Carrington, and Walter D’Arcy Cresswell were also received. Important picture acquisitions include a chromolithograph of “Mount Aspiring, from Matakitaki Valley,” by John Gully, one of four copies

known to be in this Country; four water colours by Charles Heaphy: two water colours by J. C. Hoyte, given by Miss J. Pacey; and a collection of water colours by Sir William Fox, on loan from Mr J. C. Wilkie and family. During the year 1065 items were added to the collection, making a total of 6675 maps. Many donations were made to the photographic section, the largest being the L. E. Braithwaite collection of early New Zealand photographs. Examples of items of outstanding value that the endowment trust board bought for the library include the papers of the late Eric Ramsden, containing historical material of considerable importance. letters written by the English poet, A. H. Clough, to Thomas Arnold in New Zealand; and letters (1850-53) written by Edward Gibbon Wakefield to Lord Lyttelton. A second series of Heaphy water colours was reproduced during the year, of which 2000 sets were printed and sales again proved most satisfactory. During the coming year, says the report, three water colours by Sir William Fox will be reproduced. Use of the reference services increased.

More than 3600 readers used the library and 198 books were sent out to libraries under the inter-library loan scheme. There was an increase in correspondence inquiries, many from overseas, and more than 341 requests for photographs.