Sir John’s gift of papers

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33966, 6 October 1975, Page 20

Sir John’s gift of papers

(N.Z. Press Association)

WELLINGTON. The political papers of the former Prime [Minister, Sir John Marshall, have been given to ;the Alexander Turnbull Library. Appropriately, the library today began an exhibition, “Electioneering — New Zealand style.” which will run

until the end of November. The exhibition features papers of many politicians, including 15 prime ministers, and tape recordings and films of politicians’ election speeches. Sir John’s papers will not be at the exhibition, however.

The library said in a statement today the papers will be closed during Sir John’s lifetime except with his permission, and access will be limited for five years after his death.

A group of trustees has been appointed to control access during this period. The chief librarian (Mr J. E. Traue) said Sir John’s collection was nearly perfect and covered the period from his entry into Parliament in 1946 up to his retirement this year.

“They will in due course be a gold mine for historians, economists and political scientists researching into the period 1949-1972. a significant transitional period in New Zealand’s history,” Mr Traue said. They cover all of Sir John’s major Ministerial appointments, from assistant to the Prime Minister in 1949, to Prime Minister in 1972. The papers occupy more than 200 ft of shelving and include constituency matters as well as Ministerial papers. Cabinet papers included in the collection will be restricted for 25 years, as are all Cabinet papers.