Uneven mix in N.Z. encyclopaedia

Press, 10 March 1984, Page 18

Uneven mix in N.Z. encyclopaedia

The Bateman New Zealand Encyclopedia. Editor-in-chief, Gordon McLauchlan. David Bateman, 1984. 655 pp. Illustrations, maps, chronology, appendices, index. Introductory price $29.95 (full price $39.95). (Reviewed by Alec Saunders) I am disappointed with the new Bateman New Zealand Encyclopedia — which professes to be an encyclopaedia of New Zealand knowledge. The compilers’ selection is patchy, if not biased, and is far from balanced.

The editor, Gordon McLauchlan, has been inconsistent in his choice of items, and in many instances steps outside his own criteria for selection. His book could be more appropriately sub-titled “A McLaughlan’s-eyeview” or “New Zealand the way I see it, by Gordon McLauchlan.”

People and places, dates and discoveries, are the stuff of encyclopaedias. A good reference work should be fairly representative of its subject matter, with items chosen on the basis of relevance, and according to clear, impartial, and objective guidelines. The user should be able to find information easily, and be supplied with leads to more detailed sources if required. Users should be able to approach the volume with a fair expectation of finding answers to the kinds of question that they are likely to ask, and with a high degree of confidence in the comprehensiveness and accuracy of the information given. Bateman’s encyclopaedia falls short, to varying degrees, on these points, and as a consequence its usefulness as a reference work is limited. It hardly deserves or qualifies to be called a true encyclodaedia — perhaps “Claytons” encyclopaedia would be one wav of describing it. Obviously not all subjects and biographies can be included in a reference book like this, and opinion will differ over who or what to omit. However, one major test of an encyclopaedia is: Does it include a fair representation of the information most likely to be sought by the intended users? The antithesis is: How much is of little or no interest?

For instance, whereas early painters and writers abound, I could not find the names of six prominent pioneer architects. Various early farmers and landowners are listed, yet I could find no reference to two of the biggest S’oneer landholders, G. H. Moore, of lenmark, and W. T. Robinson, of Cheviot The entry on Cheviot should be reworded, as it implies that Sir John McKenzie owned the Robinson property, Cheviot Hills “established in

the area and then cut up to closer settlement by the Minister of lands, Sir John McKenzie, in 1893.” (But Sir John died in 1891.) In a good New Zealand encyclopaedia I would expect to find some reference to Sir William Hamilton and the jet boat — perhaps one of our foremost inventions — but not a word. There is an entry on standard time, but no reference to T. K. Sidey, who campaigned for many years for the introduction of daylight saving. From the extensive coverage given to All Blacks readers would rightly conclude that rugby is our No. 1 sport. Cricketers receive scant mention: there are Reid and Turner, but no Sutcliffe, no Curly Page, nor any Hadlees. Hockey does not rate a mention, although New Zealand has had international success in this sport Mabel Howard, our first woman Cabinet Minister, is omitted, as well as Arnold Nordmeyer, of Black Budget fame, presumably, in the judgment of the editor, to continue their “quiet slide into oblivion.” While there are biographies of some artists who, I feel, have yet to rise above obscurity, others who have gained prominence are absent I could

not find the names of any of our leading potters, nor Len Lye, Gillian Wier, or Jon Trimmer, for example. The inclusion of biographies on leading sports people and artists is admirable, as long as there is fair representation. Because Bateman’s encyclopaedia does not do this, it cannot claim to be balanced. Although some useful schematic maps are provided, the book lacks a large detailed map or maps of New Zealand that includes all the places mentioned in the text. There are plenty of illustrations, and the colour plates, in particular, are excellent. The text is clear and easy to follow, with the pages well put together in sewn signets. However, the cover binding of the review copy did not appear substantial enough to withstand regular use. While the photographs are acknowledged, other sources are not, which does not allow the user to check details or seek further information. A major test of an encyclopaedia is: Can I learn from it? The brief answer is “Yes,” although, unfortunately, some of the information here is trivia. Is it value for money? At the lower book-of-the-month price it is worth considering. There is little to dispute about the accuracy of most of the information that it does contain. However, readers should bear in mind that the encyclopaedia’s lack of balance and comprehensiveness detract from its value as a reference work. Judicious culling and augmentation is needed before the Bateman New Zealand Encyclopedia can make a claim for a place among standard reference works.