TURNBULL LIBRARY

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 141, 11 March 1930, Page 10

TURNBULL LIBRARY

“INADEQUATE PREMISES” The lack of adequate and safe accommodation for the treasures oPthe Turnbull Library in Bowen Street, was commented upon by Professor S. Angus, who arrived from San Francisco by the Makura yesterday en route to Sydney. He is lecturer in New Testament studies at St. Andrew’s College, Sydney University. Professor Angus said that the library contained irreplacable and priceless treasures, yet they were housed in a building which was not fire-proof, and which did not display the contents as it should. Within the building were articles which would bring thousands of pounds each if sold on the open market. The library was a veritable storehouse of literary and artistic rareties, yet even their existence was unknown to most people. There was no reason why students carrying out research work should not come from all parts of the world to study at the library, but there was now insufficient accommodation for this purpose. Wherever the library was known abroad its treasures were regarded as a priceless possession in the hands of the New Zealand Government and their loss would be a terrible blow. The Government should take steps to have a permanent building erected. This could be done comparatively cheaply. With commodious premises allowing the contents to be exhibited properly it would pay to employ a guide to conduct visitors through. A small charge could be made for. his services, for it would be well worth paying to see treasures which were the envy of the world.