NOVEL AUCTIONS

Grey River Argus, 23 May 1942, Page 8

NOVEL AUCTIONS

BOOK AND ART TREASURERS.

WELLINGTON, May 22

Around the Churchill Book, which was presented ‘to New Zealand’s Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) last year by Mr. Winston Churchill, is being built up a collection of rare books, rare documents, manuscripts, autographed letiterd, pictures, and prints, Maori and general curios, all of which are to be auctioned in aid of the patriotic funds. The Churchill Book was written by Sir Winston Churchill, father of the first Duke of Marlborough and a direct ancestor of Mr. Churchill, and is an exceedingly rare volume entitled “All the Kings of This Isle,” published in 1675. It has been autographed by Mr< Churchill and by Mr. Fraser, and will be auctioned by radio over a national hook-up on a date l to be arranged. The other books and art treasures are to be put up in separate lots at auction in each of the four main centres.

Already, in response to the appeal made recently, some interesting cultural gifts have reached Mr. Pat Lawlor, of Wellington, who is organising t\ .'appeal. Mr. Lawlor said to-day that some of the gifts received included a fairly long letter by the late Mr. Rudyard Kipling, the signature of the late Lord Jellicoe under the letter head of H.M.S Iron Duke, the signature of the late Lord French written at Whitehall in 1916, a letter from the i’late Sir Charles Kingsford Smith, two very old card cases (one in mother-of-pearl and gold mounted), and a copy of Kirk’s “Forest Flora of New Zealand presented to the Bishop of Saiusbury by Richard John Seddon and signed in his characteristic flowing handwriting. Mr. Lawlor recently visited the South Island, and at Christchurch and Dunedin, he said, strong committees of leading citizens had been set up to further the appeal for rare books, documents, art treasures, and valuable curios. Committees are to bo formed in Auckland and Hamilton shortly after which Mr. Lawlor will visit the leading provincial fiowns in connection with the appeal. “The auctions will have no jumble sale aspect,” said Mr. Lawlor. “The assistance , of experts has been obtained. Historical and even repair committees have been set up to see that everything will be put up in real Christie style.” The giving up of literary or art treasures represents a real sacrifice but it is a way in which to help provide funds for comforts and amenities for members of New Zealand’s Fighting Forces. AHI who can contribute to this unique appeal by giving literary and art treasures are asked to do so.