SHAKESPEARE FIRST FOLIO.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18389, 3 May 1923, Page 9

SHAKESPEARE FIRST FOLIO.

AUSTRALIA'S TREASURE. HOW IT WAS ACQUIRED. [FROM our OWN CORRESPONDENT.] SYDNEY. April 25. The celebration this week of the birthday of Shakespeare as well as the tercentenary of the publication of the first folio of the great poet's works, recalls the manner in which Sydney received its copy of the most important of the innumerable editions of Shakespeare's plays. In 1833 or 1884 Sir Richard Tangye, of the engineering firm of Tangye Bros., Birmingham, called at the Australian Museum to see some Captain Cook relics, which he had some time previously presented. After some searching the relics were found lying in a cupboard covered with dust, evidently not appreciated. Sir Richard was not only annoyed at this, but also at what he regarded as the curt manner* of the curator, and he strolled along to the Free Public Library"—the present reference library- in Macquarie Street. Here he unburdened himself to the librarian, Mr. R. C. Walker, who was ignorant of the visitor's identity. Mr. Walk*.' gave him much valuable information, antf during Sir Richard's stay in Sydney the tw o became friends. Upon his* return to England Sir Richard often discussed with his brother how well he bad been received at the library, and suggested that the firm might make some presentation to the library. When a First Folio Shakespeare came on to the market the firm bought it and presented it to the library. The purchase prico was £750. bat it is probably worth £3000 now. in spite of the fact that from the bibliophile's point of view it it. not a perfect copy.