THE GREY LIBRARY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20678, 25 September 1930, Page 14

THE GREY LIBRARY.

Sir, —I saw a statement from the chief librarian, Auckland Public Library, to the effect that no documentary evidenco of Sir George Grey's gift could be found in the library. At the time the presentation was made, Sir. E. Shillington, formerly of the Royal Engineers, Auckland's first librarian, was in charge of the library. I wrote tho first printed catalogue and was, of course, proof-reader of same. I also wrote the index to the Grey collection, and during tho time I was engaged in literary work I was thoroughly au courant with all books and documents in the library, and can positively state that no such document was in the build-, ing. At tho opening ceremony, hbwever, Sir George Grey made a speech which was recorded on the Edison phonograph of that day, and this, being in Sir George Grey's own phraseology, and in his own voice was, I think, considered a- full, sufficient and lasting record of his gift to the people, of Auckland. I am not aware if this record has ever been reproduced. 1 suppose I am about the only survivor' of the crowd that had the first, handling of the Auckland Public Librarv. W. L. Covert, J.P.