ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY

Turnbull Library Record, Volume 5, Issue 2, 1 October 1972, Page 36

ALEXANDER TURNBULL LIBRARY

REPORT BY THE CHIEF LIBRARIAN, TO THE NATIONAL LIBRARIAN

The year may be viewed as one of consolidation within the limits of available resources. Service to readers and scholars has continued to be provided while the acquisition and processing of the wide range of materials which make up the collections is noted in sectional outline below. The Trustees Committee for the library has met twice and considered administrative and accommodation problems within its responsibility and sphere of interest. The committee shares the anxiety of the trustees that adequate accommodation within a national library building should be provided at the earliest possible date. The move to the Free Lance building at the end of the year, while providing more secure working space, will not significantly increase the total available and still fragmented area in which the invaluable books, manuscripts, and paintings will continue to be housed for some years.

The strength of a research collection such as that of Turnbull comes not merely from its printed literature but chiefly from the original manuscripts it may acquire which throw new light on historical and other problems. The location and acquisition of these is a continuing process often involving prolonged negotiation and liaison with owners which may extend over many years. The library, quite properly, tends to be assessed in public estimation by the service it gives but its strength in resources as well as the quality of its information and help lies in a regular intake of ‘raw material’ for future investigation on aspects of New Zealand social, political, and literary history. For much of the last century the most significant manuscripts still to be found are in the United Kingdom. Direct and indirect search for such records is a continuing process. The annual report last year mentioned the need for a liaison officer in London to follow up these lines of investigation as is done by other Commonwealth countries. The fact that the Manuscripts Librarian in the current year was able to do a little in England and America, although on a private scholarship, and that the trustees and the Endowment Trust are supporting a visit of the Chief Librarian to England later this year is not an adequate alternative to a regular appointment.

The full implementation of the planned conservation policy is still awaiting provision of the necessary accommodation for the conservation officer although essential equipment has been ordered. The staff has continued to provide loyal and efficient service. In a number of cases staff members are authorities of national standing whom the library is fortunate to have on its strength.

Acquisition and Cataloguing The bulk of the library’s acquisition of printed books, pamphlets, and periodicals has been of New Zealand and Pacific publications. In this area the 1971 amendment to the depository provisions of the Copyright Act will enable the current intake to be better organised and more efficiently controlled. Despite the recognition of the Turnbull Library as the National Library’s comprehensive collection of the literature relating to New Zealand, many gaps still exist for the intermediate period of the library’s history from Turnbull’s death until the recent past. Every effort is made to rectify such omissions by purchase, gift, or photocopy and the past year has been reasonably successful in this regard. Acquisitions in the library specialist areas which for technical processing are under the guidance of the catalogue department, are noted in these sections. However, the rare book collection was significantly strengthened by an Endowment Trust purchase of over 100 titles of modern fine printing formed within New Zealand as well as by matching purchases overseas. As funds have permitted, specific titles have been added to the library’s holding of English literature, maritime discovery, and Pacific exploration.

Microfilm has continued to grow as an essential medium of acquisition and conservation. During the year, 471 reels of microfilm were received from overseas in which over half a million pages of manuscript or rare books not hitherto in New Zealand are now available to scholars. Within the library the camera lent by the New Zealand Library Association to the National Library Centre has been operated full-time by staff seconded by the Government Printer. The camera, now 25 years old, has long passed its point of efficient use and in order to step up the library’s programme of copying New Zealand newspapers and manuscripts for conservation and wider use its replacement is urgent.

Within the catalogue section 3,283 books and pamphlets were catalogued as well as sound recordings and microfilm. The section’s main responsibility is in bibliographical compilation noted below but it is also responsible for the Union Catalogue of pre-1801 books held in New Zealand, the supervision of the cataloguing of the special collections, the control of its binding programme, and the organisation of the periodicals section.

Bibliography Work has continued on both the current and retrospective New Zealand National Bibliography. Monthly issues of the New Zealand National Bibliography were prepared, listing 1,574 items in section I—books, pamphlets, art prints, music scores, and sound recordings. The annual cumulation for 1970 was published in September 1971, but it is hoped to issue that for 1971 a little earlier. The prompt, efficient, typographic-

ally-pleasing, and inexpensive publication of the growing number of indexes and lists which make up the country’s bibliographical control is a major difficulty confronting Turnbull as well as other parts of the National Library. Printed catalogue cards were issued during the year for 290 New Zealand books but because of the growing efficiency of the current bibliography itself as well as difficulties in production and distribution of the cards, it was decided in March 1972 to discontinue this service. The second volume of the New Zealand National Bibliography to the year 1960 is expected to appear shortly and final checking of cards for volume IV has begun in anticipation of setting by the Government Printer. Considerable preliminary work has been done on the pre-1890 section for which it is hoped to issue a check-list in 1973. A bibliography of the printed work of the late Dr J. C. Beaglehole, 0.M., has also been prepared for joint publication with the Victoria University of Wellington.

Reference Services Service by the library’s reference staff is given directly to inquirers in the reference and reading rooms or by correspondence. Many of the lines of inquiry are for significant historical or other historically oriented research and may require lengthy investigation. In addition to a small number of requests satisfied by interloan or photocopy, 4,354 readers used the library on whose behalf 25,390 volumes were made available. The number of letters written was 828. Photocopying orders for Xerox and microfilm copies totalled 2,016.

Typical of the research undertaken by scholars were subjects such as Rua Kenana and Te Kooti, the British Solomon Islands, regional inequalities in economic development in Tonga, and theatre in New Zealand. Correspondence dealt with such varied topics as the first circular saw used in New Zealand; a history of New Zealand coins and paper money; crayfish and rock lobster in New Zealand; immigration to New Zealand of Cornishmen, Channel Islanders, and Irish; the Endeavour Inlet Antimony Company; Soames Island; and various school and church histories. Research has also been completed for Dr E. H. McCormick’s biography of A. H. Turnbull and the commemorative bibliography of Dr J. C. Beaglehole. The publication of the New Zealand’s Heritage series has involved considerable use of the resources of the library, particularly of the art collection, by the staff of New Zealand’s Heritage and also by authors of individual articles.

Indexing of early newspapers has continued on a limited basis. The transfer by the General Assembly Library of its index to Wellington

newspapers to the year 1860 now gives selective coverage for the years 1840-60 and 1874-90, which has proved useful to many readers. With the assistance and advice of the conservation officer, stock has been noted for treatment, material has been checked for suitability for copying, and leather dressing of books has been continued. During March, extra space on the sixth floor of the Ford building became available which should ease the situation until the move to the Free Lance building.

Manuscripts Acquisition of manuscripts was sustained during the year. Important collections included the minute books of the New Zealand Loan and Mercantile Company (by courtesy Dalgety and New Zealand Loan Limited), the Rolleston family papers (from Mrs Ormond Wilson), the full text of the autobiography of Alfred Saunders, a considerable run of the play production notes of Dame Ngaio Marsh, and the Tongan diary of an early nineteenth century missionary, G. R. H. Miller. The most significant overseas purchase from trust funds was the complete surviving run of diaries of Lieutenant-General H. J. Warre, which included the six years of his command in the Taranaki War. Other manuscripts lent for copying included, by courtesy of Mr W. H. Maxwell, the papers of Archdeacon A. N. Brown, kept in The Elms, Tauranga. Important manuscript material on microfilm continues to be received from the Pacific Manuscripts Bureau and the Australian Joint Copying Project.

Mrs June Starke was acting manuscripts librarian during the absence overseas of the librarian, Mrs Margaret Scott. During the year 1,470 manuscript items were consulted by readers. The sorting of selected collections was completed and in some cases inventories were prepared but much remains to be done. The addition of a staff member to the section will give an opportunity not merely to service current acquisitions but to record and index earlier accessions more adequately. With arrangements being made for the copying of the papers of the late Harry Holland held in the Archives of the Australian National University, Canberra, the copying of New Zealand manuscripts held in Australian repositories will soon be concluded. Approximately 600 items of useful historical research material are now available to research workers in New Zealand. The library gratefully acknowledges the assistance and co-operation it has received from the Mitchell Library, Sydney, the National Library of Australia, Canberra, and other institutions.

Art Collection Growth of the art collection and rapid expansion of its use have posed

even greater problems than previously. Acute shortage of space has precluded full implementation of improvements in the housing, treatment, and use of pictures as suggested by the conservation officer; and a small proportion of the collection has had to be moved out of the Art Room. There will be a considerable improvement at the end of the year. Greatly increased demands are being made upon the art librarian, especially in the identification and attribution of original works for other institutions and for the public. Whenever possible, photographs are taken for record and comparison. The many photographs and lists obtained by Mr Grover when in Australia have emphasised the need for a closer study at first hand of New Zealand pictures there and in Britain.

Much more research is now being done on early New Zealand art by both historians and art historians. Local and overseas publishers, advertising agencies, film and television producers have all stepped up calls on the art collection, which has also been in demand for commercial reproduction in a variety of fields. During the year approximately 290 written inquiries (230 last year) and over 400 verbal inquiries related to the art collection. Acquisitions totalled some 155 original works and 226 prints (81 and 95 respectively last year). Donations have been maintained at a good level. As with other material, the price of pictures has risen rapidly and the Endowment Trust Fund has been called upon to assist in purchases.

The most exciting acquisition, by private purchase in Paris after lengthy negotiations, was the 1851-56 scrapbook of John Pearse, a lawyer who lived for those years in Wellington. Many of his pen sketches and 75 watercolours give vivid and valuable impressions of shipboard life and the early settlement. Other substantial purchases were some 60 Swainson pencil drawings; important watercolours by E. A. Williams, Brees, Barraud, W. M. Hodgkins; further charcoal drawings by Sandys; seven significant Hogan lithographs and pencil drawings by Alfred Domett. All these added to work previously held by these artists.

Part of the H. B. Fleck bequest consisted of modern English etchings, Chinese colour-prints, and wood engravings by E. Mervyn Taylor. Several other bequests contributed a number of useful oils and watercolours. Mr Rex Nan Kivell presented an unusual set of Heaphy lithographs. The Hocken Library and Avon Fine Prints Ltd. donated the many prints published by them last year. The inestimable value of the very large collection of historical and topographical art built up by Alexander Turnbull, greatly augmented by gift and purchase subsequently, is only now becoming appreciated. It is the most comprehensive collection of New Zealand pictures of this nature. Much research remains to be done, but the true value of the

collection is an original source material in the same category as the manuscript collection.

Map Collection The growth of the map collection has increased the accommodation problems, with the collection now housed in three buildings. Maps were accessioned during the year totalling 2,111 (1,700 last year), and most of the backlog of uncatalogued material has now been dealt with. There appears to be an increasing awareness by the public of the map collection, this being particularly evident after an exhibition in September of some of the library’s maps showing land transfer and subdivision. The exhibition was to mark the centenary of the introduction of the Torrens or land transfer system of land registration, and a catalogue with descriptive and historical notes was prepared. Over 260 inquiries were received during the year, a 12 percent increase over last year.

An active acquisitions policy has been continued, with approaches to various local bodies, and to estate agents, resulting in worth-while additions to the collection. The Department of Lands and Survey has continued to be of considerable assistance in our efforts to build a comprehensive collection of current material. There has been a rationalisation of map holdings within the National Library, the Turnbull collection being recognised as the one for the National Library as a whole to which other material elsewhere will be transferred as accommodation permits. In 1971, 172 maps were catalogued for the New Zealand National Bibliography, compared with 235 in 1970.

Photograph Collection There has been a marked increase in the number of people using the Photograph Section this year. A total of 1,086 members of the public visited the section, an increase of more than 50 percent over last year. This, plus letters and telephone calls received, has resulted in a total of 830 orders being placed. Although the increased use of the section is pleasing, it does mean an increasing commitment of staff time. During the year 13,143 negatives were accessioned, bringing the number catalogued to 107,011. There are also 93,119 catalogued prints, 20,200 loose prints, and 382 albums. The Duncan Winder collection of over 5,000 negatives was the largest acquisition this year but smaller donations have also been received and an increasing number of photographs have been lent for copying. Perhaps the most interesting additions to the collection have been three albums of photographs taken during the Maori Wars, one kept by Lieutenant Baines and the other two by Ensign Nichol.

Exhibitions and Publicity

Major exhibitions included watercolours by Sir William Fox (mostly from the Wilkie loan collection) in association with the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, opened by Dr E. H. McCormick; subdivisional maps and deeds, in conjunction with the Lands and Deeds Registry which contributed some exhibits, opened by Mr A. D. Mclntosh, C.M.G., to mark the centenary of the Torrens system; paintings of the thermal region, associated with the current Turnbull Library prints; and the Waikato Art Gallery’s touring exhibition of the Ferrier-Watson collection of John Kinder watercolours. Other exhibitions included mediaeval manuscripts and incunabula, many from the collection donated by Sir John Ilott, accompanied by the Piranesi etchings bequeathed by Percy Watts Rule; Maori Heritage, a photographic exhibition financed by the Trust Board and intended for touring to small centres; and published writings of the late Professor J. C. Beaglehole, 0.M., C.M.G.; and early children’s books. The Jubilee Exhibition was shown at the Wairarapa Arts Centre; paintings of Mount Egmont were lent to the Govett-Brewster Art Gallery; and historical paintings were shown at the Academy launching of New Zealand’s Heritage.

Functions at the library under the auspices of the Friends included an address by Professor D. F. McKenzie on the Indecent Publications Tribunal; Mr J. C. T. Oates, Under-Librarian at Cambridge University, and Mr R. F. Grover also addressed meetings. The number of visitors to the library has increased to some 20,000 a year. As always many school parties and others from library school, training colleges and other institutions have been given conducted tours of the library. Due to the inadequacies of the present building for the ever-increasing use to which it is put, it is regrettably not possible to accept primary school parties from Wellington city for a general introduction to the library, although touring parties from other areas become ever more frequent.

Senior members of staff played an active part in the summer school in local history arranged by the Department of Extension Studies of Massey University. As in previous years, the press and the broadcasting authorities throughout New Zealand have been most generous in their allocation of space for news of the library’s activities. This assistance in making the library’s services and needs more widely known is gratefully acknowledged.

Alexander Turnbull Library Endowment Trust Two meetings of the trust were held during the year, at which a

number of matters dealing with the library’s acquisition and publication programmes were considered. Notable purchases from trust funds are dealt with under their appropriate headings but it should be noted that in the full 12 months over SIO,OOO of trust funds were committed for the purchase of manuscripts, historical paintings and rare books. This level of expenditure, from what is still basically a modest fund, was necessary to support the grant to the library as a part of the National Library. The Trust Board’s funds benefited by a bequest of $45,000 from the late H. B. Fleck but, despite such welcome accretions, it will not be possible to sustain a similar level of expenditure from income alone or from the profit on sales of library publications. The assets of the board as at 31 March 1972 amounted to $103,826. Receipts, apart from the Fleck Bequest, totalled $15,276, largely from the sale of prints and the receipt of donations.

Publications The library’s 1971 print series included three reproductions of paintings of the thermal regions by C. D. Barraud and Charles Blomfield. The series has had an excellent reception from the public. The first of the library’s series of monographs to be published by the trust, Andrew Sharp’s Duperrey’s Visit to New Zealand in 1824, was issued before Christmas. The London Journal of Edward J erningham Wakefield edited by Joan Stevens, being published in conjunction with the Victoria University of Wellington, is expected to be available shortly. Two issues of The Turnbull Library Record were published by the Friends of the Turnbull Library. It is satisfactory to note that largely in response to The Record, the membership of the society has steadily increased.

Appendix Library Donors April 1971 to March 1972 Mr G. T. Alley; Mr R. R. Babbage; Miss Kathleen Beamish; Miss Enid Bell; Mrs Effie Best; Mrs M. C. Birell; Mr I. D. Blair; Mrs H. Brusey; Mr W. R. Burt; Mr F. T. Clere; Mr B. Collins; Mr C. S. Cooper; Mr G. W. Crocombe; Mr H. J. Dalzell; Rev. J. A. S. Day; Mr N. L. Elder; Dr C. A. Fleming; Mrs G. R. Gallant; Mr A. E. Gillespie; Mr E. E. Gittings; Miss J. Godfrey; Mr G. N. T. Goldie; Mrs T. L. Gordon; Mr G. H. W. Grant; Mrs Dora A. Hall; Dr T. E. Flail; Mr Colin W. Harper; Mr J. B. Harrison; Miss Eudora Henry; Mr S. N. Hetherington; Mr G. H. V. Hewitt; Mr Roy Holland; Miss Challis Hooper; Mr P. J. Howard; Mr W. P. Huggins; Mrs S. Israel; Mrs G. Irwin; Mrs J. Jackson; Mr Louis Johnson; Miss U. Jones; Mr T. Judkins; Mr K. J. Kay; Miss Jean Laurenson; Mr Pat Lawlor; Mr W. M. Leversedge; Mrs Lucy Line; Mr J. Locke; Mrs S. G.

Longuet; Mrs K. Longwill; Mr A. S. MacDonald; Mr A. L. McGregor; Mr A. D. Mclntosh; Miss A. Mackay; Mr C. J. McKay; Mrs Ida McKenzie; Mr G. H. MacMorran; Mrs H. T. Manning; Mrs C. D. Mansell; Mr V. Markham Jones; The Hon. H. G. R. Mason; Mrs Grace Medland; Mrs E. Miller; Mrs J. W. Mortenson; Mr Douglas Munro; Mrs G. B. Nees; Mrs S. P. Newcomb; Mrs A. G. Owen; Mr W. R. S. Owen; Mrs N. Page; Mr A. S. Patterson; Lt-Col. R. Phillipps; Mr Hilary Pike; Mr W. H. Poole; Mr L. Richards; Miss L. Rogers; Mr P. Rogers; Mrs Ruth Ross; Dr H. G. Royle; Mr J. H. E. Schroder; Mrs E. J. Seeker; Mr and Mrs G. W. Shaw; Mrs Helen Shaw; Mrs Sidet; Mrs W. Sotham; Professor Joan Stevens; Mr C. R. H. Taylor; Mrs Jean M. Thorp; Mrs A. H. Tocker; Mrs M. E. VeurierJones; Mr E. B. Waddington; Mr H. A. Wakeman; Mr I. Wards; Mrs H. S. Waters; Mrs L. P. Wheeler; Mrs A. White; Mr H. S. D. White; Mr N. H. Wilkes; Mr O. Wilson; Mrs G. Wilton; Miss Jean S. Wright; Dr N. V. Zissermann.