TURNBULL LIBRARY

Hokitika Guardian, 30 June 1920, Page 1

TURNBULL LIBRARY

OPENING CEREMONY.

WELLINGTON, June 28. j The official opening of the Turnbull library which was bequeathed to the nation by the late Mr A. H. Turnbull took place to-day. The ceremony was performed by the Minister of Internal Affairs (the Hon. G. J. Anderson) in the presence of a number of visitors, including local members of Parliament and representatives of scientific bodies. The .Minister said that the opening was /taking place' on the second anniversary of the death of Mr Turnbull whose wonderful library had been plac- t ed at the disposal of the people of , New Zealand. He asked the gathering to stand silent or a few moments, as a tribute to the memory of Mr Turnbull. After this tribute had been paid j the Minister said that the library was a most noble and valuable gift to tho nation. Ho had no doubt that students from every part of New Zealand , would take advantage of the mine ot historical information that had been placed at their disposal. The Turnbull library in its wealth of matter relating to the early history of New Zealan . i Australia, and the Pacific "'as surpassed only by the Mitchell library in Sydney. The Pacific section of the library was now to be made available to the pubhc That section .contained home 12,000 books, pamphlets, and newspaper volumes. The library as a whole, contained some 35,000 volumes.-The Minister also mentioned that before long tho historical section of the Dominion Museum Library would ho housed with the Turnbull library. Tho Government wished to avoid duplication in matters of this kind.