ANCIENT BIBLES

Hokitika Guardian, 26 January 1928, Page 1

ANCIENT BIBLES

RARE EDITIONS IN N.Z. ; By Telegraph—Press Assn., Copyright. NELSON, Jan. 25. A Press Association message from Christchurch described a Bible printed in 1608 as probably the oldest in New Zealand. James Witten, a Nelson resident, has a Bible, part at least of whiffy was printed in 1590. It is a sort o,f mixed edition, combining parts of several editions of different dates. The Old Testament was printed in 1599, and was based on the text of “* Breeches,” or the Geneva Bible. The remainder of the volume possessed by Mr Witten contains the books of the Apocrypha, dated 1599, and also the New Testament, printed in 1610. It is still in its original full leather cover and is very well preserved. Old illustrations (wood cuts) ate of additional interest. Mr Witten had the hatred

down to him from his fater. MASTERTON’ COLLECTOR’S SERIES MASTERTON, Jap. 25. in connection with the ancient Bibles referred to in Press Assoeiatlpp messages from Christchurch and Nelson, Mr A. C. Clemas, a noted book collector. a resident of Mastertou. has in his possession many Bibles more ancient than those referred to. Among his collectiop ai:e two original Latin Bibles printed at Yf.pjce fa 147 S and 1480, and others printed fyr 1492, 1.316. 1519, and IpSS, .Mr Clemas-s English Bibles include copies printed in London in, 1040 (Treacle Bible)., 1549 (Bugge Bible), 1577 (Breeches Bible). 1599, (Mother edition of the Breeches Bible),. and 1613 (She Bible), the latter heipg the. first correct edition of the present Authorised Version. All these llihles were recently exhibited in the Arts apd Anticpies Sec--1 ion of Wairarapa Industrial' Eshihition.