SALE OF GIFTS FOR PATRIOTIC FUND

Southland Times, Issue 24831, 25 August 1942, Page 4

SALE OF GIFTS FOR PATRIOTIC FUND

Churchill Auctions Gifts for the Churchill Auctions in aid of the patriotic fund are being collected in all parts of New Zealand. The gifts include rare books, works of art and curios. A seventeenth century book written by a Winston Churchill was recently presented for sale in aid of the New Zealand Patriotic Fund by Britain’s Prime Minister. This gift suggested to Mr Pat Lawlor, the well-known author and journalist, the idea of the Churchill Auctions. The suggestion was readily adopted by the patriotic fund authorities and Mr Lawlor was appointed honorary organizer. Gifts already received include a complete range of New Zealand books dating back over the last 120 years, books signed by famous people, and letters written by famous men. Two gifts of special interest are a copy of “Musings in Maoriland” with a fine signed inscription by Thomas Bracken, and a copy of Kirk’s “Forest Flora of New Zealand,” presented to the Bishop of Salisbury by Richard Seddon and autographed by him. Art is represented by some fine water colours and etchings, including three very rare Meryon etchings, a fine etching of Captain Cook by E. J. Skelton, and a set of steel engravings which have been insured for £lOO. Curios are represented by rare old card cases, snuff boxes, old silver, coins and stamps. By no means all the gifts have come from wealthy people or collectors. Many are articles which people of small or moderate means have treasurerd for many years. Neither are all the gifts of high monetary value. The value of some may be assessed in shillings, but this will add to the interest and widen the appeal of the auctions, for prospective buyers of small means will be able to bid with some hope of success. Four auctions will be held, in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin, and they will be arranged so that collectors, if they wish to do so, will be able to travel to all four. The Churchill book will be offered for sale over the air in a national linkup of the radio stations. In Invercargill gifts will be received at the Public Library, the chief librarian, Mr H. D. Farnall, having been asked by the Library Committee of the City Council to assist in this way.