Alley, Geoffrey Thomas, 1903-1986

Date: [ca 1964-1967]

From: National Library of New Zealand: Photographs

Reference: PAColl-2893

Description: The Chairman of the Trustees of the National Library of New Zealand, Sir John Ilott (left), government architect F G F Sheppard (centre) and National Librarian Geoffrey Alley (right), with a model of the proposed National Library building, intended for a site in Hill Street, Wellington. Photograph taken between 1964 and 1967, probably by a National Publicity Studios photographer. Collection consists of 5 prints of the same image. Quantity: 5 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Gelatin silver prints

Date: [1960-1988]

From: Bertram, James, 1910-1993 : Papers of James and Jean Bertram

Reference: 93-103-04

Description: Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph, mss, typescript, printed matter

Date: May 1945

By: Alley, Roderic Martin, active 1960-1995

Reference: MS-Papers-4714

Description: Two letters from Rewi Alley to his brother, Geoff written under the letter head `International Committee for Chinese Industrial Cooperatives Productive Relief Fund', 26 May and 28 May 1945. The letters relate to sheep for Kansu. Relationship complexity - See also 88-191, 90-045, MS-Papers-4651 Quantity: 1 folder(s) (2 pieces). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescripts Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Dr R Alley, Wellington, 1993

Date: [ca 1894-1984]

By: Somerset family

Reference: 84-181

Description: Family papers and research notes of Hugh Crawford Dixon Somerset and Gwendolen Lucy Somerset (Alley) relating to adult and child education; diaries, 1930s; visit to Great Britain and Germany; files relating to H C D Somerset's `Littledene' and files of New Zealand Playcentre Federation. Also papers concerning Gwendolen's brother, Rewi Alley, including correspondence, transcript of play `Lord of creation', articles, newspaper clippings and photographs re Alley and copies of `Indusco news'. Quantity: 7 box(es). 1.60 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Mss, typescripts, photographs and printed matter Finding Aids: Inventory available. Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Mrs G L Somerset, Wellington, 1984

Date: ca 1938-1967

From: National Library of New Zealand: Photographs

Reference: PAColl-0522-1

Description: Photographs of the inauguration of the Country Library Service in 1938 and the service in operation around the country. Also photographs of the Hamilton Country Library Service in 1956 and 1957 and what is probably Auckland Service staff. Names given are: McArthur, Cook, Hamilton, Middleplaats, Tobin, richards, Dibden, Hall, Powell, Hunt, Flanagan, Patterson, Collins, Leigh, Wright, Bennison, Hynes, Lee, Donor(?), Gadd, Phillips, Follett, Lovell, Twonsend, Hoskin, Woods, Turner, O'Neill, Mercer, Frost, Wilson, Taylor, Andesonm Main, Stevenson, Bracken, Gumbley, Russell, Hanna. Some of the photographs are captioned. Also included are some christmas cards sent by Hamilton Country Library Service, one in the shape of one of the book vans. Quantity: 16 b&w original photographic print(s).

Date: 1938

From: National Library of New Zealand: Photographs

Reference: PAColl-0521

Description: Copy of a photograph of the inauguration of the Country Library Serivce taken on the steps of the Parliamentary Library with the Prime Minster Michael Savage, the Minister of Finance Walter Nash etc. Key to the photograph is included. Quantity: 1 b&w copy photographic print(s).

Date: 1927

From: [Ephemera, programmes and booklets relating to rugby union football played by New Zealanders or in New Zealand. 1920-1929].

By: C W Cameron (Firm); Simpson and Williams Ltd

Reference: Eph-A-RUGBY-1927-01

Description: A tournament between Southland Boys' High School, Otago Boys' High School, Christchurch Boys' High School and Timaru Boys' High School. Shows photographs of old boys of these schools who had become All Blacks: Ron Stewart, G D Wise, H D Morgan, Dr W R Fea, W C Dalley, G R Dickinson, G T Alley, Lance Johnson, D McK Dickson, P S Cabot. Also shows two old boys who had been footballers but later represented New Zealand at cricket: W E Merritt, M L Paige. Quantity: 1 album(s) Album(s). Physical Description: Booklet of 8 pages, 213 x 140 mm.

Date: 1988

By: Rosier, Laura Mabel, 1927-1994

Reference: MS-Papers-5649

Description: Comprises article written by Rosier in which she describes her experiences when she joined SLS, the librarians she worked with, the book stocks, schools, exchanging collections, processing and other aspects of librarianship. The collection includes the final copy of the article and a more comprehensive earlier draft. Source of title - Supplied Librarian and local historian, Rosier joined the School Library Service in 1944; the article is understood to have appeared as an appendix in `Review of SLS', the McGregor report, 1988. Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescripts (some photocopies)

Date: 1940-1946

By: Alley, Roderic Martin, active 1960-1995

Reference: MS-Papers-10471

Description: Comprises: Three letters from Rewi Alley to his brother Geoffrey, 27 May 1940, 5 Dec 1941, 11 March 1942; letter to his mother, 6 Jul 1943; letter to Andrew Braid in Hong Kong re sheep, 4 Nov 1946; letter to C C Ku, Kansu, 5 Dec 1941 and a letter from Ku to Alley re sheep, 19 Nov [194-?] and letter from [James Bertram] to Geoffrey Alley re Rewi, 11 June 1946 Relationship complexity - See also 88-191, MS-Papers-4651, MS-Papers-4714 Roderic Alley is the nephew of Rewi Alley Quantity: 1 folder(s) (8 leaves). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Typescripts with mss annotations Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Dr R Alley, Wellington, 1990

Date: 1945-1958

By: Alley, Roderic Martin, active 1960-1995

Reference: MS-Papers-4651

Description: Contains a letter from Rewi Alley to his brother Geoffrey, dated 14 April 1945, two copies of the `Gung Ho news', dated Nov and Dec 1949, two copies of the `Gung Ho Indusco bulletin', dated Winter and Spring 1950 and a typescript of a speech given by Rewi Alley to the World Congress for Disarmament and International Co-operation held in Stockholm in July 1958. Source of title - supplied title Relationship complexity - See also 88-191, 90-045, MS-Papers-4714 Roderic Alley is the nephew of Rewi Alley Quantity: 1 folder(s) (6 pieces). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph and printed matter Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Dr R Alley, Wellington, 1992

Date: 14 April 1989 - 14 Apr 1989

From: NZOHA Country Library Service Oral History Project

By: McArtney, Thelma, 1912-2002

Reference: OHInt-0058/10

Description: Thelma McArtney gives details about her family background, her father's employment history, including his time in charge of Larnach's Castle while it was a psychiatric institution, her mother's musical abilities, family health, her parents' religious and political beliefs, their attitudes to smoking and alcohol and their ideas on discipline. Recalls the importance of both reading and music in her early life, giving details of books read and of her piano lessons. Details her educational history, commenting on teachers, subjects, participation in sport and sex education. Comments on the effect of the Depression on her family. Gives details of her nursing training and employment and gives reasons why she chose to work in mental health area. Describes her marriage to Kenneth McArtney and gives details of his family background, attitude to reading, his health and death from cancer in 1950, his war years as a pianist in the camps in Alexandria (Egypt) and his career in the Education Board, in Napier, Wanganui and Wellington. Describes living with various members of her family in the South Island after her husband's death and how she became involved with the Patearoa Country Library Service library while she was there. Describes settling in Palmerston and taking over the local Country Library Service library. Details pay, collections, visit of first book van with Field Librarian Owen Simmance, living at the library, introducing children's books and loan system and comments on the run down state of the Palmerston library. Details becoming Librarian at the Ashburton Public Library in 1958, pay rates, working with the local Town Clerk, the state of the library when she arrived, getting a loan of Country Library Service books and two staff being sent by Jean Wright from Christchurch to assist in re-establishing the library. Describes her work to build up the library, the special loan collections from the National Library, new staff, raising the image of the library in the community, attending conferences, writing reports on the need for a new building and the visits from overseas libraries. Describes the building of the new library. Recalls doing the Library Certificate training, 1956-1959, talks about G T Alley and Jean Wright, the difference between National Library and other libraries and the importance of going to conferences. Details her move to Waimairi County Library in 1967, being responsible for setting up library service, staff appointments, building up the book stock, planning the new building, problems with associated libraries, readers and staff and the relationship with Country Library Service and National Library. Recalls withdrawal of Enid Blyton books and being responsible for book selection. Notes that she established the Redwood and the Fendalton library during this time. Describes working at the Canterbury University Engineering Library, 1971-1973. Talks about Courtney Shearer who was in charge of this library and discusses difficulties working in a library where she was not in charge and did not know the stock and subject matter. Describes her retirement and move back to Ashburton and reflects on her library career. Venue - Ashburton Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mrs McArtney's home at Ashburton Accompanying material - Printed abstract contains photocopy of a New Zealand Woman's Weekly interview with Thelma McArtney about the Ashburton Public Library, dated 8 February 1965. Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002040, OHC-002041, OHC-002042 Tape numbers - OHA CLS 2602, 2603, 2604, 2605, 2606, 2607 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 305. Printed abstract contains a portrait photograph of Thelma McArtney dated July 1945; a photograph of Thelma McArtney and Russell Sutherland at the launching of book `Land of the Bog Cotton' at Ashburton Public Library in 1960; a photograph of the Ashburton Public Library staff including Thelma McArtney in 1966 and a photograph including Thelma McArtney dated 5 March 1988 taken at the marriage of Monica McKone to Roger McArtney. Search dates: 1912 - 1989

Date: 16 Apr 1989

From: NZOHA Country Library Service Oral History Project

By: Meares, Lynette Fay, 1924-

Reference: OHInt-0058/04

Description: Lyn Meares details her family background. Describes her childhood and some ill health. Comments on family methods of discipline, her parents' attitudes to smoking and alcohol, religion, politics in her family, music and reading. Notes that her family was not affected by the Depression. Details her education and teaching at Rangiruru mentioning several teachers and the strong influence Rangiruru had on her life. Describes why she went to library school in Wellington and talks about the interview with G T Alley and Mary Parsons. Describes the other Library School students in 1946, the staff, syllabus, assignments, lectures, social life, allowance paid to the students and the houses where the school was situated. Refers to fellow student Patricia Deans. Talks about her first years in the Country Library Service in Christchurch, detailing the book exchange work and different parts of the Service. Lists other staff members and talks about Jean Wright. Notes that the library school graduates were not well received initially and comments on how difficult it was to do the certificate course while working. Describes a secondment to West Coast libraries to work with school exchange. Explains the relationship between School Library Service and the Country Library Service. Discusses the transition from subscription to free libraries in the late 1940s, the librarians' attitudes to this, the work involved weeding stock, loans of `free' lending books from National Library and the differences between libraries in terms of their stock and local body funding. Refers to Carnegie library. Notes that she worked at the Country Library Service in Christchurch from 1947-1949. Comments on the Labour government of the time's favourable treatment of libraries, the good economic post-war years and how the National government did away with the free postal service (the D service) in 1949. Details meeting and marrying Wyndham Maurice Meares, who was ex Air Force, his family, farm jobs and managing, leasing and then buying the family farm Vulcan Downs. Talks about their children. Describes setting up the B Library for Scargill in the living room, the fee for library use, the users, visits from the library van and the conditions the field librarians drove and worked in. Describes field librarians over the years, including Owen Simmance, Elizabeth MacLean and Hugh Lorimer. Talks about how the quality of books dropped over the years and the request service became more important. Notes the different reading habits of the men and women in the community. Describes the changes in the Country Library Service as the book van service wound down and the decision was made to close the other `B' libraries and make one district library at the Greta Valley School. Explains how the library at the school was set up, administered, serviced first from the van and then directly from National Library in Christchurch, how grants and funding were sought and the role of the local council and Education Department in the success of this library. Comments on good community support for the library. Venue - Greta Valley, North Canterbury Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Mrs Meares home at Greta Valley, Scargill, North Canterbury Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002049, OHC-002050, OHC-002051 Tape numbers - OHA CLS/2634, 2635, 2636, 2637, 2638, 2639 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete OHA-0308. Printed abstract contains portrait photograph of Lyn Meares, a photograph of Lyn Meares with one of the field librarians and Irene Harrison in a library and a photograph of the book van with Wyn and Lyn Mears, John and Irene Harrison, Di Loughman and the field librarian standing in front of it. Search dates: 1924 - 1989

Date: 15 March 1989 - 15 Mar 1989

From: NZOHA Country Library Service Oral History Project

By: O'Neill, Joseph Bonaventure Cerretti, 1916-1999

Reference: OHInt-0058/05

Description: Joseph O'Neill gives the origin of his names and comments on them. Describes his background, his Roman Catholic upbringing and schooling, his brothers and sisters, his consideration of going into the church and his current position as a lay preacher, his parents education and employment histories, their attitudes to alcohol and smoking and discipline in the family. Recalls the importance of reading, music, visual arts and theatre in his childhood and his lack of interest in sport. Describes his education in Auckland and Wellington, his interest in teaching or medicine, looking for jobs during the Depression, finding a clerical job in 1934 with Smith and Smith and working conditions. Mentions the introduction of a minimum wage by Labour Government. Describes his next job with the Pensions Department. Details his decision to become a conscientious objector in 1941 and the attitude of the Church. Describes turning down the chance to join the Medical Corps, his police interview, quitting his government job, being arrested for `failing to parade' and being sent to detention camps in Strathmore and Whitanui. Mentions support for his stance including from his parents. Talks about conditions in the camps, the cross section of people there, the Country Library Service in the camps, attitudes to the end of the war, adjusting to civilian life and trying to get a job. Talks about fellow detainees. Details being able to take only labouring jobs and his involvement with the WEA Theatre during this time. Recalls his friendship with Charles Brasch, applying to become a field librarian, delays in getting confirmation of his position because he was a conscientious objector and his relationship with G.T.Alley. Describes being a field librarian including learning to drive his van, the extent of his territory, how the `A' and `B' libraries worked, routines at different libraries, book selection, relationship with the public, Council staff and librarians, censorship issues, changes in reading patterns, staying with people in their homes, the itinerary and working hours, salary and allowances and how the request, reference and interloan services worked. Notes the lack of interest in New Zealand books. Discusses the issue of racial discrimination and attitude to Maori in the `B' libraries. Talks about his favourite areas. Recalls the Hamilton Country Library Service being established and the effects. Recalls librarians and library students coming to get experience on the book van. Discusses the predominance of men in field librarian work and mentions Eve Franklin. Recalls looking after the vans. Describes studying at Auckland University in 1950 and going to Library school in 1951. Summarises his later library career culminating in a position as Technical Services Librarian in the new Auckland Library. Talks about his retirement to the the Coromandel in 1977 and involvement in groups there. Venue - Coromandel Interviewer(s) - Judith Fyfe Venue - Mr O'Neill's home in Coromandel Accompanying material - Printed abstract contains a photocopy of an article on Joe O'Neill which appeared in `Northland' issue number 5, November 1958 Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-002052, OHC-002053, OHC-002054 Tape numbers - OHA CLS 2702, 2703, 2704, 2705, 2706, 2707 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 309. Printed abstract contains a photograph of Joe O'Neill outside his home in Coromandel dated 1978; a photograph of Joe O'Neill with Rewi Alley in Northcote, Auckland ca 1973 and a photograph of Joe O'Neill with Vivienne Lee-Johnson at Waimamaku, Hokianga ca 1955. Search dates: 1916 - 1989

Date: 15 April 1989 - 15 Apr 1989

From: NZOHA Country Library Service Oral History Project

By: Wright, Jean Struthers, 1912-1999

Reference: OHInt-0058/11

Description: Jean Struthers Wright describes her family background, her parent's appearance and personalities and their attitudes to discipline, politics and religion. Notes her father's involvement in the Presbyterian Church. Recalls having no contact with Maori and discusses the lack of Maori in the library profession and possible reasons for this. Talks about being encouraged to read by her parents, joining the Canterbury Public Library, a private library called the Children's Library, the lack of good children's books at the time and mentions the books Dorothy Neal White brought back from America. Details her educational history and her teachers. Talks about early employment aspirations and living through the Depression. Describes her first library jobs at Canterbury Public Library, her fellow staff members, the hierarchy of authority at the library at that time and achieving a library qualification along with Graham Bagnall and Stuart Perry through the English Library Association. Details joining the Country Library Service in Wellington as a Library Assistant in 1938, the role of G T Alley in the Service, his background and personality, selection process, wages, the building where the service was situated, fellow library and office staff and the van. Describes the first van being taken down to Christchurch by Hugh Lorimer and the official opening. Describes her duties, the range of books available initially at the Service and the building up of the collections. Gives background information on the development of library services in New Zealand. Details the formation of the Country Library Service and the development of the National Library. Mentions Cliff Collins, John Harris and Archie Dunningham. Details the way books were imported, the interloan system and the development of Index of New Zealand Periodicals. Describes the state of the main public libraries with reference to the librarians instrumental in their development. Discusses the conflict in the New Zealand Library Association during the late 1940s and the opposition to the Country Library Service from Dunedin Public Library and the National Librarian. Explains the relationship between the Country Library Service and Public libraries, how the `A', `B' and `C' libraries were defined, what services they and the city libraries received from the Country Library Service and the advice and guidance given by the Service. Gives background details about Hugh Lorimer, the first South Island Field Librarian. Gives information about the staff at the Country Library Service and subsequent library careers. Describes her own work in book selection and order work, the impact of World War II on the Country Library Service and the establishment of the War Library Service to military camps and troop ships. Details in depth the development of the Service in Christchurch with reference to staffing, book selection, relationship with Wellington office, the role of the book van drivers, relationship with local councils, budget matters, service given, her own career within the Service and various staff members, librarians and van drivers over the years. Comments on the `B' libraries in the South Island, the development of new libraries, the development of the Service centres throughout the North Island and the development of the National Library of New Zealand, Library School and the Library Association. Talks about librarians and politicians, involved in the development of these library services and about some of the future National Librarians. Reflects back over her career, recalls her library training and association memberships and details her retirement interests. Venue - Christchurch Interviewer(s) - Hugo Manson Venue - Miss Wright's home in Christchurch Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-00, OHC-00, OHC-00, OHC-00 Tape numbers - OHA CLS 2600, 2601, 2608, 2609, 2610, 2611, 2612 Quantity: 4 C60 cassette(s). 1 printed abstract(s). 3.30 Hours and minutes Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - abstracting complete AB 304. Printed abstract contains portrait photograph of Jean Wright, a photograph of Jean Wright with G T Alley and Helen Sullivan and a group photograph of early Country Library Service staff outside Parliament Buildings dated ca 1938. Search dates: 1912 - 1989

Date: 1981

By: Alley, Geoffrey Thomas, 1903-1986

Reference: OHColl-0242/1

Description: Geoffrey Thomas Alley's recollections of individuals and their influence and part in the development of libraries in New Zealand, 1930-46. Some of those described include: Sir James Shelley; The Carnegie Corporation of New York; Alister McIntosh; A G W (Archie) Dunningham; T D H (Don) Hall; John Barr; Peter Fraser; H G R Mason; John Harris; Clifford Collins; E J Carnell; Dorothy Ballantyne; Mary Parsons; Nora Bateson; A G Bagnall. Access Contact - see oral history librarian Venue - Wellington Interviewer(s) - Geoffrey Thomas Alley (Recorder) Venue - Wellington Arrangement: Tape numbers - OHC-000221-000223 Quantity: 3 C60 cassette(s). 1 transcript(s). 1 event(s). 3 Hours Duration. Finding Aids: Abstract Available - transcript(s) available OHA-1815. Search dates: 1981

Date: 1956-1980

From: Alley, Rewi, 1897-1988 : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-6533-004

Description: Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: 1951, 1959-1967, 1990, 2003-2012

From: Catley, Christine McKelvie Cole (Dame), 1922-2011 : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-11651-400

Description: Includes bills, insurance policy, clippings, medical reports relating to John Reece Cole's illness and retirement, and papers relating to his estate. Includes letters from John Reece Cole to Christine Cole written while he was in Singapore (1962) and printed emails between Christine and architecture student John Munro (2012), relating to the Coles' Wellington residence. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Mss, typescripts and printed matter (some photocopies)

Date: 1940-1953, 1978-1987

From: Catley, Christine McKelvie Cole (Dame), 1922-2011 : Papers

Reference: MS-Papers-11651-422

Description: Includes some clippings, typescript and article by Cherry Hankin Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Mss, typescripts and printed matter (some photocopies)

From: Roth, Herbert Otto, 1917-1994: Collected papers, personal papers, photographs and ephemera

Reference: MS-Papers-6164-002

Description: Quantity: 1 folder(s).

Date: [1965-1966]

By: Traue, James Edward, 1932-2023

Reference: MS-Papers-7668

Description: Further correspondence and papers relating to Traue's time with the Library of Congress, 1965-1966; includes official documentation and letters from Fred, Washington; Bud; and Bruce from the United Nations Source of title - Supplied Relationship complexity - See also 2002-328-01 Quantity: 1 folder(s). 0.01 Linear Metres. Physical Description: Holograph, mss, typescripts and printed matter Provenance: Donor/Lender/Vendor - Donated by Mr J E Traue, Wellington, Mar 2003 Transfers: To Photographic Archive - Photograph of ALA convention, 1964.