OTHER
Cowan family: Collection
- Date
- [1852-1969], 1987
- By
- Cowan family; Cowan, James, 1870-1943Cowan, James, 1870-1943
- Reference
- ATL-Group-00003
- Description
Comprises the collection of James Cowan and the Cowan family. Includes material relating to Eileen Cowan, her father, Henry Stowell, and the Stowell and Robson families. Includes James Cowan's personal library of publications with inserted manuscripts, research papers, clippings, and photographs.
Also includes James Cowan's personal diaries, literary drafts, articles, research notes, transcripts, and correspondence.
Topics cover Cowan's research and writing interests including Māori, military and colonial history, the New Zealand Wars, and tourism related topics. Includes correspondence from Kimble Bent, and material relating to the publishing of his story.
Includes watercolours by Thomas Ryan and other art works (some by Eileen Cowan and A H Messenger), photographs, music scores, maps, ephemera and curios. See the pictorial material series for photographs and artworks, and a subseries under this for the cartographic material.
Titles supplied by Library unless otherwise stated.
Relationship complexity - See the Cowan collections which have essentially come from the same provenance. They are held at MS-Papers-0039, and PA-Group-00668 (Purchased from James Cowan's widow circa 1940s), and MS-Group-2097 (Purchased from an auction house in 2012 but originally from the provenance of the Cowan family).
Arrangement: The records in this collection reflect the original order as arranged by James Cowan and members of his family.
James Cowan was a writer, historian and journalist prominent in the first four decades of the twentieth century. He wrote over 30 books and hundreds of articles for newspapers and magazines, mainly about New Zealand's ancient and recent past, its resources and scenic attractions. He made a significant contribution to the popular understanding of New Zealand history over this period. Cowan was a fluent Māori speaker and an early proponent of using oral histories to record historic evidence. He was married twice, the second time to Eileen Constance Stowell who was the daughter of the noted Māori scholar and translator Henry Stowell (Hare Hongi).
Quantity: 629 b&w original photographic print(s). 231 folder(s). 177 b&w original negative(s). 171 volume(s) Most of these volumes are in the Publications series, some of which have an associated folder (of loose material) with the same reference number. 60 item(s) of photographic ephemera. 15 colour lantern slide(s). 7 b&w lantern slide(s). 6 colour original transparency/ies Dufay colour transparencies. 3 curio(s) One metal medallion, and two kākā pōria (bird rings).
Finding Aids: Original donor listing is available. Ask a Library staff member for details..
Provenance: Francis and Christopher Cowan inherited papers from their mother Margaret Cowan, who was James Cowan's daughter-in-law.
Transfers: To Published Sound Collection - 9 78rpm records, 8 of which were presented to James Cowan after he reported the visit of the Duke and Duchess of York, 1927 (PR-15-0425). See reference numbers: Phono q3496 Lc2, Phono q3903 Lc, Phono q3793 Lc3, Phono q3532 Lc2, Phono q5354 Lc, Phono q3510 Lc, Phono q6582 Lc2, Phono q7040, Phono q3602 Lc.
Processing information: This collection was originally given the reference number MS-Group-2378, but in January 2016 was changed to ATL-Group-00003.
The collection has been arranged to retain as much of the original order as possible. Many of the publications had loose material laid in which has been retained, and where possible is housed with the volumes, mostly in a separate folder which has the same reference number as the volume.
The research material (including manuscript material and photographs) were often originally kept in envelopes labelled by James Cowan. These envelopes have been retained for their research value. They are generally housed with the material they relate to.
See the series records for more details.
- Access restrictions
- Partly restricted material - Most of this collection is unrestricted, but some material requires curator assistance to access.
- Format
- 629 b&w original photographic print(s), 231 folder(s), 177 b&w original negative(s), 171 volume(s) Most of these volumes are in the Publications series, some of which have an associated folder (of loose material) with the same reference number, 60 item(s) of photographic ephemera, 15 colour lantern slide(s), 7 b&w lantern slide(s), 6 colour original transparency/ies Dufay colour transparencies, 3 curio(s) One metal medallion, and two kākā pōria (bird rings), Curios, Ink drawings, Manuscripts, Photographs, Watercolours
Click to request to view this item, access digital version (if available), and see more information.
Copyright
Unknown
The case for Samoa: as presented to Brigadier-General Hart, Administrator of Western Sa...
Date: 1933 - 1935
From: Cowan family: Collection
Reference: MS-Papers-11946-084
Description: A booklet published by N. P. C. Ltd, [1933]. Also includes a newspaper article and a letter that were laid in to the publication. The letter is written by Thomas B Slipper, dated 12 September 1935, and relates to the Samoan independence movement. There is also an annotation written in Slipper's hand on the front cover of the booklet. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: One folder including one published booklet and loose papers
Adventures in Geyserland; life in New Zealand's thermal regions, including the story of...
Date: 1934
From: Cowan family: Collection
Reference: MS-Papers-11946-020
Description: Published by Reed, Dunedin, 1934. Also some loose material that was laid in to the volume, including photographs, clippings, and whakapapa (from Tamatekapua, to Patiti - Alfred Warbrick). Photographs include a carving of a Māori goddess Horoirangi, carved on a cliff of Tihi-o-Tonga, Rotorua; an image of Gilbert Mair; an image of a cave; and an image of a small island in a lake. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Printed volume, loose papers and photographs in a folder
Notebook relating to Orakau
Date: 1864-1896
From: Cowan family: Collection
Reference: MS-Papers-11946-055
Description: Notebook containing handwritten research notes, photographs, and newspaper clippings tipped in. Contains notes and clippings relating to the Ōrākau battle of 1864 and King Tawhiao, waiata, karakia, and a poem by Thomas Bracken about Ōrākau. Also includes notes from an interview with Tamati Hapimana, of Mokoia Island, which includes a karakia for planting kumara. The photographs include images of Ōrākau (one dated 1870 located at page 52 of the notebook, and one undated), and one of Ngāti Raukawa chief Hitiri Te Paerata located at page 39 of the notebook. Language - Some material in Maori including waiata and karakia. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: Notebook containing holographs, photographs, printed material Three photographic prints included in this volume (two tipped in, and one laid in (loose).
Lake Taupo and the volcanoes/ by James Cowan. Illustrated by Thomas Ryan
Date: 1896, 1901, 1930-1940
From: Cowan family: Collection
By: Cowan, Eileen Constance, 1892-1968; Ryan, Thomas, 1864-1927
Reference: MS-Papers-11946-079
Description: Printed by Geddis & Blomfield, 1901. The book is annotated and also includes some loose material that was laid in to the volume, including clippings (some annotated), research notes, drafts, drawings, correspondence, and photographic prints. The loose papers are dated circa 1930s-1940 and mostly relate to the Rotorua and Taupō regions. The correspondence includes one page of a letter from Alfred Warbrick, of Whakarewarewa, written 31 October 1933, relating to a 'stone image' [carving?] at Matuatonga which had previously been taken to Ohinemutu, but had since been returned to Matuatonga on Mokoia Island. The correspondence also includes a copy of a typewritten letter by [?] R. Mair which refers to an excerpt of a letter by Gilbert Mair, dated 27 July 1905, relating to Te Porere Pā (also included in this folder). The clippings include an article by James Cowan that was published in the New Zealand Railways Magazine, 1 June 1931 'Lakeland and Storyland: The charm of a Rotorua cruise'. The drawings comprise an ink drawing by Eileen Cowan of Ngauruhoe erupting, and another ink drawing (probably also by Eileen Cowan) of the Haere-huka Rapids, Waikato River. The photographs are of Gilbert Mair's grave, Mokoia Island, and a very small photograph of two people climbing Mount Ngauruhoe. The drafts include a translation of a waiata 'Tangi for Mokoia' which has an annotation which says that it was translated by "J. Cowan" in 1896. Quantity: 1 volume(s). 1 folder(s). Physical Description: One printed volume with annotations and one folder of loose material including clippings, drawings and photographs
The Tongariro National Park, New Zealand/ James Cowan
Date: 1925
From: Cowan family: Collection
By: Taylor, W A, active 1910
Reference: MS-Papers-11946-095
Description: Published by the Tongariro National Park Board, 1927. The publication includes many annotations by James Cowan, including a personal message in the front saying 'To Eileen Cowan, aroha nui, J.C'. Loose material that was laid in to the volume comprises two clippings, a hand-drawn map of Te Pōrere Pā, and a photographic print, taken by W A Taylor of 'Te Heuheu Tukino & family. Taken on Lambton Quay, 1905'. The photograph has a stamp on the reverse side saying "Post Card" and "W. A. Taylor photo". Quantity: 1 folder(s). Physical Description: One volume in a folder containing clippings, a map, and a photograph
Research material relating to Kimble Bent, and the New Zealand Wars
Date: 1905-1936
From: Cowan family: Collection
Reference: fMS-Papers-11946-010
Description: Research material mainly relating to Kimble Bent, including correspondence, drafts, notes, clippings, publications and photographs. Includes a letter from Charles Finnerty of Stratford, dated 2 November 1936, in which he mentions that his father knew Kimble Bent; also an extract of a letter from Reverend T G Hammond dated 10 October 1905, relating to Titokowaru; drafts and clippings relating to 'the canoe-builders' story. The publications comprise 'New Plymouth: The holiday centre of New Zealand' and 'West Coast War South Taranaki, 1866-69' by 'Lt Col T McDonnell'. Also includes a clipping with photographic images of Mokoia Island, including Patera Te Ngungukai and tapu stones and objects. Photographs comprise images of F E Maning, Dr Hochstetter (with signature), Wi Tako Ngatata (1880, and ca 1870s), John Webster, Ngamako (taken by Pulman), an unknown Māori man, and a carte de visite with the imprint "W. H. Reed, Photographic Artiste, Shortland Street, Auckland, New Zealand", in an envelope annotated: "Rare photograph of the Revd. Mr. Volkners Widow [Emma] Wepiha Apanui and family sitting in front of house near the willow". The willow tree near the church of the German-born missionary Carl Sylvius Völkner at Opotiki was significant as this is where he was hanged on 2 March 1865. Also includes a juvenile illustrated story, relating to the shipwreck of a ship called the "Fort" (drawn in pencil on paper), probably created by John or Roy Cowan. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 1 folder(s) Total. 10 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: Manuscripts, photographs, and drawing in pencil on paper.
Ryan, Thomas Aldworth, 1864-1927: Looking towards Ahiokereru. Urewera Country
Date: [1891]
From: Cowan family: Collection
Reference: E-965-f-07
Description: River winding over plains towards Ahikereru with mountains in the distance. A fenced settlement (possibly Te Harema Pa) is on the left on a slightly raised area. Inscriptions: Recto - beneath image - Looking towards Ahiokereru - Urewera Country [in pencil]; Recto - beneath image - Watercolour. T. Ryan [in pencil] Quantity: 1 watercolour(s). Physical Description: Watercolour on page of sketchbook, 165 x 274 mm
Ryan, Thomas Aldworth, 1864-1927: View from Tongariro April 25/91. Blue Lake - Te Wai w...
Date: 1891
From: Cowan family: Collection
Reference: E-965-f-12
Description: Blue Lake in foreground, with the Red Crater and Ngaruahoe both steaming in the background, with a snow-clad Mount Ruapehu beyond. The beginning of a pencil sketch of mountains on the reverse is titled "Ngaruahoe & Tongario from Rangipo desert". Other titles - Te Wai-whakaata-o-te-Rangihiroa. 25 April 1891 Inscriptions: Recto - beneath image - View from top of Tongariro April 25/91 [in pencil]; Recto - beneath image - Blue Lake - Te Wai Whakata o te Rangihiroa (Rangihiroa's mirror) Quantity: 1 watercolour(s). Physical Description: Watercolour on loose insert,
[Artist unknown]: Terrace at Champagne Cauldron. Wairakei
Date: [1891]
From: Cowan family: Collection
Reference: E-965-f-09
Description: Watercolour sketch of Champagne pool and rocks. Inscriptions: Recto - bottom right - Terrace at Champagne Cauldron, Wairakei [in pencil] Quantity: 1 watercolour(s). Physical Description: Watercolour on page of sketchbook, 250 x 363 mm
Papers, publications and photographs
Date: 1900-1950
From: Cowan family: Collection
Reference: fMS-Papers-11946-007
Description: Papers, publications, photographs and a postcard relating to Henry Stowell (also known as Hare Hongi). Includes articles, whakapapa and a waiata relating to Stowell's wife's grandmother, Mere Ngamai (Mere Ngamai o te Wharepouri, 1804-1852). This is a photocopy of a painting by Eileen Cowan, with words of a waiata composed by Mere Ngamai which is "a chant of adoration for Mount Egmont" with a translation by James Cowan, and whakapapa of Mere Ngamai. Also includes a postcard of a shining cuckoo/pipiwharauroa, an obituary of Sir James Carroll circa 1926, whakapapa relating to Stowell, Maori grammar notes created by Stowell for his teaching, and a copy of a picture of the iron gunboat Rangiriri. The publications comprise: 'The Hocart papers in the Turnbull Library' by C R H Taylor, published in 1950, and 'New Zealand Centennial 1840-1940' published by the New Zealand Government Department of Tourist and Publicity in 1940. Also includes annotated sheet music for 'Sarabande and allegro' which has a cutting of a picture of Llewellyn Jones attached. The photographs comprise an image of a kiwi, a portrait of James Cowan circa 1940, two portraits of Henry Stowell (the prints are wrapped in an annotated article about Sir James Carroll), a portrait of Henry Stowell and Sir James Carroll circa 1916, and a portrait of Henry Stowell circa 1900. Title supplied by Library. Quantity: 1 folder(s). 6 b&w original photographic print(s). Physical Description: One folder of manuscript material, two publications, and six black & white photographic prints. Transfers: Medallion at Curios-051-005. - Painting by T Ryan at A-472-001.. Processing information: Materials separated for reasons of preservation and storage.