{"id":925,"date":"2015-06-27T08:34:54","date_gmt":"2015-06-26T20:34:54","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.dnwfriends.nzl.org\/?p=925"},"modified":"2015-06-27T08:34:54","modified_gmt":"2015-06-26T20:34:54","slug":"newsletter-25-november-1999","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/2015\/06\/27\/newsletter-25-november-1999\/","title":{"rendered":"Newsletter 25 November 1999"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

Dorothy Neal White
\nNewsletter 25
\nNovember 1999<\/h1>\n

END OF YEAR FUNCTION<\/h3>\n

Well-known Wellington author and illustrator Bob Kerr, will entertain us with his literary reminiscences at our end of the year function at the National Library on 2 December 1999. Join the Committee for drinks & nibbles in the Auditorium foyer at 5.30pm before Bob speaks at around 6pm. Another popular \u201csales table\u201d of books and cards will also be offered \u2013 an opportunity to buy gifts for friends and family \u2013 or for yourself! We look forward to seeing you there.<\/p>\n

Picture Missing *************<\/p>\n

Frontispiece from Bob Kerr\u2019s latest book Mechanical Harry and the flying bicycle<\/div>\n

FROM THE CURATOR<\/p>\n

This year I have conducted five tours of the Dorothy Neal White and National Children’s Collections for students from the National College of Design and Technology. Each tour was followed by an illustrated talk on the features of “good” picture books. The students have two assignments to create a small picture book, one using traditional techniques and the other using only computers. I look forward to seeing some of them becoming published illustrators or designers in the future.<\/p>\n

In June, at the Wellington Children’s Book Association AGM, I gave a talk on \u201cAustralian Children’s Literature – the Rich Heritage\u201d. I interpreted my brief fairly loosely, mixing personal favourites in with acknowledged classics such as Coles Funny Picture Book and The Magic Pudding and works by Mem Fox and Julie Vivas. It was intriguing to find that the book most of the audience wanted to look at after the talk was Sister Madge’s Book of Nuns by Doug MacLeod – an irreverent verse romp illustrated by Craig Smith, published in 1986.<\/p>\n

Lynne Jackett
\nCurator, Dorothy Neal White Collection<\/p>\n

DOROTHY NEAL WHITE \u2013 THE BOOK<\/h3>\n

Our most recent publication, Dorothy Neal White: a tribute is selling well. Favorable reviews have appeared in the New Zealand Book Council\u2019s Booknotes (Winter 1999), the Otago Daily Times (21 July 1999) and New Zealand Libraries, September 1999. To quote from Bill Nagelkerke\u2019s review in the latter \u201cThis is an elegantly produced tribute to an outstanding pioneer in the field of children\u2019s librarianship and literature, and author of the classics About books for children (1946) and Books before five (1954)\u201d.<\/p>\n

Copies of Dorothy Neal White: a tribute are available from Audrey Cooper, 32B Halswater Drive, Churton Park, Wellington, or from the National Library Bookshop. Copies are $12.50 each for members (plus $2.50 p&p) or $15.00 for non-members (plus $2.50 p&p).<\/p>\n

Erratum<\/h4>\n

To our dismay we found several words were missed from the last line of page 10 of Dorothy Neal White: a tribute. It should have read \u201cFour days later Dorothy Neal had accepted the proposition which was to convert her to Dunedin as her home place forever.\u201d<\/p>\n

Enclosed with this newsletter is an erratum slip that can be pasted into your copy of the book. If you need further slips please contact the Friends at PO Box 12 499, Wellington.<\/p>\n

NATIONAL LIBRARY OF NEW ZEALAND RESTRUCTURING<\/h3>\n

Mary Hutton and Alison Grant represented the Friends at meetings held with National Library stakeholders at which the proposed restructuring was presented.<\/p>\n

As at mid-November, as a result of a writ served by the Friends of the Turnbull Library, a judicial review of the process and results of the restructuring plan is being undertaken. It is expected that the results of this legal process will be known in mid-December. In the meantime no further implementation of the restructuring will take place.<\/p>\n

OLIVER TWIST DOES IT AGAIN!!<\/h5>\n

The best recent news has been the announcement of a second Trustees Research Grant to continue the Dorothy Neal White Collection Bibliographic Project. Together with the Macklin Grant of 1997, this means that the Trustees have provided $45,000 for this project. To date, the records created using the 1997 Macklin Grant, the 1998 Trustees\u2019 Research Grant and the retrospective cataloguing being undertaken by the Schools Team, Collection Services, mean that over 30% of the collection now has upgraded records.<\/p>\n

Lisa Mullis, who worked on the project from November 1998 to June 1999, has been appointed to continue upgrading the bibliographic records. Among the first books she has catalogued since her return have been several titles by Captain W. E. Johns – Biggles goes to war, Biggles flies north, Biggles flies west, Biggles in the South Seas (did Biggles get up to anything in the east one wonders?) and The cruise of the Condor: a Biggles story.<\/p>\n

Lynne Jackett, Curator of the Dorothy Neal White Collection, put a great case for continuing the project and we share her gratitude for the Trustees\u2019 generosity in supporting the enhancement of bibliographic access to this special collection<\/p>\n

Picture missing ***********<\/p>\n

An illustration by Norman Howard from Biggles in the South Seas by W E Johns (London: Oxford, 1940)<\/div>\n

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING<\/h3>\n

The AGM of the Friends of the Dorothy Neal White Collection was held on 15 March 1999, at the National Library. Drinks and nibbles in the foyer area preceded the formal meeting, and this gave Friends the opportunity to mingle and chat.<\/p>\n

President of the Society, Mary Hutton, presented a very comprehensive annual report (a copy is included with this newsletter). The Treasurer\u2019s report was followed by some discussion on the proposed change to the Friends\u2019 financial year. It was agreed to revert to the original \u201cyear\u201d as set out in the Constitution \u2013 that is from 1 April to 31 March.<\/p>\n

The committee were all re-elected:<\/p>\n

President:Mary HuttonSecretary:Alison Grant<\/p>\n

Treasurer:Trevor Mowbray<\/p>\n

Other committee members:<\/p>\n

Mary Atwool, Audrey Cooper, Julie Eberly, Lynne Jackett, Carmel Jones and Joan McCracken.<\/p>\n

After the meeting Friends had the opportunity of touring the new home of the Dorothy Neal White Collection, guided by Curator Lynne Jackett and former Curator Mary Atwool. To conclude the evening\u2019s activities there was a very successful sale of books.<\/p>\n

The next Annual General Meeting will be held early in 2000.<\/p>\n

SUBSCRIPTIONS<\/h3>\n

The Annual General Meeting agreed to hold the subscription rate at $20 a year. A plea was made for members to pay their subscriptions and to encourage friends and family with an interest in children\u2019s literature to join too as the Society\u2019s numbers were falling markedly. The response has been very positive! If you haven\u2019t yet paid The Treasurer will be delighted to receive your payment at any meeting, or post to the Friends of the Dorothy Neal White Collection, PO Box 12499, Wellington, PO Box 12-499, Wellington.<\/p>\n

OBITUARIES<\/h3>\n

Reg Moss<\/h3>\n

It is with regret that we record the death of Reg Moss on 10 June 1999. Honoured member of the Friends, researcher, collector, and author, he made a significant contribution to the Collection. Many of the Friends will recollect with pleasure the occasion of the launching of Charles Hamilton and the All Blacks (Notes- Books -Authors no.5, 1995) and Reg Moss\u2019s enthusiastic and knowledgeable talk about a subject dear to his heart. A number of books from his Collection were bequeathed to the Dorothy Neal White Collection. The Committee and the Friends extend their sympathy to his daughter Betty Moss.<\/p>\n

Marie Byers<\/h3>\n

The Friends were sad to hear of the death, on 12 June 1999, of Mrs Marie Byers. She was a loyal supporter of the Friends and we appreciate her generous donations to the Dorothy Neal White Collection. Our sympathy goes to her family and friends.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

\n

\u201cTALES TOLD AGAIN\u201d<\/h3>\n

On 12 July 1999 the Friends held one of the most successful events in recent times. Prevailing upon the goodwill and talents of colleagues, family and friends we asked our four \u201cguests\u201d to read from their favourite books. Some were well known to all the audience, others not so familiar. All were wonderfully read and highly entertaining.<\/p>\n

Missing Picture **************<\/p>\n

\n

The readers of \u201cTales told twice\u201d.<\/p>\n

Back: Brent Southgate, Walter Cook. Front: Kate Harcourt, Maria Heenan<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Brent Southgate, freelance editor (and husband of Committee member Mary Atwool) opened the proceedings by performing (with sound affects and props) \u201cIn which Eeyore has a birthday and gets two presents\u201d from Winnie the Pooh.<\/p>\n

Actor\u2019s Kate Harcourt and Maria Heenan (a National Library cataloguer) alternated their readings \u2013 these included:<\/p>\n

Joan Tudor’s Triumph by E.L. Haverfield<\/p>\n

\u201cKing John\u2019s Christmas\u201d from A.A. Milne\u2019s Now we are six.<\/p>\n

Alice talking to the Queen after the croquet match from Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll<\/p>\n

\u201cRatty\u2019s picnic\u201d from Kenneth Graham\u2019s Wind in the willows<\/p>\n

The house that Jack built from a beautifully illustrated Randolph Caldecott edition<\/p>\n

An extract from Little Lord Fauntleroy by Frances Hodgson Burnett<\/p>\n

and the wonderfully scary<\/p>\n

Little suckathumb by Heinrich Hoffman<\/p>\n

Walter Cook (who works in Alexander Turnbull Library\u2019s Photographic Archive) rounded off the evening with a variety of poems including:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe river\u2019s tale\u201d from Rudyard Kipling\u2019s verse 1885-1932<\/p>\n

\u201cLewis Carroll\u2019s \u201cThe mock turtle\u2019s song (Lobster Quadrille)\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe pobble who has no toes\u201d by Edward Lear<\/p>\n

Several of Hilaire Belloc\u2019s Cautionary verses<\/p>\n

\u201cOh what is a basket\u201d by the famous Anon, published in Verse and worse<\/p>\n

and two more recent publications<\/p>\n

\u201cGoldenhair\u201d by Sir James Waller, published in The Penguin book of homosexual verse<\/p>\n

Morris Bishop\u2019s \u201cHow to treat elves\u201d from The Oxford book of American light verse.<\/p>\n

Those who attended expressed their pleasure in the performances and urged another such event in the near future. The Committee agree and will look towards more \u201ctales\u201d next year.<\/p>\n

Joan McCracken<\/p>\n

Picture missing ********<\/p>\n

\n

BANG !!!???***!!!<\/p>\n

Piglet [not] delivering Eeyore\u2019s birthday present.<\/p>\n

From Winnie-the\u2013Pooh by A A Milne with decorations by Ernest H Shepard (London: Methuen, 1926)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n

AWARDS<\/h3>\n

New Zealand Post Children\u2019s Book Awards 1999<\/p>\n

The New Zealand Post Children\u2019s Book Awards presentation was held in Government House at 11am on Wednesday 31 March 1999.<\/p>\n

The Governor-General and Lady Hardie Boys welcomed guests \u2013 adults and children \u2013 in an atmosphere of keen anticipation. Items of interest which featured throughout the morning included a video presentation of children talking enthusiastically about books short-listed in this year\u2019s awards. The news that the 1999 New Zealand health stamps would promote the works of Margaret Mahy, Lynley Dodd and Joy Cowley was greeted with acclaim.<\/p>\n

At last came the moment everyone had been waiting for \u2013 the announcement of the award winners. These were as follows:<\/p>\n

Book of the yearA summery Saturday morning, by Margaret Mahy and Selina Young (Penguin)<\/p>\n

Picture BookA summery Saturday morning<\/p>\n

Junior fictionStarbright and the dream eater, by Joy Cowley (Penguin)<\/p>\n

Non-fictionThe natural world of New Zealand, by Gerald Hutching (Penguin)<\/p>\n

Senior fictionTour, by Jack Lasenby (Longacre)<\/p>\n

First bookFootsteps of the gods, by Hana Hiraina Erlbeck (Reed)<\/p>\n

Children\u2019s ChoiceThe life-sized inflatable whale, by Gaelyn Gordon and John Tarlton (Scholastic)<\/p>\n

Honour AwardSlinky Malinki Catflaps, by Lynley Dodd (Mallinson Rendel)<\/p>\n

Killer moves, by Denis Edwards (Scholastic)<\/p>\n

All sorts of trucks, by Pauline Cartwright and Tim Hawkins (Bridge Hill)<\/p>\n

I am not Esther, by Fleur Beale (Longacre)<\/p>\n

Peter Gordon accepted his wife Gaelyn\u2019s posthumous Children\u2019s Choice Award and a bronze statue on her behalf. Authors and illustrators expressed excitement and pleasure in their awards. The ceremony over, guests enjoyed a delicious and convivial lunch before departing at 2pm.<\/p>\n

These annual Award celebrations play an important part in publicising memorable New Zealand children\u2019s books. Many of the books indeed now go on to gain international reputations. Judging convenor John McIntyre* rightly said, \u201cNew Zealand children\u2019s literature is deservedly on the world stage\u201d.<\/p>\n

* Other members of the judging panel were Ruth Corrin and Brent Southgate.<\/p>\n

Postcript: In view of the significance of these Award ceremonies it is surely a matter for concern that neither National Library nor Wellington Public Library children\u2019s library staff appear to receive invitations to attend. These knowledgeable librarians have traditionally done as much as anyone to foster and promote books and reading. It seems incomprehensible, therefore, that children\u2019s library staff are not at least represented on the guest list.<\/p>\n

Audrey Cooper
\nAlison Grant<\/p>\n

Awards to Lynley Dodd and Elsie Locke<\/h3>\n

As this year\u2019s recipient of the Margaret Mahy medal, Lynley Dodd delivered the 1999 Margaret Mahy lecture at the Auckland College of Education on 20 March.<\/p>\n

Elsie Locke has been awarded the New Zealand Book Foundation\u2019s newly instituted \u201cGaelyn Gordon Award for a Much-Loved Book\u201d. The book to win this distinction, The runaway settlers, has been continuously in print since 1965. The Award will be made annually. It will honour a work of fiction which has never previously won a major New Zealand book award but which has stood the test of time.<\/p>\n

The Friends congratulate Lynley and Elsie on their respective successes.<\/p>\n

Alison Grant<\/p>\n

GIFT IDEAS<\/h3>\n

It\u2019s that time again when we are looking for some small gifts for our friends and family. Here are some ideas:<\/p>\n

Notes – Books – Authors no 7 – our new publication celebrating the life of our namesake and founding patron Dorothy Neal White (see notice elsewhere in the newsletter), will make an excellent gift for all those interested in children\u2019s literature in New Zealand.<\/p>\n

Greeting cards featuring work of New Zealand illustrators Robyn Belton, Ruth Paul, Tracey Moroney, Philip Webb, Jill McDonald, Karen Oppatt, Gwenda Turner, and Caroline Campbell are available from the National Library Shop at a cost of $2.75 each or $19.80 for a set of eight. Work by these artists was featured in the National Library Gallery exhibition Show me!<\/p>\n

Health Stamps \u2013 The 1999 Health Stamps were issued in June. As announced at the New Zealand Post Children\u2019s Book Awards this year they feature the work of three New Zealand authors for children. Ann Adams of Wellington designed the stamps. To quote the NZ Post Stamps Centre web page:<\/p>\n

\u201cA New Zealand Children\u2019s Health stamp issue has been issued every year since 1929. The three stamps in the 1999 issue all carry a 5c surcharge which is donated to New Zealand Children\u2019s Health Camps, which works to provide a healthy environment for children. The focus of this year\u2019s Children\u2019s Health stamp issue is children\u2019s books and their contribution to the education, health and well-being of our children. Like parables, these stories were intended not only to enlighten but also to educate the listener. Chosen for this stamp issue are three popular children\u2019s books. The first is Hairy Maclary\u2019s Bone, written and illustrated by Lynley Dodd, and published by Mallinson Rendel in 1984. Hairy Maclary has become a familiar and very special character to New Zealand children, and has helped cement Dodd\u2019s place as one of New Zealand\u2019s foremost authors of children\u2019s picture books. The second is The Lion in the Meadow, by Margaret Mahy, illustrated by Jenny Williams. No collection could be complete without this title by Mahy, a seminal work of New Zealand children\u2019s literature first published in 1961. Mahy has fittingly described the story as being “about the triumph of a child\u2019s imagination.” The last stamp in this issue is Greedy Cat, by Joy Cowley, illustrations by Robyn Belton. This story, while a distinctly New Zealand tale written by a New Zealander in 1983, has universal appeal and is as popular overseas as it is here.<\/p>\n

All of these authors have made wonderful and ongoing contributions to helping our children learn how to read, while telling stories that children love to read.\u201d<\/p>\n

Information from: http:\/\/www.nzstamps.co.nz\/nzstamps\/recent\/99_health.htm<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Dorothy Neal White Newsletter 25 November 1999 END OF YEAR FUNCTION Well-known Wellington author and…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/925"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=925"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/925\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":926,"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/925\/revisions\/926"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=925"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=925"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/dnwfriends.nzl.org\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=925"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}