Photo by Peter McIntosh.
Sharon Dell cuts the cake at yesterday morning's
celebration of 100 years since the Hocken opened at the Otago
Museum.
Ms Dell, addressing well-wishers, said marked the "memorable
and special day" by reading an extract from the library's
founder, Dr Thomas Hocken.
Dr Hocken, who was unable to attend the 1910 opening because
of illness, sent a speech in which he said: "This work has
been to me a labour of love and in it I have put into
practice a sentiment I have always held: that it is the
bounden duty of every citizen to do something for his state
in the welfare of which his own happiness and prosperity are
very largely found."
Former Hocken librarian Stuart Strachan told the Otago Daily
Times the library housed the most important collection
outside Crown ownership in New Zealand.
"It's one of the institutions that helps lend Dunedin and the
University [of Otago] national distinction."
Dr Hocken offered his collection, which included books,
manuscripts, newspapers, and maps, to the city in 1897;
several years, and a public subscription drive later, a
special wing was added to the Otago Museum.
The collection is now housed in the former Otago Dairy
Co-operative in Anzac Ave.
A name, residential address, and (preferably residential) telephone number is required from readers who comment on ODT Online. These details will not be visible to site visitors.