Finally, as many of you will be aware, College is currently in the quiet phase of a capital campaign. Although perceived by many as wealthy, the reality is that College faces significant challenges in the years ahead. There is a pressing need for new a gymnasium and science facilities. The cost of further earthquake strengthening is looming and the cost of our heritage buildings also puts College at a financial disadvantage compared to other independent schools.
College needs its community's support in order for it to continue to be the leading independent boys’ school in New Zealand. We hope you will consider making a contribution so College’s good traditions can be well maintained.
Jeremy Johnson (12355)
The Harris Collection
Are you an Old Boy who has written a novel, or a chapter in a book, or an article in a journal, compiled an e-book or a cook book, edited your family’s letters or privately published a history? If you can answer yes to any of these questions, then the Harris Collection of Old Boy writings would be delighted to receive a copy of your work. The Harris Collection was established by Arnold Wall (2983) and Ormond Wilson (3570) in 1988. Wilson mentioned to Wall that he had a collection of books written by Old Boys, so the idea of the Harris Collection was born. It was decided to name the collection after William John Harris (2767), grandson of William Chambers Harris (Headmaster 1866–1873) and Master of the College, who inspired many boys in the literary field when he established the Kit Kat Club. By 1987, a small collection was housed in Don Hamilton’s study and, after several moves, it is now housed in the conference room of the Library, in Big School. Various official positions were established, but the key one was Lawrence Rickard as Keeper of the Collection. Rickard spent many happy hours in second-hand book shops and consulting auction catalogues tracking down the rarer volumes of the past. Other authors and Old Boys aided and abetted him in the search, while writers donated individual volumes.
Following Rickard’s death, the Christ’s College Old Boys Association and the College Archivist joined forces to continue to care for the collection. It is as a result of their ongoing conversations that a recent addition to the collection policy has been made. They have become increasingly aware that many people are writing their family histories and bringing together family collections and reminiscences, along with investigations that take them to archival institutions and museums. Have you undertaken research about your ancestor and published it, or inveigled your partner to write the story of your life? The Harris Collection now has a place for publications of this kind, provided the “star” is an Old Boy or an Old Boy’s family. This is a search that never ends and additions to the collection, which now numbers 1287 items, are always welcome. Please contact College Archivist Jane Teal or CCOBA Secretary Justine Nicholl if you have something to contribute.
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College Issue 33 2017
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