CULTURE Archives
Left: New Zealand Rugby XV 1884 cap and a Canterbury rugby cap, belonging to College’s first-ever national rugby representatives, brothers William Varnham (362) and Edward Bowler Millton (467). Below: David Mowbray Tripp’s (4288) watch.
At College, we are fortunate to be the kaitiaki of some incredible taonga – treasures that tell the stories of who we are as a community. Each taonga holds a unique story – whether it is a piece of art, a trophy, or an object passed down through generations. These treasures are shared by all of us – current students and alumni alike. When we care for these items, we are not just preserving objects; we are preserving who we are as a community. A change in personnel is always a good time to review archival policies, especially those concerning the acceptance of taonga. This obviously changes as the collection grows. Items that were eagerly sought even two or three years ago are no longer high on the list, as they have been acquired or donated and replaced by other material that will enhance the collection. What remains clear throughout is that it is the archivist who makes the decisions based on knowledge of the collections and any ongoing planning. This year has been an extraordinary one for receiving significant taonga, each of which adds a new layer to the story of our College. Among the highlights are the following: Julian Holderness (6409) added further items to the collection that he has donated over many years. This time, they included a 1st XV rugby cap and Colours pocket monograms that had been passed down from his father, Thomas Holderness (4172). The collection of 29 book prizes awarded to Harold Vincent Rowe (2220) and Eric Arnold Rowe (2397) included an item that had never been seen before – an original bookplate for the Balfour Divinity Prize.
Millton (467). These items are significant not only for their age and the first use of the fern as a New Zealand sporting emblem, but for their connection to College’s ties with rugby. David Mowbray Tripp’s (4288) watch, which was found in an Opawa op shop, was featured on TVNZ’s Seven Sharp . Since the story aired, further links to David’s legacy have come from his family members. They have shared more about David's life, deepening the connection to this extraordinary taonga. This watch now stands as a powerful reminder of David’s death in the Second World War and the ongoing role that the College community plays in keeping these stories alive. At the heart of the archivist’s work is to keep College’s taonga safe but also more accessible. By digitising our collections, we can preserve and share them with students, alumni, and the wider community, no matter where they are in the world. It reduces the handling of fragile items and ensures the stories they hold can be enjoyed for years to come. Collegiality among archivists is very important. Not only does it
provide the opportunity to learn new skills, but the ‘over a cup of tea’ conversations often lead to practical insights. This year, there have been two opportunities. The first was led by Steve Goodenough, who provided us with new ways of photographing artefacts and paper items. More recently, Anne Gabrielsson attended a paper-mending workshop run by Lynn Campbell, learning how to repair and preserve paper objects. These new skills help us document and protect our taonga while minimising handling. Anne also had the opportunity to attend the annual New Zealand and Australian Archives Conference, titled Opening the Archives, in Christchurch. Over the years, incoming requests have become much more complex. With more online resources, family researchers no longer just want to put the leaves on their family tree; they want to know about a person’s life and times. Did they receive prizes? Did they play in the football team? Were they any good at Mathematics? What did they wear? It would not surprise if there was a future query regarding whether the boarding House beds were comfortable. Then there are
requests from university students and academics writing books. All need responses. The 2023 Archives report referred to the College ‘dodransbicentennial’. In 2025, 175 years of boys’ education is a remarkable achievement that will be celebrated throughout the year. This has involved the preparation of museum items. This requires the assessment of each item’s ability to withstand display, the writing of condition reports, photography, and ensuring that information is historically correct. An updated history will also be launched. Jane Teal and Anne Gabrielsson Archivists
Above: Original bookplate for the Balfour Divinity Prize.
Sometimes, the archives collection has to stretch beyond the day-to- day life at College and include items that are significant in the lives of Old Boys. Three items came to the archives this year that were accepted for that reason.
The first of these came from the Millton family, who donated a New Zealand Rugby XV 1884 cap and a Canterbury rugby cap, belonging to College’s first-ever national rugby representatives, brothers William Varnham (362) and Edward Bowler
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