Three original First World War diaries currently held in Leeds University’s Liddle collection will be returned to New
Zealand as a result of an agreement with the University, Neill Atkinson, Chief Historian Manatū Taonga Ministry for
Culture and Heritage, said today.
“Manatū Taonga and National Library representatives have been working with Leeds University since the middle of last
year to advance the digitisation of its New Zealand material and consider the possible repatriation of some of the
items,” Neill Atkinson said.
“Peter Liddle visited New Zealand in 1974 to interview veterans and add to his First and Second World War collection
which is now held by the university.
“The collection includes original documents (dairies and letters) from 15 New Zealand First World War veterans, as well
as photocopied material and more than 70 oral history recordings.
“While the removal of this material did not breach any cultural heritage legislation at the time, some veterans and
their family members have subsequently questioned how Peter Liddle obtained it.
“As a result the provenance of all the New Zealand items in the collection has now been investigated and three 1915
dairies, those of Cyril James Claridge, Hartley Valentine Palmer and Clifford James Walsh, will be returning.
“They will be placed into the National Library’s Alexander Turnbull Library collection for safe-keeping,” Neill Atkinson
said.
We are looking forward to receiving them into the Library’s collection later in the year says Mark Crookston, Associate
Chief Librarian of the Alexander Turnbull Library.
“Most importantly, digitised copies of all original material of New Zealanders in the Liddle collection will be made
available to the Turnbull Library, significantly adding to our existing First World War collection.
“We acknowledge and thank our colleagues at University of Leeds Library for the constructive relationship we have
established,” Mark Crookston said.
Both agree the four-year centenary of the First World War has drawn focus to the value of New Zealand’s documentary
heritage. Having the diaries back here is a tangible reminder of the importance of this event in our country’s history.
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