Canterbury History Foundation: Executive Chairman's Report, 2007-2008

The year has been notable for several events for which, I think it is fair to say, the Foundation was a driving force, contributor, or useful supporter.

The University of Canterbury held its first Festival of History in September 2007. Its success promises a two-yearly event that will deliver a variety of history topics to people coming mostly from outside the University. John Cookson and Alan Hayward assisted the School of History and the office of the Alumni Association did a great job on the enrolments.

In December, benefiting from the generous endowment by Mr Gerald Hunt, the first prize-giving ceremony was held by the School of History. Students, staff, parents and friends agreed that this was a welcome innovation.

The Rhodes Medal drew public attention to long and productive service to local history by Bernard Kingsbury. It also added patronage to the museum he founded and fostered at Cust. The Jim Gardner lecture was the occasion for this award. Associate-Professor McAloon's excellent lecture, "Scottish Canterbury?" produced one of our largest audiences.

I am sure it will be matched by attendance at our 2008 lecture to be given by one of our Community Historians, Dr John Wilson. He will speak on local history and his experience in researching the history of Addington. His Addington book should appear next year. We are grateful to NZ Post for mailing help in promoting this year's lecture on Sunday, 3 August.

We have learned that the production of books by our Community Historians is a steady, slow process. Monitoring the results of our grants is a duty; and I am satisfied that all of them have been, or will be, worth while. Some unexpected delays, the essential editing processes, and publishing programmes extend the timetable. Still, our grants are bearing fruit that should stand to our credit as well as to the credit of the authors.

We are grateful for the donation by the Canterbury Community Trust that helps to finance the Community Historian. This year the grant to Dr Vaughan Wood is for his work on the Banks Peninsula cocksfoot seed industry, once an important part of Canterbury's economy, local employment, and export trade. A museum exhibition may accompany his publication.

Foundation finances are now strong enough to enable modest but useful grants for projects that need support before publication. We recently gave such a grant of $2000 to help meet the final cost of publishing a 50-year history of the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra. This will certainly be an important addition to the story of music in Christchurch.

Because of her significant work on the Executive since the Foundation's beginning, and her ideas and efforts to raise funds through many events, Mrs Veronica Pyle will be nominated at our AGM for honorary Life Membership. She is still on our fund-raising committee.

Many members give more than the basic subscription to the Foundation. This is much appreciated. One member kindly donated photographic prints that we were able to sell. I am am particularly grateful to Enid Ellis and Dr James Smithies for work on our website; to our Treasurer, Ross Leckie; our Secretary, Binney Lock; and all members of the Executive for their work. Dr Peters has stepped down as Convenor of the Awards Committee and we must applaud her long and professional tenure. Professor Cookson has succeeded her. I am sorry we have lost the services of Professor Peter Hempenstall, who has moved to Australia.

I have really enjoyed my three years as President and I am certain that the Executive's work and the support of our members have been thoroughly worth while.

Dick Hlavac

President and Chairman of the Executive                                                         May, 2008