James Brydon Speedy (1891-1963)
The library was uncovered when Miriam Shaw visited Palmerston North to meet the wife of Tom Speedy. The books collected by Tom and his father had been hidden away in the hallway of an uninhabited house on the family land. It was estimated that the last time anyone had viewed the books was thirty-five years earlier. Peering out from the shelves were two stuffed kiwi in beautiful condition. Both father and son were heavily involved in the Polynesian Society, and the house had hosted monthly discussion groups. Mrs Speedy recalled providing well received suppers at these occasions. Tom passed away in September and the family has decided to auction the collection. As the majority of the books had been bought from Bethunes Rare Book Auctions in its early days, it seemed right that Bethunes@Webb’s should handle the sale. The collection boasts many quintessential New Zealand books including Buller’s Birds, a complete set of White’s Ancient History of the Maori, and Robley’s Moko to name a few.

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