Rules of the New Zealand Society (1851)

This slim pamphlet marks the formal establishment in July 1851 of the first scientific and literary society in New Zealand. Members included the prominent newspaperman and printer, Robert Stokes, who went on to become a Member of the Provincial Council before returning to England to retire. This copy features a number of annotations amd corrections in pencil and was probably either the printer's proof or a specimen copy circulated amongst members for revision. The addition of clause 33 is particularly noteworthy: "A Curator shall be appointed by the Council, and he shall have the Custody and Management of the Society's Library and Museum."