Webbs to auction the C.L.Thomas Collection

Here is the introduction that appears in Webb's catalogue for this simply astonishing collection of early New Zealand books - 555 items and everyone a gem!

C L THOMAS (1877-1955)

A brief biography

Charles Lewis Thomas was born on 19 September 1877 in Dunedin. He received his primary education at Union Street School and was subsequently indentured to the pharmaceutical profession under Mr Loasby, followed by a professional appointment at Leeston, Canterbury, where he passed the New Zealand Pharmacy Board's examination in October 1899, being one of the first to do so.

He then moved to Sydney where he gained further pharmaceutical experience. He returned to New Zealand and acted as locum tenens, finally settling in Napier. He started his own pharmacy business in 1905. About this time, through business contact with Maori families, he developed a passion for the history of Aotearoa New Zealand and began acquiring books on the subject.

He was a prime mover in the establishment of an 'urgent pharmacy', to reduce the incredibly long hours worked by pharmacists and their assistants. It was agreed by Napier pharmacists to take turns staying open till 8pm, as an urgent pharmacy, on a weekly basis. The idea spread throughout New Zealand.

The Hawke's Bay earthquake of 3 February 1931 destroyed his place of business entirely. He was left with only his Waterman fountain pen, which today serves as a grim reminder of the devastating event. Fortunately, his residence and library in Jull Street were left relatively unscathed. Following the quake, he put up temporary premises in front of the house until the Napier business district was rebuilt.

He died in 1955. His son Owen, born in 1916, inherited and added to the collection, as I have done, carrying on the tradition started by this remarkable man.

June G Thomas

Daughter-in-law of C L Thomas

In addition to a profusion of New Zealand classics, the C L Thomas Collection features an important group of items relating to notable pioneer William Colenso, including books and pamphlets, manuscript diaries and papers, a collecting tin and a handsome dissecting microscope.


Auction 21 March 2012
Webb's - 18 Manukau Road,
Auckland. www.webbs.co.nz