And the prize goes to : the presentation of children's prize books in New Zealand

Abstract

This research study classifies the frequency and origin of juvenile literature presented as prizes in New Zealand through the period 1870-1940. The prize book sample was located within the National Library of New Zealand Dorothy Neal White Collection. A full analysis of fiction items in the collection located a total of 677 prize books from a total sample of 4,283 items. The sample was examined to ascertain the immediate provenance of each prize presented to New Zealand children. The originating institutions that distributed the prizes, the date of presentation and the behaviours and achievements that were rewarded were all analysed. Prizes were presented primarily from educational and religious organisations in New Zealand and for similar reasons of attendance, conduct and academic achievement. Prize books were most commonly distributed between 1910 and 1929 but samples exist dating between 1870 and 19 55, indicating a continued presence in New Zealand society. Few of the prizes were established to contain literary links to New Zealand, but this small sample of 10 prize books was analysed to determine the extent ofNew Zealand content within the Dorothy Neal White prize book collection, which was minimal.