D&D History Book Launch

It was highly appropriate that the new book “The Growing World of Duncan and Davies: A Historical History 1899-2010” was launched recently in New Plymouth as part of the Taranaki Arts Festival. Authored by well-known plantsman Mr. Alan Jellyman, this important publication records the history of the iconic plant nursery company, Duncan and Davies Ltd, which operated on various sites around New Plymouth for over 100 years. The company made major contributions to the local community and was well known throughout the world.

Mr Neville and Mrs Inger Davies share reminiscences with Mr David Goudie.

Mr Peter Groves sharing comments about the importance of the D&D catalogue collection with Mr Kelvin Day

The special launch at the Puke Ariki Centre on Saturday 6 August 2011 was attended by representatives of both the Davies and the Duncan families and around 100 guests, many of whom were previous D&D employees. The latter included Mr David Goudie who started with D&D as an apprentice in 1947 and Mr Jim Rumball who was the longest serving member of the company who is still alive.

An important part of the evening was a presentation by Mr Peter Groves, on behalf of the current owners of Duncan & Davies Nurseries, to Mr Kelvin Day, Collections Manager at Puke Ariki Museum (representing the New Plymouth City Council), of a set of the Duncan and Davies catalogues dated from 1913 to 2005. These will be held as important archives within the Puke Ariki Museum and will be accessible for research purposes.

In addition to the formal reception, Mr Jellyman participated in a question and answer session within the Taranaki Arts Festival, where the book was publicly launched.

This publication was funded by the Sir Victor Davies Foundation which was established by Lady Davies in 1977 to promote and encourage research into ornamental plants. The book can be purchased by completing the order form on the SVDF website (http://www.svdf.org.nz/) or from: The Secretary, SVDF, 8A Herapeka Street, Taupo 3330 ($60.00 inclusive of postage and packaging).