Theses, 1914-1934

Component identifier:

Series 6

Content Summary:

In 1914, Copland completed a Bachelor of Arts degree at Canterbury College, Christchurch (part of the University of New Zealand), and in June 1916 was awarded a Master of Arts degree with 1st Class Honours in Economics. His thesis, 'The progress and importance of wheat production in New Zealand' was published by Whitcombe and Tombs in 1920 as Wheat production in New Zealand: a study in the economics of New Zealand agriculture. Four years later, the University of New Zealand awarded Copland a Doctorate of Science for a series of writings titled 'Post-war studies in Australian currency and finance' and for his published wheat thesis.

In 1934, the University of Melbourne awarded Copland a second doctorate, that of Doctor of Literature. It was awarded on the recommendation of Professor Tanssig and R.G. Hawtrey for a series of work called 'Australia in the world crisis, 1929-33'. The thesis was based largely upon his Marshall Memorial Lecture delivered at Cambridge University in 1933 and later published by Cambridge University Press.

The papers forming Series 6 relate to each of the theses. There is a bound copy of the Masters thesis, dated November 1915, together with some notes, cuttings, and correspondence, 1915-1921. The latter includes letters from Copland's publisher Whitcombe and Tombs, his supervisor Dr James Hight, W.J. Colbatch of Roseworthy Agricultural College, and Edwin Hall. Correspondence relating directly to the financial aspects of its publication is in Series 4 and the actual degree is in Series 5. On the two doctorates, the series includes a copy of the examiner's report, a few letters and some handwritten and typed notes that include 'Some notes on important topics raised in the essays'. The 1924 Doctorate Certificate is in Series 5. Finally there is a folder of cuttings reviewing the Marshall Memorial Lecture and announcing Copland's receipt of the Litt.D. in November 1934.

Immediate source of acquisition:

Lady Copland presented the personal papers of Sir Douglas Copland to the National Library in September 1973. Additions to the collection were received from the Copland Family between 1977 and 1981.

Names:

Copland, D.B. (Douglas Berry), 1894-1971

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