It transpires that there is at least one unpublished manuscript by Michael King that will surely not be languishing for long in the Eastern Southland Gallery in Gore. The story goes like this.

Whilst writing Janet Frame’s biography, King met John Money, the New Zealand-born professor of medical psychology at John Hopkins University in the United States, and life-long friend of Janet Frame. Mr Money, now in his 80s, is a major patron of writers, artists, and composers.

In December last year, the Prime Minister opened the new John Money wing at the Eastern Southland Gallery. This was made possible by the bequest of his world class art collection, which included Aboriginal, African, and indigenous and contemporary American works, along with works by significant New Zealand artists, such as Rita Angus and Theo Schoon.

Dr King was keen to write Money’s biography but lack of funds saw the project shelved in 2002. However, the gallery itself commissioned Dr King to write a smaller book to help raise funds for the new wing. The 35-page manuscript was finished last year, but again lack of funds complicated by his illness from throat cancer saw publication delayed.

For the project to be brought to final fruition, Dr King’s family now need to be consulted and further funding gained for photography and design. 'We want to make a really good job of it because it's a really good work in his indomitable style… we need to make it deserving of his input,' says Jim Geddes, the founder, director and curator of the town's Eastern Southland Gallery.

His gallery is certainly 'having a moment' as, at the end of last year, Ralph Hotere also gifted 36 lithographs to the gallery. Nice. And there may be more – the gallery’s commitment to it’s Hotere Room is seeing others who are keen to donate their Ralphs. The gallery is working on it’s website, but details of it’s whereabouts are here.

Finally, a transcript of Michael King's last broadcast interview aired on 95bFM is online at Public Address, the final words of which are 'I see the great continuities in New Zealand history as being decency and common sense, and up until now when we've confronted these things we've been able to talk them through, and I'm sure we will with this issue as well.' No prizes for guessing what he’s talking about. And what a great attitude, as always… makes ya feel good about a bein’ a kiwi, ay.