A storm is brewing around the next auction at Bethunes, now styled ‘Bethunes@Webb’s’. The highlight of the 16 March event is the sale of the literary effects of the Estate of Barry Crump.
According to Bethunes’ publicity,
The catalogue includes a number of signed first and early editions of Crump’s books, together with several manuscript journals and a collection of photographs and videos. Of special interest are Barry Crump’s bush kit, rifle, Swandri, hat, saddlebag, hunting knives, gin-trap, gold scales, riffle tray [for goldmining - thanks Islander], guitar, camera and typewriter.
Crump’s final wife Maggie has reportedly put up the memorabilia for sale, but others in the Crump family are not happy. In a report in today’s Herald on Sunday, son Martin Crump is quoted as saying:
I just thought the heritage of Crump should actually be in the hands of his children, because we’re the last surviving people, not the fifth wife who spent three years with him.
Hmm. We smell a good keen spat coming up here.
NB Bethunes is on a roll at the moment: the last auction, on 17 November, saw a set of Cook’s Voyages sell for $62,000. William Colenso’s prayer book in Maori sold for $2,500, and a memo by Colenso concerning his failed marriage fetched the same amount.
06 Feb 05 | Filed by Chris | Add your comment (2 so far)
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Comment by Islander ~ February 7, 2005 11:09 AM
A riffle tray (or box) is used in goldmining.
Comment by Robin Lee-Robinson ~ February 14, 2005 11:57 AM
From Barry Crumps 4th wife of 12 years Robin Lee-Robinson, author of "In Salting The Gravy"
An unfortunate situation because parties were excluded from the contesting of the will. These parties consisted of relatives namely ex wives whose own property had been absorbed into the complicated Crump estate leaving widow Maggie and stepson Martin, supported by his uncle and Barrys brother Colin Crump to resolve it as best they could through the family court/ My own legacy was won when I finally resolved my publishing battle to eventually have half my say.
In my book In Salting The Gravy I outline Barrys wishes at the time. He wanted his hunting knife and rifle to go to his brothers. As far as all gold mining and horse related gear are concerned, these items were disgarded in 1979 as we were lliving in either a vintage truck, van and at a later date a Hilux 4 wheel drive. A photo of the type of riffle box Barry made is pictured on pg 109. Barry had a low intrest in collecting his own books.
I initially had every confidence that the entire extended Crump family could have worked this out aminicably. Stepson Martin and brother in law Colin are fine family men who are more than capable of resolving this matter with fairness. To be fair to Maggie, its not easy to be married to a man like Crump, and he did after all leave the entire estate in her hands. Sadly, it appears too late for this couse of action. I wonder too, what Barrys other 5 sons have to say about this dispute.
Regard
Robin Lee Robinson
ISSN #1176-4465. LeafSalon is licensed under a 
