University Given Century-old Piece of Customs History

Edward O'Daly, 6 June 2006

Mr Reilly (left) said he was pleased to give the book to Professor Widdowson Photo: Michelle Khoo

A 100-year-old book that in its day was the customs officer's 'bible' was presented to the University of Canberra's Centre for Customs and Excise Studies (CCES) on Monday.

Retired customs officer John Reilly gave his original 1904 leather bound copy of H.N.P. Wollaston's Customs Law, which he used in his work as a prosecuting officer as late as the 1960s, to the CCES chief executive David Widdowson, who promised to look after it.

"At the CCES our clients rely on us to prepare them for the future and we pride ourselves on being at the cutting edge of customs research and training, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to add this remarkable book to our collection," Professor Widdowson said.

"Looking to the future is vital but it is even more valuable with a sound appreciation of the past. Wollaston's Customs Law is a defining piece of customs history and we are proud and privileged to be entrusted with a copy.

"We will put it to good use because a lot of our students are very interested in delving into the past."

Mr Reilly was a customs officer from 1938 to 1982 and found the book in "mint condition" in a second-hand shop in the 1950s.

"At 84 it's of no further use to me and I'm pleased to give it to someone who appreciates it," he said.

The donation ends a lengthy search of internet auction sites for a copy of the rare book to join items including customs manuals from the Third Reich in the centre's collection.

Dr Widdowson, formerly a senior executive officer with the Australian Customs Service, is CEO and Professor of the University of Canberra's Centre for Customs & Excise Studies, which offers online postgraduate courses in Customs Law and Administration.

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