In 1989, the Local Studies Section received 36 boxes of research notes belonging to the late Victor Harley Cohen. The material concentrates on four areas of research:

• Histories of Coogee
• Rugby Union and the Randwick Club
• Surf Life Saving, with emphasis on the Clovelly and Coogee Surf Life Saving Clubs
• the Auditor-General's Department.

There are also general notes, correspondences, bibliographies, photos and maps on other historical matters.

Victor Harley Cohen (1903-1988)

• Was a public servant who rose to the position of Auditor-General of New South Wales in the 1960's
• He played first grade Rugby for Randwick
• Was a prominent swimmer for Clovelly Surf Life Saving Club
• Rose to the rank of Lieutenant-Commander Royal Australian Navy Voluntary Reserves during the Second World War, serving on amongst other ships, HMAS Perth
• As well as being second in command his duties included navigation. Cohen later used this skill to pinpoint the locations of some long vanished objects, such as mills

The material

It is apparent that Cohen had finished two of his histories, those of Coogee and of Rugby Union. Unfortunately, only drafts exist of parts of both books. The remainder of the collection comprises notes and the sources for those notes.

• The Coogee drafts concentrate on the early European contact with the area
• The Rugby drafts concentrate on the history of the rules and some aspects of the Randwick club.

Access

To gain access to the collection:

• Permission must be sought in advance from the library manager or designated staff member
• A form is filled out and the documents are to be used under the supervision of the above.

This applies to all Local Studies archives.

Additionally, for Cohen material:

• The source should be acknowledged as from the Cohen Collection
• Box - Folder Archival access principles will generally be followed
• No pens or unnecessary handling of the material will be allowed.