The presentation by Mr. C. G. Locke of five volumes of the diaries and letter books of James Dredge, a contemporary of John Batman, to the National Gallery was received by the trustees at their meeting yesterday. The presentation is the most notable addtion to the historic records of the State for years.

James Dredge was a pioneer Methodist missioner and was an assistant protector of aborigines from 1837. His diaries contain references to Batman and are priceless records of the growth of early Melbourne and its contacts with the aborigines.

Arrangements have been made for the sixth volume, which is not in Mr. Locke's possession, to be copied and kept with the five originals.