THE AUCKLAND INSTITUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 114, 15 May 1926, Page 8

THE AUCKLAND INSTITUTE.

If a full appreciation of the value of the work done by the Auckland Institute existed in the minds of citizens generally, there would be no nead of a "drive" for membership, such as that now being conducted by the president, Mr. H. E. Vaile. The mere fact that it is concerned with scientific affairs handicaps the Institute, so few seem to realise that science is the hand maiden of industry, and that material progress in every field of human endeavour is dependent upon the scientific investigator, quite apart from the moral progress which folLows from the patient search for light and truth. In the past, the institute has been neglected, its activities have had tlia enthusiastic support of those who have thoughtfully considered its value, but the community, as a whole, has taken little part in its development. This is much to be ijpgrcttcd. For quite apart from its interest in science the Institute performs an admirable duty in controlling the Museum, an institution which, as the attendance figures prove, is greatly appreciated by the people, and which is remarkably well equipped, considering the size and comparative youth of the city. In the South the institutes have 110 concern with the museums. They perform a very useful task in the encouragement of scientific research and the publication of the results achieved, but they are freed from such duties of general administration ac devolves upon the Auckland body. The additional duty here involves greater liability, and there is therefore need for a quickening of interest locally so that the necessary Ilnaneial support may be available. Mr. Vaile is to be warmly congratulated upon the success which has attended hie recent efforts. Quite candidly he admits that he has undertaken a hateful job; from motives of duty. But the task would be neither difficult nor detestable if consideration were given by the general public to the merits of the Institute and to the educational value of the Museum. The record of gifts during the last month is an excellent one, indicating high appreciation of the general conduct of the Museum o the part of the collectors; similar appre ciation by the man in the street shoul greatly lighten the burdpn of the pres dent in his efforts to bring the member ship up to the scale which it merits.