KAURI GUM COLLECTIONS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 99, 29 April 1933, Page 12

KAURI GUM COLLECTIONS.

Seeing that the Government has purchased the Peat collection for tho National Museum, Wellington, which collection Mr. I'eat claims to be the best ill the world, I think it is only right that the attention of the public of Auckland should be drawn to the fact that there is also another collection in Auckland which has been proclaimed to be the liest and most beautiful collection if kauri gum in existence. This eollcction was sent to the FrancoBritish Exhibition in London in 1908 by the late Sir Joseph Ward, then Prime Minister of New Zealand, and was exhibited in the New Zealand pavilion for four consecutive years. The collection whilst in transit was insured by the New Zealand Government for £3000, and whilst on exhibition for £5000. While in London this collection was awarded the "grand prix" each year, and was acclaimed the "exhibit of the exhibition." The collection was examined and greatly admired by their late Majesties King Edward and Queen Alexandra and President Fallieres. It took the then owner, the late Mr. H. A. Nielsen, over 30 years to collcct, and years of work in hand-polishing each piece, and every one a specimen. This collection is now in possession of the son of the late Mr. H. A. Nielsen, 08, Pitt Street, Auckland, and has not been unpacked from the cases since its return from London in 1912. This collection could have been sold while on exhibition in London to an American museum, but the offer was declined, as Mr. Nielsen did not wish it to be sold out of Xew Zealand. O. E. NIELSEN. 68, Pitt Street.