MUSEUM COUNCIL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 45, 22 February 1934, Page 9

MUSEUM COUNCIL.

EXHIBITION TO BE HELD. VALUABLE COLLECTION ACQUIRED. An important acquisition to tli» museum was reported by the director, Mr. Gilbert Arehey, at the meeting of the council of the Auckland Institute and Museum held yesterday. The president, Professor H. W. Segar, presided. Mr. Archey said that a collection of ethnographical articles had been acquired from a Melanesjan missioncr, and it was the finest that had come out of the Solomon Islands and New Guinea since the Edge Partington collection. There were over 2000 pieces in the newcollection. The decision to call the Now Zealand Institute the Royal Society of New Zealand. bv permission- of the King, was reported. It was pointed out that the change would not necessarily involve an alteration in the name of any affiliated body, such as the Auckland Institute and Museum, but fellows of the present institute would probably become known as fellows of the Royal Society of New Zealand. A small committee was set up to undertake the preliminary arrangements for a proposed exhibition of decorative art based on New Zealand natural history subjects. It was thought that the competition among exhibitors would encourage interest in the museum and in New Zealand flora and fauna. Mr. S. W. House introduced the subject of the representation on the council of local authorities other than the Auckland City Council. He said that he felt that a term of one year was not long enough to become acquainted with the"work."and a motion was passed expressing the desirability of making the term of office two years. It was reported that Mr. E. G. Jones had commenced special work in connection with the service to schools. Showcases containing natural history subjects had been prepared and were available for distribution, and arrangements had been made for parties of school children to visit the museum and make use of the material stored there. Already five classes of more than 200 children bad visited the museum. Lantern slide and film displays were siven frequently. It was hoped to build up a close relationship between the schools and the miifcum. Mr. Archey also reported the worfc that had been done by members of the staff, and accessions in the ln=t two months, full reports of which have I appeared in the "Auckland Stai.'