MUSEUM PROPOSAL

Bay of Plenty Times, Volume LXV, Issue 12258, 23 February 1937, Page 3

MUSEUM PROPOSAL

NEED FOR BUILDING DEPUTATION WAITS ON COUNCIL A LOAN SUGGESTED .Messrs C. H. Burnett, M.P.. L. Warde, J- D. .Morison, and C. Whiting, and Mrs D. Hardwick, representing the Committee of the Bay of Plenty Art Gallery and Museum Committee, waited on the Borough Council last night in support of a request for the provision of accommodation for the large collection of exhibits which had been promised for an art gallery and museum. Mr Burnett said the project tor an Art Gallery and Museum could not proceed unless they had accommodation. The Committee was perturbed and concerned about the position. They could establish an excellent museum with the Maori curios alone. The Committee had hoped that accommodation would have been provided by the Council when the recent extension of the municipal buildings was carried out. There was no question that the project could be made a great success. The Committee asked the Council to provide a building and suggested that the proposal might be submitted to the ratepayers on the occasion of the next loan poll. He stressed the urgency of the matter and said unless the Council could assist, as asked, the project would fall through. Mr Whiting said a museum would be a good asset to the town. He thought the proposal should be submitted to the ratepayers, as suggested by Mr Burnett. Mr Morison pointed out that the exhibits were ready and urged that the Council should provide accommodation and place a sum on the estimates to meet the cost. He asked the Council to consider giving the matter its early attention. A poll of the ratepayers would mean delay and the accommodation was urgently required. In reply to Cr McFarlane, Mr Burnett said a building, 50ft. by 40tt., would meet present requirements, but he thought a larger building would be needed in eighteen months or two years. Cr McKinnon asked if the deputation would be satisfied with the accommodation now vacant in the Town Hall Building. Mr Burnett replied there was not sufficient room,

The Mayor said the representations would be considered. Mr Burnett thanked the Council and the deputation withdrew.