CENTENNIAL FINANCES

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26514, 31 August 1951, Page 3

CENTENNIAL FINANCES

early completion OF ACCOUNTS MUSEUM MAY RECEIVE £BO,OOO /P* e sum of £BO,OOO may be available for the centennial memorial extensions to the Canterbury Museum when the finances of the Canterbury Centennial Association are settled. This statement was made by the chairman of the executive (Sir Ernest Andrews), when he was asked about progress in winding up the affairs of the association

The chairman of the centennial finance committee (Mr W. S. Mac Gibbon) said no definite figures could be given yet. He had expected that the accounts would be supplied to him some time ago, but he was now assured by centennial officers that the final statement would be submitted in about a fortnight. This would then be announced to the public, Mr Mac Gibbon said.

Sl £ ErneBt Andrews explained that the huge number of accounts charged against many committees had involved a lot of work for the officers, but they were now close to completion. The only outstanding matters would be contributions from local bodies throughout Canterbury, which had been spread over a period, but which were now assured. \

“ft had been hoped that at least £lOO.OOO would be available for the museum project, but we have really don ®, vef y well, considering the weather and other disappointments,” Sir Ernest Andrews said. Among the appeals originally proposed was one to the ordinary wageearner for small donations to the centennial memorial, “Generous individU ?J S business firms made large gifts m the main appeal, but we had planned to give an opportunity for every citizen to contribute his halfcrown, ss, 10s, or £ 1 to the centennial memorial,” Sir Ernest Andrews said. That plan was not carried out. “Perhaps the museum authorities themselves may now decide on such an effort to secure the extra funds required,” he added.

Most of the formal meetings of centennial committees were now over, Sir Ernest Andrews continued. The historical committee would continue for some months until its publication of the official history of Canterbury and supervision of district histories was completed. These had been provided for in the estimates.

The finance committee awaited completion of the financial statement, and the executive was meeting as required, concluded Sir Ernest Andrews.