RENOVATION OF MUSEUM

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28089, 3 October 1956, Page 16

RENOVATION OF MUSEUM

ALMOST ALL FUNDS IN HAND COST PUT AT £140,000 Practically all funds are now in hand for the renovation of the Canterbury Museum and the building of the new wing as a Canterbury centennial memorial project estimated to cost nearly £140,000. The Canterbury Centennial Association early recommended this permanent memorial, which received general approval from local authorities. Contributions to the association were arranged to cover the cost of centennial celebrations and leave a large surplus for the museum building. This surplus eventually amounted to about £85,000. including Government subsidy, estimates for the project were continually rising, and plans had been improved. Early in 1953, the Canterbury Museum itself launched a direct appeal to the public through the schools, and on one Saturday £ 10,000 was raised, qualifying for an additional £3OOO in subsidy. Voluntary contributions and legacies have continued to come in since then, but it became plain that the full amount required would not be obtained without another major appeal or sqme outside assistance.

Recently the Government announced that it would give £30,000 to swell funds already available. This was not so much a gift as a recognition of the extensive educational provisions planned in better facilities for the schools’ service at the museum. The cheque was formally presented to the chairman of the Museum Trust Board (Professor R. S. Allan) by the chairman of the museum finance committee (Mr W. _S. Mac Gibbon) yesterday morning.

This has brought the total of outside contributions to about £130,000, and the museum itself expects to provide the remaining £lO,OOO by economies in its own administration.

Completion of the building is thus assured. Before the Government grant was announced, it was thought that the public might be asked for help when they could see the magnificent hew wing and other improvements nearing completion. Such an appeal will now be unnecessary, but there may be opportunities to assist in providing still further special display amenities.