NATIONAL ART GALLERY

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29316, 22 September 1960, Page 20

NATIONAL ART GALLERY

No Funds For Repairs

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. Sept 31. Insufficient funds were available to operate the National Art Gallery and the Dominion Museum and to give adequate care and attention to the valuable art and historical treasures and records, said the annual report of the board of trustees, tabled in the House of Representatives. Although the grant was increased last year by £4408 and local body contributions increased by £3O. revenue for the year did not permit allocations to the repairs, renewals and extensions reserve.

Running costs showed an increase of £5593 over the previous year; chiefly in salaries. The Government bad provided yearly increases in its grant to meet increases in staff salaries, but as the staff establishment was fixed at the 1950-51 level, it has not been possible to make additional appointments to meet the growing needs of the gallery and the museum, and provide more funds for the acquisition of pictures and exhibits. Contributions from local bodies and other income had increased very little during the last 10 years. Relief from the Cabinet decision fixing the staff establishment had been refused pending a review of local body contributions. It had been suggested to local bodies in the Wellington province that annual contributions be made on a per capita basis. varying from Is a head in Welling to 3d in more distant areas.

Although all local bodies had not agreed to the basis of contribution suggested, the response so far was encouraging, the board’s report said.