Canterbury Museum

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30398, 24 March 1964, Page 16

Canterbury Museum

Sir, —1 agree wholeheartedly with your correspondent of March 12. The custodians are not at all polite or helpful to visitors. Furthermore, why are not they in proper uniforms easily recognisable so that anyone can get advice or information? A few Sundays ago visitors were shouted at by someone at 4.10 p.m. to vacate the delightful garden court. The garlen court coffee bar closed just after 4 p.m. Surely it is not necessary to do so as the museum closes at 4.30 p.m.

At the same time I congratulate the director of the museum on his excellent staff of the coffee bar, who not only are pleasant but very helpful and serve delectable food and wonderful coffee.— Yours, etc., TOWNIE. March 13, 1964. [The Director of the Canterbury Museum (Dr. R. S. Duff) said: “I am distressed to believe that the museum custodians can be charged with, discourtesy to the public, and' would suggest that the correspondent make his complaint in person to the senior custodian, Mr P. C. Graham. Regarding ‘Townie’s’ other points, I do appreciate his praise of the coffee bar and its helpful staff. Because the museum closes at 4.30, it was necessary to ask the caterer to cease serving new orders after four, not only to give his staff time to clean up but also to allow our custodians time to clear the galleries, including the garden court, by 4.30. Permanent custodians wear uniforms all the time, while part-time custodians who work alternate week-ends wear an identification badge.”]

Cyclist Hurt.—Cameron McFarlane, of 20 Martindales road, suffered head and back injuries when his cycle and a car collided in Port Hills road at 12.10 a.m. yesterday. He was admitted to the Christchurch Hospital.