Two Sites Considered For Museum Of Science

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30426, 28 April 1964, Page 14

Two Sites Considered For Museum Of Science

The establishment of a museum of science and industry for Canterbury was take” a step further last evening when the executive of the Association of Friends of the proposed museum examined possible sites near Christchurch.

Two sites particularly interested the executive. One is near Prebbleton and the other in Garvins road, Hornby. The executive will enter into negotiations for both. The chairman (Mr M. A. Connelly, M.P.) said 10 organisations were at present interested in the establishment of a museum of science and industry. It was ex-

pccted that more would join later. Initially two. sites are being sought. One will be for rolling stock of historic value such as locomotives and tramway vehicles. For this purpose the Prebbleton site is favoured as it has a railway li”- and a 'W acres of land on which building extensions could be made. Mr Connelly said that it was essential such exhibits be housed close to a railway line so that on important or historical occasions they could be run again. The executive was empowered to enter into negotiations with the Railways Department. For a pilot venture the association has in mind, two sites were considered. One was in Heathcote, the other at Hornby. The latter was selected as the more suitable. This site offers an acre of Crown land and, said Mr Connelly, both the Minister, of. Lands and the Commissioner of Crown Lands had indicated their approval in principle for the establishment of a museum. If negotiations are successful for this Mr Connelly said he hoped a pilot schem-' for a static type of museum in miniature could b- held there which the public could visit. Once this pilot project was set up then an appeal to the public for funds would be launched. The association is to maintain a record of any exhibits members of the public or interested organisations may wish to make available when the museum opens, in the me tntime the association is keen to learn of such possible exhibits.