Museum extension help wanted for Akaroa

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32461, 23 November 1970, Page 16

Museum extension help wanted for Akaroa

Plans to develop the Lang-lois-Eteveneaux museum at Akaroa were put to the Mount Herbert County Council on Friday by a deputation from the Museum Trust Board, which asked for money towards the cost of extensions, estimated at $15,000.

The chairman of the Museum Trust Board (Mr I. H. Menzies) said that the aim was, in four years time, to expand the museum. It had been an unqualified success, but now was cramped for space. The board now had rights over the adjacent Courthouse

land and proposed to build up a fund of $5OOO from which to start. It was hoped local bodies would contribute $3600.

The Akaroa museum and 1840 French house, with’ its control by the local bodies, Historic Places Trust, Pilgrims’ Association and the County Museum, was held up as a model for “locality museums” and was New Zealand’s outstanding small museum, said Dr R. S. Duff, Director of the Canterbury Museum.

Mr D. C. Morse said that annual donations for two years were wanted—slooo a year from the Akaroa County Council, ■ $4OO a year from the Wairewa County Council, $2OO a year from the Mount Herbert County Council and $2OO a year from the town of Akaroa.

Mr J. A. Hendry explained plans for the development and said the first aim was to provide covered space at the rear of the Courthouse for the . display of old vehicles and implements, and for more storage. After the deputation had withdrawn, the County Clerk (Mr C. O. Spiller) .said the council had enough money in its land subdivision funds to make the grant. Councillors spoke in favour of this money being used, instead of paying from rates. It Was agreed to pay the money from the subdivision amount.