Museum will mount husky

Press, 27 August 1977, Page 7

Museum will mount husky

Huskies are usually bred and buried at Scott Base in the Antarctic —but one will be displayed in Christchurch soon. Apolotok — meaning The Red One —which was found dead at the dog lines at Scott Base in May, has been kept frozen at the base and will be sent to Christchurch when supply flights begin. The director of Canterbury Museum (Dr R. S. Duff) told members of the Trust Board that the husky will be stuffed and mounted in the Antarctic centre. The project had been made possible by a grant of $lBOO from the advisory committee of the TransAnt..rctic Association. The grant was inspired by the impression the Antarctic Centre made on Sir Vivian Fuchs, when he was a guest at the opening celebrations in March, Dr Duff said. He added that the display of the; husky would show the ani-i mal’s importance to the Antarctic. Apolotok was six-years-old last April and had three sons' and two daughters, one of; whom is in a Scott Base dog team. PLANETARIUM The museum’s planetarium should be opened to the public next month, after being closed for a year. Dr Duff said that die planetarium had been dismantled and transferred to an impressive new setting above the lounge in the AnniversaryWing. “In the reorganisation,_Jhe_

1 seats have been reassembled i in a new grouping to allow 1 the area to be used as a i small lecture theatre, seating 68 people,” he said. ; The entrance charge for the 1 sessions on Sunday aftert noons would be increased to 1 50c for adults and 20c for • children, although school 1 sessions would be free. The supervisor (Mr F. P. AndJ rews) planned to offer continuing courses as well as single demonstrations. J Another highlight of the ’ planetarium would be a 1 mural by .a Swiss artist, Mr K. Gottini. “The mural features the size and content of the astronomical universe as well as the evolution of the stars ' and planets, showing the ' Earth in perspective with the ,irest of the universe," said , Dr Duff. REPAINTING •' The board expressed its ' appreciation to the wardens and trainees of the Bristol I; Street Detention Centre who I have repainted the foyer area jof the museum theatre. I “During one of last year’s working bees, the trainees noted that the foyer and toii let area was dilapidated and • it was agreed that the team ; would come back this winter and do this as a Saturday • project,” said Dr Duff. I “In the last six weeks, • they have repainted the foyer > entrance, public toilets, and entrance doors and it is a contribution that is greatly ■