Museum to oppose archive removal

Press, 21 February 1987, Page 9

Museum to oppose archive removal

The Canterbury Museum is preparing to fight to keep possession of its archives, which National Archives wants to have stored in its recently established Canterbury branch.

The director of National Archives in Wellington, Mr Ray Grover, will meet formally with the Canterbury Museum Trust Board on March 19 to discuss the controversy. The board’s solicitor suggested that the museum had a strong case to keep the archives, although National Archives said that under the Archives Act, 1957, it could take custody of public archives which were considered of sufficient value to warrant their preservation.

"We seem to have a difference of opinion,” said the museum board’s director, Mr Michael Trotter.

Mr Trotter said, however, that he did not think the matter would have to be taken to court to be settled.

The board would try to persuade Mr Grover that it was in the best interests of the people of Canterbury and the museum that the archives, especially those relating to early Canterbury settlement, remain at the museum.

Many people, both students and members of the public, sought information and research on land settlement Staff also used the archives regularly. Having to send people

to another building for information would not be convenient for the public, said Mr Trotter.

The board was particularly concerned about losing its original records from the Canterbury Provincial Council and the Canterbury Association.

Museum staff and board members also feared the archives might not be as accessible to the public or as well-stored as they were at the museum.

National Archives had said it was subsidising the Canterbury Museum’s storage of Government archives because it did not have the resources itself.

Mr Grover also said that no archives would leave Christchurch.