NO DEFINITE DATE

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 183, 1 May 1936, Page 13

NO DEFINITE DATE

Official Opening of Art Gallery and Museum MEETING OF TRUSTEES So far no date Juts been definitely fixed for the official opening of the National Art Gallery and Dominion Museum, but it was reported to a meeting of the Board of Trustees yesterday that the event would take place at the end of July or early in August. The chairman of the building and finance committee, Sir. G. A. Troup, presided, and the Prime Minister, lit. Hon. M. J. Savage, attended during part of the meeting. Others present were: Sir Harold Beauchamp, Sir George Sliirtcliffe. Dr. R. B. Oliver, Dr. W. P. Evans, Messrs. J. W. Heenan, D. A. Ewen, IV. Fielding, J. M. Ellis, B. C. Aston, Lieutenant-Colonel A. Cowles, Messrs. F. H. Bass, secretary, F. B. Dwyer, treasurer, and E. D. Gore. It was reported by Mr. Troup that a contract had been entered into with the Wellington City Council for the laying-out of the grounds and the formation of the approach roads. A start had already been made with tlie work, and it was expected the contract would be completed before the opening of the building. Arrangements were well in hand for a display of special loan exhibits from the Tate and National galleries, London, and for the collection of works by New Zealand artists. The Prime Minister formally handed over to the board a portrait by Mr. J. St. H. Lander of tbe late King George, which was presented some time ago by Mr. T. B. F. Davis, and the picture, "The Carriers’ Stable,” by Morland, which was presented by the Hon. Alexander Shaw and Lady Margaret Shaw, England. These pictures are now in tlie new Art. Gallery. Another recent gift from England was stated to have arrived, this being a picture entitled “Au Oxen Plough Team and Ploughmen on the Sussex Downs.” Tliis was painted by the late Mr. J. C. Dollman, and presented byCaptain C. Guy Dollman, of the British Museum. National History Section. ft was reported that visits had, been paid to tlie gallery by members of the Wellington City Council, Lower Hutt Borough Council. Eastbourne Borough Council and Wellington Harbour Board. Mr. Troup reported that, the installation of the showcases was well in hand, and it was expected to have the museum exhibits and pictures all in readiness for the opening day. . Sir George Sliirtcliffe, who is leaving on a visit to England, was granted leave of absence. While in England he will attend a conference of the Museums Association at; Leeds on behalf of the Board of Trustees.