BRITISH MUSEUM

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 17 January 1930, Page 7

BRITISH MUSEUM

GR A DUAL R ECONSTKU CTION l .COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATIONS (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) ,j. LONDON, Jan. IG. , “Is the British Museum a safe place of custody for national - treasures, the most valuable collection in the whole world, whose value is 'incalculabc, but is probably fifty millions, according to th 0 Treasury estimate ” says the “Daily News,” commenting on the report of the Royal Commission on National Museums and Galleries, a subcommittee of which considered fire risks at the British (Museum and also the safety of the galleries is affected by stress on the cast iron girders supporting them. It is stated that a large part of the museum is a century 'old and is not in accord with modern ideals. The subcommittee recommends gradual reconstruction of floors and roofs at a cost of £340,000 and also the introduction of various methods of avoiding risks, particularly the strengthening io-f the fire patrol, which is most desirable, but leaves the Government to decide. A museum official told the ‘‘‘ Daily News” that the treasures are not insured. Tie added: “We take enormous care. The sight -of a cigarette or a match makes one jump. Firemen are on patrol all night long and in direct communication with the fir 0 brigade, but apart from a bomb or similar outrage the danger is comparatively small. The commission says that the PublicRecords Office, where priceless manuscripts are stored, is now subject to mildew and the 200 strongrooms are over-crowded. It would 'take ten years to clear -them.