THE MUSEUM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume XXXIV, Issue 3059, 31 October 1870, Page 4 (Supplement)

THE MUSEUM.

On Oct. 1 the public of Canterbury were placed in possession of a museum which, in all the desiderata of such an institution, will compare most favourably with any of its kind in the Southern hemisphere. Though not so large as some, yet, if regarded according to the population and age of the province, it is far from being small, whilst for variety of specimens and excellence of arrangement, it cannot he surpassed. These are very gratifying circumstances, and in considering them it should not be forgotten to whom the main credit is due. The Provincial Council, it is true, made a grant for erecting a museum building, but the amount was such that, if it had not been supplemented by other means, it would have left little room for congratulation when the work was completed, and it was only by Dr Haast’s spirited canvassing for donations that the funds were provided for carrying out the work so that it would really be a credit to the province. There are many other ways also in which Dr Haast’s untiring energies have manifested themselves in matters tending to enhance the completeness of the undertaking. It is but just, therefore, in recording tbe opening of the Museum, in a permanent building of its own, that Dr Haast’s name should be

coupled with it by more than a passing reference. The building stands in the Government Domain directly at the end of Worcester street west. It is a plain, substantial edifice, erected with Hallswell stone, rubble walls, and with white tufa dressings to the quoins, windows, and eaves cornice. It was not intended, at first—in consequence of a wish to economise the funds voted by the Provincial Council—to have any dressings but part of the money raised by Dr Haast was given with the object of improving the effect of the building. The sum voted by the Council was £I2OO, the Government also supplying the rubble stone. The total cost of tbe building was nearly £2OOO, of which almost £SOO was raised by Dr Haast. Externally, therefore, the building presents no very ornate elevation, but is plain and substantial. We are informed that it is part only of an extended design, and no doubt, when complete, will fall in to its proper place with effect. The entrance is through a roomy porch, and when inside we find a judicious and liberal attempt to provide a fitting receptacle for the fine collection now shewn. Tbe bnilding is 76 feet long and 36 wide, the walls at the sides being about 22 feet high. A gallery twelve feet from the floor, and ten feet wide runs all round the building and nearly doubles the amount of accommodation. The centre part of the building (within the gallery) is 30 feet from the floor to the ceiling. . The gallery is carried by chamfered wood pillars, which, after doing dnty as supports to the floor and open front of the gallery, are carried up till they reach the ceiling. Each range of columns, six on each side, is connected across the building by massive timber arched braces; meeting in the centre, which carry the principal ceiling girders. Longitudinal and transverse girders sab-divide the ceiling into square coffers, which are further divided into octagon panels by minor ribs ; the whole being then covered by Chance’s diamond rolled glass. The ceiling, which in most buildings is opaque, is thus made translucent, and throws a beautifully broken, silvery light over all the building, which seems to us to be eminently suited for the purposes of a museum. The ceiling is placed under a skylight, which extends the whole length of the building. Over the galleries the ceiling is opaque, and light is admitted to tbe space under the galleries by large side windows. The gallery front is guarded by a light rail and trellis work. The effect of the whole buildings struck ns as peculiarly light, cheerful, and fitted for its purpose. Attached to one end is a curator’s room and a work room. The architect for the building was Mr B. W. Mountfort, and the contractors for the stone work were Messrs Prudhoe and Cooper, for the carpentering and joining, Mr Daniel Reese. The building was officially opened by his Honor tbe Superintendent a little before three o’clock. His Honor was accompanied by such members of the Executive and Frovincial Council as had accepted the invitation of Dr Haast. No ceremonial observances marked the event. His Honor, with whom was Mrs Bolleston, was met at the main entrance by Dr Haast, and welcomed to the building. Passing at once, after an exchange

of congratulations, into the Museum, his Honor and party made a tour of the building. The impression created by even a passing glance at the internal arrangements was such as redounded considerably to the credit of the director, Dr Haaat, and the interchange of congratulations at the completion of the work was both warm and general, The order prevalent throughout the interior, the excellent classification of the specimens, the lighted airy appearance of the structure itself, and file very suitable nature of the fittings we«£ Afteh strik--jngjy noticeable, at once impressing fhe visitor, even though not an amateur geologist, conehojogist, or ornithologist, with tije conviction that be nould spend a few hours pleasantly and profitably. To such an extent was this the case that we venture fp predict that the Museum will become a popular place ,of resort.. ; The following is a brief notice of the chief ■ **«t»«f interest, scientific and otherwise: objv.. -"‘ing An (the ground .floor, yre find —Commeuv,. by two large upright the north end occu,, ’“’"d \VAth £ show cases of New Zeaw number of fishes and sharks above, right of these is a case of nests and eggs oj. if with a cast of the giant egg of i the Epyornis maximus of Madagascar, also , eggs of the kiwi, ostrich, and emu. Under !

the window and on the opposite side of the building, is a corresponding case, in which is a splendid collection of English birds’ nests and eggs, placed in the Museum by Mr T. H. I’otts. Next to thes ;u a large case filled with mamma's of Europe and America, with a similar case containing English birds immediately opposite. Over the fireplace, and on the gallery directly in front, are a number of Maori and Polynesian garments and weapons ; also the figurehead of Rauparaba’s war canoe a very fine specimen of Maori carving. The next case, also a largo upright one, contains a fine collection of birds indigenous to Asia, Africa, and America, arranged for the purpose of comparison. All these are of the more rare species of the countries named. At the south end is another case occupying the full width of the building, wherein is arranged a most diversified collection of Australian birds and reptiles. The mammals of this colony, of which there are some beautiful specimens, occupy the next case immediately to the left, whilst in front of the birds is a long counter case in which are displayed New Zealand fishes of different species. Following these come a collection of minerals, with a sample of wash dirt from every goldfield in the colony. There are also two cases of moa bones on this floor, and a magnificent collection of lepidoptera belonging to Mr Fereday. It comprises some thousands of butterflies and moths, arranged in a most effective manner. The collections of coleoptera and lepidoptera, from New Zealand and different parts of the world, belonging to the Provincial collections, are not yet exhibited, the cabinets ordered in England for the purpose not having arrived. Coming next to the centre of the floor we find the right is allotted to skeletons of the moa, the ostrich, and the emu. Of the former, there are seven complete specimens, all of different species. To the left of the entrance is a variety of skeletons, amongst which are those of a man, a Lapland reindeer, a seal, an albatross, and many others of equal interest. Proceeding upstairs, we find the east and west sides again occupied by full-length show cases, the first of which contains a collection of fossils arranged specially for facilitating the study of paloeontology. The others in rotation also contained collections of foreign seeds, fruit and fibre, foreign and New Zealand timber, fossils, shells, sea eggs, star fish, and specimens illustrating marine life from all parts of the world, also arranged with a view to study. There are also a good many cases specially devoted to the geology of the province, and arranged according to the river systems. In addition to these, there are specimens of Canterbury building stone, a collection of pre-bistoric remains, a model of a four-stamper quartz crushing machine, a copy of all the maps ever published in the province, and a series of geological and topographical maps opposite. This terminates the tour of the building, which, by reason of its brevity, cannot be otherwise than unsatisfactory; but the remedy is in the hands of those who are desirous of a fuller account. Let them visit the building, and we venture to assert they will find ample materials for many days’ interesting examination. Before concluding our notice, we should observe that all the specimens are distinctly named, and that the printed labels were worked off at the Sunnyside Asylum press. It is only right to add that Dr Haast has been very effectively aided te his labours by the technical skill and zealous co operation of Mr Fuller, the taxidermist of the Museum.