THE MUSEUM.

Lyttelton Times, Volume LXXVI, Issue 9466, 15 July 1891, Page 3

THE MUSEUM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir, —The letter of Mr J. J. Kinsey in your contemporary seems to mo to contain strange ideas of journalism. If I am right (and if I am wrong I hope you will set me right) one of the duties of the editor (not the Chairman of Directors) of our public journals is to bring before the public, either in the shape of a leader or contributions received, any grievance connected with our public institutions. So long as such contributions are strictly in accordance with facts, the editor does not hold himself responsible for the opinions of the writers. * Now, with reference to Mr Kinsey’s remarks about “the rather illiterate latter ” of “ Hope ” appearing coincidently with the meeting at which Mr Forbes' demand was to be discussed, I can only say I had not the slightest knowledge that such a meeting was to take place; and I wish right here to state that my letter contained a simple statement of facts, and was nob intended as a literary effusion. If it appeared to Mr Kinsey to be " rather illiterate,”:my excuse must be that-I have not had the good fortune to pass through those evolutionary grades from pupil to teacher, from thence to schoolmaster, and. on to the dizzy heights of shipping agent. If it is true that an inquiry is to be held I think this is the most opportune time to ask a few questions, as it will be no use asking them after the inquiry. What has become of the fine slab specimens of our forest timber ? Let us hope they have not been split up for firewood. 1 see the specimens of building stone have returned after a long absence. la it the intention of the Board to have a catalogue of the Museum ? Will the Board take into consideration the advisability of having a book kept at the entrance to tho Museum, ffhexs visitor^

could enter their names, leaving sufficient space for remarks. This would enable globe-trotters, who may have visited similar institutions in various parts of the world, to give their opinions and to offer suggestions, and the book might be of great service at meetings of the Board. Will tho Board visit the gallery over the moas ? They will he rewarded with a fine specimen of chaotic arrangement. ..Small specimens of timber hung round the walls, one case containing flax, washdirt and bottled lizards, another case .the receptacle for Kaiapoi glass, botanical specimens and wool, and the rest of the gallery in keeping. I find an improvement in tha ethnological room. The case containing pieces of polished woods has-been filled with the skeletons of domesticated animals of the Lake dwellers, A list is tacked pa the hack of the case, but, alas 1 no corresponding number can be found on the specimens. There are, however, two rooms that appear to be in good order—tho one is tha art gallery, and the other the Maori house. Now who is to blame for this state of things ? I cannot tell whether it is the Board, the attendants, or the curator. I suppose we shall find out after the inquiry Mr Kinsey speaks of, but of which the public knows nothing. Trusting the inquiry will prove beneficial to all parties concerned, —I am, &e., HOPE.