Proposal in Auckland

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6992, 19 August 1929, Page 10

Proposal in Auckland

GREAT EDUCATIONAL VALUE The proposal to make the botanical section of the Auckland War Memorial Museum of practical and educational value as well as of scientific interest will meet the approval of all sections of people. Hitherto this museum, in common with most other institutions of its kind in New Zealand, has devoted more space to ethnological, mineralogical, geological and kindred subjects than to any having a direct bearing upon the industrial and agricultural industries on which New Zealanders depend for their prosperity. There is every reason to expect, and even to demand, that an institution of such a thoroughly public character as a museum should take a leading part in the daily life of the public, as well as in the preservation of antiquities and the display of curios or artistic objects. This has been recognised to some extent in the display of many ob jeets which may be said to be of almost purely commercial value. This fact and the example of famous museums in most civilised countries may be quoted in favour of the movement to make Auckland's new museum a live factor in the people’s agricultural education. It may be asked, of course, in what way can a collection of specimens or objects be made of use as well as of passing interest to those engaged in about to engage in agriculture and in what form such things can bp displayed. To give a complete and detailed description of such a scheme as suggested at the present time is not possible; the idea is too new, but, like many other new things, when once started, it will grow, and, if the idea is carried out energetically and intelligently, it is likely to become one of the most popular and attractive sections of our Great War memorial.

Importance of Pastures. Auckland, perhaps more than any other part of New Zealand, depends for its wealth upon pasture. A collection of grass specimens, showing various types and varieties, would be of much use, even to the most practical of pastoral farmers, as well as to the everincrcasing number of agricultural students who are attending our various schools. Varieties of grasses to suit particular soils and particular seasons, together with information regarding their nutritive value, can be shown, and, if possible, specimens of valuable grasses from other countries which are not yet grown in New Zealand could be obtained.

The same work could be applied to cereals, fodder and root crops, and even to vegetables, for these things are of general importance to the community. Even in the matter of weeds education is much needed and finds interest. Specimens of the farmer’s worst enemies, and even of those plants which are likely to become enemies, would enable the farmer to identify any undesirable visitor in his field or garden. Insect and fungoid pests are of vital concern to nearly every horticulturist and agriculturist, and if these were classified and particulars of their life history given the treatment for preventing their ravages could be made much more effective. At the same time, friendly insects and valuable parasites could bo preserved and assisted.

Nomenclature of Plants. At the present time there ts a considerable amount of discussion regarding the nomenclature of certain fruits and flowers, and such questions as these could be dealt with by the presentation of properly-classified exhibits. This is a work in which the Horticultural Institute, the Horicultural Society and various fruit-growers’ associations could render a considerable amount of assistance. The flaxgrowing industry could be benefited by a display of the chief Varieties of the Phormium tenax, together with the various products manufactured from this plant. Something could bo done in tbe way of showing the capabilities of improvements in this purely New Zealand plant by seed selection and by hybridisation, all of which would assist the flax grower and the flax miller, and should receive their approval and support. The exhibition of native plants and trees or of specimens and photographs specially designed to assist in their recognition would be of wide public interest, and would greatly encourage the study and appreciation of our native flora. There should also be some attempt to show any plant or tree likely to bo of economic use to this country, and in this respect it would take little moro than correspondence with foreign countries to secure specimens or photographs and needful particulars.

Support of the Public. These suggestions, of course, aro mere anticipation of what should and could be done, and if the museum authorities take up the proposed botanical section in such a manner as to make it of practical use, there is littlo doubt that they will receive wide support from the general public, who, up to tho present, have looked upon botany as something rendered absolutely incomprehensible to them by Greek terms and technical vocabulary.

There is, of course, no reason to neglect in any way the scientific sido of this great branch of Nature, but experience will prove that when once its wonderful interest and value is made known "to the ordinary public there will be a much wider appreciation of all that the scientist has done, and is now doing, for the plant world. Moreover, the great body of wealth producers will be encouraged to assist the class of work with personal effort and monetary contributions.