N.Z. Artists Not Appreciated Enough

Northern Advocate, 18 November 1940, Page 3

N.Z. Artists Not Appreciated Enough

[Per Press Association. —Copyright] WELLINGTON, This Day.

The suggestion that the Centennial year should not be allowed to close , without New Zealand tatent being I set to" work to preserve for future ‘generations the likenesses of living | leaders of the Maori race with whom the pakeha was proud to share the name New Zealander was made by the Minister for Education (Mr Mason) before he unveiled a memorial plaque to Professor H. B. Kirk. Professor of Biology at Victoria University College, in the new biology block. Mr Mason questioned whether New Zealanders sufficiently appreciated and encouraged their own artists, and thought their talent should be put to greater use than at present, particularly in painting and sculpture. His remarks arose from the fact that both the plaque and the tablet were the work of New Zealanders. Professor Kirk's Work. Professor Kirk was appointed professor of biology in 1923, and the plaque is in recognition of the splendid work he has done as the first professor in building up this branch of science at Victoria College, and records the gratitude, affection and esteem' of the students of the 37 years during which Professor Kirk had taught many persons now holding eminent positions in the world of ccience.