THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1892.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXIX, Issue 9023, 31 October 1892, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1892.

The ceremonial of Saturday night at the opening of the Ethnological Annexe to the Auckland Museum was successful in every point of view, and will, we hope, be serviceable in still further interesting the citizens of Auckland in that institution. The people of Auckland have indeed reason to be proud of their local institutions, of their Free Library, Art Gallery, and Museum. For many years Auckland was very far behind the other cities of the colony in the institutions which promote civilisation and culture. Otago and Canterbury took care to provide means out of their land fund for Museums, but in Auckland we had no resource of that kind. Our Museum was built from private subscriptions, and for some time had but a precarious existence. One of the most energetic promoters was Mr. Justice Gillies, and he and all those who interested themselves in the object laboured and waited, and did what was in their power. The bequest of Mr. Costley came most opportunely, and now there is a fair prospect that the Auckland Mm, fcvun and maintained for

many years under grei>t disadvantage*, may excel the others, and may be m educational institution of much value to the people of this part of the colony We can scarcely expect many such gifts as that of Mr. Costley, but it is in the power of every citizen to do something. And it is better for us and for the Museum that it should be the creation of the people than that it should be raainI tainod entirely by the Government, like the Colonial Museum at Wellington. Of our Free Library, also endowed by Mr. Costley, and in erreat part created by Sir George Grey, the weak point is that it is entirely under the power of the City Council, who dole out the money for the purchase of new books somewhat grudgingly. It was at first said that the whole of the money received from the Costley endowment should be devoted to the purchase of new books, and that is just and right and fair, but apparently it is not being done. The Councillors take very little interest in the Library, and unless the citizens keep a keen watch on the subject will starve an institution which ought to be the pride of the city, and one of the most splendid libraries in the Southern Hemisphere. However, we hope to see a reform in this matter, and that the Library shall be managed by a body of men, composed partly of councillors, who will all take a deep interest in applying the funds to its improvement. Another institution is our Art Gallery. All the difficulties connected with the interests of the municipal Art Gallery and the Mackelvie trust are now at an end, and we have both galleries practically in one. What wo have already obtained from Mr. Mackelvie will make a splendid commencement for an art gallery, comprising as the collection does specimens of some of the greatest painters. And although the estate will not return as much for annual expenditure for additions to the gallery as was at one time hoped, still there will be sufficient each year to do something considerable, and in the course of time, under the care of trustees whose heart will be in the work, a collection will be accumulated which will have an important educational effect upon the citizens, and which will be a great attraction and advantage to the city. Towards the advancement of these local institutions everyone may aid. We often hear of this or that man taking a trip to England. Everyone who can aflord this should bring back something as a present to some of our local institutions. If it were that he spent only a five-pound note in some object of art in Europe, to be added to our local collection, he should not omit the duty. No one making a trip to Europe would feel that expenditure a great burden, yet for that amount he could obtain something which would be a benefit to all his fellow-citizens, and make them participators in his pleasure and recreation. And, again, all citizens may do good to the Free Library and Art Gallery by taking an interest in the way they are conducted, by insisting, for instance, that the members of the Council shall not treat these institutions with neglect, and with a desire to take the funds that ought to go to them for other purposes. We never yet remember any candidate for the suffrages of the ratepayers who held it out as an inducement to the ratepayers to vote for him that he would devote attention to the interests of the Library and Art Gallery. Of the ceremonial on Saturday night at the Institute we need say but little. The remarks of His Excellency were appropriate and happy, and the interest he has already shown in our local institutions will give pleasure to every resident who entertains a sentiment of civic patriotism. The Council of . the Institute, while displaying a proper conservatism and a regard for the permanent interests of the Institute, have erected the new building to make room for articles which could not hitherto be displayed. There are still, we believe, many skins in the possession cff the curator which cannot be displayed till they have been properly stuffed, and this the Council cannot do for want of funds. The citizens might easily aid in this work by the very i simple process of becoming subscribers j to the Institute at £1 Is per annum, for | which the valuable scientific library ac- j cumulated is at their command. The articles in the new annexe have been most carefully arranged and described i on the attached labels by Mr. with whom the work has been one of love. Mr. Cheeseman, from his extensive i scientific knowledge, is of great service to the community, his information being always available. All those present on Saturday evening were at one in commendation of the manner in which the work of arrangement had been accomplished.