OLD COLONISTS' MUSEUM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16185, 23 March 1916, Page 5

OLD COLONISTS' MUSEUM

THE OPENING ceremony.

ADDITIONS INVITED.

In- the presence of a large gathering o? early settlers and their descendants the Old Colonists' Museum, which is situate* on the upper floor of the Publio Librarybuilding in Wellesley Street East, opposite the entrance to the Maori collection, was opened by the Mayor of Auckland, Mr. J. H. Gunson, yesterday afternoon. The ceremony took place in the art gallery. On the platform with the Mayor were the Mayoress, Sir J. 0. Ward, Bart., the Hon. E. Mitchelson, several members of the City Council, Mr. Henry Shaw, and a number of citizens. Apologies for absence, with cordial expressions of good wishes, were received by telegram from the Right Hon. W. ]•'. Massev, Prime Minister, and the Hon. A. M. Myers, Minister for Munitions.

The Mayor paid a tribute to the splendid services of the early settlers. Last August it was determined that the time had arrived when an effort should be made to assemble from the remaining pioneers and others the relics and records of New Zealand's past. These treasures would, as time went on, become increasingly valuable. The City Counci.' had received cordial and enthusiastic support from the early colonists, particularly from the Hon. E. .Mitchelson and Mr. T. \V. Leys, who had given most liberally of their time, energy, and ability. '1 ha collection was descriptive of the early history of the country, it dealt with the growth and settlement of the various districts, and particularly Auckland; an other* section was biographical, devoted mainly to portraits of the men who had left their mark on civic and national life; and there was a collection of relics which illustrated the social life and conditions of the past. How Old Settlers May Help. The promoters had not succeeded to the full extent of the possibilities. Many valuable records and curios were still in private hands, and their possessors might well consider whether it was not possible to deposit them in the museum. Where it was not possible to make them over by deed of gift, he ventured to suggest that they might be lent to the gallery for an indefinite period. Such records and curios would be well preserved, and would leceive a degree of protection from fire which could scarcely be ensured when, they were housed privately. He hoped that the sight of the gifts already made would be an incentive to other people to follow in the footsteps of these worthy pioneers, upon whose generosity the promoters of the museum had been dependant for what had already been accomplished.

Auckland's Benefactors.

Sir Joseph Ward congratulated those who were primarily responsible for the creation of the Old Colonists' Museum. Auckland citizens ought to be proud of tha public-spirited men who had donated the Historical records which were on exhibition. Indeed, no other city in the Dominion could approach Auckland in the matter of benefactions made to it by its citizens. He was certain that the fine spirit which had been displayed in Auckland would be emulated in other centres, and that great additions would be made to the museum in the future. Sir Joseph wished its promoters success in their efforts to make the collection more valuable still. Mr. P. M. Mackay, chairman of the Library Committee, spoke at some length upon the value of museums as means of public education. Evolution of the Scheme. The Hon. E. Mitchelson said that, although the project for the establishment of the museum had been thought about for ten or twelve years, it was only during the last nine months that the idea had become feasible. But for the action of the Mayor and Council of Auckland it would have been impossible to have done so much as had been accomplished. At first it was thought that ifc might be practicable to fill one room. Two rooms were now filled, and there were other exhibits yet to be displayed. Ha was satisfied that when old colonists came to view what was on exhibition those who objected to parting with the old relics in their possession would realise that it was better to have them displayed in a rocm where they could be seen by everyone than to keep them in their homes, where they could not be seen at all. The collection was unique, historical, and very valuable, and he had no doubt its value would be realised by the people of Auckland. Mr. T. W. Leys expressed the hope that the collection would become the nucleus of a much greater historical museum, and the greatest historical museum in the country. To thos's old colonists who would note and criticise the gaps in the museum— the things which might be, and ought tot be. there— suggested that they should ask themselves "What have I done to heln?" and also "What can I do?" The Mavor cordially thanked all who had contributed to the museum collection, and repeated the invitation to old settlers to make it more worthy of its purpose. He led the way to the new gallery, and formally declared it open.