THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1934 HISTORIC MATERIAL

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21727, 16 February 1934, Page 10

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 1934 HISTORIC MATERIAL

By its decision to offer certain I photographs to the Waitangi National Trust Board, the CityCouncil has touched a question of wider bearing—what should be done with material of historic interest and value relating to early New Zealand history? Much material of the kind is in existence ; in spite of the thoughtless destruction of many records and relics, there is in the hands of public bodies and private individuals a good deal worthy of preservation, for exhibition and as an aid in historical research. To provide for its effective disposal and use is a duty so clear that little need be said on that aspect of the question. However, the practical phase of ways and means calls for thought. In the particular instance of its offer the council appears to be under a misapprehension. The four photographs are large portraits of notable North Auckland Maori chiefs of a former time, interesting without a doubt, but the restored Residency at Waitangi is not necessarily their most fitting repository. It has been made known that only exhibits strictly relevant to the famous treaty will be welcome there. To make that house a show-place of all sorts of exhibits relating to Maori life and early European settlement would defeat the purpose in view. Even if it were large enough—accommodation for a curator has had to be provided in the building, and the remaining: space is severely limited—to display there a medley of historic treasures would rob the edifice of distinction. Commemoration of the treaty, with regard also to persons and events directly contributory to its negotiation, is the one and only object. This principle has been established by the board, in conjunction with the advisory committee entrusted with technical consideration of the acquiring and housing of historic exhibits, and any departure from it would be fatal to the scheme. For some time to come both the board and the committee will have to exercise scrupulous care in this matter. A search for certain requisite material is proceeding, and suitable gifts will be gladly received; but ill-directed efforts to help will bring embarrassment.

To make the Residency serve the particular purpose actuating the gift of the property to the Dominion by the Governor-General and Lady Bledisloe is to be a steadfast aim, and unfettered discretion in dealing with offei\s of museum material will be essential to success. Once that is generally understood, intending donors can help considerably, by submitting full details of gifts they desire to make and resolving not to be offended if their offers are declined. Not to deter offers but to guide them is the purpose of the announcement that has been made. Thr.t it will be variously interpreted is probable. There is a growing interest in the old story of this country, and the impulse given to it by Their Excellencies' generosity and the approach of the centenary of British possession will doubtless prompt a kindred spirit in those having; historic treasures. Documents, pictures and other articles, if jjiven into public keeping, can serve well to perpetuate the story, in a far more useful way than can their retention in private hands. But thifi implies appropriate housing ano capable custody. In each of the four largest centres, and in others, something has been done in this way. The Hocken and Turnbull libraries, in Duncdin and Wellington respectively, are signal examples, meriting general gratitude, while in the Auckland Public Library and its Old Colonists' Museum is another rich storehouse, distinguished particularly by the benefaction of Sir George Grev, to mention. an outstanding donor. Reference to the public spirit manifest in all such collections and bequests points fittingly every appeal for additions to these assemblies of mat erial. That they are of considerable size should not suggest that an end has anywhere been reached in the task. Far from it. Even small contributions to the store can be of great service, especially for the aid these may give in furnishing sidelights on historic events. But the desirable additions, large or small, will increase the need for adequate housing and availability for research.

It is at this point that the offer of the City Council to the Waitangi Tru-;t Board suggests ari early review of the position in Auckland. Material has accumulated. When its total mass, is considered, this city has reason to be proud and grateful.

However, the housing and arrangement of the material have not kept pace with its accumulation. In the Public Library building, solely because of lack of room, the abundance of literary material is inconveniently accommodated. A staff praiseworthily interested is often put to laborious effort in order to satisfy the requests of visitors bent on research. As soon as possible, the City Librarian's recommendations of improvement should be given effect. What is needed is a grouping of ali the New Zealand material in one part of the building, under a sublibrarian specially qualified to deal with its arrangement, care and use. When the projected Fine Arts building is an accomplished fact it should be possible to find space for this New Zealand section of the library, with the Old Colonists' Museum, through the removal of the Art Gallery to its new quarters in that building. As soon as that opportunity occurs, an effective scheme, prepared well beforehand, should have immediate beinjjf. Then such gifts as the council now intends to offer to the. Waitansi Trust Board could all find their appropriate place, to the lasting benefit of research students and the general public.