DISPLAY OF ANTIQUES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22225, 27 September 1935, Page 14

DISPLAY OF ANTIQUES

OPENING CEREMONY LADY GALWAY OFFICIATES A WONDERFUL COLLECTION The exhibition of antiques organised in aid of the funds of the Girl Guides' Association and the Plunket Society was formally opened at a private view yesterday afternoon by Viscountess Calway, who had made a journey from Wellington specially for the purpose. Her Excellency, who was accompanied by Mrs. Arthur Purvis, was received by Sir Alexander Ilcrdman, president of tho exhibition committee, Mr. A. H. Champion, chairman, and Mrs. J. C. Allan, convener of tho ladies' committee. There was a very largo attendance of exhibitors and other invited guests. Sir Alexander Herdman', in inviting Lady Galway io open the exhibition, congratulated the peoplo of Auckland upon having assembled such a wonderful collection. Her Excellency, ho said, had earned the gratitude of all concerned for undertaking a special journey by train from Wellington in order to bo present. Lord and Lady Galway had shown their interest by sending to the exhibition articles of great value and beauty, and on that account tho public of Auckland was further indebted to them. Lord Oalway's Interest

In reminding those present that tho exhibition had been organised in aid of the funds of the Girl Guides' Association and the Plunket Society, Sir Alexander said that these bodies were associated with tho names of Mrs. W. It. Wilson, one of Auckland's most notable benefactors, and of Sir Truby King. Sir Alexander expressed thanks to those who had generously lent exhibits He added that without tlyi indefatigable energy and experience of Mr. Champion such a splendid exhibition would probably not have been possible. Lady Galway, in reply, said it gave her great pleasure to visit Auckland and open tho exhibition. Lord Galway would have been equally pleased to bo present, but ho had been unable to leave Wellington, and she was asked to express his regrets. They both took an interest in antiques of all kinds, and thought it fortunate that the.v had brought with them from England a few things which they had been able to contribute to the exhibition. If this were deemed to be somo help they would be very gratified.

A Stimulus to Art The usefulness of such exhibitions, said Her Excellency, could hardly bo exaggerated. Isolated objects could never have the same effect as a collection of all forms of art. It seemed marvellous to her that tho people of Auckland had been able to gather together so many beautiful things of different kinds. Some of them had been brought out long ago by the early colonists and others had been bought in Europe. It seemed remarkable to her that so many of the colonists' family treasures had not only arrived safely in New Zealand, but had survived until to day. Tho exhibition and others like it should be a stimulus to design and should give now ideas of decoration. This was specially desirable in a remote country, where there was no opportunity'of seeing the bost examples of all forms of art. Her Excellency congratulated the committee and its helpers on the result of their work, which had been the harder because the exhibition was the first of its kind held in Auckland. In conclusion, Lady Galway expressed her appreciation of the work done by the Girl Guide movement and the Plunket Society, and th<J hope that their funds would bo benefited substantially.

The exhibition will bo open to tho public to-day. It will continue until at least the end of next week, and is to be open morning, afternoon and evening-