COLONISTS' MUSEUM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22517, 7 September 1936, Page 16

COLONISTS' MUSEUM

GROWTH OF AUCKLAND HISTORICAL SOCIETY'S VISIT Reminiscences of early Auckland were exchanged at the Old Colonists' Museum on Saturday afternoon, when members, of the Auckland Historical Society held a field day there. There was a good attendance of members and friends, who were welcomed by the president, the Rev. A. B. Chap pell. The city librarian, Mr. J. Barr, .was to have conducted the visit round the museum, but he was unable to attend and sent "instead a short description of the history and contents of the museum. This was read by Mr. L. Phillips, who directed the visit. In his memorandum Mr. Barr pointed out how tho museum contained historical records of both New Zealand and Auckland from the discovery by Tasman and the rediscovery by Captain Cook, through the period of missionary and whaling activity, then down to tho time, of the Maori wars, and on to the peaceful expansion of the city of The history of both country and city was depicted in map, symbol and photograph, and the historical record of New Zealand contained by the museum was unique. The museum was opened, as Mr. Banexplained and as Mr. W. D. Lusty subsequently confirmed, on March 22, 1916, by the then Mayor, Mr. J. H. (now Sir James) Gunson. It was the result of the. interest of a few men, the idea being conceived in 1911 and outlined in the Hkuald by Mr. Lusty, just beforo the City Council was to transfer to more commodious quarters. Of the men responsible for its estah lishment, the names of Mr. Henry Shaw, Dr. T. W. Leys and Sir Edwin Mitchelson stood out

From occupying one room the museum had expanded until it. had taken in two rooms.and a large portion of tho wall space over the stairs. So great was the need for additional spaa* that 6ome cases of exhibits had to bo accommodated in the Lindauer Gallery adjoining! The museum contained so many maps, photographs, documents and other objects that the pictures wero hung from floor to coiling and tho cases r"were full of exhibits. It would continue to be a most valuable record of the city's growth. '<■'