THE COLONIAL MUSEUM.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 1648, 30 September 1903, Page 70 (Supplement)

THE COLONIAL MUSEUM.

(By “Welliugtonian.”)

The Native Minister (the Hon. Mr Carroll), in his speech on the proposed Maori National Museum stated that “the present museum in Wellingon Avas a aisgrace; it Avas unbecoming, and no one KneAV it was there. The contents were screAvn about pell-mell, AAuthout any attempt to make them attractive.” TTnforunately, the above remarks are only too true; but I think the fault lies in the fact that there Avas no one there who took any real interest in it as a museum. *

I think it would be much the best thing that, as the Government has placed the control of the Geological {Survey under the Mines Department-, that the Museum should bo placed under the charge of the Native Minister, and that the proposed Maori National Museum be made part of it, as there is already in the Colonial Museum the making of a very fine collection. The Native Minister apparently is very anxious to have the records of one of the finest native races on the face of the earth saved from utter destruction, and I feel sure every thinking resident in the colony, arid future generations, wrlj be thankful that one in poAver has at last come forward and is enaeaA rouiing to do what should have been done years agu. The mere fact, however, of erecting a building and purchasing material to put into it is not all that is requisite. "What- is important is tiiat someone whoso whole heart is in the work should be placed in charge, and sufficient- funds provided, in order to enable a, proper and efficient staff to be maintained. It Avould not be of any use if a person not- having had any previous knoAviedgo of such works, or who Avas a M.A. or B.A. only, and had no experience of museum work, was appointee. One gentleman whose name is now well known by reason of a work which will, in years to come ever, be quoted as one of the finest of its kind, would be a most suitable occupant for the position of director; and uoav that the Premier is the head of the Education Department (and a museum if properly carried on should be a source of education), if the Government will appoint the gentleman I haA r e in my mind, I feel sure it Avoald bo received with satisfaction by the Aviiole of the colony. •As to tlip statement of the Chief Justice that the Victoria College Council had done its best to co-operate Avith the Government Avith regard to the appointment of a Professor of Biology for the Museum as well' as for the College, and that the Government had refused, I think the Government showed its wisdom by refusing to agree to the appointment of the Proressor to both positions. Could not a building, io include tne chemical laboratory, be erected on the piece of ground now occupied by the Health Department, and on portion of which the laboratory is to be built for the purpose of the proposed Maori National Museum and Colonial Museum, so that in time the present Museum buildings might be re-erected in bricxi.