COLLECTION OF INSECTS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17940, 20 May 1920, Page 4

COLLECTION OF INSECTS

HEARTBURNINGS IN AUCKLAND.

IPei Uxrrn> Pni£B3 Aseociatiom.) AUCKLAND, May 19. Resentment is expressed by the trustees of tho will in tho estate of Major Broun at the attitude of the authorities in Wellington* in endeavouring to-secure his collection of insects for the Dominion Museum. One of tho trustees stated to-day that in a letter sent to the trustees last October the prohibition against thoir export was absolute and final. 'J. hero was nothing to suggest that it vi&s merelv for a time. As a matter of fact, the object of prohibiting the collection from leaving tho dominion seemed to bo solely that it should go to the Wellington Museum.

(Fhom Odr Own Correspondent.) AUCKLAND, May 19. Referring- to , the Broun collection, the Stiw says: ''There is no doubt about the legality of tho bequest, but there is also no doubt, that it was tho intention of Major Broun to alter his will, and to leave the collection to New Zealand. Hβ said oa several occasions 'hat it was his wish thai the Auckland Ivluseuin should have the collection, and several witnesses can be produced to certify to this effect. Unfortunately lie did not alter his will, and ho died sudienlv. The Government, proceeding under tho Act framed to prevent tha export of certain scientific and artistio objects, hah token oteps to prohibit, or delay, the removal of the collection to London. The New Zealand Institute has moved in, the mi'.tter, apparently with the idea of beving the collijc'ion detained until some necessary -;xpcrt work has been done on it. la tho meantime the question of the location q£ the collection in New Zealand has arisen. The institute thinks the Dominion Museum wouid be the best place for it, and has ottered the services of an entomologist to work on it. We hope, however, that tho claims of Auckland will not be overlooked. Apart from the fact.th&t the collection could be housed more safely in Auckland than in Wellington, there is the undoubted fact that it was Major Broun'a expressed wish tliat it should go to the Auckland Museum. As to the ultimate fate of the collection, the British Museum might bo disposed, under the circumstances, to waive its cium. It is for the experts to say whether the collection will be of greater value to science housed in New Zealand or established in London. , Its valuo to the New Zealand student is very great. Failing , such surrender by the British Museum, that institution "hould not object to its being , retained hew for tome time in the interests of science."