A GENEROUS GIFT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3861, 13 March 1928, Page 38

A GENEROUS GIFT.

ART GALLERY FOR CHRISTCHURCH. MR R. E. M’DOUGALL’S OFFER. CHRISTCHURCH, March 10. Through the generosity of M r R E M'Dougall, proprietor of Messrs Aulsobrook and Co., the city of Christchurch at last has gain-d its art gallery. Mr M’Dougall ha s intimated to the Mayor (the Rev J. K. Archer) his willingness to present an art gallery to the city Although no definite amount has been mentioned it is believed that Mr M Dougall s offer is in the vicinity of £25,000. The offer is made on the understanding that a suitable 'site is provided, preferably in the Botanic Gardens. This, however, is not an absolute condition’, and another site may be secured Mr M'Dougall’s offer was formally accepted by the Jubilee Celebration Committee, which met this morning. It was decided to make strong efforts to have the foundation stone laid on Jubilee Day, May 28, and to ask the donor to lay the stone A s a desire for competitive" designs was expressed by the committee a sub com mittee consisting of the Mayor and Messrs R -E, M'Dougall and S. Hurst Seager was set up to deal with this aspect The com mittee was of opinion that in view of the offer another scheme should be decided on permanently to celebrate the jubilee, and it was decided to give the public another week in which to send in suggestions for another scheme.