CIRCULATION OF EXHIBITS

Southland Times, Issue 23437, 18 February 1938, Page 3

CIRCULATION OF EXHIBITS

FOSTERING INTEREST IN MUSEUMS AID GIVEN BY CARNEGIE CORPORATION Mention of the good work the Carnegie Corporation was doing for museums in the Dominion was made by Mr J. Sorensen, director of the Southland Museum, when, at last night’s meeting ■of the Southland Museum Board, he reported on Jus visit to Wellington where he attended a course of museum preparation held by Mr Frank Tose, of the Californian Academy of Fine Arts, and arranged by the Carnegie Corporation of New York. “On December 13 of last year I began work on Mr Tose’s course which was designed to cover most of the latest methods in museum preparation used in the United States and elsewhere,” Mr Sorensen stated. "In seven weeks most of the technicalities necessary to produce accessory material suitable for attractively displaying exhibits were explained. In addition a peccary was mounted by the latest method of sculptural taxidermy and a complete scale model group of sealions and penguins was constructed Mr Tose expressed himself as being thoroughly satisfied with the progress made. “The wish was frequently expressed that Southland would soon _ have a building suitable for the housing of the present and future collections,” continued Mr Sorensen.

“The Carnegie Cox-poration is endeavouring to foster ‘museum-minded-ness’ and its most recent effort is the paying of one-half of the salary of educational officers attached to the four main museums. An exchange system has been organized and the corporation has provided each museum concerned with a metal case, has allowed a sum of money for the fitting-up of each new exhibit, and pays all transport charges. The museums participating are Wellington, Napier, Auckland, New Plymouth,, Wanganui, Nelson, Christchurch and Otago. On arrival at the respective museums the cases are placed on display for about two months and then forwarded to the next centre. Thus each rtuseum makes about one case a year.’* INTERESTING SCHOOLS Mr Sorensen said that circulating cases had also been constructed for use in schools, £1 5/- being allowed for manufacture and £2 for furnishing. All transport charges were being paid. He had reported on the present position at Invercargill and Mr Tose had promised to place the matter .before the corporation when he returned. “Probably they will help,” said Mr Sorensen, “but only, I think, if we are prepared to do something ourselves.” The Mayor (Mr John Miller) who was chairman, said he was of the opinion that Invercargill should endeavour to come under the circulation scheme.

“Could we get a case sent here?” he asked. “I don’t see why Invercargill should be left out, while all the other larger centres are included.”

Mr Sorensen: As we have not a proper institution, I don’t think we can participate at presents The Mayor: If we join in the scheme we have to prepare a case ourselves? “Yes; we send a case away and we deceive all the others in turn,” said Mr Sorenson. “But if we are going to make a case of exhibits comparable with those in other centres it will take considerable time.” Mr H. C. Gimblett moved that the board communicate with the authorities and inquire if it could participate in the scheme. He suggested that in the meantime, the board visit the museum to see what ' improvements could be made. The motion was carried. Commenting on the principle of circulating cases throughout the schools the Mayor said it was a splendid idea. When he heard a lecture by Mr R. A. Falla recently he saw the value of bringing cases of exhibits before the schools, he said. BRIGHTENING THE MUSEUM “We want to have the museum in a good state before we think of taking visitors to it,” said Mr J. T. Carswell. “The museum has been maintained by voluntary efforts in the past and perhaps something could be done to brighten it.” “I suggest that the curator writes direct to the secretary of the Education Department at Wellington asking for details of the scheme whereby the schools are to be interested in museum work and asking if Invercargill could be brought into the scheme,” said Mr W. A. McCaw. Mr McCaw’s suggestion was adopted. It was decided that members of the board inspect the museum on March 2 to decide what improvements could be made.

Emphasis was laid by members on the need for a proper institution to house the present exhibits and those it was hoped to collect. “I have received a substantial offer, as you know,” said the Mayor, “but it stands only on the condition that a project is actually begun” “If citizens and firms would vie with one another in contributing towards the project we might get our new building?’ said Mr J. C. Calvert. The museum had a definite place in the cultural life of the community and a fuller Realization of that was needed by a big section of the people, Mr Sorenson said. It seemed that in the future museums would occupy a much more important place than they did at present. It was decided that the board purchase a set of fire-arms offered by Mr A. C. Toshack, of West Plains.