MUSEUM OPENING

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 829, 25 November 1929, Page 16

MUSEUM OPENING

PROGRAMME OF EVENTS INTERESTING MAORI CEREMONY On Thursday afternoon Auckland’s War Memorial Museum will be opened officially by the Governor-General, Sir Charles Fergusson. One of the most interesting ceremonies associated with the opening of the Museum will take place on Friday, at 9 o’clock in the morning when the Maoris will dedicate the big native assembly house, Hotunui, in the presence of the Governor-General. Only Maoris and a tew officials will be admitted to this ceremony as the Maori court is not large enough to accommodate many visitors. Following is the programme of the opening ceremonies, after which the Museum will be open to the public. Thursday, November 28, 2 p.m.— Cenotaph to be dedicated by the Primate of New Zealand, Archbishop Averill. The museum to be handed over by the War Memorial Committee to the Mayor of Auckland and the Auckland Institute and to be officially opened by the Governor-General. Next-of-kin of deceased soldiers and returned soldiers, to a maximum number of 5,000, will afterward be admitted to the building. 6.15 p.m.—Relatives of deceased soldiers and returned soldiers will file past the Cenotaph laying wreaths. Friday, November 29: 9 a.m.— Maori Tomo ceremony of dedicating the wharerunanga Hotunui in the presence of the Governor-General. Only Maoris admitted. Afternoon. —Private view for subscribers to the war memorial building fund and members of the Auckland Institute and Museum,

Evening.—Museum to be open to the public from 5.30 p.m. until 9 p.m.

Saturday. November 30. —Museum to be open to the public morning, afternoon and evening.