APPLIED ARTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 977, 21 May 1930, Page 16

APPLIED ARTS

TO BE PROMINENT IN MUSEUM SCHEME SUGGESTIONS TO COUNCIL A recommendation that the department of applied arts at the Auckland War Memorial Museum, at present in its infancy, should be developed with a view to making it one of the main departments in the museum, was contained in a report by a committee which was considered by the Council of the Museum and Institute yesterday ' We want to make our museum the best in the Dominion and, to this end, should strive to make every section perfect in its way,” said Mr. Dunn, one of the committee members. In moving that the report be received the president, Mr. H. E. Vaile, .said that no definite move would be made immediately, the suggestion being rather an ultimate ideal. At present, at least, there would be no sculpture included in that department. The modeling of a bronze casket for the shrine in the Hall of Memories is to be left in the hands of Mr. R. O. Gross, who recently was highly commended by overseas authorities for his work in connection with the Wellington War Memorial. It will be completed in about 10 to 12 weeks, at a total cost of £145.

“Mr. Gross is the only man in the Dominion capable of doing the work.” commented the president. POPULAR INSTITUTION

The ever-growing popularity of the museum was shown in the report of the director, Mr. Gilbert Archey, which stated that since January 1 a total of

1 39,007 people had visited the building. The largest number in any one week since last meeting was 23,433, which included 12,385 on Anzac Day. A fire alarm system giving direct connection with the central fire station is to be installed in the administrative block, at a cost of nearly £2OO. This is considered necessary as, although the building will not be damaged by fire, many of the collections stored in the workrooms would be destroyed. Applications are to be invited for a position as junior ethnologist, a salary of £2OO being offered as a basis. Members hope to secure the services of a keen student who could work his way up to a major position. Congratulations are to be extended to the Leys Institute, Ponsonby, which will celebrate its 25th birthday tomorrow. The founder was formerly a member of the Museum Council. The annual meeting was fixed for Wednesday, May 28, at 8 p.m. The building will be open to the public that evening.