PROPOSED MUSEUM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXII, Issue 204, 3 October 1900, Page 2

PROPOSED MUSEUM.

A public meeting, convened by His Worship the Mayor (Mr. E. Dockrill), to ascertain the support likely to bereceived from the public towards a proposed museum, and to discuss questions of management, was held at the Council Chambers on Tuesday evening. The meeting was not numerously attended, but amongst thosk present were some of the leading townspeople. The Mayor presided, and briefly explained the objects of the meeting. He mentioned that Mr. Freeth, who was unable to be present, would be willing to assist in classifying the Maori collection. After apologising fer the absence of several gentlemen, the Mayor said that the nucleus of'articles left by the Provincial Council had, unfortunately, been allowed to dimmish 'away for some reason or another, and with the result that they, had almost disappeared. A' great difficulty had been, that of getting the exhibits classified. - He was very pleased to find such a stiong feeling existed in favour of a museum, and he hoped enthusiasm would not die out after the meeting. , ,Mi. Coliis, Chairman of the Institute Oommitte, explained what had been done by that body, who were prepared to heartily recommend the Council to grant one or, if required, two rooms for a museum. i

Mr. W. H, Skinner referred to the original museum and the disposal of its contents. He differed from Che Mayor as to want of classification being the chief reason of the .non-existence of a museum at the present time, and contended that the chief reason was the lack of interest shown by the councillors. The longer the matter ; waa put off the more difficult it would ne to obtain a ; collection of curios and mementos of the early history of Taranaki. Hi cited of; Wahgatfui, and tho.energy displayed over collecting for the museum there by means of agents were snapping up. those articles which should properly belong, to a museum. At first, probably the collection would chiefly consist of loan exhibits, but in time the lenders would forget all about their curious, which would remain permanently in the museum. He promised his heartiest support and assistance, and hoped that others would do the same. Unfortunately, he said, most of the articles now in tho Council's possession were geological specimens, which were not so interesting as relics of the early history, of the prbviue'e. He mentioned that he had received an offer of some natural history specimens. Mr. Spencer, who was very iudiscinedy heard, inquired what control H was proposed should be exercised.

"Tlje Mayor, in reply, suggested a Joint committee, similar to tuat dealing 3with the Library. fflf, Oock asked the Mayor if he did Wthink himself very small at presiding over suoh an insignificant meeting. I Ha suggested that photon of Now Pxy uiouth with early days would be most appropriate and interesting, and advocited that subscriptions should be got in therewith to purchase suitable objects for the Museum, There were, he said, many such that were not worth a shilling to a private individual, but were invaluable in a collection. The Mayor, in reply, said that it was generally the few who iojk an active interest in any mittor attendeJ a meeting, the rest fell in'c line afterwards. A motion by Mr. Skinjcr, " That i Museum bo estabhsod in Now Plymouth," was earned unanimously.

Soma discussion ensue 1 as to the formation of a coiniiiitteo. Eventually it was decided that all present should be a committee, to carry the foregoing resolution into effect —His Worship the Mayor, Rev, Osborne, Messrs. Kerr, R.Bayley, Owen,S. B. White, Ambury, Spencer, Ings, Uempsey, N. King, Lealand, Coll-s, Butterwortb, Oock, W. Skinner, and 0. E. Bellringeiv Mr. 0. E. Ballriager poin eiout that the present would be a good time to appoint a custodian, as Mr. Morton had resigned, and the new librarian could I also be.curator of the Museum. Mr. Butterworth. took- it that the room would be open all day, and he pointed out that glass cases would ba necassary, as there were many people who would not think of taking up silvjr or gold but who would not hesitate at lifting curios. He had had some experience in the matter, so could speak feelingly. Some visitjrs were looking at his collection, and while so engaged there came a good hard knocking in the shop below, "Go on down, Butterworth," said one of the party, " we will look after the ourios." " That's all right," replied the speaker, " but who's to look after you ?" "Do you think we would steal them," was the response. "No, I know you would," said Mr. Butterworth. (Loud laughter.) The question of canvassing for subscriptions was discussed, and though some present urgod a list boing siartoJ in the room, it was ddsmol advisable to secure the rooms first and soe what nucleus existed. With that view, on the motion of the Bev. Osborne, a subcommittee, consisting of Messrs. Biyloy, Korr, Cock, and Spencer (the latter to be the convenar), was appointed to wait on the Institute Committee and arrange matters with them and the Council. .

A promise by Mr. Butterworth cf £5 worth of curies was received with much appreciation and hearty applause. A vote of thinks to the Mayor brought the proceedings to a close.