MUSEUM BUILDING

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20718, 31 January 1939, Page 10

MUSEUM BUILDING

WELLINGTON LANDMARK PROPOSED DEMOLITION “With the demolition of Vhe old Dominion Museum Building behind Parliament Buildings, to create a site for the proposed Broadcasting House, will pass one of the first monuments to the beginning of scientific achievement in New Zealand,” said the Minister of Public Works, the Hon. R. Semple, in a statement. “The first portion of the building was erected nearly 74 years ago. “The building, one of Wellington’s oldest landmarks, is a link between the present and the very early days, and is inseparably associated with the development of the museum, known until 1907 as the Colonial Museum and thenceforth, when the colony received its new and more important status, as the Dominion Museum,” said the Minister. “The main hall of the museum was built in 1865 and opened to the public in November of that year in connection with the New Zealand geological survey. In 1874 the front two-storeyed portion of the museum building was added, but no important additions were made afterwards. The building was open continuously to the public for over 70 years, the first director of the institution being Dr. (afterwards Sir) James Hector. Ravages of Time “From a modern viewpoint the 1 building was, perhaps, never very well adapted for the purpose of a museum, particularly when in time it became somewhat overcrowded. Moreover, it was not particularly well lighted and the specimens were therefore not always exhibited as well or as extensively as the facilities of the new building permit. “The ravages of time are apparent in the old building, and it may well be said that it gave long and honourable years of service," concluded Mr Semple, “and when the new and imposing Broadcasting House arises on the site many will retain memories of a structure so closely linked with science as old as radio broadcasting is new."