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1913. NEW ZEALAND.

DOMINION MUSEUM (ANNUAL REPORT OF THE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1913.

Presented to both Houses of the General Assembly by Command of His Excellency.

Dominion Museum, Wellington, New Zealand, Ist October, 1913. Sir, — I have the honour to forward herewith a report for the Dominion Museum for the year ended 31st March, 1913. I have, &c, A. Hamilton, Director. The Hon. the Minister of Internal Affairs, Wellington.

Offices. The only alteration to the staff during the last twelve months has been the transfer of Mr. McDonald from the Agricultural Department. He has been in charge of the photographic and kinematographic work, which is required for the High Commissioner's and other Departments. The usual correspondence and vouchers have been dealt with during the year so far as relates to the Museum and Hector Observatory. A large amount' of work is entailed upon the office in connection with the receipt and despatch of the packages from the Smithsonian International Exchange Bureau for scientific publications, of which the Museum is the New Zealand agent. During the year 936 packages have been received from this source and distributed to various parts of New Zealand. Publications to the number of 982 have been received for those issued by the Museum and the New Zealand Institute. The pamphlets and books presented to the libraries, and those subscribed for by the Museum and the Wellington Philosophical Society, amount to 984 numbers. All these have been recorded and placed in various parts of the building. At present they are obliged to be kept in various rooms, and no order or definite arrangement is practicable. A scientific library is urgently required, properly organized and easily available. Museum Collections. Neiv Zealand History and General Ethnology. A register of the specimens received during the year, and a card catalogue of several sections of it, have been brought up to date. Two or three important collections have been received in the year, but have had to be packed away pending the erection of a new building. The condition of those specimens exhibited in the Museum is a source of anxiety, as they are badly attacked by the wood-boring beetle, and are otherwise damaged by damp and dust. I would point out that it is important for large collections of objects of any kind whatever to have a fairly even temperature, as extremes of heat and cold are very undesirable. There are at present no means of heating the Museum except in the offices. Among the principal collections acquired is the Lord St. Oswald collection. It is an extremely valuable and interesting exhibit, with historical associations from New Zealand and Hawaii. The Museum has also received a gold cup presented to the New Zealand Government by Japan in recognition of the assistance received by Japan from New Zealand on the occasion of the great famine in 1905. Further additions have been made by purchase of many small collections, and two ratherimportant collections are under offer.