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An interesting and useful course was taken under the tuition of Mr. Tose, demonstrating the latest methods in use for plant modelling and display. Plants modelled included karaka, mistletoe, kauri,, and rangiora. Prior to incorporating the Petrie, Kirk, and Cockayne collections, the work of rearranging and sorting the Museum herbaria has been completed. Several students have visited the reference collections ; and a large number of identifications have' been made for the general public. This work is becoming increasingly important. Exhibits received on loan include a collection of photographs depicting New Zealand vegetation from Mr. J. Scott Thomson, a number of water-colour paintings of New Zealand fungi from Mrs, Pauline Spenser, and a dwarf Pinus from Messrs. L. Yen and Co. Gifts include a collection of edible seaweeds from Mr. Scarfe, specimens from Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island from Captain McComish, and a woolpack and mats manufactured from phormium fibre from the New Zealand Woolpack and Textile Co., Ltd. Geological Department. Preparations for several new exhibits in the geological section of the Museum have been commenced and a considerable amount of the necessary material collected. Important collections of minerals have been received from the Broken Hill Proprietary, Ltd., the Mount Lyell Mining Co., the Broken Hill Mining Managers' Association of Australia, and the Martha Gold-mining Co., Waihi. Many specimens have also been received from collectors in New Zealand, and numerous inquiries answered at the Museum. Ceramics. At the conclusion of the exhibition of Chinese art in Dunedin a considerable number of the pieces were lent to the Museum by Captain Humphries-Davies and remained on display for several months. Much of the permanent collection of ceramics material has perforce remained in the strong-room for the greater part of the year, but will be placed on exhibition as opportunities occur. Important donations to the collection during the past twelve months include two examples of spode ware from Stoke-on-Trent from Messrs. Copeland and Co., a loving-cup from Mr. L. J. E. Hooper (Doulton and Co.), and a saucer and bowl said to have been used by Captain James Cook on the " Endeavour " from Mr. J. L. Mercer. Photographic Department. A start was made during the past year with the printing and recording of the 9,000-odd unprinted negatives in the photographic collection, and to date 787 negatives have been printed and the prints mounted, titled, numbered, classified, and arranged in suitable covers. During the year 485 new negatives were made, of which 301 were added to the permanent collection. Considerable demands have been made on the lantern-slide system on account of the educational lectures to schools ; and 305 new slides were made during the year. The number of available lantern-slides now in the Museum totals 963 ; but three or four times this number will be required to cater at all adequately for all Museum subjects. Prints and enlargements totalling over 2,000 have been supplied for various purposes.. A 16 mm. film depicting Maori eel-fishing has been completed ; and a film entitled " New Zealand Thermal Regions " has been deposited on permanent loan by the Department of Tourist and Publicity. The Lecture Hall equipment has continued to give every satisfaction. Firearms. An interesting addition to the collection was a flint-lock musket with an unusually long barrel, and with various extras added by the negroes of Ashanti, where the weapon had been in use. It was presented by Mrs. Ballantyne. Another important addition is a fine example of a Japanese matchlock. Library. A limited number of purchases of books have been made during the past year. A valuable book,, entitled " Butterflies and Moths of New Zealand " (G. V. Hudson), was presented by Sir H. Beauchamp. A number of other donations to the library were received, including a number of publications from the British Museum of Natural History, from other museums, and from several citizens. Press and Radio. The press and National Broadcasting Service are thanked for their very acceptable assistance in directing attention to the Museum and its activities. Attendances. The attendances at the Museum are still maintained, particularly during the week-ends. The Museum has been well patronized by visiting tourists from tourist liners ; and the Railways Department's sight-seeing bus calls. Access to Museum. The City Council inaugurated a bus service from Government Buildings on Sunday afternoon, but the Committee considers that a regular tramway or bus service past the Museum would be a great convenience to visitors and would improve the attendance. During the Centennial Exhibition year such a service would be a real necessity. W. J. Phillipps, Acting-Director.

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