Page image

H.—2l

Building and Finance Committee.—Owing to ill-health, Sir George A. Troup resigned from the chairmanship of the Building and Finance Committee, and Sir George Shirtcliffe was elected Chairman. National Art Gallery, Committee of Management.—For the same reason, Sir George A. Troup also relinquished the chairmanship of this Committee, and Mr. D. A. Ewen was elected to the position. The Board records its appreciation of the valuable services rendered by Sir George A. Troup during his period of chairmanship of the two Committees. Mr. W. H. Gummer (Auckland) resigned, and Mr. W. S. Wauchop (Wellington) was appointed a member of the Committee. Dominion Museum : Committee of Management.- —Mr. B. C. Aston retired, and Mr. G. V. Hudson was appointed a member of the Committee. The death of the Right Rev. Bishop Williams is recorded with much regret. Professor W. P. Evans was appointed to fill the vacancy. Staff. The Director of the Museum, Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, returned from his visit to the United States of America, Great Britain, and Europe, where he investigated latest museum methods and made valuable contacts. The Board expresses its keen appreciation of the assistance rendered by the Carnegie Corporation, which, by a monetary grant, made the visit abroad possible, and of the warm welcome and generous assistance extended to Dr. Oliver by the various museum authorities throughout his tour. Work in the various departments has been carried out efficiently. General. The reports of the Committees of Management are attached hereto, and give a survey of the operations of the National Art Gallery, Dominion Museum, and Carillon during the year. The attendances have been satisfactory, and public interest has been stimulated by the special exhibitions held in the Art Gallery and Museum. It is particularly gratifying to note the large attendances of school-childrcn and students, and the Board and Committees are taking every opportunity to encourage this sphere of educational activity. While the Dominion Museum has had the benefit of the services of a special Educational Officer, appointed under a grant made by the Carnegie Corporation, the Art Gallery has lacked a similar officer. A fund is being built up, however, from grants made by the T. G. Macarthy Trust and transfers from Income Account, which will enable an educational scheme to be carried out in this sphere. A commencement will be made at an early date in the form of circulation in the towns and smaller centres outside the City of Wellington of a selection of the collection of reproductions of old masters now in the possession of the Gallery and special cases containing Museum exhibits. It is intended to extend this class of activity to the fullest extent commensurate with the revenue available. The revenue of the Board for the past year was principally made up of the annual grant from the Government (£8,000), plus contributions from the Wellington City Council (£2,000), Wellington Harbour Board (£500), and other local bodies (£BOl 55.). The assistance rendered by the local bodies which contributed to the Board's revenue is much appreciated. Some of the counties approached could not see their way to contribute, and a unanimous decision could not be obtained on a proposal that the contributions should, by legislation, be made permanent yearly allocations. It is hoped, however, that when the educational value of the activities of the Art Gallery and Museum is fully recognized, such legislation will be approved, as it is difficult to make definite commitments ahead when there is uncertainty as to the actual income that will be available. The revenue from private sources was disappointing, but the Art Gallery and Museum have both benefited from gifts of pictures and exhibits as detailed in the Management Committees' reports. The Board extends its sincere thanks to the donors. The most important event in the coming year will be the special Centennial Art Exhibition, which will comprise a collection of contemporary British and foreign art and a collection of New Zealand art —contemporary and historical. Appreciation is here expressed of the generous action of a few friends who made loans to the extent of £1,000 towards defraying the initial expenses of the Exhibition of International Art, and of the action of the Government in granting a subsidy of equal amount for the same purpose. The Lecture Hall has been used frequently for lectures and motion-picture exhibitions. Special tea, luncheon, and supper functions have been held in the tea-room attached to the Art Gallery on a number of occasions. The accounts submitted show a surplus of income over expenditure of £173 17s. lid. after providing £1,750 for repairs, renewals and extensions (a very necessary provision), £260 for Educational Purposes Reserve, £150 for Picture Purchase Fund, and £100 for the Centennial Art Exhibition. The Board records its thanks for and appreciation of help and assistance rendered by the Carnegie Corporation of New York, the T. G. Macarthy Trust, the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts, Toe H, the Royal Society, Wellington Philosophical Society, and others ; also to the press and National Broadcasting Service for valuable publicity. Donations or bequests, either in the form of exhibits or money, for the purpose of extending the activities of the Art Gallery or Museum, particularly in educational work, are gladly welcomed by the Board of Trustees. M. J. Savage, Chairman. F. H. Bass, Secretary.

3