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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE DOMINION MUSEUM MANAGEMENT COMMITTEE FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1947 The Committee The Committee met four times during the year. Retirement of Museum Director Dr. W. R. B. Oliver, who has been Director of the Dominion Museum for the past eighteen years, retired on 31st March, 1947. Under Dr. Oliver a complete reclassification of the botanical, natural history, and ethnological sections of the Museum has been carried out and notable advances have been made in all departments of Museum work. In 1936 the whole of the Museum collections were transferred to the present building. The many decisions incidental to such an undertaking and the effective display of the exhibits in new surroundings called for much organizing skill and ability, and the Committee wish to place on record their appreciation of the work then carried out, as well as the long and valuable service rendered to the Museum by Dr. Oliver. Staff During the year, Mr. R. K. Dell was appointed Conchologist. Miss M. Stephenson has been transferred from the Education Section to assist in Maori ethnology. Misses P. N. Wilton and B. B. Gibbons were granted leave of absence to visit America with a University student party. On their return Miss Gibbons resigned from the position of Assistant Botanist, which she had held. Mr. R. R. Forster has been granted leave of absence on a rehabilitation bursary to attend University lectures. Accessions The total accessions for the year was 66 ; and some of these included a large number of individual specimens. Military Occupation of Museum In August, 1946, the military occupancy of the Museum ceased. The work of restoration now has commenced. The Museum lecture hall and the Royal Society's room are partly ready for use. Museum Expansion The Committee feel that, with the present expanding trends in the various sciences, consideration should be given to the need for Museum expansion. The present gallery space for Museum exhibits is quite inadequate, so much so that many Museum treasures never have been placed on exhibition. Geology, technology, history, and certain of the natural-history sciences are not well represented in the Dominion Museum. This cannot be rectified until greatly increased exhibition space is available. If it were possible for the Art Gallery to be accommodated elsewhere, the whole of the available space could be used for Museum purposes. Cook Relics A bust in marble of Captain Cook has been presented by Mr. Albert C. R. Carter. This is the work of the eighteenth century sculptor, Bacon, and represents the famous navigator in the dress of the period. In addition, 1 plaque and the following series of relics of Captain Cook have been presented by Dr. Adams : 1 Wedgwood medallion,. 3 engravings, 1 piece of Native cloth, 1 drawing, 1 photograph of engraving.

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