PLANS FOR FUTURE

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 4, Issue 155, 15 September 1941, Page 5

PLANS FOR FUTURE

WAR MEMORIAL MUSEUM SPECIAL COMMITTEE SET UP Reasons why Whakiatane should take steps to collect its relics of the past before they were either lost or destroyed and have them properly housed 1 and tabulated' with a view to ultimately exhibiting' them in a War Memorial Museum, were put forward by Mr G. Kingsley-Smilh at the meeting of the Whakatane Chamber of Commerce last Thursday evening. The speaker said thai if such a proposal was to be considered seriously the time to commence collecting old and interesting photographs, documents articles and Maori art was right now., Whakatane had a unique historic interest, both from the point of view of the Pakeha and the Maori, but unfortunately the links with the past were either drifting way from the district or were lost sight df altogether. He mentioned the possibility of the T'e Kooti relics in the district, of the Prop he t Rua and of numerous native specimens of craft and careful workmanship. The days when Whakatane was a garrison town should also furnish some articles worthy of preservation. These things were drifting into' the hands of persons Avho failed to recognise their significance and unless steps, were made at once for their safeguard they would be lost forever. Built After the War His idea had been that after the war, when a suitable memorial to the men who had. served was under consideration, a Museum should be given prominence as a useful and suitable dedication. The building need not be pretentious, but it would have to be of a design in keeping with the purpose it served. People gave liberally towards such a cause and he did. not doubt but that the money would soon be forthcoming. The Memorial Mluseum could be made to combine the memories of the pioneers of the district, and the ,men who fell in both the Great and the present war. The names of these men could be l engraved in the vestibule, and the building could also house the curios and trophies brought back by the men who fought. Altogether he thought the exhibition could be made a very good one. Proposal Supported' Mr Reeve Canning was in strong accord with the proposal urging that measures must be adopted to collect the potential exhibits at once. He mentioned that the stone from the first flour mill to be erected in the town was still' to be seen and could be one of the exhibits. Mr Southey also supported, the proposal and promised individual assistance. The Chamber decided to give the matter the widest publicity and to cofmmence canvassing at once. Articles in the meantime if arrangements can be made, will be housed in the Borough Council Chambers. Committee Set Up A committee to be known as the War Memorial Museum Committee was set up comprising of Messrs C. Kingsley-Smith (convener), J. Greeke, C. CL Southey, R. Canning and T. Cummings with power to add. It will be the duty of the above to stimulate the collection of suitable articles for future exhibition.