HANDSOME BEQUESTS.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1367, 19 February 1912, Page 4

HANDSOME BEQUESTS.

TO THE TOWN OF WANGANUI. (By TelcßraDh-Snecliii CorresDondenU • Wanganui, February 18. The late Mr. Henry Sargent has left the town of Wanganui a magnificent bequest—practically the whole of his large estate—for the purpose of establishing and carrying on a fine arts gallery. His will provides that all his property in the borough shall be his widow's for life, and, at her death, is to pass in trust to the Mayor- and corporation for the alx>ve purpose. Tho residue of the estate, after payment of legacies, duties, etc., is to be transferred to the corporation at onco for founding the gallery, and, as above stated, will be supplemented after his widow's death by the town property.

Both properties are very large, and the bequest should result in giving Wanganui one of the finest galleries in Australasia. The testator's will provides that "paintings, sculptures, and other works of art are to be acquired for the public benefit aud use of the public. The works of art are to be acquired on their intrinsic value as works of high art only," and he hopes that they will be a "means of inspiration to those who come after." The gallery is to be managed by the Wanganui Borough Council.

In addition, the late Mr. Sargent leaves .£SOO to the Waiuranui Astronomical Society, and .£250 each to the Wangarmi Museum and the Wanganui Orchestral Society.