THE DAILLIE PICTURES.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1413, 13 April 1912, Page 6

THE DAILLIE PICTURES.

Sir,—ln view of the appeal (o that section of tho public by the committee of the N.Z. Academy of Fine Arts for donations to supplement the amount conditionally promised by the Wellington City Council, to purchase pictures for tlio Wellington Fine Art Gallery, it would be well that the prospective contributors should know who will );e authorised to spend tho money, l'ivo years ago a committee was appointed, and it was considered by some that it would be better to send the larger portion of (lie money then contributed to be expended in London, rather than make more purchases a.t tho Christchurch Exhibition. The result is well known. Now that the liaillie collection of pictures is about to be exhibited here, and we aro informed that these examples of contemporary art have been carefully selected in Knglaml. it would seem wise that the choice of pictures for the Wellington Gallery shall be entrusted to some one who is capable of judging tho exhibits on their merits. Tho Art Gallery is intended to be educative, and tho works that may find a permanent place therein must, if the.v are to bo of value to the nation, be selected with special care. We need examples that will create a spirit of emulation, and, assuming we aro learners, we need above all a true standard. When the Uaillio exhibition is open thero will be an opportunity of seeing the works that have been brought out for sale. I see no reason for rushing into hasty purchases. The point I desire to emphasise is this: I believe, the patrons of art will respond generously to the offer of the City Council when they know who will be "entrusted with tho very important duty of selection. You, sir, can do much to assist by kindly bringing this matter under public notice.—l am, etc., CRAYON. Wellington, April 8.