MR. W. FELS, C.M.G

Evening Post, Volume CXXI, Issue 1, 2 January 1936, Page 10

MR. W. FELS, C.M.G

Mr. Willi Fels, C.M.G., is well known for valuable service he has rendered to education in New Zealand through his deep and active interest in Maori ethnography. He is managing director of Hallenstein Bros., Ltd., and the D.I.C.

He was born in 1858 at Halle, in Brunswick, Germany, and, came to Dunedin 48 years ago. From that time he started to get his collection together. Always having had the welfare of the University of Otago at heart, Mr. Fels presented his collection to the university museum, and he has also given valuable material to other educational institutions throughout the Dominion. In 1930 he organised a committee lo raise funds for the erection of a new wing at the Otago Museum, and as a result of his enthusiasm and personal generosity, and the securing of a Government grant, the building of the additional wing was made possible. The new section of the museum was opened in October, 1930, and is called "Willi Fels Wing." Mr. Fels is keenly interested in the arts and in the classical side of the university, and besides being a member of the museum council is a vice-president of the Otago Classical Association. In a non-poli-tical sense he has always been keenly interested in the welfare and development of the Dominion. He is at present on. a visit to. Great Britain.