The Evening Star. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1872.

Evening Star, Issue 2956, 9 August 1872, Page 2

The Evening Star. FRIDAY, AUGUST 9, 1872.

Dunedin is the acknowledged commercial capital of New Zealand, and is rapidly becoming the principal centre of art and manufacture in the Colony. To maintain this prestige it is absolutely necessary that our skilled workmen should have means of improving themselves in the practice of their respective callings. The experience of older countries goes to show that the most effective means of doing this is by the establishment of industrial and technological museums, such as have been in existence for years in Great Britain, France, Prussia, and America. These institutions place before the artisan practical illustrations, and give scientific details of the various processes of manufacture and art. He is thereby not only enabled to observe the latest improvements, but also to gather such information as will qualify him to keep pace with his fellowworkmen in other countries. The national as well as individual advantages to be gained by such institutions are therefore obvious. Two years ago the Parliament of Victoria, recognising their value, voted a sum of money for the establishment of a museum similar to those existing in Scotland and Ireland. The Committee of the Melbourne Public Library were, entrusted with the work, and their last report shows how successfully they have labored. With the idea of bringing to hear upon the natural resources of the Colony the same means by which the artisans of other countries attained their eminence in art and manufacture, they first established the nucleus of an Industrial Museum, and then made arrangements for the delivery of lectures upon science in relation to industry, and also for class instruction. They were liberally aided by private individuals, and one or two scientific societies, by contributions in the shape of samples of material used in manufacture, models, and geological specimens. In the arrangement of the exhibits regard was had to the natural divisions of mineral, geological, phytological, and animal products. Prominence, however, was given to the more practical, as being illustrative of local manufacture and suggestive. Recently the committee resolved to procure from the manufactories of England and other countries samples of wool in the many stages through which it passes from the sheep’s back to the loom, spicemens of leather, glass, and pottery, in the various stages of manufacture ; models illustrative of the art of coach-building, cabinet-work, and other industries. They have also established laboratories in connection with the museum for the use of students desirous of acquiring knowledge in the higher branches of mechanical industry. From the commencement, the lectures and classes have been well attended and apparently appreciated. It may therefore be fairly assumed that with such increasing facilities for observing the latest improvements and acquiring knowledge scarcely otherwise obtainable, the skilled laborers of the Colony will become proficient, enlarge the manufacturing capabilities, and extend the commerce of the country. In England and America annual exhibitions are held in connection with these museums, and the best results follow. The various exhibits are closely examined and tested by competent judges, the latest improvements arc noted, and prizes and certificates awarded in accordance with, their deci-

sions. Artisans are thus brought into competition one with another, and great impetus is consequently given to maii) r industries. The demand for skilled labor increases, exports become more extensive, wealth Hows upon the people, and the condition of all is improved. indeed, it has been asserted by a competent writer that the advances made by the Mother Country and America during late years in the application of science to manufactures is almost entirely attributable to the restless desire on the part of artisans to obtain a prominent position at these exhibitions.

Further argument is scarcely necessary to prove the utility of having a Technological and Industrial Museum established in Dunedin. The need of such an institution is every day becoming more apparent. Still it would bo almost impossible to carry out the entire programme at once, even with liberal assistance from the Provincial Treasury-chest. But a School of Design could easily be established and lectures .arranged for in connection therewith, without any great outlay. Already we have the nucleus of a Museum of Industry in the Provincial Museum. New Zealand woods, rough and polished, other vegetable products, collections of minerals from various parts of the islands, and models of various kinds are there. No doubt the authorities would not only grant the use of these exhibits in connection with the proposed school, but also place a room at the disposal of the promoters for lectures and other purposes. The matter is one of considerable importance, and should commend itself to the consideration of the Government and the mechanical classes. The Superintendent and his Executive have hitherto shown a desire to encourage and support any movement calculated to improve the intellectual status of the people, develop the resorces of the country, or add to the wealth of the community. We are, therefore, encouraged to believe that, if this matter were brought under their notice, it would meet with hearty assistance. But the first step must be taken by those most interested—namely, the mechanical classes and owners of factories.