THE MUSEUM.

Evening Star, Issue 3938, 8 October 1875, Page 3

THE MUSEUM.

To the Editor. _ >SlB,—-Everyone who takes an interest in the educational and intellectual advancement of this community, must regiet the action o' the Provincial I' x; cirivo in refusing to sign the contract for the erection of (ho main poi i.-m „f l i e new Museum building. This work, v inch was commenced after a great deal of difficulty and delay, has been partially carried out, the adjuncts to the building have been erected, and are almost, if not quite, ready for occupation ; but the main portion of the work is still to he done. If the erection remains at its present stage, all the money hitherto spent wi 1 have been 10-.r, to ail intents and purposes. Thou* are many reasons why no delay should take olacc in carrying out the work, oince Captain Hutton as-umeil the cmatorship. the collection hitherto kept in theUnivarsity huildiir: has been enormously increased, but owing to want of room only a small portion has hitherto been exhibited. Instead of being a hetcroveueous mixture of objects such as formerly graced (?) the shelves, the collection is now so classified as to be of real value as a teaching agent, which formerly was not the case, _ Now, however, that the University building is to bo disposed of, the Museum will bedepiived even of its present resting-place. As iu accessory to the university it is absolutely necessary. No proper scientific training can be conducted without it. If it be thus knocked on the head, the Province will probably lose the services of its energetic curator, whose advent among us was hailed ns such an acquisition, and who has done more than anyone to stir up an interest here in scientific matters. Wi'hout going into the many other arguments in favor of pushing on thiswoik I would just point eut that if steps are not taken to carry it out while it is a Piovincial concern, there is considerable danger of its being allowed to lapse altogether. The General Government are sure to disparage it in favor of their own well-cared for Museum in Wellington. This Province has hitherto taken a lead iu matters referring to education. It is to be hoped it will not fall asleep over this affair.—l am, &c., ZoOLdcasT. Dunedin, Octob -r 6, 1875.