A Parliamentary Library.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 8 September 1910, Page 4

A Parliamentary Library.

THE MOXRAD COLLECTION

The value of such institutions as tho Parliamentary Library at Wellington is interstingly diwelt upon in his annua! report by tih'e chief librarian. In the cotitise of this be says:— The increasing interest which is •being manifested throughout tlie Dominion in art is responsible 110 doubt i'i>r the frequent applications I receive for permission to consult many valuable art publications in the library. Visitors to Welingtom from other parts of the dominion have been allowed to consult art ant. other .reference books without a special privilege porm.it being granted. When, however, the visitoi remains in tho city for more than a few days, and desires to legularl} frequent the institution, application for a formal permit is insisted upon. Whilst referring to art [looks, I would seize the opportunity of drawing attention to the exceedingly valuable collection of etchings and engravings presented to the library now many years a,go by tlhe la to Bishop Monrad. Tlii.s collection, which is contained in three large portfolios or volumes, includes original otchings by Rembrandt, Albrocht Durer, Van ostade, Jail Eteen, and other mas tons of the graver's ai;t. As a practical testimony to the value of this collection, 1 ;..ay mention that foui or five Roiu'c-andts, of which the library jyjsscssrs (in the collection to which 1 am referring) execc.;: ' : !'ially J.M-illinut proofs. wen-.- s;-!d re contJv in Loudon at prices varving from £2) to two. lam oi ripinion that the time has now arrived when this exceedingly valuable collection, superior, I believe, any other single collection of etchings, mezzotints, and engravings to lie fouml in Australasia, should be carefully classified, and that tho choicer examples (the Remibiiandits and the Duwrs especially) should be mounted on frames 01 revolving stands, similar to those employee! for the purpose bv exhibiting prints at the British and South Kensington Museums, and at the National Art Gallery in Sydney, and at the Auckland Art Galloriv. I would roughly estimate the cost of providing such stands—say two or thlree—at about £oO; this amount to include the cost of framing the selected teclrings in sunk mounts, lettering, otc. 1 would resepctfully suggest that a small sub-committee be set ut> to consider the suggestions I liave made, and to report to the Joint Committee as to the desirableness of my project being carried out, and as to the best means of providing for the cost thereof. "