BRITISH MUSEUM.

Hokitika Guardian, 17 January 1930, Page 6

BRITISH MUSEUM.

RECONSTRUCTION NEEDED. United Press Association —By Electric - Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, January 16. ‘‘ls the British Museum a safe place of custody for the national treasures —the most valuable collection in the. world, the value of which is incalculable, but is probably £.50,000,000, according to the Treasury estimates t” says the “Daily News” in commenting on the report of the Royal Commission on national museums and galleries a sub-committee off which considered the fire risks at the museum, and also the safety of the galleries affected by stresses on the cast iron girders supporting them. It is stated that a large part of. the Museum is a century old and is not in accord with modern ideals. The subcommittee recommends the gradual recostruction of the floors and roofs, costing £340,000 and also the introduction of various methods of avoiding risks, particularly the strengthening of the fire patrol, which is most desirable ; but the committee leaves ' the Government to decide. A Museum official told the “DailyNews” that the treasures are not insured. He added: “We take enormous care! The sight of a cigarette or a match makes one jump! Firemen are on patrol all night long, and are in direct communication with the Fire Brigade; but, apart from a bomb or similar outrage the danger is comparatively small.” The Royal Commission says that the Public Records Office, where priceless manuscripts are stored, is now subject to mildew. There are two hundred strong rooms over-crowded, which will take ten years to clean.