AUCKLAND MUSEUM.

New Zealander, Volume 8, Issue 682, 27 October 1852, Page 2

AUCKLAND MUSEUM.

Having long -wished to see at least the foundation of a Museum laid in Auckland, it affords us much gratification to state that a very satisfactory commencement has been made by the zeal of Mr. J. A. Smith, whose efforts have already been attended with so much success that a room respectably stored with specimens and curiosities of various kind is now prepared for inspection. It was yesterday visited by His Excellency the Lieutenant-Governor, under whose patronage the Museum is established, and will in future be open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10 to 4 o'clock. It'is situated at the "Old Government Farm House" a little beyond, the Scotch Church, and nearly opposite the corner of the Barrack Wall, where two rooms have been granted for the purpose by the Government, of which, however, as we have just intimated, only one is at pesent occupied, —the other awaiting those further contributions which, it is to be hoped, will soon pour in. The whole of the furnishing (including both the materials and the mechanical labour of fitting up) have been gratuitously supplied, the contributors in this department being numerous; and, we, need scarcely , add, the specimens, a c. have also been given gratuitously, no pecuniary aid having been obtained or sought in any quarter. Looking at it as a beginning, it is highly satisfactory, and will well repay a visit. Although, of course, there is not yet a great deal to be seen, yet there are many specimens of New Zealand minerals, some handsome stuffed birds, shells, insects, and various other things amongst which an hour may be very agreeably and instructively spent. The fact that the entire of what has thus been done is owing to Mr. J. A. Smith's individual exertions, reflects much credit on that gentleman's good taste and industry. But if the Museum is to advance in interest and usefulness as may be desired it must be by the aid of many contributors. We cordially commend it in this respect to the attention of those who can assist by contributions of specimens of New Zealand products and curiosities, and of any of those multifarious varieties which find a fitting place in such a collection. We believe that it is intended to publish a somewhat detailed list of those articles which are especially desired ; but we may mention in time that any such contributions as we have indicated will be thankfully received, if addressed to the Hon. Secretary (Mr. Smith) at the Museum.