THE BROUN COLLECTION

Southland Times, Issue 18828, 22 May 1920, Page 6

THE BROUN COLLECTION

! DELAYED DESPATCH TO ENGLAND. | AN 01‘TTCIAL EXPLANATION. I (Per United Press Association.) i | WELLINGTON, May 21. j With regard to the Broun Collection, ! about which a controversy is now raging, j the facts as given from the official side arc that the Director of the Dominion Museum I and other scientists urged that the despatch i to London would lie a blow to entomoloj gists, and the naming and classification of | New Zealand beetles would lie thrown into confusion, as Major Broun had named many and comparison witn his collection was the only means of identifying them. It. was also staled that entomologists till over New Zealand had sent specimens and public money had been spent on the collection. The solicitors expressed surprise ; and claimed that Major Broun had returned many specimens, Tiie money spent by the Government had brought them a good return and the sole payment to (lie deceased was a few free conies. Dr Thomson adds that the Dominion Museum has capable entomologists on its staff and the collection would receive his attention, blit special accommodation must be provided. A letter has been sent to the British Museum by the New Zealand Institute asking if it would allow the collection to stay in New Zealand for a period, preferably in Wellington. The Dominion would give the whole services of an experienced entomologist to it. The New Zealand Government had exorcised its power to stop collections of the kind leaving the country until some arrangement had been made, but the British Museum was assured that there was no intention of prohibiting its ultimate export.