MUSEUM SUCCESS SEEMS ASSURED

Taupo Times, Volume 20, Issue 4, 19 January 1971, Page 1

MUSEUM SUCCESS SEEMS ASSURED

The secretary of the Tauranga District Museum Committee, Mr W. E. Morris, was impressed with the ideal and site of the proposed Taupo Museum when he visited the district last week.

He met an executive member of the Taupo Regional Museum Committee, Mr W. B. Keys, and expressed the hope that the concept would come to successful fruition.

Mr Morris explained the success story behind the Tauranga District Museum which opened to the public on December 20, 1969. Since then and up to and including January 2 of this year 6000 visitors had visited the attraction. It was officially opened on August 22 last year and the flow of interest increased over the Christmas vacation, to such a degree that in the space of three weeks over 2000 people inspected the exhibits. The success story really started in May, 1969, when the Tauranga District Museum Committee was formed. It was directed by the Historic Society to find a suitable building to house historical material and Maori artifacts in the Tauranga district. CO-OPERATION This aim was achieved in six months with the full cooperation of the Tauranga City Council which provided a suitable building and property worth $20,000. An agreement between the council and the historic society was drawn up and council has assumed maintenance of the grounds and building. Exhibits were arranged through contributions from all sectors of the district to achieve a pattern of display suggested by the Auckland Institute and Museum. Many district tradesmen donated suitable material for a reorganisation programme under the guidance and direction of Auckland Museum authorities. The c-oncept has as its focal point a re-established blacksmith's shop which, according to men of knowledge, is unique in New Zealand. Irom a working forge miniature horseshoes are made by an old time "Smithie" and sold over the couh.er. So far, said Mr Morris, the demand has exceeded the supply . Other outside attractions ire a cart and liarness section which wiii form the basis for

a livery stable to be erected this year; a small whaling concept of blubber pots, spears and harpoons; and material from one of Tauranga's oldest shops. The interior displays cover Maori and pioneer history. There is a pioneer bedroom, kitchen and parlour; the Maori room depicts the development of Maori culture through the ages; a pictorial record of early Tauranga is displayed in the photographic room; and a general room includes a display of pioneering articles. The entire concept has cost the museum committee about $1300 and a majority of the work has been accomplished by voluntary labour, including the complete re-establishment of the 31ft by 20ft blacksmith's shop. The museum is open for two hours seven days a week but extended hours are observed during holiday periods. Mr Morris said there had been tremendous interest by school parties from Eastern Bay of Plenty, Waikato and the King Country. A nominal charge is made for admission except in the case of school children. This provides the only source of income. VOLUNTEERS The museum is manned on a voluntary basis by women members of the historic society and by residents of T auranga. No direct call has been, or is, made on the public for funds and all exhibits are either loaned, donated cr bequeathed. Mr Morris said the museum, established and popular in a short period, had been well received by outside authorities. He predicted that the Taupo Museum in a centre of such historical significance ' would, when established, become a tremendous attraction for visitors and, especially, tourists. Footnote: An architect has been commissioned to prepare sketch plans for the proposed Taupo Regional Museum.