PUBLIC MUSEUM.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XXXXIII, Issue 48, 7 March 1901, Page 2

PUBLIC MUSEUM.

A meeting was h&M at tho C 'uncil Chaaibers oa Wednesday evening to make arrangements for op>m»g th i new mus«um. His Worship the Mayor (Mr. E. Dockrill) prarided. ' His Worship, in opening 'he pro-e*e-'ing«, said fctwt although tho attendance was not large he was not at all disheartened, As soon as tbu O immittee was set up th ' practical interest in ths museum would he tiken, a-d h - had r>o doubt that a hearty i r . would be received. He mentioned thivii Mr. G. Tisch had donated two views th« Mokauand that a lady had ofl'er d .£5. Mr. Butt"vworth hid given one j of the most handsome contributions he j t'ad seen in a museum—in exceptionally well arranged and bpautiful roller tio.i of moths and beet'es. Messrs. Rocinald Bavly, and Spei'ce, (nil sorked hard in getting together bo h exhibits and cises, and they de.-erved much prsise. Mr. Sp"nrersaid Mr. Bayloy wrr entitled to most c. edi- for what lai b-.un done. On handing over the collection which had been got togethe-, he moved that a committea of management -if ifive be appointed, four to bo elct d by 'he meting and one by the Borough Council. The Mayor tft 'ae an ezofficjo mfiiibdr. This was seconded by Mr. R. Cock and carried,

| Mr. Cock, ia moving thai; Messrs, Spencer, R. Bayly, Wm, Nowm n, a?irj W. H. Skinner bo ho oommittee, referred in terms of hieh praise to the labour bestowed by Mr. Bayly in arranging the collection.

Mr. Buttorworth seconded tho motion which was cirried unanimously. Mr. dock suggested that the data of oponicg tho museum should he i\x\uouneed so that and subscriptions foy purchases should be got fvoua the publio. ' Mr. Bayly paid it was proposed to, canvass for subscriptions wi'h to the date of opening. He hoped that it could be fixed for tbe end of month.

It was depi iad to ask Mr. W. Newr«<o to act as secretary and treasurer.

Mr. liuttwworth »hat the loan of articles should be discouraged

in frivoitr of out and out gifts. The suggestion way thankfully received by | th« Committee. ! It w:ik decided that Messrs. Dockrill, Co;:k, -Xowroan, and Bultorvrorth, he a committee to canvass for subscriptions, it being understood that those who contributed articles should not be a ked for money.

In answer to an inquiry His Worship said that any articles scut in would be received by the Town Clerk.

Oa the motion of Mr. Kerr a he >rty vote of t hanks was passed to Messrs. Buiterworth, Tisch and Kyngdon for their handsome donations to the museum acd to Moswa. Owen, Bayly and Spencer for their labourin arranging the oxhi'flits.

Mr. Sponce intimated that as soon as the list of articles was made up it would ba published. Tho usual compliment to the Ohuir-i man brought tho mesticg to a clo k :e.

From a hasty glance round the museum, it is evident that a very creditable collection will ba gathered together by the date of opening. Those articles that have already been arranged are displayed in a most satisfactory manner and include many specimens that will attract considerable attention from visitors. Now that the inussum is an accomplished fact it is to be hoped that all who possess curios and other suitable exhibits will assist in making the musenm worthy of the district and a source cf attraction to visitors from other centres.