THE SKINNER COLLECTIONS.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 107, 29 September 1914, Page 4

THE SKINNER COLLECTIONS.

GIFT OFFER WITHDRAWN.

NKW PLYMOUTH APATHETIC.

In July, 1913, Messrs W. B. and H. D. Skinner intimated to the New Plymonfch Borough Council their intention handing over to the town their very valuable ♦ollections of Maori curios and articles •onnccted with the early history «f the town and district. Mr VV. 11. fikinner's «o!lection consists of jl) Maori objects, and (2) arlicles, pictures, dooaments, *»d hooks illustrative of th* early European history of Taranaki. Mr Jrl. D, Skinner's is a specialised one, representing more the industrial #ido of Maori life, and a collection of military badges. Very many of the obje«ta are original and unique, and, if lost, «ould not be replaced. The object ef tie donors in making the gift was to form tha nucleus or foundation of a museum for the preservation of articles and re«ords connected with the history and resources of Taranaki. The conditions attached to the gift included one that a reasonable fireproof and earthquake-proof building be erected, to be used solely as ft museum, amply furnished. The donors pointed out that the present wooden building was unsuitable and dangerous, and they felt that unless the town were prepared to provide a suitable building tluiy were not justified, in handing over their collections. If the tollections were placed jn the present buildings, the chances were that they would never be removed to a better building, and, further, that no one else would add anything of value to the eol)e«tions if so loused, If, on tho other hand, a suitable building were provided, other eollections would be given, and the museum would become ono of which the province might justly feel proud. The Borough Council, on July 14,1915, passed a resolution gratefully accepting the oiler, and deciding to obtain the ratepayers' authority iio comply with the conditions attached to the left.

Aa the town clerk pointed out to the Council in his invaluable report en municipal activities or inactivitea in 1913-lf)14, nothing lias been done, and now Mr \V. 11. Skinner has written T/i!h----drawiiiL' the offer, fie explains that Mr H. 1). Skinner's collection is now being exhibited in the lloekon wing of the Otago University, and will probably be presented to tlio university. Jt is to be hoped that Mr Skinner's collection may yet be secured to the (own, dae, in the years to come, the residents of New Plymouth will have a poor idea of the enterprise and foresight of the present generation.