THE NEW PLYMOUTH MUSEUM. The preservation of historic records is one of the means whereby generations can realise the life and habits of their forebears, and the importance of gathering together--such a priceless collection as that which Messrs W. H. and H. D. Skinner have handed over to the Borough Council and are deposited in the new museum, which was formally opened yesterday, cannot be overestimated. The life and work of our early settlers brought them in contactunhappily also in conflict—with the Natives, and the record of the progress of the district would assuredly be incomplete unless it contained those tangible evidences of Maori customs and equipments which illustrate their mode of life in peace and war and afford a striking illustration of the advance that civilisation has made since early times. The collector is of far greater value to the community than the historian, for
the result of his labors is a reality, and not a theory. It is, therefore, not easy to adequately express the feeling of gratitude that is due from the people of the Dominion, and especially the residents of Tarnnaki, towards the two publicspirited donors of the Skinner collection for generously handing over for the benefit of present and future generations the results of a lifetime's effort to gather together such fine specimens of Native articles as that which will henceforth be open to inspection by all comers. Incidentally, this great gift has been the means of adding a museum to Now Plymouth that cannot fail to be an additional attraction of the town. All too rare are these evidences of the true public spirit to be found; therefore it is nil the more credit to Messrs Skinner, whose example should bo a stimulant to others to do all in their power to benefit the. district in which they reside, \yhile it is more rare to fmd_ father and son joined in a work of national importance and handing down to posterity the result of their efforts. So far as words could serve, Mr. Johnstone ably expressed the grateful sentiments of the community towards Messrs Skinner, but it is for the public to show their real appreciation of this splendid gift by taking a (keen interest in its preservation, as well as in studying its details, and to assist towards its expansion.
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Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1919, Page 4
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387Untitled Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1919, Page 4
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