LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 January 1920, Page 3

LIBRARY AND MUSEUM.

Mr John Balllie, librarian and curator of the New Plymouth library and Z72 ? h f m ° nthl - 7 re states that the nunber of subscriber is now oUI. He suggested that, outside purely reference book,, any book might be taken out by subscribers. "The library" he reported, "could be strongly developMl in sections that would appeal to raranak. folk generally. Booh on dairying and farming generally should be strongly represented. For the comiV winter a series of popular lectures 0 n literary and scientific subjects could be lars but a branch of the tf.Z. Institute could no doubt, be formed here. Alec ure hall would have to be arranged for tot perhaps the Hempton rooin would be available. Failing that, the museum itself would be quite suitable "As regards the museum I am glad to report the attendance still keeps up and many visitors have looked in during the holidays. It would be very helpful and ol great assistance if a small committee of experts could be arranged for 1 ieel sure that much good would accrue trom getting the personal Interest of more people. I am particularly interested in the formation of a leally fine herbarium here, and during this season would be glad of help to procure specimens. It might be possible to get more enthusiasts to work toward a collection of our local moths, butterflies and shells Perhaps a society, to be called "Friends of the Museum," could be formed, who would contribute, sav, 10s 6d a year towards purchases and thereby take a personal interest in the work of development. I have great hopes that the coming "Museum Day" will h/ing forth many gifts."

Recent gifts to the library and'museum are as follows:—German history of Franco-Prussian war (Mr. It. A. Cattley), Dictionary of N.Z. Language (Williams) (Mr. A. E. Watkins), Atlantis and Lemuria (Steiner) (Mrs. Greenwood), The Literature relating to NewZealand (Mr. A. E. Watkins), Color in the Home (Dureen) (Mr. Brooker), The Forest Flora of New Zealand (K'rk) 'Mr. A. H. Johnstone). Loans: Water color "Mount Eg'mont," by Mr. F. H, Arden; two engarvines Mrs. J. C. Davies. '

Gifts: 1 revolver, Mr. Goldwater (Sydney), per Mr. Penn; five specimens, Mr. J. Frasev Paterson, Kaimiro; one Georgian silver coin, Mr. F. P. Butler; one flint lock pistol, Mr. S. W. Shaw; one silk programme entertainment, Mr. It. E. Brown; one Japanese carved stick, Mr. MofFlin; 1 kiwi feather kit, Mr. H. J. Tree; three watercolor drawings of old New Plymouth, Mrs. MeKinncy; one Maori cartridge, badges of the (i3th Regiment and Militia, pieces of silk from Taranaki Rifle flag, Mr. Reg. Bayly; plan of New Plymouth, 1841," Mr.' Gordon; feather kit, piu-piu, rifle, Mr. F. A. Car'": rington.