NEW ZEALAND ART

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 December 1940, Page 7

NEW ZEALAND ART

CENTENNIAL EXHIBITION COLLECTION ON DISPLAY IN MASTERTON. OPENING YESTERDAY AFTERNOOF There was a large attendance at the official opening of the New Zealand Centennial Exhibition of New Zealand Art which took place in the Municipal Hall, Masterton, yesterday afternoon The deputy-maycr, Mr W. White, presided. There were also present local body representatives and Mr J. Robertson, M.P., and Mrs Robertson. Mr White apologised for the unavoidable absence of the Mayor, Mr T. Jordan "New Zealand has nothing to be ashamed of in its artists. Indeed wt all feel very proud of the wonderful display on these walls,” said Mr White in declaring the exhibition officially opened. He expressed pleasure at the action of the Government in making the exhibition possible. “The exhibition of New Zealand art arranged by the Government covers r wide range not only in years but in styles of painting and outlook,” said Mrs Murray Fuller, under whose care the exhibition has completed a tour of the North Island. "Without these pictures we' would know little of the history of our country. While it is true that appreciation of art denotes progress in citizenship the great appeal in this exhibition lies in the story it tells of people and places in New Zealand.”

“The spoken and even the written history can change as time passes but the picture remains as it appeared tc the artists —a faithful realisation ot conditions and peoples as he or she saw them,” said Mrs Fuller. Art galleries, museums, libraries and private owners had lent works to make the exhibition. The history of New Zealand in a thrilling one—indeed a great adventure.” she said. “The exhibition' covers more than the 100 years we are celebrating; it goes as far back as 1642, the date of the illustration from Abel Tasman’s diary. Tradition was brought first hand from Englandsound British tradition. It takes a long while to appreciate art in a new country but the pioneers after their battle with nature devoted their time and attention to the higher things of life and deserve our admiration for what they have given, us.” Surveyors and engineers who came to New Zealand. Richmond, Gully and Gillgillan, hac left sketches and drawings of great value. Sir William Fox was an accomplished water colour artist and had left a sketch of Wanganui he had drawn in 1857. Mrs Fuller emphasised the value of the exhibition to students and school children and referred to the fact that art exhibitions were being continued in England. The exhibition, which will be open until December 11 is being largely attended. The stage is occupied by the magnificent Coronation picture and the walls of the hall are covered with specially hung pictures which range from landscape to contemporary Maori art.