Sessional_Paper_1938 — Page 15

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COLLECTIONS TO BE MADE FROM LOCAL MATERIAL.

1. ARCHAEOLOGY.-This is a large branch and the amount of work required to clear up problems that already confront us will take years but something might be arranged and displayed after a few months time with the help of loan collections.

2. NATURAL HISTORY. Here again a vast field presents itself but one or two groups might be tackled and completely dealt with in a short time, e.g., the Snakes, of which about 30 species are known. A representative collection of Butterflies might be displayed after a very short time possibly supplemented by loan collections,

3. GEOLOGY. A representative collection of the rocks and minerals of the Colony could be arranged almost immediately,

The museum must have its own journal er access to a journal of established repute. We suggest for consideration that the Hong Kong Naturalist, now in its ninth year, should be considered as convenient medium for the publication of researches. The writing and publication of simple books would follow naturally and here co-operation with the University and Education Department would be most valuable.

(d) Finance of the Museum.

We think it probable that the Empire Grants Committee of the Museums Association would make a grant towards the initial cost of the building and its equipment. Our Chairman spoke some years ago to the Secretary of that Committee, Mr. S. F. Markham, on this subject and was told that no grant would be considered unless :--

(1) A properly qualified Curator were appointed.

(2) The authorities concerned gave definite proof that they intended to continue active support of the institution. The first annual report and other relevant papers are included in the Appendix as enclosures B, C* and D*.

2. The Colonial Development Fund might be willing to give a grant towards the initial cost. The Hon. Mr. S. Caine was at one time Secretary of this Fund and could be asked for his advice.

3. It is probable that certain wealthy Chinese might be willing to make dona- tions, if approached in the right manner. We think the best way of acknowledging such donations would be to follow the custom in force at the British Museum, where a tablet is affixed to the wall on which is inscribed the details of the gift. This would obviate a difficulty that might arise were a room named after the donor; he might wish to exhibit his own gifts or loans and expect that his advice be sought on its use.

If and when a public appeal is launched for gifts of money towards the building or endowment, emphasis should be laid on the fact that the museum is for the Chinese and for the study of Chinese art and natural history, and that therefore the idea should especially appeal to the cultured Chinese of the Colony.

4. We consider that an endowment fund should be established, the revenue from which would be devoted to museum interests. A possible way of augmenting this would be by Government releasing a special postage stamp issue and devoting the entire profits from the sale to the fund.

A number of the Chinese and foreign business firms might be willing to give an annual grant to this fund. Appeals might be launched through the Chambers. of Commerce represented on the Board of Directors.

5. Government should be prepared to meet annual charges of upkeep and salaries. Here it must be mentioned that no museum of this type should be con-

* See Appendix II for enclosure B. Enclosures C and D are not printed.

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