XV. 



NOTES ON THE WORK 



OF MR. P. J. RUFFORD FOR THE 



HASTINGS MUSEUM. 



In putting these notes together I feel I am perform- 

 ing an urgent duty, the more pressing since during 

 Mr. Rufford's life his innate modesty kept him ever in the 

 background, so that for many years the part which he 

 took in promoting the Hastings Museum was scarcely 

 understood, and his name in Hastings unknown outside a 

 small circle of fellow workers. 



Mr. Rufford's first connection with the Museum 

 was through the sale of the effects of the late 

 Mr. S. H. Beckles, F.R.S., F.GKS., in April, 1891. 



The Museum Committee was then fully organised, and 

 a grant had been obtained from the Committee for the 

 purchase of specimens. I was fortunate enough to 

 accidentally meet Mr. Rufford not knowing him even by 

 name and seeing him interested in the collection which he 

 was explaining to a boy by his side, I came up and spoke 

 to him, From this chance acquaintance a friendship 

 sprang up between myself and Mr. Rufford, which was 

 fruitful of so much during the last ten years for myself 

 and the Museum. I shall always look with pleasure upon 

 those days, at the same time regretting that they are 

 ended. 



To return to the Beckles' sale. I then mentioned the 

 position of the Museum Committee as purchaser; and 

 Mr. Rufford gladly consented to give me his advice as to 

 what to purchase. 



The Beckles' sale was an important step in the history 

 of the Museum, because a home had to be found for the 

 purchases. The Brassey Institute second floor was 

 granted by the Town Council, and a beginning was 

 made. In the minutes of April 2nd, 1892, I find a vote 

 of thanks was passed to Mr. Rufford for his 

 valuable aid in selecting fossils at the Beckles' sale, and 

 again reference is made in the minutes of November 2nd, 

 1891, to expenses voted for removal of geological remains 

 from Cliff End, Fairlight, to the Brassey Institute. 

 This referred to the Iguanodon foot-print sand- cast now 

 at the Museum which he presented. 



