408 JOURNAL OF SCIENCEe 
mentioned that arrangements had been made for the employment of a 
permanent taxidermist. Unfortunately the workman selected died 
before assuming the duties of the office, and considerable delay ensued. 
The council have to acknowledge the services of Professor H. A. Ward, 
of Rochester, U.S.A., for his kindness in selecting a competent work- 
man, who has lately arrived in Auckland. A complete list of all 
additions and donations, many of which are of special interest, will be 
found appended to the report. With the facilities afforded by better 
accommodation and increased revenue, the council trust to gradually 
render as complete as possible the collections illustrating the natural 
history of the colony, believing that this should be the chief aim of a 
local museum. At the same time it is hoped that progress will be made 
in forming such small type collections as may be necessary to give to the 
student or intelligent visitor a correct idea of the main facts connected 
with the structure and classification of the component parts of the 
various kingdoms of Nature. 
Art Collections.—The thanks of the citizens of Auckland are again 
due to Mr. J. T. Mackelvie for an important addition to the already 
extensive list of works of art presented by him to the sity. The collec- 
tion received contains three oil paintings by Helmsley, Gilardi, and 
Constantini; 27 framed water-colour drawings, mostly by the late A. P. 
Newton and H. B. Willis, and a portfolio of water-colour and pencil 
sketches by good masters. As is the case with all Mr. Mackelvie’s art 
gifts, these are deposited in the Museum on the understanding that it 
sball be in the power of the donor to withdraw them whenever a build- 
ing more eeppoially devoted to art shall have been erected in Auckland. 
Mention should also be made of an excellent life-size photograph of 
Tawhaio, presented to the Museum by Mr. G. 8S. Graham. The Free 
School of Art has been kept up as usual during the year with a fair 
attendance of students. The expenses of the school are still altogether 
borne by Dr. Campbell. 
Library.—A grant of £41 has been paid by the Government during 
the year, under the provisions of the Public Libraries’ Subsidies Act. 
This has been expended in the purchase of standard scientific works, a 
list of which is appended. The usual exchanges and contributions from 
foreign societies have also been received, together with several miscel- 
laneous donations, among which is an interesting and valuable addition 
presented by Mr. H. Shaw. The importance of extending the Library, 
and of rendering it more useful to students and scientific workers, is 
fully recognised by the council, and it is hoped that arrangements may 
soon be made under which a fixed sum may be yearly applied to the 
purchase of books. 
Office-bearers.—President, Mr. J. A. Pond; Vice-Presidents, Bishop 
Cowie, and Judge Seth Smith ; Council, Messrs. Steele and Mackechnie, © 
and Professor Thomas; Auditor, Mr. Thos. Macffarlane. 
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