Page:Municipal Handbook of Auckland 1922.djvu/96

 aries, whalers, and traders until the advent of British sovereignty. The stirring days of conflict with the Maoris, which passed away in the 'sixties, are also well represented. The City's history may be followed in the same way from 1840–70.

The Museum owes its origin chiefly to the suggestion of Messrs. Leys and Shaw, who were impressed with the Early Settlers' Museum, Dunedin. From the time the scheme was launched, during Mr. Parr's Mayoralty, the citizens are greatly indebted to the numerous donors who have presented items to the collection, and especially to Sir Edwin Mitchelson, M.L.C., Mr. T. W. Leys, LL.D., and Mr. Henry Brett, for the time, thought, nnd money which they have spent upon it.

The items contained in the Museum now total 750. The only regret in connection with the Museum is the inadequacy of the accommodation wherein to exhibit satisfactorily the objects of interest which it contains. JOHN BARR, Chief Librarian and Director.