8.—7

12

whole of the geological collections have been rearranged, the least valuable of the duplicates eliminated, and the rest placed in the cases in which they are to be shown ; but, with the exception of the New Zealand rocks, they have yet to be mounted, labelled, and arranged for exhibition. The principal additions to this gallery are fossils, rocks, and minerals, purchased by Sir J. yon Haast from Dr. Krantz, of Eome, and another small collection received in exchange from the Museum at Eio do Janeiro; also some large and rich specimens of auriferous quartz from the William Tell Mine, Eoss, presented by Mr. J. V. Eoss. Technological Room.- —The technological collection from the ethnological room, and the collection of economic botany from the geological gallery, have been placed here, which was formerly the fossil room. Owing to Canterbury College having established a school of engineering, a large number of models illustrating building and machinery, which were deposited in the museum, have been removed; but the museum still retains as deposits the mining models and some of the larger building models. The principal additions to this room are a collection illustrating the economic botany of India, and another showing the manufacture of Italian Mosaic work, both obtained by Sir J. yon Haast. Library and Herbarium. —The old lecture room has been fitted up as a herbarium and library. The cases containing the herbarium have been arranged along the floor on two sides of the room, and above them have been placed shelves for books. The insect cabinets have been moved into this room, as also has a small collection of small crystals in glass tubes, which is not suitable for exhibition to the public. Tables and chairs have also been placed in it. The herbarium has been enriched by a collection of mosses from Ceylon and from the British Islands, received in exchange for a collection of New Zealand mosses. The whole collection of mosses, both New Zealand and foreign, has been mounted and placed in the cases. The ethnological cabinets want much rearranging. During the year a small collection has been received from Brazil, but it is not yet unpacked. The books belonging to the museum have been removed from the office and placed on the shelves of the library, and the leaves of nearly all have been cut. A large number both of books and periodicals urgently require binding, but a commencement has been made with thirteen volumes, chiefly of New Zealand 'scientific reports and catalogues. To the library has been added, in addition to the usual donations from scientific societies, eight volumes purchased from Lady yon Haast; a complete set of the " Mineralogical Magazine," presented by Mr. J. D. Enys ; and fifty-six volumes, chiefly geological, presented by the Acting-Director. Conclusion. —During the year the museum has been open to the public on 264 week-days and on 42 Sundays, or 306 days in all. Between the Ist July and the 15th October, 1887, when the museum was closed, the number of visitors registered by the turnstile was 24,747, or an average of 2,250 a week. From the 28th November to the 9th April, 1888, when the turnstiles were removed, the number registered was 54,925, or an average of 2,969 a week. Further information will be found in Appendix D. I attach other appendices showing the presentations to the museum during the year, the purchases which have been made, and the exchanges which have taken place. In conclusion, I have to thank the Directors of the New Zealand Shipping Company for carrying exchanges free of cost, and the Inspector of Police for allowing a constable to be present on Sunday afternoons. I have, &c, F. W. Hutton. The Chairman, Board of Governors, Canterbury College. Acting-Director. [Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation, nil; printing, exclusive of plans (1,575 copies), £9.]

Authority: Geobge Didsbury, Government Printer, Wellington.—lBBB.