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ANNUAL REPORT OF THE COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT OF THE NATIONAL ART GALLERY FOR THE YEAR ENDED 31st MARCH, 1948 Committee of Management of the National Art Gallery G. G. Gibbes Watson, M.A., LL.B. (Chairman) ; Messrs. Stanley W. Fearn, A.R.1.8.A. ; W. S. Wauchop, MA. ; Archibald F. Nicoll, 0.8. E. ; Cedric Savage; Nugent Welch ; Robert N. Field, A.R.C.A. ; H. Webster Nash, M.8., F.R.C.S.E. Director : S. B. Maclennan, A.R.C.A. Secretary; R. D. Gore. Obituary The untimely death of Mr. E. D. Gore is recorded with deep regret. Mr. Gore filled the position of Secretary-Manager of the Gallery with distinction and conspicuous success. His sterling character, charm of personality, and resolute devotion to duty in spite of physical frailty, earned for him a high place in the art world of New Zealand and an even higher place in the admiration and affection of those with and for whom he worked. Appointment of Director and Secretary The Committee being of the opinion that it would be impossible to find a successor to Mr. Gore who had the qualifications for both the secretarial work and the management of the National Gallery, recommended to the Board of Trustees that the Gallery staff be reorganized ; that a Director be appointed to undertake the management and educational work of the Gallery, and that a Secretary be appointed to undertake the secretarial work of the Gallery. These recommendations were given effect to, and Mr. S. B. Maclennan was appointed as Director and Mr. R. D. Gore as Secretary. The appointment of Mr. Maclennan as the first Director of the National Gallery is an important milestone in the progress of the Gallery and should lead to a wide spread of its cultural influence. Meetings Three meetings of the Committee were held during the year. General The restoration of the National Art Gallery buildings has occupied the attention of the Committee and a satisfactory method of repairing the walls has been worked out. In the meantime the activities of the Gallery have continued at the temporary premises in the D.I.C. Building. It is hoped that the renovation work will be completed early in 1949. Acquisitions The following is a list of works acquired : " Drawing of a Child," by George Woods, purchased by the Committee. Mezzotint by Dame Laura Knight, R.A., presented by W. Fergusson Hogg, Esq. Library One hundred and three books were added to the Reference Library during the year. Educational Sets of reproductions with accompanying lectures illustrating the history of painting have been sent to the art galleries at Auckland, Wanganui, Napier, and Nelson, and will be sent to Christchurch and Dunedin. The Committee is grateful to the galleries for their co-operation in inviting post-primary school parties to visit the exhibitions.

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