Sydney Morning Herald (NSW : 1842 - 1954), Saturday 24 February 1923, page 18


PAPUAN COLLECTION.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE HERALD.

Sir,-When I passed through Papua on my first visit I observed that a highly valuable ethnological collection could readily be made, and I regretted that I had neither the time nor finances to do so at the moment. The million people that paid admission to see, hear, and learn from "Pearls and Savages," the photographic record of that visit all assisted to finance the recent venture, and enabled me to equip and set out on a larger scale than hitherto. I approached the trustees of the Australian Museum to allow a trained collector and recorder to accompany the party, with the result that my estimable friend, Mr. A. R. McCulloch, joined us. Indefatally he persevered throughout, with the result that a magnificent collection of unique material was secured. Personally, I was just as keen, for we both realised that in a few years much of the material would not be available, owing to the subversion of tribal customs by civilisation.

The Museum, In other words, the public, was expected to pay nothing for the collection. The entire collection was presented, so that it might remain a permanent record of a remarkable people, and as an element of educational value to the community. Had I been commercially inclined, I could have sold the lot in the old world, been a few thousand pounds better off, and probably have unless criticised. One correspondent actually has the puerility to charge me with paying too highly for the Items, and thereby setting a precedent! Surely this gentleman belittles the objects of a great public institution, and makes himself too ludicrous to take seriously. I can assure the public that every item was secured as honourably as the treasures of Luxor, and I doubt not that in the generations to come the confiscated collection will be of equal scientific and public interest. The former, a dazzling record of an amazing and ostentatious civilisation, the latter the humble and primitive emblems of a mysterious ople still dwelling in the Stone Age. It was hoped to display the collection whilst the films were being screened, so that those interested might see the pictures and then visit the Museum and examine the actual objects. Thus an ambitious educational project has been ruined, and, judging by the hundreds of letters' which I have received from school children and others, the Papuan Administration has dis-appointed many by its myopic stupidity, and

to its lasting detriment.

sameness" FRANK HURLEY.

Napier, Beresford-road, Rose Bay. Feb. 2?.