Notes

Abstract

ON Wednesday, June 26, his Majesty the King will lay the foundation-stone of the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. It will be remembered that this institution was created by Royal Charter in 1907, Sir Alfred Thomas (now Lord Pontypridd) being the first president, Lord Mostyn vice-president, and Major-General Sir Ivor Herbert treasurer. The preliminary steps of constituting the court of governors and the council took a considerable time, and it was not until the end of 1908 that a director of the museum was appointed. Dr. W. E. Hoyle, formerly head of the Manchester Museum, was selected for the post, and began his duties in March, 1909. The schedule of requirements for the proposed building was next drawn up, and three assessors, Sir Aston Webb,. Mr. J. J. Burnet, and Mr. E. T. Hall were appointed, and an open competition for designs was organised. As a result, Messrs. Smith and Brewer, of Gray's Inn, were successful, and their design was subjected to careful criticism with the aid of such experts as the late Dr. A. B. Meyer, of Dresden, and Dr. F. A. Bather. In September of last year the work of excavation was begun on the site, and the walls are now up to the level of the ground. It is expected that the ceremony will be attended by representatives of the more important museums in the northern hemisphere, including delegates from the American Museum of Natural History and the Metropolitan Museum of New York. The Treasury has promised to contribute half the cost of the building conditionally on the other half being raised by the council. It is confidently hoped that the wealthy men of the Principality will rise to the occasion.