50 years ago

HAMILTON City Council will ask the Victorian Government for increased financial assistance for the Hamilton Art Gallery. Council will put its case for a bigger subsidy to the director of the Ministry of Arts, Mr. Eric Westbrook when he visits Hamilton in February. Because of the rare collection housed in the gallery, the council believes it has a strong case for special assistance. Late last year a council deputation to the Premier, Mr. Hamer, was supported by Mr. Westbrook. Council submitted a case for a review of the Government’s subsidy because of the extensions and increased collections at the gallery which resulted in the need for a bigger staff. The town clerk Mr. Tim Neville, said yesterday that at the time the Premier had said when the Ministry of Arts was established, Hamilton’s case would get first priority for investigation.