C Thomson ‘Give us a city museum' (March 7). I am not in favour of a museum. The belief that establishing one will attract many additional visitors to Tauranga is misguided. It won't.

A museum is a museum where-ever you travel. Tauranga's museum, as far as NZ goes, would not be at all unique. Many of the Maori artefacts in storage are unfortunately not worth putting on display. There is far more to Bay of Plenty history than just that of Maori. If a museum ever does get off the ground, it should definitely include a Maori section but not at the expense of everything else. There is European, Chinese history, local wars, both World Wars, the development of the city and its environs, including the magnificent port etc etc, to be included.

Tauranga City Council has stated any museum will be funded privately and ratepayers will not be expected to subsidise it. Councillors may support a museum. They will agree to finance it with ratepayers' contributions at their peril. Volunteers could run the museum with a minimum of paid staff. A small entry fee should be charged to help cover costs and a café would be a good idea.

Roger Bailey, Papamoa.