CORRESPONDENCE.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 212, 13 September 1870, Page 2

CORRESPONDENCE.

We are not responsible for our Correspondents'

opinions

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. To the Editor of the Evening- Stab.

g IB| —Having lately observed several letters respecting the above mis-named Institute, I beg you will insert a few lines from me, a late subscriber, in explanation of my experience and my reasons for discontinuing to attend, even to my great loss. During my visits I only noticed two other mechanics, and they left from the same cause as myself—the studied incivility and disobliging manner of the Secretary. At Home, in Australia and Tasmania, mechanics when at their Institutes are, from my experience, treated with as much respect as any of the members, whoever they may be, and if one wishes to support this Institute in his recreation and mental improvement he is met with contumely and indignity. On asking Mr. Talbot lor a book on one occasion, he told me in an insulting manner I must buy a catalogue and write out a list of a number of books, as he could not be expected to go round the room and seek books for everyone. I did as he dictated, and on my return to change the book I had taken, he said he had lost the list; and on my naming another, pretended to look about where he was sitting and said it was out, and looking as if to add " don't bother me any more," and it was not long that I did trouble this martyr to overwork, as being desirous of referring; to a book from the reading-room library, I civilly asked for the key; was told it was in the room. Made every search and enquiry, and not finding it, reported so to him, and had the satisfaction of being told that he had not got it, •" I might find it where I could." After that I withdrew, and with many others will not again subscribe unless a change is made in the management; even this day I met a friend who had a book from the library in his pocket. He told me he had read it some two days since, but if he went so soon for another Mr. Talbot would "bite his head off." The building is well enough, and the long-room, instead of being let as a dancing saloon tri-weekly, would soon be well fiiled with mechanics, if they were treated as they ought—in a way to induce them. Mechanics, sir, do not care to dress after a day's work, but as a rule make themselves decent; and should their appearance be the reason of Mr. Talbot's uncourteous bearing, the sooner another Institute is established the better, or we have the Christian Young Men's Society, aud how different the manners of the librarian there.

The extension of the hours will be a great boon to mechanics, and if any alterations as required takes place, there will, I am confident, be no lack of support from those who only -wait the time to make it their duty to advance the interests of the Institute. —I am, Sec, Axothee Mechanic.