The Evening Star. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1870.

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

The Evening Star. TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 1870.

The meeting of the members of the Mechanics' Institute, convened for this evening, is deserving of more than ordinary notice. It ia held for a special purpose, and appears, according to a rule of the institute, confined to " members;" but we candidly own that we should be glad to see it made the occasion of a free fight over all the wrongs, real or alleged, of the institute, and that all who avail themselves of the establishment, and bear a share in its support, should take an interest in the proceedings. We have been in the way of hearing complaints, and we are weary of them; and we believe it would conduce to the interests of the institute, and to the peace of all parties, if there is no attempt to suppress the free discussion of grievances and eliciting the real sentiments of supporters.

It is doubtless a wise rule that limits the control of the affairs of the institute mainly to those who are enrolled in permanent membership, but as an establishment depending wholly on popular suffrage, it is essential that every stone of stumbling and rock of offence should be removed out of the way of the public, and every inducement given the outside world to become connected even as monthly members. It is folly to say that because a mechanic pays a shilling a month to the reading room his views and feelings are not worth considering. He pays the fixed price fbj?-, what he wants, namely, the readingroom ; and the member who pays for the library and uses it does nothing more. In the matter of payment, they stand on an equal platform, and neither can despise the other. And though a rule of the institution places the voting in the hands of the more permanent member, yet in a matter of convenience to the subscribers to the reading-room, any ignoring of their 'opinions will be attended with ill results. The closing of the readingroom at nine o'clock is suicidal. It is tantamount to limiting its advantages to about one hour in the twentyfour ; and must prevent its being largely used by the class for which it is mainly intended. "Whether the iew pennies extra consumed in gas will be recouped is beside the question. The lopping-off the hour between nine and ten strikes at the root of success in the reading-room, and as well might the question be entertained of shutting off the gas altogether, and closing at sunset as a matter of economy. We trust that

the meeting to-night will be crowded both by members and subscribers, and that the conductors of it will allow ':he utmost latitude in the ventilation of grievances.