The Evening Star. WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1870.

Auckland Star, Volume I, Issue 266, 16 November 1870, Page 2

The Evening Star. WEDNESDA Y, NOVEMBER 16, 1870.

The meeting of members of the Mechanics' Institute, to be held in the hall to-night, is one of the first importance to the interests of that institution. Proposals have been made from the Council of the Auckland Branch of the New Zealand Institute for a union of interests by the two institutions. And the consideration of the proposal should be taken up in the broad and liberal spirit worthy of the members of a literary and scientific institute. There have been various schemes proposed for raising the Mechanics' Institute to a position of greater usefulness and popularity, but they are attended by so many impossible conditions as to be practically useless. There cannot be a doubt that it would be a fine thing to have a position in the main street, and a building worthy of the object and the position. But from whatever cause arising, the funds of the Institute show no indication that such a thing can be attained during the present generation; and so much indifference is manifested by the outside world towards the Institute in its present state, that apparently no benefit would arise from an appeal to public sympathy. The only prospect before the Institute, apart from the proposal for union with the sister society, is a continuance in the present disreputable locality, and a perpetuation of the unpopularity that seems to hang around it. As a newsroom for the casual accommodation of the lounger, the position in Chancery Lane or in Queen-street, if such were attainable, might be preferred, but for all the real objects which should be get before such an institution, the union with the Auckland Institute would be of inestimable advantage. An airy, healthy, and beautiful locality, with such a building and such appliances as the union would make possible, vould be a good exchange from present circumstances, and in all probability an impetus, at present lacking, would be given to the woi'k of the Institution. We are aware that objection will be felt by some to the proposed change, on the" grounds that there might not be so much convenience to the present I Secretary of the Mechanics' Institute. However, this evil could be obviated by setting apart a wing of the new building for the residence of this gentleman; and if by preliminary negotiation with the Auckland Institute it was arranged that the vie w overlooking the harbour should be so appi-opriated, we have no doubt that even his friends might consider that the Secretary would be more pleasantly accommodated than in the vicinity of Chancerystreet. In fact, instead of this subject presenting any insuperable objection to the removal'to Princes-street, we look on it as an additional motive ; for the increased means of the united institutions would enable the management to suitably reward the urbane and obliging and popular gentleman at present holding the position of Secretary to the Mechanics' Institute. We dwell on this point, because we are aware that the subject v, eighs on some minds, and will probably exercise a considerable though unseen influence on the deliberations of to-night. AYe sincerely trust that the members of the Mechanics' Institute, however, will show themselves animated by higher motives, and looking at the proposal in a spirit worthy of an enlightening and elevating institution, will resolve on what will most conduce to the literary and scientific advancement of the people.