THE LEYS INSTITUTE.

Auckland Star, Volume LI, Issue 114, 13 May 1920, Page 7

THE LEYS INSTITUTE.

A RECORD TEAK. ANNUAL MEETING OF MEMBERS. The annual meeting of members of the !Leys Institute, Fonsonby, was held last evening in the lecture hall, the president, Mr. T. W. Leys, occupying the chair. The annual report waa read by Professor Maxwell Walker, M.A., in the absence of Mr. T. U. Welle, M.A., hon. see. The committee stated that they had pleasure in recording a noteworthy advance in every department of library work. The books added during the year numbered 993, of which 743 were gifts of Mr. T. W. Leys, whose donations to the library now amount to 15,521 volumes. The total stock in the library ie 22,532. There are 4164 books in the division devoted to useful arte, fine arts and science; 134 new books had been adiled to this section during the year. This room has recently ibeen enlarged and ie greatly used by students; the books left on the table shewed that 221!) were consulted during the year, besides were returned to the shelves. The number of subscribers to the lffiding branch hae increased by 102, and the total number on the roll now is 582. The additions to this section during the year were 597 volumes, representing two new books for every day upon which the library was open. The total issues of books and magazines was 32,688, an increase of 6444 over the circulation in the preceding year. During the year 396 books were added to the reference library, which now contains 12,776 volumes. The attendance showed a satisfactory increase. The reading and recreation-room for boye continues to be one of the most successful departments of the Institute's work. Owing to the excellent physical instruction in public schools and the drafting of boye into cadet and territorial corps, there had been a great falling off in the attendance at the gymnasium, and the committee had therefore accepted an offer by the president to fit up that building for. carrying on an enlarged scheme of boye' work. The alterations had involved the construction of a new entrance hall, painting and- renovation throughout, installation of electric lighting and other changes which had given the hall a bright and attractive appearance. The room is furnished with a good juvenile library and numerous illustrated papers and magazines.

The revenue showed a substantial increase, which was counterbalanced by a proportionately heavy expenditure. The subsidy front the William Leys Truet had been supplemented by the president, and the year closed with a credit balance of £18 2/6. The report stated: "Aβ come mkapprehension appears' to exist on the subject, it may be men tioited that the Leys Institute, during the fifteen ye»re of Hβ existence, him not imposed a«y charge for its maintenance upon the city library rate or any other city fund."

Councillors Bagnall and Savage and Mr. McMath and Professor Walker spoke in cordial terms of the excellent work done by the Inet/tute and offered their ■warm congratulations to the president.

Mesere T. U. Wells, W. McMath, and Profeeepr M. Walker were re-elected members,.of the eqmmittee. •