COUNCIL GRANT RECOMMENDED

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21813, 19 June 1936, Page 12

COUNCIL GRANT RECOMMENDED

Upkeep of Public Library A CONFERENCE HELD The announcement that the finance committee of the City Council had recommended that a substantial grant be made for the upkeep of the Canterbury Public Library, and that he had no doubt that the grant would be approved by the council, was made last evening by Cr. E. H. Andrews, chairman of the committee, when speaking at a public meeting convened under the auspices of the Canterbury Progress League to consider means of improving the reference library. He added that if other local bodies also gave contributions a good start would be made. The City Council might be able to do more next year, and at some future time it might be possible to arrange with the college council to have a new building erected. A telegram was received from the Minister for Industries and Commerce (the Hon. D. G. Sullivan) stating that the existing library situation in Christchurch was unlike that of any other New Zealand city, ahd that the establishment of a co-ordinated library system and an adequately financed reference library would be of tremendous value. The Minister added, however, that he Regretted that, in view of the commitments already entered on by the Government, it would not be possible favourably to consider an application for financial assistance for libraries during this financial year.

A letter was received from the Minister for Labour (the Hon. H. T. Armstrong) expressing interest in the scheme. Cr. Andrews said he did not think the Canterbury College Council would be willing to give up control of the library. It had done well, but, like a great many other local bodies, had suffered in the depression.

Comparisons With Other Cities

Cr, J. Guthrie, who presided, referred to the amounts contributed for libraries by councils in other centres compared with that in Christchurch. Auckland gave £IO.OOO a year from the rates, Wellington £7OOO, Dunedin £SOOO, and Timaru £2OOO. The Christchurch City Council provided less than £7OO for its suburban libraries only. He said that he had not a single word of disparagement for the college council. It had been through difficult times. In the early days its endowments had been enough, but with shrinkage of income and greater demands on the library they were now inadequate. It was now suggested to add to the resources of the library from other sources.

Dr. Guthrie referred to the negotiations between the city and college councils, which were still proceeding, and to the movement among scientific and technical bodies for forward and up-to-date action in the work of the reference library. Professor J. Shelley said that the pioneers had made such good provision that there was a tendency merely to be proud of this instead of caring for the present. He advocated the cultural value of libraries and expressed the hope that the Government would recognise that provision for libraries was a corollary to the reduction of working hours. Mr J. E. Strachan said that the value of libraries was not merely for the expert, but for the masses, to provide an urge for progress that would inspire leaders and political experts to do their work.

The Hon. J. A. McCullough urged that the Government should be pressed to give assistance, even though Mr Sullivan had stated that this could not be done this year. Mr F. W. J. Belton said that there was no Goverftment to give assistance when the library was established, and Canterbury should now stand on her own feet; she could find the means to have a better library. Cr. F. D. Sargent advocated a central library, the resources of which should be available to suburban libraries. The electors would have to face the music. The City Council should be prepared to vote something for the extension of the library. Need For Public Support of Bate After Cr. Andrews had announced the recommendation of a grant, Cr. G. Manning said that the council would be glad to put on a rate if the people were willing to pay it. Mr J. J. W. Pollard, who had experience of library work in Invercargill, made a suggestion that as well as striking a rate the library authorities should call on various industries to supply books needed by those working in the industries and not merely to contribute a few pounds. This method had been adopted in Invercargill. Mr. C. W. Collins advocated municipal control of the libraries, as in the United States and Great Britain. The meeting passed resolutions stressing the need for access to an up-to-date library and the inadequacy of the reference library in Christchurch, and urging the college council to take immediate steps to bring the library up to the highest state of efficiency permitted by its own resources and the support of the Government, local bodies, trade and professional societies, and users of the library.

The following committee was appointed to carry out the aims of the resolution:—Messrs T. Bain (chairman), F. D. Sargent, J. E. Strachan, M. W. Stevens, A. G. Russell, F. O. Andrews, H. J. Beck, J. R. Templin, G. Manning, A. A. Mackwell, F. W. J. Belton, G. F. Allen, Odell, C. W. Collins, w. E. Davidson, and Dt. John Guthrie.