RETIREMENT OF LIBRARIAN

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26524, 12 September 1951, Page 3

RETIREMENT OF LIBRARIAN

PRESENTATION TO MR E. J. BELL

PRAISE FOR SERVICE TO CHRISTCHURCH

Many tributes were paid to the work of Mr E. J. Bell, librarian at the Canterbury Public Library for 39 years, when he was entertained at a farewell function at the Sign of the Takahe last evening. Until about three years ago, when the Christchurch City Council assumed control of the library, it was administered by the Canterbury University College Council, Representatives of both the college council and the City Council were associated in the farewell to Mr Bell, who retired at the end of last month. During the evening, the Mayor (Mr R. M. Macfarlane. M.P.), on behalf of the City Council and citizens, presented a chiming clock to Mr Bell. The chairman of the Canterbury College Council (Mr W. J. Cartwright) said the college council had known Mr Bell for about half a generation. He had come to the library when it was a relatively small institution, and as it had grown, so had Mr Bell grown in respect and esteem. He had become part and parcel of the library—“a ouiet, unassuming, friendly, lovable fellow, who lived for his library.”

Aid Given Teachers Mr Cartwright also expressed appreciation of Mr Bell’s work on behalf of school teachers and pupils. Mr Bell, he said, had been practically responsible for the development of the city and suburban school library service. „ The chairman of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Library Association (Mr K. A. R. Horn) recalled that Mr Bell had been president and secretary of the association and the founder of its bulletin. Before coming to New Zealand, Mr Bell had been active in the British Library Association and the Library Assistants’ Association. Mr Horn also referred to Mr Bell’s success in training others for library work. The chairman of the library committee of the City Council (Cr. P. M. Velvin), who presided at the function, said Mr Bell had made a place for himself in the community which would be hard to fill. The chairman of the finance and by-laws committee of the City Council (Cr. J. E. Tait) spoke of Mr Bell’s co-operation in the transfer of the library to City Council control. His service to the city had been outstanding, said Cr. Tait. Mr Bell’s Reply

“I am sure my retirement will be a veritable pleasure garden,” said Mr Bell, in his speech of thanks. “I hope I will be spared for many years to use the Public Library and read some of the books I have wanted to read " During the evening, the Mayoress (Mrs Macfarlane) presented a bouquet to Mrs Bell. / The new librarian (Mr R. N. O’Reilly) and Mrs O’Reilly were welcomed.

Musical items were given by Misses Grace Torkington and Romola Griffiths and Mr George Burtenshaw. Mrs Maisie McNair was accompanist. Mr J. W. Huggins led community singing.