Library Planned As Mechanics Institute

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31088, 17 June 1966, Page 34 (Supplement)

Library Planned As Mechanics Institute

The Canterbury Public Library dates back to 1859, when establishment of a Mechanics’ Institute was proposed. When the plan of Christchurch was first prepared in England, a site for such an institution had been reserved, so the residents petitioned the Superintendent of Canterbury for land to build a large building. The Provincial Council offered a grant instead of property, and the block on the corner of Hereford street and Cambridge terrace was bought for £262 10s, and a tender of £1169 was accepted for erection of the building. A change of name to the Christchurch Literary Institute was made nine years later. After five years in this role the committee conferred with the governors of Canterbury University College and moved to place control under the Superintendent of the Province of “a public circulating library OSStawp

the site, building, and books, which were “from time to time to be supplemented and increased so as to satisfy future requirements.” The reading room was to be free and the circulating library open free to the public or, at the discretion of the management, at a charge of 20s a year. Since the City Council took over in 1949, largescale renovations have been made to the historic building so that the large circulating department, the valuable reference collections, children’s library, and other amenities may better serve all those who love books. But use of the library has extended so much that the space is well overtaxed. The council is already looking to the future, when the library will be forced to move. The scheme for the development of the town hall and civic administration site in

The days when horses galloped to fires with clanging bells, when City Council draught horses were unharnessed from their drays to gallop to fires have long since gone. Christchurch fire protection today is provided by a brigade administered by a board which includes “metropolitan” in its title, and it is truly metropolitan in its area which extends right through the built-up area.

A complete coverage of the greater Christchurch district is given by permanently-manned stations in five suburbs as well as the central headquarters station. Also in the board’s district are three volunteer brigades. The board comprises representatives of the Fire Underwriters’ Association, the City Council, a representative of the outside local bodies and a Government appointee.