KAITANGATA ATHENAUAM.

Clutha Leader, Volume XXXV, Issue 2141, 4 August 1908, Page 5

KAITANGATA ATHENAUAM.

The annual general icfeoting of subscribers to tho Kaitangata Athenaeum was held on Thursday evening, Mr Souness in tho chair. The report and balance-fheet showed the institution to ue in a sound and prosperous condition. The membership roll showed the number of subscribers to bo about equal t« last year; several old member*" have left the district, but these have been replaced by new subscribers during the year. Income shows an advaace on last year, the expenditure alio being a little higher. During the year an arrangement was come to wheroby six ol the latest books are forwarded to the institution every month. Tho committee thought this a better idea than buying a large number of beoM once or twice a year, while it also keeps the library right up to date in the way of literature. Tho experiment is working satisfactory. For a number of years the library has been a sort of bugbear to the committee. On several occasions suggestions have been made for alterations to tho building, but nothing cunie of it. However, the committee took the matter up seriously some two or three months ago, and decided to go on with tho work. The alterations have been iinished 'now for a week or two, and are certainly a great improvement. Tho library has been enlarged and placed on the sunny, side of the building. The reading-room has also been renovated, the whole building presenting tjuite a smart and tasty appearance. The following papers are still laid on tho table, tree of charge, with unfailing regularity, and the thanks of the committee afld subscribers are due to the proprietors for their continued generosity':—Southland Times, Wyndham Farmer, Wyndham Herald, Ciutha Leader, Free Press, Bruce Herald, Milton Minor, Tapanui Courier, Farmers' Union Advocate, The following officers wero elected for tho ensuing year :—Committee— Messrs P. Souness, T. Wilson, G., Aitchison, G. Middlemass, C. Uale, and; W. Boyian (all re-elected). Trustee, Mr H. Cornish (re-tleoted). Auditor, Mr McFadyen (re-elected). At a meeting of committee, held after the annual meeting, Mr Souness was re-elected chairman, Mr G. Aitchison re-elected hon. sec. and treas. ; meeting night, second Tuesday in the month. Mr Soilness, in nattering terms, moved a very hearty vote ol thanks to Mr G. Aitchison for the very appreciable and üblo manner in which lie has carried on tho work ol hon. see. an treas. during the four and a-half years he has held oflce. Seconded by Mr Middlemass, and carried by acclamation.