THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. A VALUABLE PRESENT OF BOOKS.

Evening Post, Volume XLV, Issue 146, 23 June 1893, Page 2

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY. A VALUABLE PRESENT OF BOOKS.

Mr. C. B. Carter, of London, formerly of Wellington, has again shown his thoughtfulness for this district by presenting the Public Library with no fewer than 60 volumes on or relating to New Zealand. In his letter to the City Council he says : — " Feeling an interest in the success of the Wellington Free Library, I am dosirous of affording you a littlo aid in the shape of a small parcel of books on New Zealand, consisting of 60 volumes I have gathered together and shipped per s.s. Aorangi, freight paid and addressed to you. I will forward tlio eeoond.bill of lading via San Franoisco at the ond of next week. First bill of lading per Aorangi. I present these books to your Library with the i lea that they may be of servioo to you in the way of encouraging others to make similar gifts ; and in this way I hope you may build up a grand library of books on New Zealand, which is as essential as important to your new institution. I presume that when it is mode known to the public that you »r» making a colleotion of this kind you will have many donors of books of the nature indicated. I enclose a iist of the 60 volumes. Two mails ago I posted you a catalogue of the Brixhere Free Library (it was opened about three months ago), whioh, if not too late, I hope may be of service to you in the solection of books for the - formation of your library. The number of volumes in the Brixhere Library is 12,700. The cost of them was .£1,850, and of the land and building £15,000. In the box of books lenoloaaaieoondcatalogne of the above-named library. Trusting the shipment of books may arrive safely and in good order, I am, &0., C. X Oartxr." The letter was read at the Council meeting last night. * Councillor Frasor said, that the gift was invaluable. One of the books went baok to 1828, and others dated from the 30's. He moved that a hearty vote of thanks be passed to the donor, and that the letter just read bo preserved in the records of the Library. The motion was seconded by Councillor Willeston. Tho Mayor said there was no doubt that Mr. Carter had struck a note that the Connoil desired to have sounded. Speaking at the opening of the Library he (the Mayor) had expressed a hope tbat persona might find on their shelves and present to the Council books whioh were valueless to them, but whioh might be very valuable to the library. He joined with Councillor Frwer n urging that Mr. Carter should bo thanked for his valuable gift, and that the letter should be preserved. Councillor Smith also referred to the gift as a most valuable one. Councillor Frasar pointed ont that some of the volumes were presentation oopiw front the authors. tHvifc «M«*ti«*s MIILJ i_ixj.a-1 In