LIBRARY SERVJCE

Evening Post, Volume CXVIII, Issue 57, 5 September 1934, Page 10

LIBRARY SERVJCE

BRANCHES ASKED FOR

ISLAND AND LYALL BAYS

COMMITTEE SYMPATHETIC

Deputations representing tho residents of Island Bay and of Lyall Bay waited upon the libraries committee of the City Council yesterday afternoon with requests that branches of tho library service should be established in their districts. Both deputations received sympathetic replies from the committee.

The Island Bay deputation was introduced by Councillor B. McKeen, M.P., who recalled that previous representations had been made to the council by tho residents of the district, and that a definite promise had been made that Island Bay would be given first consideration when more branch libraries wore being provided. Since then branches had been established at Miramar and at Wadcstown, and the other suburbs were also making claims upon the council. Mr. O. J. Howarth, headmaster of the Island Buy School, recalled previous representations to the committee and to the understanding given to the previous deputation. Mr. Howarth said that the time was ripe for a branch library in the district, which had a population of 7000 people. Building costs were low, and land values were also probably as low as they would ever be. There were still several suitable sites, but in a few years all would bo taken up. Tho residents did not suggest a temporary arrangement, but wished to sec an adequate library adequately housed. Messrs. O'Brien and Jackman, representing tho Island Bay Progressive As- j socintion, spoke of the undertaking given by the committee some months ago and discussed several suitable sites, remarking that the site question would become very difficult if the matter was left undecided. NOT POSSIBLE WITHOUT LOAN. Tho chairman, Councillor W. J. Gaudin, said that the committee had not lost sight of Island Bay's claims. About six months ago a promise had been made that Island Bay should receive first consideration when finances made tho development possible, and the committee still had the fullest sympathy with the district, which had. no reason to think that any other district would bo put ahead of it. Unfortunately the provision of a library at Island Bay would necessitate tho purchase of property —quite a different position from that at Wadcstown or Miramar, where halls were available and could bo adapted for library purposes at very little cost —and the cost could not be met out of revenue. That would mean raising a loan, and he thought the deputation would agree that the present was not a promising time to endeavour to raise a loan. Councillor McKeen said that apparently tho position was that Island Bay could not hope for any library until a loan was raised. That would simply mean that Island Bay's chances would recede further and further, with the difficulty of securing a suitable section becoming greater. Could not ;<. start be made by making provision on next year's estimates for the purchase of a section? Councillor J. Burns said that he thought that if such provision was proposed not a councillor would vote against it. Councillor MeKeen said thai some good progress had been made, in that the deputation had received tho definite assurance that Island Bay would receive first consideration. OFFER OF HALL. Tho deputation of Lyu.ll Bay residents, which was also introduced by Councillor McKeen, followed upon a meeting held about a fortnight ago when an offer made by Mr. R. J. H. Ockenden was explained. For some years the residents have urged that a branch library should bo established, but various difficulties have prevented progress. Mr. Ockenden offered tho free use of a hall owned by him for library purposes for two years, subject to the council agreeing to continue in occupation after the expiration of that term for three .years at a low rental. The hall, in Onopu Road, is considered by tho chairman of the library committee to bo quite suitable for the purpose proposed. Mr. H. Harris said that he thought that the council could not resist the attractive offer made and would realise that tho establishment of a branch library would be a profitable addition to the library service and of the highest value to the residents of tho district, to adults and children alike. Mr. j Harris placed before tho committee a letter from tho headmaster of Eongo-1 tai College expressing full approval of tho proposal to establish a branch library at Lyall Bay and high appreciation of the facilities given at the Miramar branch. Mr. O. A. Banner, headmaster of the Lyall'Bay School, said that the school library system in 'the district was as fine as any in New Zealand, and the present offer afforded a splendid opportunity of library extension. A branch library would have tho wholehearted support of all residents of the district. Mr G Stott also urged acceptance of the offer, and Mrs. H. Q. Bruce spoke of tho difficulties which at present confronted womenfolk in availing themselves of the city library facilities. She had no doubt at all as to the patronage that would be given a library at Lyall Bay. , Councillor T. Bnndle asked whether the district would bo satisfied by a partlime service, say, two or three days a "°Mr". Harris said that he would like to sec'the library tried as a. full-time service: if it did not meet expectations —though he had no doubts about that —then the service could be reduced. Councillor Brindlc: Bather the other L. McKenzio asked whether the Lyall Bay ratepayers wou d bo in favour of having the librae ia.e iU Mrs Seßruco said that she thought that another halfpenny or a penny in tho pound for library purposes you d bo a very good investment indeed, but she could not, of course, speak for the district association. Councillor Gaudin said that every member of the committee was favourably inclined towards the proposal, but: the difficulty was one of finance. The committee would go fully into the matter and if it could do. so it would recommend the establishment of a branch library Ho had been very favourably impressed by the spirit which P'omptea the offer and he considered that the hall was very suitable for the purP°Oouncillor Gaudin said that the policy of tho council of establishing branch libraries had been fully 3™**** by the results, and remarked that it. was very gratifying to the committee' to hear that such services as were given at Miramar were so well appreciated. Replying to Mr. Harris, Councillor Gaudin said that he realised that the offer of the hall could not remain open indefinitely, and that the committee would go into the question of acceptance as soon as possible.

The deputy chairman of the Unemployment Board, Mr. W. Bromley, will leave tomorrow for Napier and will go on to Coromandel. He is expected to.return to Wellington in about ten days.