A PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Evening Star, Issue 8530, 1 June 1891, Page 1

A PUBLIC LIBRARY.

The question of the establishment pt a ' public library in Dunedin is again to to the fore; but owing to the apathy of the citizens generally, the prospects of anything practical being done within a definite time do not appear to be very hopeful The great desirability of such an institution is universally admitted. No arguments, indeed, are advanced against it; but the inception, so to speak, hangs fire, and there has been very little expression of sympathy with the efforts of the Public Library Association, which has now been in existence for some time. This Gity, unfortunately, is characterised by a disposition to "let things slide," whether political or social. In the former case the results are hardly satisfactory; whilst in regard to the latter, we find ourselves behind other centres of population in regard to matters, where properly we should take first place. At one time Dunedin was vaunted as bidding fair to emulate, comparing small things with great, the modern Athens, whose name was thought fitly to apply. If, however, intellectual culture, so far as the masses are concerned, is to begin and end with the primary State schools, we, must be content to take, as an educated community, a very second-rate position ; and it will not be surprising should the rising generation, for want of being properly informed, fall an easy prey to the delusions of socialistic cranks and the fallacies of economic charlatans and professional agitators. The City Council, it would seem, hardly recognise their responsibilities, perhaps failing to realise that their functions extend somewhat further than controlling the finance and managing the business of the Corporation, We take it that municipal authorities have other duties than those concerned with matters material, and. that the social well-being of the residents in the City is distinctly within their sphere. The mayor and councillors should lead the way in all that appertains to the public good, not only officially and collectively, but individually, each in his own circle of influence. Did they do this in regard to a public library, instead of exhibiting lethargic torpidity, the difficulties would soon be cleared away. It will be seen, from the report of the reoent interview with a deputation from the Athenaeum Committee and the Association for promoting the library, that the Council rather shunt the question, and are inclined to postpone indefinitely the consideration of how they might co-operate in the movement; whilst it is quite clear that their active co-operation is essential to success. The position which, they ostensibly take up is that a definite proposal should be submitted to them; to which, of course, it is. essential that the Athenaeum subscribers should come to a resolution that they are prepared to accept the scheme elaborated by the Association, which would, inter alia, very seriously affect the finance of the institution. It stands to reason, therefore, that the Athenaeum must be reasonably assured that such assistance will be forthcoming as will secure it against pecuniary loss. This is the view evidently of the Committee, who do not feel justified in submitting the question to the members until they know, approximately at least, what there is to depend on to make up for what might be a largely diminished revenue. The Council are not asked for an immediate grant to carry out the necessary alterations in and additions to the building, but to guarantee, from the ordinary City funds, or by the proceeds of a special rate, an annual income, not exceeding a definite amount. A special rate of £d in the £, it is believed, would be amply sufficient. It being, we feel sure, the general opinion of the people of Dunedin—we say people, because ladies and the youth of both sexes are as much, or even more, interested than the men that there should be a public library, and, this being admitted, there is certainly no such economical way in which the institution could be established as that proposed by the Association. For a comparatively moderate amount, which they believe could without much difficulty be raised, not only would a suitable building be I provided, but the nucleus of a librarywould be to hand at once. The beginning in such matters is everything. Once commenced it would really be more than half done. The recent experience of the Art Gallery demonstrates, that when there is once a starting point, however humble, donaI tions flow in, and men of means who have the social and intellectual improvement of the community at heart are found ready to contribute of their abundance. A Dunedin public library once an accomplished fact, the munificence of present and former citizens would, we are convinced, soon raise it to a level not far below the institution in Auckland, which it has been the pride and pleasure of Sir Gsorge Gbky to magnificently endow. The members of the Athenaeum, it may be taken for granted, will show no churlish disposition, but be ready to make such little sacrifice as will be required in ance of the public good. The (St* Council must lead the wayj it is, aswe have indicated above, their bounden duty to do so. We are aware that the very ifl** of a special rate far any purpose whatever has a soaring e%t on ttie ratepayers, and thorn opposed to tta establishment of a public library took 1 jfalt advantage of this in inducing a. majority against the application ot

the Public Libraries Act, 1869, to Dunedin, when the proposal was submitted to the vote a few years ago. Under the provisions of this Act the library rate cannot exceed one penny in the £ in any one year on the annual value of rateable property; but it has been estimated that, in order to carry out the tentative scheme of the Library Association, the rate in this City need not exceed one halfpenny—a mere bagatelle, when the advantages to the whole population are considered. We do hope that no further time will be lost, and that Dunedin will not much longer rest under the slur of being the only city of any size or consequence in Australasia which has not a free public library. __________»