MR GLADSTONE'S LIBRARY

Hot Lakes Chronicle, Issue 117, 27 February 1895, Page 2

MR GLADSTONE'S LIBRARY

Mr Gladstone has just completed a a scheme, which has simmered iu his mind for many years, namely, tho establishment of the Ha warden Library and Hostol, and which in its way is a worthy imitation of what Sir George Grey has done in kispreseutation of the famous Grey Collection to the city of Auckland. The library building has bsen built of iron, and the St. DeinoPs Theological and General Library, as it is termed, will contain 25,000 volumes, many of them rure literary treasures, and is to be open to all readers and students, regardless of creed. Tho works have been selected bv Mr Gladstone from bis library, in order that they may be placed at the disposal of students unable to purchase such books, and also of the general public. Although the library is intended primarily as a theological one, it has a secular section where the student, after a long, and studious day in theology, may have recreative r°adin-£. -liut tho library is only part o* tho scheme. A hostel ha 9 bien erected adjacent, where visitors from all parts of the country, who desire to spend some days at the library can get board and residence, quiet for study, and meet kindred spirits who are at Hawarden on a similar mission. Mr Gladstone's son-in-law, the Bev. H. l>rew, has been officially installed as warden of St. Demol's Hostel, and the scheme for which tho library and hostel were destined is now at. work, and a catalogue being made of the library. There is only one rule concerning the books, and that is, that none of Mr ni„J„»„„„>„ *_*:„.„ „., *]i& innr> gins may be copied or quoted as illus* trating hi- views on certain questions, " such such annotations might convey an altogether wrong impression." It will be interesting to note the future career of the St. Heinol's Theological and General Library and Hostel, which foundation, it is understood, Mr Gludstono intends to endow. It is a new departuie in the way of libraries, and it is no wonder that the warden is deluged by shoals of letters about it and its working. Some have the idea that it is to be a " show" place, but Mr Gladstone's expressed desire is that the books shall be made of widest line to students of all classes and creeds, and especially to the clergy of England and Wales.