The ]Yew Library and Institute.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XXXIII, Issue 3387, 31 October 1896, Page 2

The New Library and Institute.

This handsome building is now complete and will be open to the public next week, and is certainly » great acquisition to the town. It will bj much appreciated by the public generally. The entrance to the public reading-room is in the centre of the building facing High street, and is approached through double doors of solid totara and handsome mouldings, giving access to a lobby panelled in rimu. The reading-room, 30ft square, is tastefully finished and well lighted, and having been provided with a large fire-place it will be a most comfortable room. The decorations of this room are simple but tasteful. The library, 30ft x 21ft, and museum, 23ft x 18ft, take up the remainder of the building. The former is decorated similarly to the public-room, and is amply fitted with shelves of a very neat design. All the interior doors are very handsome and of unique construction, and display the beauties of Taranaki red pine. The front elevation has been well and tastefully thought out, and presents a very imposing and solid appearance. Having been constructed with all heart-picked timber, mostly totara, it will last for many years to come. The principal entrance is surmounted by a bold pedament, supported on four carved trusses. These are flanked on either side by two very pretty windows with circular heads divided into five segments, the whole being filled in with muffled cathedral glass,, giving a most pleasing effect to the interior by day and the exterior by night. Great credit is due to the contractors Messrs Mclndoe and Carter for the trustworthy manner in which they have cairied out the work, having spared no pains nor trouble to complete a first-class job. The same may be said of the painter and decorator, Mr W. Day, the plumber Mr J. Makin, and the bricklayer Mr Whittington. Mr Card, the architect, who designed the building, may be truly complimented on the success of his creation, and visitors will without doubt be struck with the handsome appearance of the building and will also be as much pleased with the interior arrangements. The Mayor, Mr C. E. Major, kindly presented two of the circular lights over the front windows, Mr G. Syme, senr., the one over the doorway, and Mr H. A. Arthur a handsome library table. We understand that no provision has been made for desks for she reading room. With such a convenient building the public library ought now to go ahead.