PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 24 January 1912, Page 3

PUBLIC LIBRARY.

A meeting of the above was held in the Library building on Friday evening last. Present: — Messrs Hill (chairman), Rimmer, Ansell, Donovan, Driscoll, Laird, Berman, Card, and C. H. Spinley (secretary).

It was decided that the Library be open every evening; the following gentlemen acting as Librarian for one evening each, viz., Monday, Mr J. C. Rimmer; Tuesday, Mr W. Laird; Wednesday, Mr Parks ; Thursday, Mr Card; Friday, Mr Ansell; Saturday, Mr Hill. The time will be 8 p.m .to 9 p.m., every evening, exept Saturday when the Library will be open from 7.30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

The Chairman stated that he had purchased a grate, table cover, lamp glass and wick. Chairman's action confirmed. The articles purchased to be paid but of the balance of subscriptions.

It was resolved that the Secretary write to the Clerk of the Town Board asking that the grant of £75 be paid over to Mr Wilson. Hearty votes of thanks were passed to Mr Wilson, for advancing the £75 to allow the building to be completed ; to Mr J. C. Rimmer for acting as Clerk of Works; and to Mr Hill for the able manner in which he canvassed for subscriptions for the, building funds.

It was decided to procure 3 window blinds, and a wire door mat.

The meeting was informed that the Chairman of the Town Board (Mr Jas. Stewart) had stated that as soon as the old building had been removed the footpath in front of the new building would be put in proper order. The secretary was instructed to write the Town Board thanking them for attending to the matter at once.

Considerable discussion ensued as to the subscription fees. Several expressed the opinion that now that a respectable building had been procured, it would be necessary to get new and up-to-date literature, and that the subscriptions as at present, were not sufficient; while several members thought that by raising the price, a number of present subscribers would object to pay any more. It was proposed by Mr Card, seconded by Mr Ansell: That the subscriptions be fixed as follows : 7s 6d per annum, 5s half-year, 2s 6d per quarter, and Is per month. Mr Berman moved, as an amendment, seconded by Mr Driscoll: That the subscriptions remain as they are : 5s per annum, 3s halfyear, 2s quarter, and Is month.

It was pointed out that the increase was very trifling, and that the reading public would not mind if they were to get the benefit in new books. On being put to the meeting, the amendment was lost the motion to raise the subscriptions being declared carried.

Mr Berman signified his willingness to supply a new table cover for the table in the meetingroom.

Owing to shortness of funds it was found necessary to leave the buying of lamps for the lobby and meeting-room till later, several members expressing the opinion that if some well-wisher were to kindly present them to the Library they would be very tharrkful, as it would allow the money to be spent on other necessaries.

It was resolved that the meeting room be let at Is 6d per night.

Messrs Hill, Card, Driscoll, and Laird were anointed a committee to try and arrange with a ladies committee to undertake the opening of the Library on Monday Wednesday, and Saturday afternoons from 3 to 4 o'clock, and report at next meeting to be hold on Friday, February 2nd.