The Manawatu Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1877.

Manawatu Times, Volume II, Issue 94, 12 September 1877, Page 2

The Manawatu Times. WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 12, 1877.

TiiE Borough Council have been asked to, give some pecuniary support to the Paluierston Reading Room, and they have taken time to' consider the request. We need scarcely say that our sympathies are with tl^e institution— not for the amount of* good it has done m the community, since at no time m its history has it exhibited much vitality — but for the good it is calculated to do. Our notions as to the good it is calculated to do are based upon a knowledge, of the" good that kindred institutions have done and are doing m other places. "Wheresoever the literary "institute — whether it be Library, Reading Room, or Debating Clvb — has gained the :, public sympathy and appreciation, it has achieved success m the way of mind, culture, so complete as to render its value unquestionable. But our local institution cannot for some time to come be expected to achieve results so satisfactory as those of older and better appointed insitutions. But it may afford profitable employment for vacant hours, by which both the old and the young can be entertained and improved. It may create m those who frequent it a taste for itudy that will not only keep them out of harm's way, but happily direct their lives into a channel somewhat wider and deeper than that of humble mediocrity. Among the young of a community there are generally some whose minds are constitutionally so active as to ensure their progress m some direction. If they have the opportunity they will distinguish, themselves as students, but lacking this they are just as likely to distinguish themselves m vicious pursuits. For the sake of such as these it is important that there should be available some Literaiy Institution where their faculties may be healthfully exercised. It is indeed essential to the proper appointment of every town that there should be within reach of the public a provison for the profitable employment of spare time, so that no one may have an excuse for remaining idle, ignorant, or vicious. . Since the good derived from literary institutions is as much of a public as of a private character, the cost of maintaining them might m part fairly fall upon the local governing body. The legislature has recognised this fact and accordingly has conferred on Borough Councils the power of establishing and maintaining libraries, &c. The Pal merston Borough Council is, therefore, legally competent to grant the assistance requisite to maintain the local Reading-Room m an efficient working condition. We understand that those who have promoted aud hitherto maintained the institution, are indifferent as to what proprietorship or management it shall henceforth, -be under, provided it lives and flourishes. -The Corporation may therefore- choose their own way of affording aid; and take every precaution to fulfil the letter of the law. V