Local Intelligence.

Nelson Examiner and New Zealand Chronicle, Volume XV, Issue 33, 23 July 1856, Page 2

Local Intelligence.

OPENING OF THE WAIMEA SOUTH LITERARY INSTITUTION. On Thursday last, the r building erected in Waimea South for a Literary Institution was

opened. A large number of persons were present at the interesting ceremony : J. Saxton, Esq., one of the representatives for the district in the Provincial Council, was in the chair.

After the national anthem of "Rule Britan- ] nia " had been sung, respectably accompanied by some of the village musicians on the violin and violincello, the chairman addressed the company, and in stating the objects of the Institution, pointed out the rapid change which a few years had wrought in the district, and commending the exertions of the inhabitants of Waimea South, in founding a Literary Institution in their village. Mr. J. Squire, a resident in Waimea South, then delivered a lecture on the " progress of literature." The lecturer went back to the earliest writers of which we have any record, and then gave a rapid sketch of the history of literature and the arts amongst the principal of the ancient nations, and in the early days of our own country. The subject was exceedingly well handled, and an intimation that the history of modern literature was reserved for a future lecture, was received with much satisfaction by the company. After the meeting had been addressed by Mr. Muller, and Mr. C. Elliott, both of whom expressed their sincere satisfaction at the efforts which had been made in Waimea South to promote the intellectual culture of the people, the Chairman laid before the meeting the financial statement of the Institution ; by which it appeared that the building had cost a£ls4 2s. ]£d., and, that towards this there had been contributed 20133 6s. 6d.; leaving a deficit of £20 15s. 7£d. The Chairman paid a well-merited tribute to Mr. Baigent, to whose exertions the success of the Institution is mainly attributable, and to whose liberality they were indebted for a gift of two acres of land on which this building had been erected. The library, the meeting was informed, contained at present three hundred and four volumes.

Tea was then served to about a hnndred and fifty persons, all of whom appeared to have entered fully into the spirit of the proceedings of the day. The building stands facing the high road, a little below the church, and is a neat and comfortable room of good dimensions, built of cob. In addition to its value as a Literary Institution, such a building may be made to serve the object of meetings for local and parochial purposes, and supply a want which all country districts feel in having no suitable place where the inhabitants can meet to transact public affairs. We hope to see the example so laudably set by the people of Waimea South, followed by all the other districts of the province.