MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

North Otago Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 1626, 6 July 1877, Page 2

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

A meeting of the Committee took place last ovoning. Present — Messrs Hislop (President in tho Chair), Forrester, M'Kenzie, Main, Milligan, Loring, Thornton, Filloul, Sumptor, Tempest, Esther, and Hickey (Hon. Sec).

MINUTES. Tho minutes of the previous meeting were read and confirmed.

BONATION. , A special donation of L 2 2s. from Mr Shrimski, M.H.R., for tho Book Fund, was orderod to bo acknowledged with thanks.

THE LIBRARIANSUIP. A memorial to the Committee, signed by 47 members, was read, expressing their satisfaction at the manner in which Mr Kidd had discharged his duties, and asking the Committee to re-consider his resignation, and re-appoint him to the office. The Chairman thought the memorial should hare boon presented to Mr Kidd. Other members of Committee expressed the same view. The minutes were referred to, by which it appeared that Mr Kidd had been a*ked to withdraw his resignation, but he had refusod to do so. He had, howover, subsequently stated that he would temporarily retain office until a successor could bo appointed. Mr Filloul said there appeared to be a very incorrect opinion abroad as to the Committee's action. It appeared to be thought that the Committee had forced Mr Kidd to resign, but that was not at all the case. In fact, the way had been left open for 'Mr Kidd to withdraw his resignation- The meeting was adjourned for tins purpose, but Mr Kidd had not withdrawn his resignation. After further dioousssion, it was resolved, on the motion of Mr v umpter, seconded by Mr Forrester — That a 9 no further communication has been received from Mr Kidd as to his resignation, the Committee therefore accept the same, as tendered by him on the 7th June,- and that the petitioners be informed that the Committee have already requested "Mr Kidd to reconsider his resignation, at the same time expressing to that gentleman thoir satisfaction at the manner in which he had discharged his duties, and that that gentleman declined to do so. They there, fore do not see what further steps can bo takon by them in the matter."

APPLICATIONS FOR THB LIBRARIANSHIP. Theso applications, seven in number, were thon oponod, and the choico having been narrowed to three, a ballot was then taken, which resulted in the appointment of Mr Richmond. On the motion of Mr Sumpter, seconded by Mr Forrester, it was resolved — That the Chairman and Secretary liv requested to draw up an agreement between the Committee and the Librarian, in terms of the minutes, including attention to the Reading rooms and arrangement of papers. Bond to bo found to the amount of L5O. Engagement to be terminable by three months' notice, prior to the expiry of any one year.

PROPOSAL TO LBASB PRESENT BUILDING. The Chairman stated that he had received an offer to lease the present building, with a corresponding piece, of ground at the back, at 30s a week. If that offer could be improved upon, and L 2 a week obtained, that would represent interest upon Ll2OO, for which sum a good building could be put up on the remainder of tho frontage. The proposal was discussed, and the opinion was pretty generally expressed that the offer was worth entertaining, but it was suggested that if it were decided to lease the building it should be done by public competition. It wa» rosolvod — That Mr Hislop bo requested to endeavor to obtain definite proposals, to be placed before the Committee at an ajoumed meeting, to be held on Monday, the 16th hut

A vote of thjj«» to tie chair concluded tho mooting.**^ I