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New Zealand Herald, Volume XXI, Issue 7189, 1 December 1884, Page 4

We think it time that the .public and the members of the City Council should seriously take into consideration whether a change should not be made in reapect to the Free Library and Art Gallery. Some four years ago the present building was opened, aud the books placed in it, r lt was designed that means should at once be taken to erect a suitable building. In the meantime the city has become possessed of a valuable library and museum in. the munificent bequest of Sir George Grey. That library still lies at the Kawau simply because no means has been provided by .the citizens for housing it. Every day strangers seek out our present Free Library, and ask to be shown the library and manuscripts given by Sir George Grey. They are much surprised when told that it is left afc'Kawau because the city has not provided a place to put it in. Then, since the Library- was. established, the city has become possessed ■of a number of most valuable works of art in the munificent gifts of Mr. Mackelvie. "We believe that a number more have been received, but that they will not be handed, over to the city till a safe and suitable place of custody has been provided. There is some danger even that the prolonged delay in providing a Gallery may be construed as cynical indifference, and may be preventing us from receiving valuable works. And now for the other branch of the business. For about a twelvemonth past, the Council have been engaged about the plans for a new building. The plans of Messrs. Grainger and D'Ebro, of Melbourne, were selected as the best amongst those shown, and after a long delay working designs were obtained, so that they might be submitted to the test of competition. It was decided by the committee appointed by the Council .that these working designs were some-

thing very different from the plan-which secured the favourable award in the first instance. At present the Council are engaged in a game of finessing and diplomatising -with their architects, in which a large amount of time may- be ■lost. A certain date has been fixed by which amended plans must be received. When they do come to hand, then the - Council will have to appoint 'a committee again. They may still declare that they are not up to the mark of the original design, and the game will be commenced anew. If they are all right, which it appears is an improbable contingency, then they must be submitted to the test of the contractors, with the probability of its being found that they cannot be' executed for the money,stipulated. ,Then we will have to go back to the starting point, and-commence by. calling; for fresh tenders, with all the chances of beginning a fencing'match' with other architects.' "We think ifc is most improbable that Auckland will see its new Library and Art Gallery completed within four years from the time. It is quite out of the question that, for that period we can continue as we are. The present building is a mere piece of tinder, and the btfoks are liable to damage, and are at great risk from fire. No proper arrangement can ,be made while the books are in it, and it is questionable whether any additions should be made to the Library while it is stowed in the present wooden ,shed. Ought we also to deprive ourselves of the valuable Library of Sir: George Grey for four years more, to keep the a*rt treasures of Mr. Mackelvie and others

in their present unsuitable and uusaf place, and to hold out to'the -work that we are especially ' indififereu ■whether we receive such gifts or ao f We thinfc abuilding should he obtained in whioh should be placed the p r Library and Grey Library and Museum and also the art treasures -we at present have. This subject should at once b considered by the Council. "We A ' not know whether the scoria buildia? in the Albert Park, at present ocetf.. pied as a police barracks, would be roomy enough for the purpose, but if• so it is suitable in respect of position and. is not liable to danger from fire But it seems to us that somethinc must be done, and;we press the subject as one for immediate consideration.