PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR SOUTH WELLINGTON.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 906, 12 July 1889, Page 15

PUBLIC LIBRARY FOR SOUTH WELLINGTON.

The desirableness pf establishing a public library and literary institute in South Wellington was discussed < at a meeting held in the Wesleyan Schoolroom, Newtown, on July §. The school? room was well filled, and Mr A. W. Brown presided. The Chairman read a letter of apology from M F Beck, who was unable to attend. He went on to say that the motives aptuating the Committee in moving in this direction were various; and to contend that the fact that there was no free library and institute in the district was justification of their action. Newtown was very much isolated from the city except for its tram service they had practically nothing in the . way of amusements or recreation. He referred to the benefits of an institute such as was proposed—an institute which would be an evidence of really solid progress. He might say that the tjovernmieiit had’ been good enough to promise to hand over a site as, soori as an association had been formed and incorporated ; and he’‘was sure they would all agree with him in thanking the Government for doing that. (Applause.) He complained that the rich people of the city did riot assist important projects of this kind, and said that in consequence they should have in this case to rely on the number of small subscriptions. The Committee thought that if'they couldlfirst get a reading; room, where also chess and draughts could jee played/both sexeis could patronise it. This was a question therefore in which the women of {South Wellington should give their assistance. While thanking the community for the nse of the Building, he wished'it understood that this movement would be quite uqsectariau. (Applause.) ’ . 'Sir Harry Atkinson, who was very well, received, said he was not aware that he was expected to give, an address, having Seen invited, to simply move a motion. He agreed with that request willingly; looking upon it as an 'honour to an j public man to be ashed po tahe part in a movement for the social welfare of the people. (Applause.) Having referred' humorously to the frict that many years ago' jhie wa's told that he could rent a hppse Ip Wellington, hut 1 that “ he musthi go pt ujght or" he would fall into the swamp,” Sir Harry said he understood that the place now held 6000 or 6000 people, and that about 700 children attended the school. The latter fact he considered of special importance in connection with the question they were now considering, because it proved the existence of a number of young people of an age when it was most important to see that their minds were properly formed and developed. Referring to the general question/Sir Harry said the necessity for such institutes as this was recognised by the great men of all countries—the whole spirit of them tended to improve all, and if this movement was successful a centre would be established which would be a oredit to New Zealand as well as to the I

city. (Applause.) He agreed with the Chairman that it was a very wise provision that , money could not-be raised on mortgage, and that they would not hold the idea that t-liqy would get the benefit and the people of the future would have to pay for it. His advice to them was to begin in a small way and out of debt,""then they could really grow to something useful ; but if they got the idea into their heads at starting that they were to get the benefits and somebody <dse had got to. pay for them, they wo lid not succeed. (Applause.) He understood that the promoters and the people were going to put their shoulders (o the wheel, and in that case they would be certain to achieve success. He moved, That it is desirable that a public library and literary institute be established for the South Wellington district, the building to be erected on the site already offered by the Government. He regretted that in consequence of another engagement he could not stay with them, but he assured them that the movement had his entire sympathy, and if he could do anything to forward it he should be very happy to doit. (Prolonged applause.) The Rev. J. Berry seconded the motion, and in doing so eloquently impressed upon his hearers the necessity for seeing that the leisure of the young was well employed. (Applause.) Mr G. H. Baylis expressed fhe pleasure he felt at seeing this movement taken up' so enthusiastically, and said Mr M.H.R. for South Wellington, and the* Mayor of Wellington would give donations toward it. (Applause.) With respect to the generosity of wealthy people, he said he thought they were not asked enough, and he instanced the Old Men’s Home and the Post-office clock belle as showing that this class of people would give'assistance when they were asked. (Applause.) The motion was put and carried. Mr Davis (Chairman <>f the Newtown School Committee) said the question now to be fixed was that of carrying out the project, the necessity of which they had just affirmed. Ha moved the appoint ment of a committee, , consisting of the Mayot of Wellington, the Councillors for Te Aro and Cook Wards, members of Parliament for the city, the Mayor of Melrose, the Rev J. Berry, the Rev W. Shirer, and a number of others. Mr 0- F. Richmond seconded the motion, remarking that they had a site for the enterprise of what was equiyalent to LIOOO. He repudiated anything in the way of denoiqinationalism. Applause.) The Rev W. Shirer warmly supported the project. He expressed pleasure at the absence of seeming denominationalism from the movement, and xirged those who supported it to dq their best to forward it. (Applause.) The motion wag carried.

Mr H. J. H. Blow nioved, That the Provisional Committee be instructed to draft a constitution for the Institute, and obtain subscriptions, and submit a report to an adjourned meeting as early as pos? sible. In making the motion, he remarked that they had the promise from an architect of a set,of plans gratis. (Applause.) ' .. Mr Webb seconded the motion.

Mr A. Wilson doubted the generosity of the rich people, of the city, and said there was available the nucleus of a free library started some time ago. The motion was put and carried. The Rev Mr Berry (who, in'consequence of Mr Rrown haying to, leave, took the chair) mentioned that Mr Richmond had promised to do all the legal work for them free of charge. (Applause.) ’■ '* ’ '• It was agreed that Mr Blow should be asked to act as secretary temporarily. Votes of thanks having been passed to Sir Harry Atkinson, Mr A- W- Brown, and the Rev Mr Berry, the meeting terminated. "■ '