PUBLIC-SPIRITED DONATION.

New Zealand Mail, Issue 935, 31 January 1890, Page 2

PUBLIC-SPIRITED DONATION.

Mr C. R. Carter has presented a qaosb valuable cqllection of hooks relating tq New Zealand to the New Zealand Institute and Colonial Museum, In forwarding the donation Mr Carter writes as follows : To Sir James Heater, R. C. M.G. Wellington, 22nd January, I§9o. Dear Sir,—l am desirous of presenting to the New Zealand Institute and Colonial Museum my library of books on or relating tc. New Zealand, of the value of £3OO. One folio volume .alone cost me £2O. It is, 1 believe, the largest collection of books of its kind in any library in the Colony, and contains over IQO works more than are in the collection of similar books in the Melbourne Free Library, The collection consists of 395 works on New Zealand, of which Q 4 are pamphlets, forming (with the 62 duplicate copies) a selection of 55| volumes, to which I have added GO printed catalogues of the same, I respectfully offer the collection to the New Zealand Institute and Colonial Museum on tho following conditions ; 1, It is to be plaaed in a suitable position in the library of the Institute. 2, A properly constructed book-case with glass doors is, without delay, to be provided for its reception. 3, The books are to be used as works of reference only, and not to pass outside the Museum. I should part with the collection with some regret did I not think it would be more useful to the public than remaining in my possession. Ido not anticipate that the present generation will appreciate itß yalue, but I venture to hope that a succeeding one will. To collect and collate this small library of books in New Zealand has been to me, I may say, a labour of love, the fruits of which I now wißh to entrust to your safe keeping. I have also to present to the Museum a collection of arms gathered on the battle, fields of the Franco-German War of 187071, and a French chassepot rifle used’during the siege'of Paris in 1871. !; * ' ' I am, &q., “C. R. Carter,.