The Evening Mail. SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1877.

Oamaru Mail, Volume II, Issue 390, 28 July 1877, Page 2

The Evening Mail. SATURDAY, JULY 28, 1877.

The Oamaru Mechanics' Institute like the majority of its kind in this Colony, and in faet, throughout the Australias, seems to lack the support o£ those for •whose special benefit it was established. The present members' roll shows scarcely ' a hundred and fifty names, most of -whom belong to a class that could aflbrd to supply themselves with the means of recreation and instruction independently of the Mechanics' Institute. Such, however, have become subscribers, not so much on account of the benefits derivable to themselves, but iu order to lend their ■ pecuniary aid and countenance in the 'support of the only means of providing the working classes with much-to-be-desired recreation and education at a

price within the reach of all. Despite the lack of encouragement, the Committee are now engaged in making arrangements whereby the efficiency of the institution will be considerably increased. It is proposed to erect a new ..building, which, it is expected, will cost £I2OO, and when they have carried out their intention in this respect, and are possessed of a handsome building with every convenience, we understand that an increase will gradually be made to a library already too large to be contained within the limited space that can be devoted to it in the present building. When it is considered that tae bulk of the working men have held aloof from supporting the Institute, it may seem surprising that it has not been less prosperous financially. But this is mainly attributable to the fact that many of its promoters have put their hands into their pockets for the purpose of assisting its finances when occasion required. The charge made for subscription (LI per annum) is so small, that it would hardly be missed from the poorest man's income, whilst the benefit to be derived from becoming a member of the Institute and exercising the privilege judiciously and to the fullest extent, would have the effect of enabling many of those who are now ranking with labourers, to attain to more lucrative and less toilsome positions. This would apply more particularly to the young men of Oamaru. many of whom, —if they do not now appreciate the advantages of acquiring useful knowledge—will in after life look back upon opportunities unimproved which might have placed them in the front ranks that they see occupied by others inferior to them in natural mental capacity, but superior to them in point of education. It is expected by the Committee that, when the new building has been erected with the view of making the Institute in every respect more attractive, the general support will be greatly increased. Certainly the management of the Institute has been such as to entitle it to every consideration from the public, and more especially from those whom it has sought to benefit.