SELWYN COLLEGE LIBRARY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 10374, 31 May 1895, Page 3

SELWYN COLLEGE LIBRARY.

A conversazione was held in Selwyn College last evening to welcome the new warden (theitev. Isaac -Richards) and to afford an opportunity to the visitors to inspect the new library. There was a large attendance.

r Bisnop Nevill, in the course of some remarks, expressed his gratification at the manner ih'which the invitations to be present had been responded to. The gathering was convened principally because a considerable number of friends would doubtless like to see something of the library, and I further he wished his dear fri«nds and neighbours ! to nee that a bit of a start had been made in the establishment of the college which they had I heard of from time to time. Ah additioual ' reason was to offer a welcome to the new warden and to Mrs Richards.—(Applause.) He felt that they were extremely happy in inducing such a lady and gentleman to take up their residence amongst them.' He (the bishop) had heard" the \v*rrn eulogium of his dear friend and brother the Primate as to the' qualities possessed by Mr Richards as a gentleman, scholar, and Christian, and had congratulated himself on securing such a warden before his> arrival amongst them, and the intercourse of a few months had deepened his feelings in this respect. Having referred to the bright prospects of the college, the bishop ~ said that they were prepared to accept 'pupils in any branch of science and art, besides those who wished to adopt the sacved profession, but there were those who asked him the auctions; "What do you want with such a number of young clergymen ; we can never support a large number in this diocese; and we do not see the utility of your encouraging them ? " He believed they could''and would provide for a considerable addition to their staff in Dunedin, because a feeling was growing, and he thanked God Tor it, that the more clergy they had the more support would be forthcoming, for the more appreciated would be their work. When they cast their eyes over t.ho nations easily reached from New Zealand and saw their requirements, he was sure they in New Zealand wera right in providing for them. He referred especially to the newlyevangelised lands, such as China and Japan, he trusted, therefore, that those presented would accord the college their full sympathy and support. Dr Hocken gave a brief address on the new libravy. He said its possession by that diocese was due to the care and watchfulness exercised by tho bishop. The library, was an extremely valuable one, including as it did 12,000 volumes. As one who knew something about old books, lie said the library was worth many thousands of pounds, while some of the volumes were quite priceless. Amongst them were some very valuable classics. A portion of the library was first of all bequeathed to the bishop, and handed by him to the diocese, but the larger and most valuable portion belonged to the Rev. Arderne Shoults, who bequeathed it to his widow, and who in turn presented it to the diocese. The lady still took a keen interest in the progress of the library, which, although not quite ready as ihe catalogue had not yet been -prepared, would be made available- to the public. Amongst the collection were very valuable parchment manuscripts, written by the monks before printine; was in vogue. Some of them were magnificently illuminated and appeared as if they were only completed yesterday. Some of them were done by the monks in their cells 500 or 000 years ago, when not only was New Zealand not known, but little was known of the world south I of the equator. After.the library bad been inspected, an adjournment to All Saints' Schoolroom was made where a programme of music was gone through in a manner that gave every satisfaction. Haydn's trio (adagio, allegro, andante, and presto movements) were played by Miss Royse (piano), Mr Jaa. Coombs (violin), and Mr A. A. Kncli ('cello). Miss R. Reynolds sang Mascagni's "Aye Maria" ( 'Cavalleria Rusticana"), Miss M'Lean "Rothesayßay," and Mr G. S. Gully "As the dawn."

The Very Rev. Dean Fitciiett proposed a vote of thanks to the musicians, which was carried, and which was acknowledged by Mr Richard*, who also thanked those present for the cordial welcome extended to himself and Mrs Richards.

— Some extraordinary captures of arctic and other rare birds have been made in the Cambridgeshire fens. A spt'cimpn of the arctic bird Bcunnich's guillemot was found near Wiabech St. Mary's, Dot far from the frozen waters of the River Nene. It is stated that probably this in the first specimen of this bird ever captured in Great Britain, and has, no doubt, been driven southward by the severity of the weather. BARRY'S TRICOPHEROUS penetrates the fibres of the hair, keeping them always moist, silky, flexible, and luxuriant and the scalp free from dandruff. It cures all scalp