DUNEDIN ATHENAEUM

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24221, 13 February 1940, Page 6

DUNEDIN ATHENAEUM

ANNUAL MEETING OF SUBSCRIBERS DIFFICULT YEAR EXPERIENCED The annual meeting of the Dupedir. Athenaeum and Mechanics’ Institute was held last evening. Dr C. E. W. Lyth presiding over a small atteadance of subscribers. Adoption of Report

Tho adoption of the annual report was moved by the chairman, who said that the year had been a difficult one. To increased charges had to be added import restrictions, while the epidemic of private lending libraries continued In the circumstances the institute had done very well to come out square, for the loss of £l3 on the year’s working was due merely to the fact that December 31 was a Sunday. Members were becoming careful in their spending, and a large part of the reduction in subscriptions was due to the decrease in the number of family tickets. Owing to the prevailing adverse conditions the number of books added to the library had been less than in the previous year, and this had produced a reduction in expenditure of over £250, Less money had been spent on magazines. and several old favourites had ceased publication. Changes in the staff had also affected a reduction in the salary charges. The amount spent on repairs and improvements was less by £l3O. At the present time there was a heavy restriction on the importation of books, but it was hoped that there would be a restoration of the institute’s privileges. The book issues had kept up well during the year, and this promised well for the future. An issue of well over one-quarter of a million books in one year by the institute’s library alonp afforded a striking indication of the reading habits of the community. _ „ . The librarian (Mr A. Galloway) stated that the choice of books by subscribers showed that the taste in literature had greatly improved Dr Lyth continued. In fiction there was a demand for the better type of English novel in preference to the American “ Western.” which had about reached its limit, English mystery and detective stories, and novels of English home life were in demand. In miscellaneous literature the library could scarcely cope with inquiries for books on topical events and world affairs, biography, travel, books of plays and books on New Zealand.

In this centennial year of New Zealand it was interesting to note that the Dunedin Athenaeum and Mechanics Institute was of a respectable antiquity. Dr Lyth concluded. He had been informed that the original Mechanics Institute was founded in 1851 by Dr Burns and Mr Macandrew_ This was succeeded by the present institute, in 1859 and the present constitution dated from 1870 New institutions had arisen and the Athenaeum no longer conducted evening classes or organised debates. but it still filled a valuable place in the life of the city.

Mr J. M. Paterson seconded the adop tion of the report which was adopted

Election of Officers

The following office-bearers were elected for the ensuing year:—Vicepresident, Mr A C. Stephens; hon secretary, Mr W Alexander; hon. treasurer. Mr W. Lang: committee—Messrs A. G. Melville, J. L. Salmond. Dr Lyth Messrs J M. Paterson A. Watt. W. F Watters. C. W. Hannah. Dr J. Dickie and Dr J. R. Elder; subscribers’ auditor. Mr V. E D Thompson. Postages on Books

The secretary stated that some country postmasters did not realise that very generous rates were granted for

the postage of books belonging to libraries which were not conducted for profit. Recently a country subscriber was required to pay postage amounting to Is 3d on a parcel of books, when the correct postage should have been 7£d. The postage rate allowed to the Dunedin Athenaeum .was 2d for the first pound of books, with a id for each additional 4oz. Votes of Thanks

Votes of thanks were passed to the retiring treasurer. Mr J. M. Paterson, the librarian, and the staff.