OPENING OP THE KAITANGATA ATHENEIUM.

Otago Witness, Issue 1531, 12 March 1881, Page 13

OPENING OP THE KAITANGATA ATHENEIUM.

m . , March Bth. The ceromony and entertainment in celebration of the opening of the Kaitangata Athenseum was held in the new building on Friday evening. The Rev. Mr Allan occupied the chair. Addresses were delivered by the Chairman, the Rev. Mr Buttle, Messrs Rutherford, Petrie, and Inglis, music being supplied at intervals by Mesßrß % and 81.B 1 . Shore and R. Aitcb.ison r

There was a copious supply of fruit distributed during tho evening The Cuairman, in a very able address, dwelt largely on the benefits to be derived from tho establishment of such an institution in the district, and contrasted the position of the settlers now with what it was a few years ago, when they could scarcely see a publvc print. Now they could peruse the leading Home and Colonial literature of the day, and that, too, m a building which for comfort and appearance was all that could be desired. Mr James Rutherford followed with an address on Kaitangata, its surroundings, and the opening of the Athenajum. This was a very stirring address, setting forth the advantages the place possessed in water ana railway communication by which to get away their extensive stores of fuel. His description of the beauties of the surrounding district was remarkably good and he paid a high tribute to the old identities (a, few of whom were present) for their perseverance and energy in pushing forward the settlement of the country, and congratulated the people on the spirit displayed in the erection of such a handsome buildThe Rev. Mr Buttle, in the course of some wellchosen remarks, tendered a piece of wholesome advice to the young men present. The other gentlemen addressed tho meeting briefly. The building, which is a very handsome one, would do no discredit to the largest of our inland towns ; its dimensions being over all 34 feet by 20 feet, divided into three apartments— namely, reading-room, 26 feet by 19 feet, with a library-room and committee-room each 10 feet by 12 feet. The place is tastefully furnished, and when lighted up presented quite an elegant appearance. Being centrally situated, it must prove of great advantage to the residents of the place.