OLD NEW PLYMOUTH

Taranaki Daily News, 7 September 1935, Page 13 (Supplement)

OLD NEW PLYMOUTH

LIBRARY DIFFERENCES

(By

S. C. Allen).

(No. VIII). In New Plymouth in 1866, the question as to whether it was fit and proper to throw open the reading room of the library on Sunday was deemed so important that a special meeting of the townfolk was held to decide the question.

At an annual general meeting of subscribers brief discussion on the motion to open the reading room on Sunday indicated such sharp differences of opinion that the chairman (Mr. H. R. Redmond) interposed with the suggestion that as the matter involved a great principle, its consideration should be postponed for a month. Mr. Compton (Tthen Speaker of the Council) regretted the silence with which the question was being evaded. He said that in the country he came from (he would refrain from naming it) such places were always open on Sundays, and the same obtained in Italy. He had never seen any harm happen to young men without homes by opening such places. The opening of the reading room would be a great boon—now young men were driven to the back doors of the public houses. He threw down this challenge to the teetotallers. If they were so energetic in finding fault with their fellow men, and saved so much money by not drinking, why not apply their money and energy and build a temperance hotel and do away with the necessity of opening the reading room? Mr. F. U. Gledhill, disagreeing with the previous speaker, said that in the country which the previous speaker had failed to mention, not only reading rooms but public houses and dancing saloons were opened on Sunday. He thought, that travellers, observing the quietude of the place, would be attracted and say “How pious is Taranaki! ’ As the discussion was getting heated Mr. R. Chilman moved that as the matter required great consideration a meeting of • members be held on the 20th to consider the propriety of opening the reading room on Sunday.’ The Rev. H. H. Brown seconded without expressing his opinion. The meeting then broke up.

Following lais was an outbreak of newspaper correspondence from “Lover of my Fellow Man” in favour of, and from “Amator Religionis” against the proposal, and Mr. Richmond making a correction of the newspaper report of his remarks wished it to be understood that his opposition was due to his desire not to offend anyone’s religious ideas.

In the Herald of October 20, 1866, is a report of the adjourned meeting at which a full attendance was recorded, including non-suscribers. Mr. Richmond, in opening the meeting, asked that speakers refrain from personalities, expressing their ov)n views without commenting on those of others., Mr. Hulke then moved, and Mr. Chilman seconded, “That the reading room but not the circulating library be opened from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Sundays. Mr. B. C. Lawrence next spoke against the motion, and suggested that if the motion were carried any books exposed be of a religious character. The Rev. R. J. Whitley moved as n amendment “That the Taranaki Institute be not opened on the Sabbath Day,” and gave a long theological argument in support of his proposal. Captain Davy seconded, and the discussion was carried on by the Revs. H. H. Brown and A. Reid, Messrs. Gledhill, Nelson, W. R. King, A. S. Atkinson and H. A: Atkinson (after Sir Harry and premier of New Zealand) who reminded his hearers that the battle of Waterloo was won on a Sunday. Mr. Hulke’s motion was put and carried, the voting being ayes 31, noes 29. It may here be pointed out that the placing the Institute in the position of an arena whereon was fought out questions which at that time stirred up deep personal feeling and rancour was not calculated to improve its popularity. Instead of keeping to its proper function, It continually attempted new enterprises. Mr. Richmond had a scientific bent, started a museum, and with all his power and by expending money—a scarce commodity in those days—bought scientific instruments which have the appearance of having been purchased in the face of considerable opposition. We would like to know “the peculiar circumstances” under which Mr. J. C. Richmond made his donation of £6O. Mr. H. R. Richmond must have had his time fully occupied as superintendent, and had little leisure to devote to the affairs of the Institute. The committee was not harmonious on important social and political questions. There is little evidence of much external activity. The Institute promoted a concert for the “benefit of the professional gentlemen who have hitherto given their services free” charging 2s admission. Dr. Rawson gave a lecture on “Light,” and Mr. E. B. Dickson a reading from Dickens. A new departure of these entertainments was that a charge was made for admission to the public, members being admitted free. The annual meeting was advertised to take place in August, 1867, but does not appear to have been held. The old committee and officers seem to have carried on during 1868, and the form of public activity took the shape of “evening entertainments. A sample of the fare provided may be gathered from a brief notice of one held on August 8, 1868. “One of those pleasant reunions which are so deservedly popular in England was held last Monday at the reading room of the Institute. The audience was not so large as we have seen, but the number who did attend, fully testfies that the taste of the public is in favour of these entertainments.” The reading consisted of “Harvest Supper,” from Adam Bede by Archdeacon Govett, Mr. Pickwick’s appearance before the Mayor of Ipswich by Mr. Dickson, and songs by Mr. Yems and Mr. Daniels.” Just how the affairs of the Institute had been going may be gathered from a press report of the annual meeting. “Your committee regrets that they are unable to meet you with any expression of congratulation upon the flourishing condition of its finances or its members. The protracted and heavy commercial depression under which the whole commtmity is suffering has told heavily on the Institute, both in reducing the total numbers of the populaton and in diminishing the ability of those who remain, to subscribe to its maintenance. The committee reports, however, with satisfaction that the Institute is in a solvent condition; and with a view of maintaining that position, have curtailed some par 4 of their expenditure to keep it in proportion to their diminishing means. With this view, periodicals and daily papers have been discontinued, and weekly ones are substituted for the latter. The committee felt themselves obliged though unwillingly to reduce the salary of the assistant librarian. (To be continued).