WAIMATE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 3582, 24 March 1886, Page 3

WAIMATE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

» Some time ago the Public Library of Waimato was vestod m throo trustees — Mcssra Goldsmith, » Hillary and Clement — under tho Public Libraries Act. In ordor to mako the Library more popular these trustees repioved it from its original place to promisee (the old 6chool) more centrally situated. In carrying out necessary and other improvements the trustees got into debt to tho extent of eoine #250. ' A meeting of the ratepayers

was held about two years ago, at which the Council wero authorised to accept an offer mado by tho trustees to sell tho Library and all its uctonging3 to tho Council, for tho Borough, for the sum of £250, being tho amount required to discharge tho above obligation. Tho Library, worth probably about £100, -was then bought by tho Council, tho deed granting the foo simple to tho Council being drawn up by Mr Clement, solicitor. Somo weeks ago a paragraph appeared m a local paper rctlccting credit on tho new management of tho Library. A letter appeared m tho next issuo of the samo paper, signed by Mr Clement, and staling that the Council were not tho owners of the Library, but merely held it m trust for ever for the Borough. This coming under the notice of 3OIHC of tho Councillors at a meeting of tho Council it was decided to ask Mr Clement to explain tho letter m question. At Monday's mooting a reply was received from that gentleman stating that ho did not know what the Council wished explained, but ho would be glad to give any explanation m his power. A diseussiou ensued, the Council being of opinion that they had acquired the fee simple of the Library and could sell and dispose of the books at any time they thought advantageous for the Borough, and entirely repudiating any idea of their being merely trustees m. the place of the former gentlemen. Ultimately it was resolved to havo counsel's opinion on the tenor of the deed, and the matter then dropped.