CORRESPONDENCE.

Timaru Herald, Volume L, Issue 4819, 16 April 1890, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

THE MECHANICS' INSTITUTE,

TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMAKU HERALD.

Sib,— Two rather interesting paragraphs about our Mechanics' Institute struck my attention in reading this morning's HeeALI). One was the report of the monthly meeting setting forth the committee's programme for the coming wiuter ; tlio other appeared in tbe report of the Borough Council meeting where no are informed that the committee have not paid their rates, and are to bo proceeded against forthwith. I eoj that in discussing this matter Councillor Grandi mentioned the fact of tho committee having refused to lower the rate3 of subscription, and this leads mo to pen a few lines, hoping that they may awaken now interest amongst my follow-townafolk. It appears to mo that no matter how assiduously the committee work, the Institute will never be a success until such time us its teuofils are thrown within the reach of all, instend o£ being for the vory few as at present. Thore seems to be too much listless apathy about our Mechanics' Institute altogether. Lot anyono observe its deserted appearanco on any night of the week, and then make a tour of inspection of the many hotels of the town. Mark the difference ; almost every hotel i-i the place will be found well filled with young men engaged at billiards, moderate drinking, &c. ' A further observance of these hotel frequenters will disclose the fact that they are mostly young men of rospcctablo connections and education, occupying good business or profejßional engagements, and, moreovor, regular church attendants. Is it because they are naturally inclined to bad that they night after night spend their Hveß thuß ? I say no, it is simply, because tlio town affords no better means of evening amusement. If any institution — say, like our Mechanics' Institute — provided sufficient amusement for these young men it would at once become popular, and a flourishing institution. How many of the young men of to-day will be able in later life to keep the liquor in its placo ? They can do so noir, but with the habit daily wearing its chain around thom will they always be able to do so ? This is a question which must iatercst everyone desirous of tho advancement of human happiness, and it is no uee simply preaching to these young men from the pulpit, and providing (or them eomo namby pamby church amusements. Young men from custom will have cards, .billiards, bagatelle, and lito amusements, and I think that tho Tfi'cet plan is to supply these, but by all moans gild them with good surroundings, euoh na art and literature, by which means we may hope to educate the young pooplo to a higher level of intel'igenoo and refinement. We occasionally hear of men (lying, leaving money to form the nucleus of a publio library, etc. Burely wo have enough living residents, in and around Timaru with sufficient moans and publio spirit to subicribe to the formation of an institution which will be a credit to our flourishing town, and which shall bo " a thing of beauty and a joy for ever." Don't lot us bavo this barrier of a guinea a yoar, but lot our Mechanics' Institute bo freo to all, supported by voluntary subscriptions, when I feel sure the results would be most gratifying to all interested in the good work. Trusting that this letter may awaken interest with those of your readers, who have tho power and means at tboir disposal, and apologising for its unseemly length, I am, &e., Pao Bono Pudhco.