THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Timaru Herald, Volume XIIIC, Issue 14322, 12 October 1910, Page 5

THE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

THE NEW LIBRARIAN. REV. CHAPPLE APPOINTED. The Boroupjh Council last night doalt) with the applications for tt librarian for the Timnru Public Library in place of Mr Mellows, resigned. There were in all seventy-five replicants, these coming from New Brighton, Dunedin, Clmstchurch, lunoru, Gore, Porirua, Lytteiton, Peel I'orest, Melbourne, l'ahiutua, Paru, bt. Andrews, Waiuiate, Petonu, ston South, Lower Ricoarton, lioUioid (Timaru), Wellington, Raugiura, Alexandra South, Sydenham, Hastings, Balclutha, Ashburton, Kakahu, Watlington (Timaru), Lower Hutt, autt AVanganui. , The applicants included all sorts and conditions of people, si train guard, a ship's steward, an Oxford grauuato, two ministers, an ex-policeman, a retired civil servant, a shepherd, a land agent, land valuers, clerks, and others whoso occupation it would be hard to describe. There were seven lady applicants and thcilr applications were modest enough, but the vein or confidence running through some of the other applications caused no litLia amusement. One sad that "lie would bo glad of an opportunity to put tho Timaru library in order and mako it the ideal library of the Dominion." Some others were very confident that it was just tho job that would suit} their capabilities, and had no possible doubt but that, they would give satisfaction. Some sent a photo, and ono imparted the interesting information, that he was a man of good appearanco and address. Some oven'went so iar as to give their height; some gave tlieir age, the state of their health,; and the reason for their application. One applicant desired to come here because of the good climate of Timaru,' while others admitted that they wanted to come because the salary. One said he was not married but ho was engaged, his present wages not being sufficient to justify him in marrying. Another said he was in possession of all hi< faculties, and did not need to employ nriv artificial aids. Several advised that they were total abstainers and non-smokers, and one said ho had a pr v;itc library <>!' about 2o()0 books and had been a bard reader. Some were short, some were tall ; some were young and others old: many wore much travelled men of the world, and all. according to Ihoir applications and testimonials, would fill the position admirably. And all for £175 a year. The Council first, reduced the applications to thirteen, 'and then to eight. The testimonials of tbos© left in were carefully considered, and this done there was n further reduction to four, then another reduction to two, and finally the choice fell upon the Rev. J. 17. 0. Chnnple, Into pastor of the Presbyterian Church nt« St. Andrews. Th n final choice lay b©» tween two ministers, the vot'ng being 6 to 4. Mr Chappie's application read aa, follows:—"I herewith make application for the position of librarian as per advertisement. There will hardly be need frr credentials. Tho cause of my resignation from the church is well-known. At tho next m-ot,ing of the Presbytery and . also Managero these papers could eas ]\ bo r-btaned if wanted from both. For 25 years T have made a special hobby of books and general literature, having a private library of about 2500 volumes. If appointed I could take up the duties right away, but have, business fixtures that take me away to "Wellington and Auckland for a few weeks at the end of November and well into December. I would bo w lling to put much of that time in the public libraries of Wellington and Auckland watching and studying the systems, in this case a letter from tho Council would be needed for introductory purposes to the T,ihr;trios at iho-o centres. If appointed you mav tab" it for granted that T would take a keen interest in tho Library and to make it tho best managed and appointed in the Dominion. M Mr Chnpnle sent one testimonial, this boin<? from Mr R. T7. Rhodes, of Rlue Cliffs, wbo said that be had known Mr Chnrmle for a long time, and always looked upon him as n b->rd working conscientious man according to his views (which wo-o not th"so '»f the No dnnhi M*' Phimnln had had trouble w''th Irs church, but he had paid for that. The of the library to a man who oniovod reeding as Mr Chnnnlo did, would bo n labour riF lore, nnd be was sntkfied Hvit M f * Chnpnle would prove a valuable nnd faithful official to "Roroii'di Con noil, and a courteous servant to tho public.