TE AWAMUTU PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Waipa Post, Volume VI, Issue 286, 3 February 1914, Page 2

TE AWAMUTU PUBLIC LIBRARY.

ANNUAL MEETING.

The annual public meeting of the above library took place in the library rooms on Friday evening. There were present: — Messrs S. Mathews, *J. Middlebrook, W. F. Stewart, H. Y. Collins, A. G. Warburton, G. Spinley, and Drs Reekie and Henderson.

Mr H. Y. Collins submitted a report and balance-sheet, the latter showing • a credit balance of £l 12s id.

REPORT. The annual balance-sheet for, the year ending 31st December, \ 1913, shows from one aspect an unsatisfactory position. It is very disappointing to see that - J the amount received for members’ subscriptions amounts only to £l6 16s, which is about £lO less than in previous years for some time past. Although the population of the Town District has increased three-fold during the last few years, the public support to the library has fallen considerably. For the year ending 31st December, 1900, the members’ subscriptions amounted to £26 is. New books are added from time to time, and the library also contains a large selection of standard works, yet the public of Te Awa- . mutu do not appear to avail them- > selves of this very useful library to the extent that might be expected. The Government subsidy amounted to £l6 13s 4d, and the Town Board very generously donated the same amount, so that the income for the whole year was well up to the average. The Rev. W. Woollass resigned the position of chairman and treasurer about six months ago upon his leaving the district, and the library thereby lost the services of one who was of very great assistance to the institution. Mr Woollass is greatly missed. Mr G. H. White, another member of the committee, also left the district a few months ago. Fie can be ill spared, being an enthusiastic member who rendered good service. The number of subscribers to the library has now fallen much below the average for some years past, but the reading room is still well patronised. No public entertainment or other undertaking to augment the funds was held during the 'past year, and this no doubt will seriously affect the Government subsidy, which will be much less in consequence, but a vigorous effort will be made in the coming year to promote a benefit entertainment for the library. ELECTION OF OFFICERS.

President, Mr J. A. Young, M.P.; vice-presidents, Messrs W. Taylor, W. N. von Stunner, and f. L. Mandeno ; committee, Messrs FI. Y. Collins, A. C. Block, YV'.-Jeffery, Drs Flail and Henderson, with ivlr $• Mathews and Dr Reekie the nominees of the ToWS — Board ; auditor, Mr D.^Bockett.

The chairman referred to the lack of interest, and the falling off of subscribers to the library. Unless more subscribers were enrolled, and more interest shown, they would be unable to pay expenses.

Dr Reekie considered that the moving pictures were largely responsible for this. People pre-). ferred to see by the aid of pictures what they would otherwise read in books.

It was considered that by catering more for the higher class of literature more subscribers would be induced to join the library. With the object of increasing the number of subscribers, it was suggested that special inducements be offered to the librarian.

It was resolved, as a recommendation to the incoming committee, that a better class of books be procured and placed_on the shelves, and that the librarian be induced to secure additional subscribers.

Reference was made to the loss .the library had sustained by the death of their late vice-presi-dent, Mr E. I. Miller, and it was resolved that a letter of condolence be sent to Mrs Miller. Application was made for the use of the vacant piece of ground at the back of the library.—Left in the hands of the incomingcommittee to deal with.