The New Library.

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Volume IV, Issue 192, 19 April 1902, Page 3

The New Library.

■ 0 OPENING CEREMONY. I On Thursday afternoon at the new library buildings about a score of people met for the opening ceremony. Mr W. M. Hamilton (President) occupied the chair, and apologised for the absence of Mr Manchester, Mayor of Waimate, who was obliged to be present at a meeting at the Wailmo and could not perform the ceremony. However, Mr J. F. Douglas, chairman of the City Council, had consented to fill his place. The Rev. Geo. Barclay was also unavoidably absent. The speaker said that the building might seem a long time in erection, but ,the committee had been for a time limited in regard to funds au£ wished to put up, a building that would be a credit to the town. Whether they had succeeded was for the pubic to judge. The stone was from Waihao Downs, and was presented by Mr J. F. Douglas, to whom they were greatly indebted. There were several improvements yet to he ma'de. The books were as representative as possible, and although not very numerous ran into a good deal of money. They were much indebted to Messrs Menzies and Akhurst for arranging, cataloguing and placing the books on the shelves. Mr J. F. Douglas said he was there to fill a gap and as he had only received word at twelve o’clock by telephone he was not prepared with a long speech. He had great pleasure in being present, and congratulated the subscribers on having at last got into the building. There had been delay in selling the old sites to . provide building funds, and further ' delay ponding the question of co-oper-ating the Library with a Town Hall; hut the greatest delay was in the time taken to build. However, it was finished and would be a boon to the district. It only remained for the people of Waimate to show their appreciation of the committee’s efforts, and support the institution as it deserved. The selection of books was a good one, though not as numerous as they would like to see. However, books could not be bought without money, and with an increased membership there would be no trouble on that score. The building would be a great benefit to country people who had nowhere to go after they had finished their business, and ho hoped they would take full use of the -ulvantages available. On behalf of the Liiivry Committee and subscribers he declared the building open and wished it a ong and prosperous career.

Mr Hamilton sa : d it was the intention of the Committee to take up subscriptions, but as so few were present they would not do so:

Mr Gralam thought this a mistake. Who knew' how many sovereigns were silently jingling in the pockets of those present ?

The Rev. A. S. M' rrison, by invitation, said a lew c rgratu'atory’ words, and wished the institution every success. Mr G. H. Graham, the oldest member of the institution, gave an interesting account of the beginning of the Library and of its subsequent carter and urged that the support be eon'irued.

Messrs Milaom and Coltman each made a brief speech. The latter hoped the Borough Council would soon give the Library full subsidy, it .vould not be the fault of some members of the Borough Council if they did not. Votes of thanda were passed to Mr Douglas for presiding, Messrs Menziea and C. Akhmst for arranging and cataloguing the books, to Mr Hamilton for bis labours as president, and to Mr Goltman for presenting a clock to hang on the wall, and to the committee for their services.