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Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XXVI, Issue 7061, 21 January 1902, Page 2

Among tho Colony's most admirable in- j stitutions is, without doubt, the Parliamentary Library, which, in the extent and variety "of its literature, compares favourably with any similar institution in the Empire, and, certainly, any Australian library attached to a Parliament. The transfer of the library last year to the new quarters specially constructed for it, was the occasion for a thorough re-organ-isation and re-classilication. For a long time the institution had been without a head, and the term during which Mr James acted as locum, Imicns was a time of stress. Probably no public servant in the Colony ever did more faithful service for less equitable treatment. At any rate, the maintenance of the library's usefulness under very untoward circumstances reflects upon him the highest credit, and if it did not yield him the substantial rewards to which he was entitled, it is appreciatively remembered. The appointment of MrChas. Wilson as Chief Librarian has proved a swet's d'eslime'--unquestionably the right man in tho right place, as an inspection of tho library and its internal administration will convince anybody. To classify 50,000 volumes was a big contract; and in this instance it has been carried out 'admirably. Tho fittings lately introduced into the library arc quite interesting novelties, imported from America; and it is understood that the internal arrangements generally are based upon the American plan. Light iron bookshelves form compact as well as handsome receptacles, and arc arranged so as to form a scries of little rooms. Electric lights to be carried about from recess to recess are remarkably handy, and while thoy are a great convenience to the searcher after knowledge, save a great cost in stationary light. The collection is a very line and valuable one, and some of tho works in arts aro quite a revelation. In effect, there is no department of human knowledge which is not represented by a varied collection of the best works, while I the sets of foreign authors, translated, aro a special feature of the affair. One of the most notable features of the library is the enormous collection of statistical, legislative and journalistic literature, complete files of the London Thurs from 1830, a

whole array of Statutes, records and statistics, and Hansanh from Great Britain, the United States, etc. The control of this really large organisation is a task requiring some special qualifications ; and, judging from the harmony and order that reign, as well as the satisfaction expressed by members of Parliament, it is clear that Mr Wilson is eminently the " right man in the right place." The Parliamentary Library is, as a matter of fact, one of those institutions of which patriotic New Zealandcrs may well be proud, irrespective of party.