THE BOOKS WE READ.

Waikato Times, Volume 100, Issue 16818, 9 June 1926, Page 7

THE BOOKS WE READ.

MUCH TRASH PUBLISHED. CRITICISM AT HAMILTON. Criticism of the class of some modern literature in the Hamilton Public Library was made by the chairman of the committee, Mr C. .1. \V. Barton, at the annual meeting of subscribers last night. Mr Barton regarded much of the modern literature in the library as pure trash, and thought that much of it should bo thrown out and a better class of works included. Mr Geo. K. Sinclair, a member of the committee, who has acted as censor during the past year, said he had had a number of complaints regarding several books in the library, and he had had three volumes discarded. Mr E. G. Johnson, the selector, said he had spent a tremendous amount of time in the work of selection. He had been guided in his choice very largely by the London Times' bo k review, and had endeavoured lo make his selection as wide and varied as possible, and took as much care as if he had been spending his own money. It was impossible, of course, to read each volume purchased and to satisfy everybody. There was a section of the reading public who, of course, demanded what might be termed "ultra modern" books, ..nd it was against some of these, which had received excellent reviews in I lie English papers, that 'certain of the criticism had been levelled. We were living in a modern age and had, of course, to cater for modern thought as well as for the more conservative class of reader. Mr Sinclair deprecated the action of some subscribers in removing illustrations from books —some of the volumes being lhc more valuable ones. It was difficult to trace lhc culprits, who if discovered should be made an example of. Various members agreed that all classes of readers had to be catered for, so long as the shelves were kept clean. Various comments were made upon the general excellence of the library, which it was considered was now very complete and equal to thai of many a \ . \vn of greater si/.e. A special vote of thanks was accorded Mr Johnson for his services as selector during the year. Mr Barton remarked that Mr Johnson had been a lower of strength lo the committee since be became a member, and his services had been invaluable. A vole of thanks was also accorded Mr Boncham for his work as secretary.