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New Zealand Tablet, Volume XIX, Issue 19, 6 February 1891, Page 5

The opening of the Vatican Secret Archives, which usually takes place on the 'Ist October, did not occur thia year until the 7th of November. A new reading room was in course of preparation, the oid one beiug dark, damp, aiid too small. Having placed the celebrated treasure of Pontifical Archives at the disposition of the savants of the whole world, it w s found impossible to deny ihem the ceceseary light and f-pace for their s'udies. The Holy Father has, consequently, established a new salle for the students of Achieves, aa ho diil four years ago for the Vatican library. The new room is 6pacious and well-ligbfed, and capable of containing cne huudred persons with ease. It is not at all luxurious, the state of the Pope's finances not permitting him to continue the tradition of magnificence of a Julius 11., or a Sixtu9 Quiutup, who in their day, filled the Vatican with bo many splendours. It has, however, one great disadvantage, and of which the workers complain very much ; they aro disturb-d and deafened by the noise of carriages which pass through the Via delle Fondamcnte conveying visitor to the Cillery ot Antiquities. The leading-room is filled daily, and England is well represented,— Liverpool Catholic Times,