Resolution regarding Donation of Books by Mr. C. R. Carter to N.Z. Institute

Transactions and Proceedings of the Royal Society of New Zealand, Volume 22, 1889, Page 537

Since the last annual meeting three prominent members had been removed by death—namely, Messrs. J. C. Crawford, J. Burne, and J. R. George—and this the Council recorded with regret. About eighty new works had been added to the library during the year, either by presentation or purchase. Referring to the donation to the New Zealand Institute by Mr. C. R. Carter of a valuable library of works on New Zealand, the Council considered the gift was a matter for congratulation to the Society in its capacity as an integral part of the Institute. Mr. Carter had for many years been a liberal benefactor to the Colonial Museum, and his present gift of books was only one of a series of public benefits. The Council did not think they would be stepping outside their sphere in recommending that the Society should pass a cordial vote of thanks to Mr. Carter for his generous donation. The library, with the addition of this collection, numbered some 4,000 volumes. Mr. A. de B. Brandon had been nominated as the Society's representative to the New Zealand Institute. The balance-sheet showed that the year's receipts amounted to £161 17s. (including the balance from last year), and the expenditure was £158 13s. 6d. Mr. W. M. Maskell moved, in accordance with the recommendation of the report, “That, as one of the societies affiliated to the New Zealand Institute, we record our full appreciation of the liberal donation by Mr. C. R. Carter to the Institute of a collection of books relating to New Zealand, and convey to him our cordial thanks for the same.” The mover said he understood the collection was a unique one, containing the very fullest information regarding New Zealand from the earliest time to the present day. In making such a handsome gift Mr. Carter had conferred a great benefit upon the whole colony. Sir James Hector, in seconding the motion, mentioned that the Governors of the New Zealand Institute had already taken steps to have Mr. Carter's gift placed for the convenience of the public, and access to it would be allowed to those who were studying or engaged in the compilation of other works. He considered Mr. Carter was deserving of the thanks of the community for his action. Mr. Travers thought that as a preventive against destruction the works now in the library should be placed by the Governors in a suitable building, which could be erected at a cost of a few hundred pounds. The Government should be asked to assist in this matter. The motion was carried.