THE EXCHANGE NEWS ROOM.

Auckland Star, Volume II, Issue 482, 27 July 1871, Page 2

THE EXCHANGE NEWS ROOM.

What we have been expecting for some time has como to pass, and a rival to the Mechanics' Institute has been established, which we should think is certain to attract almost every subscriber from that news room. The excessive churlishness of the secretary of that institution has been such, the place has been kept so filthy, and subscribers' feelings have been so habitually and wantonly hurt, that any establishment affording equal facilities, with fewer disagreeables, will be hailed with general satisfaction by the news-loving public. Every effort made to improve the conduct of the Mechanics' Institute lias hitherto proved a failure. The members of committee, by a discreditable ruse, elected and reelected themselves to office and have presented an unshaken front to all reformation which did not appear for the greater comfort of their " hard-worked" secretary. With such management the Mechanics' Institute has become a byword. Not only lias no effort been made to make it fulfil the proper functions of a Mechanics' Institute, but in its capacity as a library and newsroom it has been conducted ou the most unpopular principles with which a useful institution could bo mismanaged. So far as the news room is concerned, we tbiuk that the committee will now be enabled to make tilings os comfortable as possible to the secretary, whose huge labours will bo now considerably relieved ; and that gentle amiability and equanimity for which tho secretary"is distinguished will be unruffled by the nuisance of tho " farthing a day" subscribers. Tho news room to be opened on J'uosday next, in the New Zealand Insurance Company's buildings will meet a public want. Tho room is large and airy, comfortably mat* ted, and having really an elegant appearance. The list of papers taken in, wo (observe, comprises all the New Zealand papers, the principal . ustralian, and several English and American journals. There is a much more numerous list than in tho news room of the Mechanics', and while the subscription is precisely the same, the spirited projector proposes to add a large number of others according to the desire expressed by subscribers. The papers are hung up under their respective headings, and a clerk is specially in waiting to replace the papers after readers have done with them, and who, from his connection with a similar room, may bo guaranteed to not at least bearishly insult subscribers. There is an office attached, in which postage and receipt and duty stamps, forms of transfer of shares, &c, will be sold, and blank forms of deposit slips, cheques, &c, will be provided, while pons and ink are supplied at neat little tables, so that the utmost faciiilies are afforded to the comfortable transaction of business. Last not least in the present habits of society, smoking will bo allowed, and every convenience thaj; can contribute to tho comfort of readers afforded. A map of gigantic proportions is being specially prepared, at a cost of forty or fifty pounds, to show on a large scale the entire Thames goldfield. This valuable work, with other maps, will ornament the wall, while works of reference, &c, lie on the tables. Chess, drafts, and all similar pastimes will be provided for, and light refreshments at reasonable rates. The upper part of the establishment is beinp fitted up as a diving-saloon of tho most extensive ami superior Hud, but more of that anon. At present wo merely direct attention to tho complete and beautiful news-room. Situated at the end of the large hall, or Mining Exchange, and extending the full width of the building, tho position, the approach, and the respectability of the establishment aro everything that can be desired. The Insurance Company have really been fortunale in getting the spirited projector- of this establishment as a tenant, for ho has gone to an amount of expense that deserves recognition, hoth from the company and from the public, in supplying a groat want of the city. We do not hesitate to assert our belief that this spirited enterprise will be one of the most successful efforts made in the city, and it is thoroughly in accord with the advance of the time. We invite the public to just drop in and inspect the conveniences of tho new establishment for providing news conveniences, and by-aud-by refreshment for tho public. We wish the utmost success to the proprietor, Mr. Haley.

A humorous grocer labels his soap—"Cheaper thin dirt." The cheapest and longost conveyance—A train of thought. It is not always ho who has tho most nose who knows the most. No class put more real fooling in their vocation than pickpockets,