RAMSBOTHAM BEQUEST

Chronicle (Levin), 9 October 1946, Page 4

RAMSBOTHAM BEQUEST

ARRANGESIENT AT COLLEGE "During thc vacation additional shelves were erected in the library and the work of sorting and arranging the books is almost completed," said the principal (Mr. N. A. Byrne) in . a report to a "meeting of the Horowhenua College Aavisory Committee last evening referring to uhe valuable library bequeathed to the college under the will of ihe late Mr. George Ramsbotham. "Miss Pettit, the librarian, has spent a great deal of time on this work and members of the staff have given several evenings to it.", Mr. Byrne said he had divided the books into three classes — those suitable for college reading; critical, philosophical - and difficult works more suited for a staff library; and works unsuitable for eithex .library on account of their subject matter, of because they were out of ciate and now of little value. "Amongst those whose subject matter renders them unsuitable for eithcr library,. is a small group of books of artistic interest," the report continued. "These would have some value to collectors of unusual editions. 5 1 would suggest that' they be disposed of privately if -the terms of the bequest permit this.v I have "been in Eouch with the Wellington City Librarian, who might be able to give a valuation of these books. "At present the bequest occupies a separate wall of the library. This is a disadvantage from the point of view of students, as it means that a student has to search two sets of shelves to find a particular book. I suggest that the collection remains apart until after parents' day, when residents of the district will have an opportunity to see it; that suitable book plates be designed and inserted, and that as soon thereafter as possible the whole library be catalogued on the Dewey system, which is used in all modern libraries, and the bequest incorporated in the general library. There is a group of rare editions, such as first editions of Dickens, which I have had put in a special bookcase. This is kept locked, as later editions of the works are on the shelves. "As a result of this fine bequest the college has a library which, from the literary point of view, must have few equals in schools in New Zealand," Mr. Byrne concluded. It was stated that the bequest was absolute and the committee could sell the books unsuitable for the college, using the proceeds to improve the library otherwise. Mr. D. P. Todd said he saw nothing against merging the books of the bequest in those of the college's 'own library, but felt that it was essential to see that the books of the bequest were suitably marked as suggested by ihe principal. He thought that for a short time yet the bequest should be retained

as a collection. The committee was in sympathy with these views and authorised Mr. Todd and the principal .to act in the maiter in due course.