NEWTOWN LIBRARY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 465, 25 March 1909, Page 7

NEWTOWN LIBRARY.

EXTENSIVE ADDITIONS OPENED

MR. PETHERICK'S GIFT OF MUSEUM.

The additions to the Newtown Library buildings wero formally opened last night. About 250 peoplo assembled in the capacious lecture-room, Where tho ceremony took place. Among those present wero a number of tho City Councillors. Seats on tho platform were occupied by tho Mayor (Hon. T. W. Hislop), who presided, Mr. D. M'Laren, M.P. (chairman of the Libraries Committco of tho City Council), and Mr. E. W. Petherick, who donated to the City Council his magnificent museum, which is now housed in the buildings.

Tho Mayor stated that, somo six years ago, Mr. Petherick offered to donato his valuable museum to tho city, if suitable provision wero made for its accommodation. Mr. Petherick had spent a great deal of his time —in fact all his leisure time—iu getting together the collection, which was 11 good one. (Hoar, hear). All ho need say about the collection was that it only needed to bo seen to bo admired. • (Applause.) They were present that evening to. witness not only the opening of .tho enlarged museum, but also tho opening of a fine lecture-room and other • valuable additions to the buildings. It was good for tho citizens that they, had in their midst peoplo who' mado a deep study in matters of general interest. Mr. Petherick had not only devoted a great deal of time to collecting the exhibits, but had also expended a considerable sum of money towards that end. (Applause.) When tho City Council determined to take over tho collection it knew, and Mr. Petherick know, that, from a severely scientific point of view, it could not "hold a candle" to that duller, but more learned place at tho other end of the city. (A voice: "Nol") But what was realised was that, if Mr. letherick's collection were suitably housed in a convenient locality, it would prove of unusual general interest, and would servo to encourago others—especially tho young people—to add to it. One of tho greatest rewards which Mr. Petherick had had for his donation, was that it had caused the youngsters to take a great interest in tho museum. In tho name of tho citizens he wished to express to Mr. Petherick their great gratification that they possessed a fellow citizen who was so willing and anxious that the efforts of his life should be at the service of others. (Loud Applause.) It was worthy of mention that tho extensions had been made out of income. In a building of this kind the citizens had ono of those agencies which ministered to the higher life of the community. At tho speaker's instance Mr. Petherick was then accorded three hearty cheers. Mr. Petherick, in reply, said that ho was much gratified by tho citizens' expression of appreciation of his gift. As thero was now a good deal of space availablo, lie hoped that everybody who could would make additions to tho museum. Ho wished to be allowed to tender his thanks to Mr. H. ivnight, the contractor, for tho excellent manner, in which ho had carried out the T°, , otners to whom he was greatly indebted were: Mr. J. J. AVebb, clerk of works, Mr. Nichol, and Mr. Geo. Remington, sub-contractors, to Mr. Yuill, taxidermist, for his collection of over 400 foreign birds, to Mr. G. Payne, of Maryborough, tor three splendid specimens of red deer, to Mr. Jas. Smith, Petone, for over 60 specimens of Australian birds, to Mr. J E lorry, librarian, who had devoted much time in assisting him, and to Mr. W. J iethenck, junior, for artists' work. If ho had been a Rothschild he would have-pre-sented to the citizens a museum second to none in the world. (Loud Applause.) Mr. D. M Laren, M.P., said that he would like to mention that, at first, he was opposed to tho acquisition of tho museum, .because he did not' think suitable provision could be made for housing such a valuable collection of exhibits. As chairman of the Libraries Committee he wished to state- that, it the work had been three times greater than was the case; the money would have ( ?i well ,. L s P ent - Applause.) Tho value ot the exhibits was stated to bo £4500, 'but their actual worth was a great deal more. liFr^f l At the P resent timo dibits worth £600 were coming to Mr. Petherick from South Africa. The extensions .to the buildings had cost £4495, and tho fitting at about £1100. It was at first estimated that tuo necessary work would cost £7000: As a Tosult. of the extensions the wall space had been increased from 226 square feet to 620 squaro feet, and the floor space from. 2668 square feet to 7000 square feet. Moro than twice as many readors attended the library than formerly, and the number of subscribers had greatly increased. (Applauso.) it was pleasing to note that the juveniles were taking a great interest in the institution. When > money was available, it was hoped to have a special juvenile department. (Hear, hear.) It had at times been a reflection on tho wealthier portion of tho community that they had refrained from putting their hands into their pockets to assist in tho development of tho city. Ho now hoped that others would emulate the splendidexample- which had been.set them by Mr. Petherick. (Loud applause.} Tlpon tho invitation of tho Mavor, Mrs. Oohen, wife of Councillor Cohen, then unit v \ n J rh -°, , tal i lct in commemoration of Mr Pothenck's gift. His Worship said that the council would have liked to have commemorated the donation by tho erection ol a statue or picture, but Mr. Petherick would not give his consent. It was then decided to erect a tablet, which was of a handsome and striking design, at the foot of tho stairway. . Inscribed upon the tablet wero the following words :— To Edward Wade Pethcrick.-In recognition of his generous public spirit in presenting to the. citizens of Wellington his valuable collection for the establishment of this museum. Opened May 28, 1906. Afterwards the visitors spent a good deal of time inspecting the new rooms and especially tho museum, which is well worth seeing.