GISBORNE LIBRARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 1058, 27 November 1903, Page 3

GISBORNE LIBRARY.

REPORT OF COMMITTEE.

iTIfS Library Committee have furnished the following report in regard ito the Liorary premises :

“ Owing to the large number of new nooks that have been added to the Library and to the want o£ accommodation, your Committee have found it necessary to consider the question of securing more commodious premises. With .this end in view Mr Carnegie ,was approached, and his reply plating the conditions upon (which lie is prepared to make grants to libraries, has now been received. The conditions imposed, we regret to report, are such as in the opinion of tho Committee it would ‘be unwise to comply with. The conditions are shortly as under (1) The library must be free iu every department ; (2) a rate must be struck to provide for the upkeep of the library. Although the Library is at present virtually Irce, it would not be advisable ,to allow books to be removed from the Library buildings (without some guarantee that they will be returned. With regard to the second condition that a rate must be struck : This would necessitate taking a poll of the ratepayers, and it is doubtful whether the Borough Council will be prepared to incur this expense. Besides which, your Committee venture to think that the Library could be managed ' more satisfactorily by a Committee appointed by the-, subscribers than under municipal control. The Committee therefore recommend that no further steps be taken in the matter of applying to Mr Carnegie. Alternative proposals have been suggested as undorc— (1) That the present Library buildings and site be offered for lease by public tender, subject to the present lease to the County. Council, upon terms, and conditions as set forth in the copy of iease attached hereto , (2) that efforts be made to borrow money sufficient to erect new buildings on the present site. By adopting the first proposal, it is confidently expected that a rental can he obtained sufficient to

pay for more commodious premises. Pitch premises can be supplied by Mr Towuley, who offers suitable oi < ommodation on the first floor of a brick building he proposes erecting in Gladstone road, ad jo ning Mr Dallymplc’s shop. A plan of the pro-

posed building Is annexed, by which it will be seen that ample accommodation is provided for. With regard to the second proposal, as the Trustee have no power to mortgage, the only means of raising money would tc by way of assignments oi rents received, and the amount that could

he so raised would bo inadequate for the purpose required. Your Committee have, therefore, no hesitation in recommending proposal No. 1 for your favorable consideration.” The report will be considered at ihe meeting of subscribers to be held to-morrow evening.