TURANGANUI LIBRARY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XII, Issue 1059, 28 November 1903, Page 3

TURANGANUI LIBRARY.

REPORT OF COMaTiCTEE ADOPTED

A special zncctinpj of subscribers of the Gisborne Public Library was held in the JLibrary Buildings, Lowo stroot, last evening, to consider the question of lousing the present building arid into, and obtaining more commodious premises elsewhere, In the absenco of tho Chairman (Rev. H. Williams), His Worship tho Mayor presided, and read the advertisement culling tho meeting* Do explained the object of tho meeting, and mentioned the fact that the Committee had been in communication with Mr Cu-negie ;n regard to obtaining a vote, but without success. . It was out of tiro question to look for assist anco from Mr Carnegie, and the Committee had therefore alternative proposals to submit to tho meeting with a view of obtaining better accommodation than they possessed at tho present time. Tho report of tho Committee, which has already boon published, was tneu read. It recommended tire leasing of tho present buildings for a term of 21 years, and scouring other premises which Mr lownley hud agreed to supply. Tho Chairman said that it was for the

subscribers to say whither they won (. romuin in tho present buildings or aecep; tho offer which ho hud made. Mr Siovwright thought that it was a mistake to throw over Mr Carnegie altogether, and ho therefore hid a proposal to submit to tho meeting. Ho moved the following resolution : That tho Committee, cither alone or in conjunction with any members interested, tako steps ut once to obtain the co-opera-tion of tho Borough Council for the establishment of a Public Li ovary within the moaning of “ Tiio Municipal Co-operation Act, 1900,” and having done so further, in conjunction with the Council, to take all necessary steps (1) to secure as a site for a library building the vacant Government reserve between Held's quay and Customhouse stroot, fronting Childers road, to be vested in the Borough Council, and (2) to comply with Mr Carnegie’s conditions, so as to secure from him a grant of monoy for tho Library building.” fopoaking to tho resolution Mr Siovwright said that there would bo no difficulty in getting the .reserve in Childers road from the Government, and the difficulty in regard to tho rato could bo got over. Another advantage of having a public library was that thoy would receive donations of books which they would not receive if they con tinued us a privato library. Ho was satisfied that Mr Townloy w mid treat them liberally, but thoy slioul 1 not allow the opportunity to pass of having a placo of their own. He thought that Mr ■Carnegie's conditions wore i.air and reasonable. Tho Chairman said that a portion of the land mentioned by Mr Siovwright was already the property of the Borough Council. Mr W. Pefctio seconded tho resolution pro forma. It was a very important matter, and should bo discussed from every possible standpoint. Mr A. I l ’. Konnody said that ho was in accord with the resolution. Ho was proud to belong to a Librury which had refused Mr Carnegie's offer, seeing the conditions that ho enforced. It was impossible to make the Librury absolutely froe, and they would bo sacrificing a groat deal iu conforming to Mr Carnegie’s-conditions. Tho Library had been splendidly managed, and thoy could continue with advantage under tho presont administration. Ho wanted to soo that it was to the advantage of the Library to shift before it was decided to do so.

Mr F. T. Morgan said that tho ront which could ho obtained for the present buildings would bo inoro than sufficient to pay for the ront of the buildings to which they proposed removing. The Library was to all intouts und pueposes free. From the plan submitted to the meeting that evening it would be seen that every convenience and comfort would he obtaiaod in the now building. Mr Symos expressed pleasure that Mr Carnegie’s offer had boen rejocted. They wore not beggars, and should not look ouGsido for assistance. They would bo absolutely wrong in receiving anything from Mr Carnegie. They had struggled along for many years and wore now in a good position, and should not pander to any man. Ho would bo very sorry if Mr Carnegie wero asked for anything. ******* * ROLL LIBRARY Mr Fettio thought the subscribers (Would agree with him in saying that (they had the fullest confidence in the Committee, and they would all be thankful to hear any proposals. He .was quite satisfied to leave the matter in the hands of the Committee, but they should not try to stifle discussion. As far as he co_uld see, the proposal to remove to Mr TownJoy’s buildings was one that should Lie supported. Mr Matthewison said that he was the oldest subscriber to the Library, and in past years they had had very rhany trials. They had worked themselves into a 'good .position, but now required better accommodation. Air Carnegie’s offer had not been acceptable, and thev should now seek to obtain adequate accommodation for the Library. Air Townley was prepared to meet them in every way, and they should accept his liberal offer. The building to he provided by Mr Townley would he of brick, and it would contain every convenience, and would he sufficient to meet their requirements for the next twenty years or more. In regard to the reserve mentioned by Air Sicv(wright, efforts had in the past .been made by the Borough Council to obtain it, and it was only after a lot or trouble that they succeeded in securing a small portion. If they secured the reserve, they would not be aide to mortgage it to erect buildings. ’ Air Symes said that lie had no de sire to stifle discussion in an? way, and whatever he had said was not intended to stop criticism of the .Committee’s proposals. Ileitis sure that Air Pcttic would admit that such was the case.

Tlic Chairman said Hie Committee were opposed to accepting Mr Carnegie's offer on the conditions that. lit had laid down, and there was little prospect of getting a reserve from the Government. He was sure that the ratepayers would object to paying a library rate. It was for the subscribers to say whether th.ev would remove from the present builMr Morgan said the site of the new •Library was more centrally situated and in every way more suited to the requirements of the public than tie present one. , , . . Mr Sievwriglit, in reply, denied that'he in any way reflected on the Committee or their management. /They would not get a grant from the Government unless they tried

and he was sure there was every prospect of obtaining it. lie commended .Mr Carnegie for enforcing conditions providing that the money voted to libraries was properly applied. As far as lie could see there Was not the slightest need oE the Borough Council being asked to subsidise the Library, and the time would come when they would regret having missed such an excellent opportunity. The motion, on being put to the meeting, was lost, Mr Sicvwright alone supporting i(. On the motion of Mr Let tie, seconded by Mr Synies, the report of the Committee was adopted. Mv Symes said dluil he would be

opposed to removing from the _ present buildings unless the Committee obtained sufficient revenue from them to pay their rent in the new premises, and also to create a sinking fund. - The. Chairman said that the Coni-, niiitce had gone to him in regard to the new rooms : he had not gone to. them, and everything would depend on tlie rent derived from the present buildings. If it did not pay them to move, then they would not do so.