THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1882. THE CIRCULATING LIBRARY.

Globe, Volume XXIV, Issue 2471, 8 March 1882, Page 2

THE GLOBE. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1882. THE CIRCULATING LIBRARY.

We rejoice extremely that the evident design of the Board of Governors to close np the circulating part of the Public Library has evoked some expression of opinion on the part of the public. Oar correspondents of Monday have put the case very clearly and plainly, and we twust that, now the public have obtained a small insight into the way in which a very large portion of their estate is dealt with, they will not rest till an alteration is made in the present system. When—as we propose to do, if it is possible—the figures in connection with the socalled School of Agriculture are put before our readers they will be astounded at the thousands of pounds muddled and frittered away on expensive luxuries in connection with this institution, the practical use and benefit of which is extremely problematical. We say if it is possible, because everything connected with the Board of Governors is shrouded in mystery. It is true that the representatives of the Press are present at the meetings, but merely routine busi- | ness is conducted at the open Board, j Questions of great public interest, involv-. ing the expenditure of largo sums of money, are discussed and decided practically with closed doors. So far as is possible, wo will endeavor to give the public some information as to the doings of that little family circle, the Board of G ivernors, »ud we trust that pressure will bo brought to bear so as to effect a most necessary reform, and have the members of the Board elected, not selfappointed. The public will then, as it has a right to do, become acquainted with the way in which its estate is managed. CHRISTCHURCH SNOBBERY. A more striking evidence of the snobbery and Jenkiusism which pervades the socalled Christchurch society could scarcely

have been afforded than the gathering on Monday night at the Oddfellows’ Hall. It mast have been matter for wonder to those who did not know the moving cause to see the new-born enthusiasm of the Christchurch public with regard to missionary matters. The subject of the lecture was one no doubt interesting to a goodly number of people, hut had it not been for the astuteness of the projectors in capturing a “ star ” performer in the shape of a real live Governor, there would not have been the crowded house which gladdened their hearts. The fulsome adulation and oleaginous outpourings which went on, must have given Sir Arthur Gordon a very peculiar opinion of Christchurch people. We have had the greatest intellectual treats provided by artists who stand unrivalled in their respective lines, yet the “ upper ten,” as they delight in being called, wont not. But if a lecture were announced by a shining light in the association for providing moral pockethandkerchiefs for the benighted islanders of Polynesia, with a live Governor in the chair, the hall would bo, as on the occasion referred to, packed from door to stage. The managers of the entertainment on Monday evening were wise in their generation, possessing a keen knowledge of the deepseated reverence for rank which exists in Christchurch, and the result has been dollars galore to the missionary treasury. We do not for one moment wish to he understood as advocating any disrespect to Her Majesty’s representative. But there is a manly way of showing this quite different from the nauseating kowtowing which went on. Now that the Governor is residing amongst us it will be a golden opportunity for anyone whose entertainment soars above the dog and monkey or slightly-clad opera bouffe level so popular iu Christchurch. Of course, if “ His Excellency ” goes the success of the thing is assured. Not, probably, onethird of the people who flocked on Monday night to the Oddfellows’ Hall cared or wanted to know anything about New Guinea, but it was the thing to do because the Governor went. It is surprising to ns that the authorities of the Church of England, who are always poor and wanting money for something, either a rose window or a pillar in the Cathedral, did not secure the first appearance of so successful a “ star” as the Governor, and that they should have allowed his debut in Christchurch to be made under the auspices of the dissenters—“ Aw vewy common sort of people”—is still more astonishing. Perhaps, however, we are underestimating the shrewdness of our friends of the Established Church. They may be reserving their benefit until the crowds pour into Christchurch for the Exhibition. If this be so, and they can secure the principal performer in the chair, their harvest, equally with that of their missionary brethren, will be large. They need have no fear of an audience. The good people of Christchurch will flock anywhere under the regis of a title, though true merit and high artistic ability may not meet with any recognition from them