THE GREYMOUTH LITERARY ASSOCIATION.

Grey River Argus, Volume XII, Issue 1332, 5 November 1872, Page 2

THE GREYMOUTH LITERARY ASSOCIATION.

[to the editor.] Sir,: — Attention has been several times lately called to tho malady under which the above Association, in common, I [believe, with other similar institutions on the Coast, is at present laboring, viz., a want of due support from the community. I think that the result may partly be attributed to the fact of the advantages offered by these institutions not being sufficiently brought under the notice of the public. I think it is amongst' th§ "things not generally known" in this town, that there is now nothing exclusive about the Literary Association, but that it is open for every respectable person to join, without distinction of sex or social position; and in the second placs, that, besides a good supply of papers and magazines, and the nucleus of a good library already possessed, a large addition to the library is daily expected, a consignment of 200 new and standard works being now due from England. I need not dilate upon the advantages offered by the institution; to young men especially they are great and obvious, and deserve to be more extensively availed of than is at present the case; they cost less than a few games of billiards or a daily nobbier, and I think only require to be more widely known to be better appreciated. But as some immediate means seem, to be required to liquidate the liability which has been incurred for thg purchase of books, I venture to make the suggestion that the "Committee should get up an Exhibition of Fine Arts and Curiosities— a plan which has been adopted with success in many other towns, and is proposed ill Hokitika. Very many of our residents hive pictures of one sort or other which I aria sure they would be happy to lend, as well as other objects of interest, and I haye no doubt that if the most were made of the means available, a good and interesting display of works of art and natural curiosities would be obtained, and that a large number of persons would pay a shilling to see it, The expenses ought to be trifling, and riot only would any surplus that might be left be welcome, but the Association would be at the same time carrying out one of its legitimate functions and duties in assisting to cultivate a taste for art in the community. I am, &c, W. M. Cooper. Greyraouth, Nov. 4,