HISTORY OF A SUCCESSFUL. LITERARY INSTITUTE ANDPUBLIC LIBRARY.

Inangahua Times, Volume IV, Issue 24, 4 June 1877, Page 2

HISTORY OF A SUCCESSFUL. LITERARY INSTITUTE ANDPUBLIC LIBRARY.

[to ths rpi.oo. IXAXGAHCA tmss.J Sib,— ln tbe oace flourishing little tow* of 0— — , situated on tbat part of New Zealand called the West Coast, remark- * able for its ragged and picturesque* scenery, io the midst of alluvial and auriferous gold fields, resided a few intelligent gentlemen, pursuing their paribus avocations— some of a literary turn of mind, others followiug the legal or medicii professions ; others again devoted tbeir time and attention to eommertial business ; whilw others, and not feast en*terprising,. belonged to that independent class of men, the miners, who, isolated as» they were, saw the necessity of devising" some means for the further amelioration 'of tbe community at large— socially amfc intellectually. With this object in view, and with a community so constituted,- tb* idea natually suggested itselF that the most practicable means of raising the social standing would be the cultivation of the mind by the diffusion of wholesome and entertaining knowledge, lor thb> purpose it was sought to establish aa . Institution, literary and social/combining instruction and amusement, which though ' beset by many impediments at first waa finally and successfully accomplished. How was this done ? Difficulties had to be overcome; the apathy of* some, tbe indifference of others had to be contended with, and tbe misapprehensions of manyremoved: The Press— the people's friend —advocated the matter throughout tbe length and breadth of the district, show* iog in the most cogent manner the desir* ability of such an institution. The publio mind being now imbued with the spirit of the thing, and the apparent impedimenta for the time vanishedVa public meeting was- convened, at which the movement ' was approved of, and resolutions carried) appointing » committee to make pre* liminary arrangements, to communicate with Uie Provincial authorities asking » subsidy, and to frame laws for the future conduct of the institution^ Boles and by-laws were accordingly drawn up, sub* sidy applied for and obtained, a list of subscribers opened, a snitable room rented, the institution formally inaugurated, and the energy and perseverance of. the originators crowned with apparent success. Aud though* not exceeding their most sanguine expectations during the first stages of its infancy, though the seclusion witb which it was sought to be circumscribed by a subsequent committee did not tend to promote its interest immeasurably, they had the gratification of

■ ■-■■--.■ | „■" -—- — ■ .. — knowing that they were instrumental in the establishment of an institution from which the most • beneficial results were, ultimately destined- to folhr-v. As may ba anticipated from the fore* * going remark*,, the character of our literary enterprise was not as b.ight nor as healthy as- might have been presumed— owing principally to tho composition of the governing bo ly, who oadoavoured to limit tho nimtar of Mt'iic Ihcrs to a few select parties— to be.ioiit -ho fe»v to the seclusion of t'no mvny. 3> .it iliX did not last k long enough to be productive of its bane* ™ fnl ofTects. Tiie raouibora of Committee may bave been actuated by the most conscientious scruples from their own point of v'ews and no doubt they were ; bttt the thing was too transparent and was goon exploded ; w.iieh was strikingly manifested by thf action of' the subscribers at the-next annual meeli'ig. Most of the ■ old and iion-progreisive committee were ■ were ousted, a new find more energetic one appointed — now blood infused^ into the body p >litic —tho eh abactor of the institution materially changed by the purchase of new an 1 commodious rooms, consisting of a ball, library, and reading rooms, and tho addition to the programme of those enjoyable wefeklv eutcrtaiumonts, comprising lectures, iiddresses, readings, recitation?, '-.ongs, sentimental and comic, and occasionally amaleur performances, which contiibuted in n/> small degree to enhance its value and augment the funds. Indeed, it is no exaggeration to say that the entire success depended on these pleasurable entertainments, as may appear from tho sequel. The entertainments were held once a week — on Monday even-ings-~and were a great source of attraction, during the winter season. Husbands took their wives and families ; bachelors, and unmarried young men their sweet' hearts, and perhaps their future partners, and those who were blessed with neither went alone. The ladies, however, invariably graced the assemblies with their presence and usually talcing an important part in the program ne — admission, gentleman, sixpence each, membership, two shillings and sixpence per quarter in advance. At this moderate "charge, it is not et .. all surprising to find the Eol! of Membership running up from a few scores to as many hundreds of prominent subi soribers. Much also depended on the, new active managing committee, and its gentlemanly and energetic secretary. At the monthly meetings of committee, two of its members were tolled off by rotation as a programme committee, who always endeavoured to procure the best talent the district could afford, and no difficult task either aa contributors had only to be solicited to como forward to participate in advancing an institution which they » now begin to appreciate. It is needless to say # that ; under existing circumstances it k progressed rapidly, and its shelves instead Il of being empty are now replete with H ponderous volumes ofa literary, scientific, ■ historical and novel character ; ita tables decorated with papers and periodicals from every quarter .of the glohe, .which may bo read to advantage either iv the Heading Eoom or in tho family circle at the domestic fireside. # Such is a brief hiatory of a successful Literary Institute and Public Library, not many thousand miles froai Eeefton, Wk which is often the admiration of visitors ™ from othor and more flourishing localities ; bnt that is not all ; the institute has been insured for a sum of two hundred pounds, and has a credit of a hundred and odd pounds in the bank, which should the place ever follow the natural consequences of a fluctuating popvl .tiou, may be utilized elsewhere. Having ever had a lively interest in matters of a social and intellectual character, the writer has been induced to pen the above brief sketch, hoping on perusal it may be instrument^, at some future time, in raising up in our midst an institution similar to that described; from .which inestimable blessings may flow— . to the lasting aud grateful acknowlego* ment of 'the present and rising generation. —I am, sir, &c, Amicus.