THE Kaipara Advertiser, AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 1913. "AS YOU WERE."

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 25 June 1913, Page 2

THE Kaipara Advertiser, AND WAITEMATA CHRONICLE. WEDNESDAY, JUNE 25 1913. "AS YOU WERE."

The outcome of the Town Hoard's reconsideration of the question of taking control of the Public Library j when the resolution to defer the proposal for twelve months was rescinded, introduces a position of "as you were," or in other words the Board is under no restriction on this matter. It will be remembered that a deputation waited upon the Board and set its members reviewing the position somewhat, with the result that the question came forward, at the subsequent meeting as the outcome of a notice of motion. The deputation contended that a large number of ratepayers desired the Library vested in the Board, which would eventually lead to a much desired improvement re control and working of same. It was argued that the Board need not spend extra money in effecting improvements at present, as the subscribers could continue to elect their, committee or a committee jointly with the Town Board representatives, and the present system of upkeep, etc. adhered to until the Board was in a better position ; also that the Board would get possession of a freehold section which it did not at present possess. In the present state of tho Board's affairs it would be unwise to handicap themselves with extra liabilities, bat the Library is certainly an institution that should receive some assistance from the local authority.

The fear expressed by some people that the Hoard would place municipal buildings on the Library site need not bo taken seriously, as any such proposal would have to be dealt with by the ratepayers. With the criticism in reference to the action of a member of the Hoard in giving a notice of motion, we do not agree. There is nothing unfair about such a procedure ; it is machinery at the disposal of every local authority in tho country. Criticism, should be directed on the merits of the question at issue, not as to the action of any member in moving a resolution. The Hoard was well within its rights in further discussing Library matters. A

letter from the Library Committee first brought these affairs to notice, and at a subsequent meeting a deputation that attended made out a good case for the rehearing of the points at issue. The discussion, as reported in our columns, shows the attitude of the members of the Board on this proposal, also their reasons for same, but whether the majority of: ratepayers are in favour or against the proposal seems at present a matter of conjecture.

The members of the Town Band continue to show a keen interest in their musical studies and practice, and expect to make their public debut at no distant date. They have been fairly well supported by the public to enable instruments to be purchased, but still require two or three more to make up a moderate equipment. A town band is a very desirable adjunct to our social institutions, and should receive every encouragement, It is an organisation from which the residents generally should derive a good deal of enjoyment. The Band's appeal, therefore, for the means of purchasing the necessary instruments, should not be made in vain.