Public Library.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 6709, 30 May 1900, Page 3

Public Library.

The members of the Borough Council met this morning, in committee, to consider the proposal to purchase the old Colonial Bank building for the purposes of a Public Library.

It appears that the Council have been given to understand that there are two J purchasers after the property, and it is ' practically a question of purchasing it - now or not at all, so far as the Council - is concerned. During the discussion which took place this morning, it was evident that several Councillors were extremely anxious to close the bargain, ' while others expressed the opinion that a more suitable building could be erected r specially for the purpose of a public < library at a much less cost than £2000. Finally, aa thoy could come to no con- : elusion upon the matter, and as several : of the Councillors had not inspected the i building, the meeting was adjourned until to-night, when the discussion will be resumed, by which tinae those Councillors who went over the building this morning will be able to give their opinions as to its suitability and yalue. It is probable that the ratepayers will | ha\e to be asked to sanction a loan to provide the purchase money, if the Council decide to buy; and'it is estimated' by some competent authorities thatj* before the building could be made completely suitable for a public library and expens^ incidental to its purchasepaid, it would ©pst £3000. We understand, that^a suggestion has been made that tke^fi Sen t lire-bell in Coleman PlaceslJ^HL removed, and that the Cog^Hp a new _gtruSteL^^^^^B» at a cost of Hj^^^^^^^^^^^^PPjiase of the be disthe question The boot carried on by been acquired well-known. will continue manuofiboots