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New Zealand Times, Volume XXXIII, Issue 5404, 23 July 1878, Page 2

Sib George Grey informed a deputation from the Wellington Working Men’s Club yesterday that he was strongly in favor of establishing a free, public library in Wellington, aud pointed to the Provincial' Hall as a desirable place fora free reading-room. The deputation waited upon the Premier with the view of obtaining a gift or the loan of the whole or a part of the old provincial library for the club; but when they-learnt that Sir George Grey thought that the books which formerly belonged to the Provincial Council should form the nucleus of a free public library, they expressed their entire concurrence, and it appeared that they thought' the establishment of such an institution would be much more beneficial to the working classes generally than a grant of the books to the club would be. , The Premier referred at some length to the advantages which were afforded by free libraries, and as an illustration alluded to that at Liverpool, where. special provision was made. for boys who were engaged at factories and other works. Nearer home there is. an example of the immense benefits conferred by a free library. In Victoria, the Melbourne Public Library is an institution that would be a credit to any city in the world, and thanks to the untiring energy of Sir Redmond Barry books and works of art have been obtained from all the chief cities of Europe.- It must of necessity be a long time before Wellington possesses such a library and art gallery as. Melbourne now has; but it is quite time that a com-neuceraent should bo made, and Sir George Grey greatly encouraged -a movement iu this direction by stating that several gentlemen had promised liberal donations to such an institution. Mr. Hutchison-plainly said that the books were disappearing from the library, anj he no doubt spoke upon sufficient information.. The borrowing of books, with a somewhat indistinct and hazy notion of returning them at an indefinite date, shohld be stopped, and it is to be hoped that Sir George Grey will insist th&tthe books now out should be returned forthwith, and the room looked up until the final disposal of the library has been decided on. As the matter has now been brought prominently under notice, it is likely that efforts will be made to carry, out the excellent idea suggested by the Premier.