OTAKI'S READING ROOM.

Otaki Mail, 22 September 1922, Page 3

OTAKI'S READING ROOM.

| BOROUGH COUNCIL TO ASSIST. f I Some time ago a meeting of subscrlb- ' I ern to the Otaki library was held, when 3 j it was pointed out that the readiug- > , room was of great advantage to Both • residents and visitors, but on account . of lack of support it was agreed that it would have to be closed. In view of this it was decided to appeal to the Borough Council, who had previously decided not make a grant, to assist. At Wednesday’s meeting of the Council Air H. Freeman appeared on behalf of the library committee and made application for assistance. He pointed out to close the room would be a pity, and a hardship on many, while a pound or two expended on it would be money well spent. Visitors made good use of the room in view of the fact that the (rest resort was not fit. He pointed out that the library committee were minus funds, their total income being about: £3O a year; this did not go far. He asked that the Council grant £lO to the roum. The Alayor pointed out that £o had been placed on the estimates. Mr Freeman urged that the amount

be increased to £li>, pointing out that the Government subsidy had been lost. The Alayor said the move had his sympathy, and he regretted there was not money available to remove the building. Air Freeman said £o would not go far. further the public if appealed to would not subscribe. On the other hand ratepayers would liot object 1o the Council giving a grant. He pointed out that the ohl Road Board and the County Council had always responded to an appeal. j Cr. Cockrell: There was no anteccd- j

ent liability then! Cr. Bills said the Council had been to much expense in footpath improvement, which the public appreciated more that the reading-room. Be would, however, favour a grant of Cr. Broadway said lu’ would regret to see the room dosed, especially as it was used by outsiders. Like Cr. Bills he would only favour he considered the library committee should do more than it had done. Air Freeman said the reading-room should not tic saddled on to the library. Cr. Kilsby moved t lint the grant be increased from £5 to £7 10s. He would like to see £lO granted but the Council was hard up. Cr. Broadway; T ’ll second the motion if the amount is increased to £H>; may as well make it. £lo as £7 los.

Cr. Kilsby agreed, stating lie war; anxious to see things progress. Cr. Cockrell thought the library people should help in the upkeep of the reading-room, /fudging from the newspaper report it appeared as it one man did most of the talking; he should lie here. It had been suggested that the reading-room be closed, an attitude that was hostile to the Council.

It was agreed to grant £5 now, and £5 later if money was available.