PATEA LIBRARY AND INSTITUTE.

Patea Mail, Volume II, Issue 189, 31 January 1877, Page 2

PATEA LIBRARY AND INSTITUTE.

Til," second animal general meeting of the above institimon was held on Si,; nrd.ay evening la-,; ; Dr Croft in tlie chair. .\ Bit reading the nolice convenin'.'; the nn-"':ng, and ihe minutes of 1 fie last, animal meeting were confirmed, the Chairman r.-ad the animal report, which was as follows : uktoht. Your committee have much pleasure in laying before the meeting the an mini balance .•dice!, and a statement, of the assets ami liabilities of the Library and Justsrule to the 2Jrd of .lanuary. 1577. ami they think there is every reason for congratulation tit Hie siiii-factory condition of affairs, both tis regard- the working of the library and (lie increasing number of members. The last annual meeting was held on the Kith May, IS7T>. and the balance -licet was made tip to the i! Ist March previous, so that the present, balance sheet in reality is only for a term of about nine months. It: was found impossible to balance the books this time on the Hist December, as the secretary was away, and (hero were a large number of unpaid subscriptions to got in. These, however, have now mostly been collected, and your committee are glad to be able to point out (hat at the la-1 annual meeting, the unpaid subscriptions amounted to some £2l; ; whereas now it i- reduced to £5 lOs, and the greater part of that sum will probably be paid. Your committee would suggest that in future the accounts be made up to the B Ist December, and (lie books balanced on that day, so that the annual meeting may lie 'held as early in January as possible. It is with great regret that we have to allude to the death of our late librarian. Mr Campbell, who performed his duties with attention and courtesy, until the period of Ids last illness, when it became necessary to appoint, a new librarian. Your committee selected Mr Harris, and havo every reason to be satisfied with that gentleman's attention to the interests of (he library since Ids appointment. The system of book-keeping formerly adopted lias been changed and si upiilied, anti your committee hope that in future (here will be no difficulty with the accounts, particularly if the rides be strictly adhered to, and all tho-c in arrears be re fused books. Air Hutton, your late lion, secretary, ha- left the district, carrying with him the good wishes of all members of the Institute, in the formation of which he took so much interest, ami devoted so much of his time. It was determined to present him with a testimonial for Ids valuable services, and members of the institute were asked to subscribe. The sum realised was ,Ci! 10s, but as the presentation volumes cost :!M Is. your committee would now a-k the meeting to sanction the balance (Ms) being paid out of Hie library funds. A proposition has been made to the committee to apply for one of the large rooms in the Immigration Barracks as a library and reading room, but at present we tliink it is better to let the library remain where it is. Mr Harris’ premises being more central, and having the advantage of his constant attendance. It was found desirable to amalgamate the offices of librarian and secretary. the work attached to the latter being considerable, and Air Harris now fills both offices. With regard to putting up a suitable building, your committee sec no immediate ebanec of obtaining sufficient funds. The Government was applied to for help, and a grant in aid of £250 was asked. There has been, however, no reply to the application, and as the provinces are now abolished, the County Council will be the body we shall have to apply to for aid in future. In (be meantime, your committee have been doing all in their power to increase the usefulness of the Institute, and during the past year have spent, over £SO in purchasing new books, which, owing to the help of a kind friend, we have been able to import from home on most favorable terms, so that on their arrival, the library will be able to boast of nearly 500 volumes, mostly standard works The books belonging to the Armed Constabulary Library arc required by the Government, and will be handed over at once to the Constabulary authorities. Any members, therefore, who have books belonging to the Constabulary Library would oblige by returning them without delay. A large number of magazines and papers arrive now by every mail from home, and the reading room is well patronised by (be members. It is proposed to hold a quarterly sale of old books and papers, when those wishing to purchase will doubtless be able to obtain “Graphics” and other interesting papers at a moderate cost. The balance sheet speaks for itself, and your committee consider the statement of assets and liabilities most satisfactory, as it shows that the Institute possesses property worth £1.15. every care being taken to allow a fair sum for depreciation. Your committee have to announce with regret the resignation of Major Turner as President of the Institute.

The Chairman then read the balance sheet, and also a statement of the assets and liabilities, for the year ending 23rd January, 1877, which Avill be seen in our advertising columns. The balance sheet was adopted. The following gentlemen were elected office-bearers for the ensuing year : .President, Dr Croft : Treasurer, Mr If. E. Adams; .'Secretary, Mr Harris; Auditors, Messrs Gibson and Tennont; Committee, Messrs Gibson, Holtbam, F. Smith, Long - , and Baggett. It was resolved, “ That the committee be empowered to fill any vacancies, or to appoint any officers that may be requisite.” .Mr Milroy remarked upon the absence of any Taranaki papers in the reading room. It was resolved that the committee bike the matter into consideration at their next meeting. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the meeting.