PATEA INSTITUTE.

Patea Mail, 18 March 1882, Page 4

PATEA INSTITUTE.

NEW SCHEME OF WORKING.

THE newly elected Committee desire to place before Subscribers and the Beading Public a programme of improvements to be carried out by public co-operation. It being manifest that the institute has been latterly in a languishing condition, an earnest effort is now being made to enlist public assistance and sympathy for increasing" the use and attractions of the Institute, and making it really worthy of the district. - : Finances. The present debt on the building is £250, requiring an annual interest of £25. There is also a current indebtedness of about £6B. The committee are satisfied that the assets of the Institute would, if realised, exceed the amount of liabilities ; and while leaving the debt on building untouched at present, it is decided to wipe off the current liability of £6B by obtaining a bank overdraft secured on the joint and several undertaking of the committee. The income is small and uncertain at present, but is capable of a large increase, as the committee believe. That increase appears obtainable, firstly, by popularising the Institute so as to raise the number of Sub cribers from about 75 to 159, and probably much more ; secondly, by public entertainments and lectures to be given in aid of Institute funds ; , and thirdly by donations and life-memberships. The committee estimate that from these several sources a total income of £2OO in the first year may be assured. They are confident that, with generous co-operation and no undue tax on public sympathy, the first year’s income may approach £3OO. The committee’s expenditure will, however, be based on the safe estimate of £2OO as the first year’s revenue. Proposed Expenditure—New Books. The Committee estimate that £IOO will cover all current expenses and contingencies (apart from new books), and perhaps pay-off part of the overdraft. This will leave about £IOO available for the purchase of new books during the current year. An imme-' diate selection of new and desirable books will be made ; and. in order that the attrac-; tions of the Library may be increased with-’ out delay, a portion of the first batch of new literature will be purchased within the Australian colonies, and placed in the catalogue for early issue to members. Another and more extensive selection of new books will be obtained from England, by the best means of selection available to the committee/ Other batches of new books wall be procured from time to time; and the committee will in this matter aim at, a policy of judicious liberality in keeping the Library supplied with the most attractive and useful literature of the day All tastes will be consulted, within reasonable limits 'as to cost. All the best Magazines will be kept available to readers, ' ‘ : The Library. A new Librarian has been appointed, and the committee hope thereby to secure regularity of attendance, courteous attention to Subscribers’ wants, besides orderly cleanliness within the building. The subscription will be £1 per annum, as before; payable yearly, half-yearly, or quarterly in advance, ; This

payment includes all conveniences of the Institute. The Librarian will be in attendance on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 3 to 6 o’clock afternoons, and 7 to 9.30 evenings. To ensure system and order in the issue of books, it will be necessary to enforce fines for keeping books beyond the specified time for reading. The prompt return of books being thus secured, there will be great convenience in being able to rely on particular books being available to other readers within a reasonable number of days, w-hile new books cannot be monopolised by keeping them in few hands, to the detriment ' of other readers. Any restraint imposed on individuals by this regulation will be amply compensated by greater convenience to the majority. The Reading Room. This cannot be kept open free to the public after March Ist, there being no longer a subsidy from Government. But it is intended to popularise the Reading Room by fixing the subscription at a nominal sum equal to about a penny a week ; namely 5s a year in advance, 2s 6d half-yearly, or Is a month, this last rate being useful to visitors. Any Member may introduce a friend for one week, by entering name in visitor’s book. Additional papers from the chief centres of population in these colonies will be procured; and all useful papers will be filed with regularity. The Reading Room will be increased in comfort, and well lighted. Sets of chess and drafts will be kept for member’s enjoyment.: , Winter fires will be. well attended to 5 so that the Reading Room may be a really pleasant resort. . Family Tickets—Life Members. Tickets available for families null be issued ; namely, a subscription of £2 will entitle to books &c. equal to three memberships. Life members will be so created on payment of £lO or over as a donation to the Institute. Donations of books will be acknowledged by the committee with a vote of thanks in each case, and a grateful mention at the annual meeting. All new Subscribers joining now will be charged for only half the current quarter. Lectures—Debates. : The committee contemplate arranging for scientific and 1 other attractive lectures to be given in aid of the Institute funds. Members will-j be entitled to, admission for a nominal sum, and the public at a higher rate. It is hoped that a suitable Lecture Room may soon be added to the Institute, while some other hall can be used in, the meantime. Debates will also be promoted occasionally, in connection with the Institute ; and ladies who may choose to attend as listeners (or speakers) will find debates both amusing, and entertaining, while their presence will be a stimulus, H. F. Christie, President. : 11. E. P. Adams, Treasurer. l i ’ ,T. A. Wilkinson, Secretary. G. D. HAMEBTON] S. Taplin ( Membe’S of - j. w. Bright | Committee. E. Houghton j Free Advertisement,] - ; ; : 1