GISBORNE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume XI, Issue 1327, 10 July 1883, Page 2

GISBORNE PUBLIC LIBRARY.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SUBSCRIBERS. The Annual meeting of subscribers to the Library was held in the library rooms, on Saturday, the 7th instant. Owing ta the adverse state of the weather, only about twelve gentlemen - were present. ■ The Rev J. T. Pinfold was voted to j the chair, and briefly stated the object ’ of the meeting, viz., to receive reports and to elect a committee for the ensuing year. The Genebal Repobt stated that monthly meetings had been held on the second Wednesday of each month, and special meetings were made to incite public interest and to arrange for a building loan. A Debating Class was instituted in August last. In the same month a concert was given, from which a sum of £ll accrued. A Dramatic Club was organised in September, which augmented the funds by £ll Ils 6d. A Chess Club 'k had also been formed. In February 1 last a grant of £24 5s 6d was re- II ceived from Government. In May last the committee opened the library from 3to 5 and from 7 to 10. Two small additions of books have been made to the library during the year* Books to the value of £5O are expected'' shortly. Donations of books have been received from Messrs Sigley, Woon, and Anonymous. The committee notice with much pleasure that no papers have been taken away, Arrangements have been completed for building the new library Wore the end of next September. The report concludes with an earnest appeal for public support. The Tbeasubeb’s Repobt was i—• <| ASSETS AND LIABILITIES. *■ ASSETS.

Certified— E. H. Fbaton, Honorary Treasurer. Audited and found correct— F. W. Skeet. The Chairman said the next business was to elect a new committee for the ensuing year, but before this was done he would move a vote of thanks to the out-going committee. — Carried unanimously. Mr Sigley, on behalf of the old committee, returned thanks, and was much gratified at the expression of opinion which had been given. The committee had had many difficulties to contend with. He sincerely hoped that the public would take a greater interest in it shortly, and give the institution increased support. They had to thank the Press for affording them every assistance possible. He had no doubt but what they would meet with increased support as soon as the new premises were erected and a more varied stock of books arrived. The minutes of the last annual meeting were then read and confirmed. Mr Finn proposed, “That Mr Booth, R.M., be President,” but it . was negatived on accouut of his not I being a subscriber. Mr DeLautour was then elected President, Mr Sigley Vice-President, and the following gentlemen were chosen as a committee for the ensuing

term i Messrs Fea ton, Burke, O’Ryan, Kurtain, and Pinfold, Mr Finn and Mr Finneran were nominated, but declined to stand. Mr Finn remarked that not one single member of our Borough or County Councils or officials appeared on the list of subscribers, which was as follows: Messrs Andrews Edwards Gray Finn Finneran Fisher Featon Gooce Harley Maude Houghton McLeod McKie! McCauley Parker Sigley Smith Common Sievwright Cooper DeLautour M'Bride O’Ryan Stubbs Pinfold Kurtain Teasdale Rourke Joyce It was here mentioned by Mr Featon thatJMr McDonald, M.H.1?,, had been asked to subscribe to the library, but had replied, 11 No, he should not.” Mr Featon stated that the library had been started some eight years ago when it was in a tolerably flourishing condition, but since that it had been going gradually from bad to worse. Books had been taken away, others been lost and destroyed, and those that remained had been read over and over again. About four years ago, things came to a climax, and one day they found the library closed. They had then to buckle to and re-organise the whole affair, pay off accumulated debts, and start the concern again, but owing to the effect of the cold, cheerless, and insufficiently lighted premises, their efforts had no permament effect. But now things looked somewhat brighter, and he had no doubt but what ere long the library would be one of the most successful institutions in Gisborne. A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the proceedings.

June 30, 1883— To Subscriptions due to date .. £23 0 c Furniture and fixings 2d 0 ( Books + 300 0 ( Sections iu Lowe street 300 0 0 £830 0 0 LIABILITIES. By T. Adame, Periodicals £12 3 8 Herald, advertising n 17 0 Standard, ,, 2 10 (1 J. Townley, rent to March 31 27 0 0 Canterbury Tinies 1 14 6 J. H. Stubbs 7 0 £46 12 3 BALANCE SHEET. To Balance from last statement.. £3 11 3 Subscriptions received 21 1 8 Proceeds of concert ... 11 0 0 ,, Dramatic entertainment 11 11 6 Government grant 24 5 6 Sale of waste paper 1 0 0 Rent of section 3 6 0 £77 17 7 By Librarian’s salary 26 12 9 Rent 15 0 0 Advertising 6 18 9 Periodicals and books 12 10 0 Expense of concert 7 7 0 Stationery, kerosene, &c. ... 3 6 2 Postage, telegrams, &c. 7 6 Balance... ... 5 9 5 £77 17 7