THE ATHENAEUM.

Southern Cross, Volume 1, Issue 2, 8 April 1893, Page 10

THE ATHENAEUM.

TO THE EDITOR. Sir,— Your correspondent “ Citizen ” does not seem satisfied with, the management of the Athenaeum. He asks “ How long will the Radical party, and Trades and Labour Unions lie debarred from their privileges and patrimony by a self-appointed committee F” if “ Citizen ” has subscribed £l7 or £lB, why did he not put in an appearance at the annual meeting 1 , and there have his say, and make known his grievance ? He might, if he desired —in the interest of the parties he writes for—have obtained a seat on the committee, with a view of making such reforms as he suggests, or as would be of advantage to the institution. I am not aware of any class, party, or union-—political or otherwise—having the slightest hindrance placed in the way of their becoming members, and obtaining all the privileges of the reading and smoking rooms, library, museum, etc. Nor would I for one moment say the management cannot be improved, or that the Athenceum cannot be popularised to a greater extent than it is ; but the first steps and suggestions of improvement should come from those who feel aggrieved, or those who can point out a method by which the doors can be thrown open tj all at reduced subscription fees, and at the same time meet the current expenses and liabilities of the institution, together with keeping it liberally supplied with reading matter up to date. Your correspondent correctly says the Athenaeum has valuable endowments, which are let to improving tenants at good rentals, and I may add were these lands administered by “Citizen” himself they would make no more. Under existing conditions the present committee —even were they self-ap-pointed—are doing very well. “ Citizen’s ” antipathy seems to be directed to, the life members, the “ old stagers who find it such a jaleasant lounge.” To those who contributed their guineas in exchange for life-membership, the ■ handsome and capacious Athenaeum owes its existence, as without the nearly 160 ten-guinea subscribers, it neither could nor would have been built. Is “Citizen” one of those generous souls who were repeatedly asked to become life-members, and who as repeatedly refused to contribute their money F The- gentleman, who, with two or three others, so actively and ardently worked up the roll of life-members, and gave his money and time without stint, in furtherance of the building he bad set his mind upon having, and which we now see, is still here, and may, perhaps, be one of the old stagers referred to by “ Citizen.” Such, indeed, is the justice given by man to man. As far as I know there is nothing in the rules or regulations of the Athenaeum that stands in the way of “ Citizen ”or any one else investing ten guineas in a life membership now, or at any time, and ly so doing they would give practical proof that the institution had their sympathy and support. —I am, etc., Plat. Fair