MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

Southland Times, Volume 2, Issue 76, 28 July 1863, Page 2

MECHANICS' INSTITUTE.

To the Editor ofthe Invercargill Times.

Sir, — Having observed iv a recent impression a letter from a Subscriber to the Mechanics' Institute, wishing to know why the Institution is not endowed with something more than a name, I am . anxious to second his query. I understand that a considerable amount of subscriptions has been colled ed, but beyond the ratters and bare walls, -ihere is, so far as I can see, nothing to show for the money. How is this— what has become of the tunds"? Are they buried underneath an adjacent tree, or stowed away in an old stocking? Does there exist a committee of management, or does j Bach a body live merely in advertisements ? lam j inclined to fancy, from tho entiro absence of action, that the Committee is simply a delusion — the Secretary, a phantom — and the meetings only the work of a reporter in his maniacal intervals. If lam wrong, pray correct me ; if right, support me. There is a great want in Invercargill of a good practical Mechanics' Institute— a well-lighted warm room, supplied wifch books, periodicals, and papers — whither all classes might in the winter evening? resort, with much greater comfort and profit "than to brandy and water and public houses. Powerfully then, Mr Editor, stir up the dozing ollicia's of the Mechanics' Institute; also, wake up tho consideration of the public. Let tbem subscribe moro, if thero be not already enough. Convince them that if tho schoolmaster is not abroad in luvercargill, he ought to be, and that his head-quarters are naturally tha Mechanics' Institute. I am, Sir, Your obedient, Abtisak. InvercargiU, 26th July, 1863.