Auckland Free Public Library. Grand Opening Ceremony.

Te Aroha News, Volume IV, Issue 197, 2 April 1887, Page 4

Auckland Free Public Library. Grand Opening Ceremony.

Auckland, March 28 The 26fch of March should ever boa memorable day with the citizens of Auckland, as the occasion on which the Five Public Library building was formally Opened. To the iinunificenre of one citizen is mainly due the honour of causing such n grand building to be erected fiee of cost to the citizens, and to the gencrouß donations of the veteran statesman, Sir George Gioy, X.C.8., nriy bo ascribed the itnmeneely additional value of this possession of the people, for his gifts may correctly be described as unrivalled, for some of the valuable manuscript? presented by Sir Geoige cannot be duplicated. The fact that these gifts were made while the owner was yet alive also adds to their valuo. After much labour and patient waiting this city pis Eesseeses a re.tlly mjgnin*ceut Fno Public Library, and a highly cieditable building in which to keep if r and to-day at 2 30 o'clock commenced the ceremony of opening the building. As p'O viouely published the most elaborate preparations have been made by the Library Committee in order to m^k'e the ceremony a thorough success. Outside the building presented a gay appearance. From the highest turret floated the Br tith Royal Standard, while fi'otn all the minareta less important flags wore flying upon ilia breeze. The ihgdiff m Albert Paik wi^ a>o resplendent in bunting, tho topmast banner being that of the roar admiral of tie red. Councilor Crowiher also ran up the the Union Jack on the top of his premise?, an example that was speedily followed by Other leading citizens.

PREVIOUS HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY. On an occasion like the present it will not bo out of place to refer to the paec his tory of our Libu-iy, It was tt'irted in connection with tho Mochanses'li fctituto many years ago, and for some time was run ac a private venture, Aa jeiis rolled \>y tho library began to languish, and during tho presidency of tho present Town Clerk, Mr P. A. Philips, n petition for assistance was presented to tho General As a etub!y. As thi-i led to no practical result the Institute then made overtures to tho City Council to take over the library, which wee offered free of cost in order that a public library might bo established. In 1579 the Committee of the Mechanics' Institute formally oil.r ed to transfer the site, buildings, library, etc., to the Council. It was decided to accept the earnu subject to the action being endorsed by (he ratepayers. In accordance with tho provisions of tho Free Public Library Act a poil was taken, and a^ent was given by a majority of 637 votes. 7-8 being recorded for bringing tho Act into operation, and 91 against it. A ehort Act cf Parliament for conveying the fame together with tho valuable library at one time was passed, » nt{ the Free Publin Library bprame »n established iiicfe in Auckland. Sabeo qu6ntly the munificent Costley bequest was received, and tho present handsome block of buildings was commenced. Then it wp.<= that Sir George Grey added his splendid donation of book*, andthua place J Auckland in a satisfactory position as far as the Library was concernod.

THE PRESENT LIBRARY. The rootr> in which theee valuable bo-ks are now p!aoed has been m^si hand-omely fitted up. Upon reaching tho landing from the main entrance, the visitors' eyes are attracted by tho Maori csrvings, goJe, and weapons with which the walls aro embellished. Three also are a portion of Sir Georgo Grey's coilecticn. They havo been arranged with considerable skill and la^to, and pre-ent a striking appoaranco. PasBing through the gk?a doora tho visitor is at ones in tho large library hnll. Immediately within the doorway is a fine oil painting of tho discoverer of New Zoaland, Captain Cook, which was presented by the trustees of the Auckland Savings Bank, and proved a welcome addition, All along the centre table aro placed the 465 works of standard authors lately received from Hume. These aro veil selected, and also v.ell bound. They have cost botween £500 and £GOO. To the left] is Sir George Grey's collection. One cabinet contains so many old documents that its monetary value must b^ almost invaluab'e. Here are fuc m//u7c> of the eeale of New Zealand, ftew Muneter, New Ulster, the London Zjological Society, and autograph letters of Dr. Livingstone and other celebiitios. In faot, the cabinet is one grand combination of valuablo manuscripts, documents, and broke. A>l arround on the shelves are the readable works, also presented by the Knight of Kawau. Other volumes have been carefully selected and arranged in proper order on the shelves in the various side subdivisions. At the end are works ot reference; next comes history, chronology, antiquity, and mythology, and opposite are books of natural philosophy and works of art. Next comes theology, and mental and moral philosophy and educational works adjoining these are biographical works and correspondence, followed by jurisprudence and history, then periodical and serial literature, poetry, drama and prose fiction, geography, topography and Sir Geoige Grey's works on science, arts, and foreign literature. An iron spiral staircase leads to the gallery of the hall, from the floor of which were poles, from which depended flags extending over the ground floor, and Maori mate were also hung over the balustrades of the gallery, all of which tended to present a gay appearance in keeping with the occa eion.

OPENING CEREMONY. In accordance ■with the programme already arranged, holders of red tickets were admitted to the Library Buildings at 1.30 o'clock, and the possessors of blue tickets hajf-anhour later. The holders of white tickets did not effect an entry until a few minutes before the ceremony of opening commenced. The lecture hall was filled by 2.30 o'clock, every available seat being occupied. At the end naarest Wellealey-street a temporary platform with raised orchestral benches had been erected. These eeats were filled with tho singers of the Auckland Choral Society, under the conductorahip of Herr Carl Scbmitt. the orchestral band being also in attendance. Naturally the seat of honour was accorded to Sir George Grey, K.C.B. On Jbia left: sat the Mayor of Auckland (Mr Albert Devore) and the members of the Library Committee, Councillors J. J. Holland, C. Atkin, E. Cooper, E, Garratt, F. Phillipps and J. M. Lennox. Behind | Sir George flat the Town Clerk, Mr P. A. 1

Pbilipps and Herr Carl Schmitt. Along the right side of the Chairman were ranged Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Speaker of the House of Representatives and paat Mayors W. R. Waddel, J, M. Clark, T. Peacock M.H.R.. and the Mayors of Parnell (Mr G. Winke), Newmarket (Mr W. J. Suiter), Devonport (Mr Malcolm Niccol), and Newton (Mr R, T. Warnock), Behind theEe were placed Councillors Clarke, James, Davis, Trenwith Goldie, Buchanan, Dignan, Swales, Evans, La Roche, Crowther, and Kidd,Bon. P. Dignan, M.LO., Hon. H. Chamberlain, M.L.U., Dr. Pollen, Professor Aldis, Messrs O. Maya (Chairman Waitem^a County Council), T. Thompeon, M.H,R , S. Luke (Chairman of the Board of Education), A. 8011, W. Aitken, R. Upton, Mapr Burns, Hardy, E W, Morriason, Field, H. G. Seth Smith, R.M., F. Larkins, J. Holland, Theo. Cooper, H. Moat, G Harper, H. G Wade, F. L Prime (an exMayor) W.Anderson (City Engineer), Dr. C. Purchas, and M. Jules, Auscher, Naval Constructing Engineer of the French warship Duquosno. Aftor applaupo coneequent upon appearance of Bir George Grey upon the platiorm had subsided, the proceedings were appropriately opened with the solo and chorus, "God Save the Queen," by the Choral Socioty, Misa Bleazard taking the solo. His Worship the Mayor then delivered the following inaugural address : - Ladies ana gentlemen, — We are met to-day for the purpose of celebrating an event in the history of Now Zealand and of Auckland in especial. That event is the opening of this Freo Public Library, and the large audience present shows the interest taken in this latest work of the City Council. And perhaps the people are quito 03 desirous of using the Library as the Council aro to open it. Before requesting Sir George Grey to deliver hia piomiied addrts?, I claim your attention for a space, while 1 briefly furbish you with somo business details in connection with the building and its contents details which are woithy of record, and which, for the future, will prove useful. The Library will bo what it? name purports it to be— a Free Public Library, open t:> all on every duy of tho week. It is built with the monoy of the ratepayers, but «itl be free to all who chooae to enter it When, in September, JSSO, Mr Thoe. Peacock, then Mayor, opened thebuildinerjustclosed.and until then known as tho Mechanics' Inetituto, ho and eomo of the other speakers then present - among them Sir Maurice O'Rorke— said that they hoped tho time was not far distant when a library would be erected euitable to the wants of tho city of Auckland and its large and increasing population. At that time it was known that Sir George Grey intended to give his library to the people of Auckland, and in October, ISB2, ho did formally givo it, and in doing co he stated that ho was ready to hand it over as soon as a suitable building way complete in which to place ifc. Mr James Clark was then Mayor, and took prompt action, for at thi3 date tho City Council had determined to borrow a largo turn of money with which to make permanent improvements within the city of Auckland, and to provide a water supply. Mr Clark, in his placo in the Council a3 Mayor, moved that out of tho money to bo borrowed the sum of £20,000 should be set apart with which to build a Town Hall, Municipal Offices, ArtGallory and Free Public Library, The money was borrowed and tho £20,000 waa set apart on Mr Clarke motion. Suitable designs were then invited from the architects in New Zealand and the Australasian colonies, resulting in 40 designs boing sent in, and after much deliberation tho deaign of Messrs Grainger and D'Ebro, architects, of Melbourne, was selected — tha design of thi3 building. Shortly afterwards, Mr Clark retired from olh:e, but boforo doing so th 6 site wa« fix. d upon, and tho idea of a Freo Public Library and Arfc Gallery had become a reality. It phoulci be a source of prida to Mr Clark, and of gratification to all of us, that this timely action has boon carried to po successful a conclusion. Mr Waddel succeeded Mr Ctark aa Mayor, and faithfully carried on what hip predecessor had commenced Mr Waddel laid tho foundation Btone of his building in June, ISSS, and to him we are indebted for the arrangement of tho Library and the style of furnishing. A large proportion of this building was eot apait for tho purposes of an Art Gallery. That was done in tho belief that the late Mr Mackelvie would givo his art collection to the city of Auckland, and after the design was adopted and the contract was lot, conpiderable internal alterations were made in tho art portion in com plianca with the wishes of Mr Mackclvio, as made known to u=» by friends of Xi q , resident ia Auckland. Mr Mackelvio unexpectedly died, and to the surprise of many ifc was found thutia his will, which was dated somo years prior to the selection of this design, ho had c.vprefcaiy directed that a building should be specially built in which to place his art collection, and with suitable class room 3 annexed. All hope then of seeing the Mackelvie collection in this Art Gallery was at an end, and the Council decided to utilise come of the xocma as municipal offices. These offices are now open and the municipal business of the ciry is here carried on. Until the Art Gallery can be utilised for tho purposes for which it was built, it may well bo ueed as a Town Hall and for other public purposes The cost of the building, including the approaches and foundation, is £24,375 ; the cost of the fittings and furniture has not yet been ascertained, but will probably be about £3,000. The Reference Library will accommodate 250 persona at one time 'n chairs, which number will be increased to 350 without crowding tho room.

LENDING LIBRARY. An erroneous impression prevaiis that the Council have made no provision for a Lending Library. In reality two years ago the Council decided that there ehould be a Lending Library, and eet apart a room under the Reference Library for that purpose, and as 3oon as the necessary arrangements can be made and the books are relected, it will be opened to the public. Tina will supply a public want, and judging from the success achieved in that direction elsewhere, it should also be a success here The books will be obtained on nominal conditions, and it mainly rest? with the people themselves whether the Library sha'l continue in the efficient and good condition in which it will be openeci. However, there is little fear but that as much care will be taken of the booke to be b orrowed here as we find to be the caee in other cities. The question of placing draughts and chess men in the Lending Library will be shortly brought before the Council for their consideration, and every means will be adopted to make the Lending Library both attractive and instructive.

TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM. It Is contemplated to establish a Technological Mueeum in connection with this institution. It has not yet bean definitely | decided upon, but in all probability space will be set apart for that purpose. Such a museum will reach numbers of our people who, but for it, must remain in ignorance of the knowledge to be there obtained; and, unlike the teachings of nn Art Galleryjit will reach our mechanics and artisans, and enable them to attain tech-

nioal and meohanical skill, and thus directly benefit a large number of workers. After the Library, this museum should receive the first attention.

I DONATIONS. .Donations of books, papers, and pamphlets—particularly of those relating to the early history and settlement of this colony - will be thankfully received, as will also donations of money, coins, natural curiosities, and the like. There must be many persons in this community who are able to make presentations, and it is to be hoped they will do co now that there is a suitable building in which to place and exhibit them. The foreign consuls resident in Auckland can assist us very much in this direction by representing: to their respective Governments the existence of our Library und its requirements. The foreign consuls in Melbourne unsolicited did this, resulting in valuable contributions and gifts from foroign Governments to the Melbourne Library.

INCOME. Fortunately we have an ample income with which to maintain this institution. In tho first place there is the Coatley bequest, amounting to £12 150, which produces an annual incomo of £800. Last year it was £812, but the average will be about tho sum named. For that bequest wo are indobted to Mr Samuel Jackson. When Mr Costley waa dying, Mr Samuel Jackson, who was in attendance, was aeked by Mr Costley to advise him in what way his wealth should be left. Mr Costley always intended to give his money for charitable purposes, but had not determined the direction until this time. Mr Jackson, with his knowledge of our charities and other wants, advised that the estate should be divided into seven be quests. One of that seven waa this Free Public Library, and that is the manner in which we are indebted to Mr Jackson for the Costley bequest. The name ot Mr Jackson should tor the future always be associated with the Coetley bequesr. In the next place there ia the revenue from the library rate of one halfpenny in theDOund. List year the amount was£77l,this) ear ifc will be lees— about £750. And, in the third place, there is the Go vernment eubsidy of £50, making the total revenue for the year £1,600. After making allowance for salaries, expenses of management and increased expenses in the future, there will remain afc least £1,000 with which to purchase book?, amounting to,eay, 1,500 volumes per annum. On our present resources the number of bpoka in a few years will be doubled. During tho last three jears the Council have not purchased rnauy books for want of space in which to place them, the result being that money amounting to £1,930 ha 3 accumulated to the credit of the Library Fund. Out of that £500 will be required to pay for the consignment of 500 books which arrived here on Monday last. This la&t consignment of books was selected by the Council on tho advice of the bsst men in Auckland, and those books will be found to be tho best and the mo;t instructive yet placed in the Library, excepting those of Sir George Grey, to which I Bhall presently refer. A catalogue will be printed as soon as tho manuscript is complete, and i i that catalogue will be a full and descriptive catologue of Sir Geo Grey's libraiy so that visitors to the Library may obtain any work they need without delay in searching for it.

BOOKS. The number of books in our Library at the end of ISS6 was 7,000. Of that number 5,300 ivere in the Library just closed, when it was opened by Mayor Peacock En ISSO. Tho»e 5,300 eonpisted of (ho Provincial Council Librurj, and the M-chanics' Institute [ Library— the exact propoition of each I have been unable to ascertain. For the Piovincial Council Library, wo are chiefly indebted to Sir Maurice O'liorke'e oxcitions, while the Mechanics' Institute Library v. as brought to its pitch of efficiency by the exertions of Sir Frederick Wnirakor, Mr William Swanson and Mr (>. P. Pierce. The in creaso of 1,700 volumes has been mainly I urchased by tho City Council, out of iundd derivable from the Library Rate. Mr Clark, while Mayor, give a considerable number of volumes to the Library, and other citizens have made small dona tiona ot booke, all of them interesting, and many of them very scarce.

SIR GEORGE GREY'S LIBRARY. Our Library during tlio last few weeks has baen enriched by the addition of Sir George Giey's libra; y, In number, our volumes have been more than doubled, for Sir George Grey has given between S.COO and 9.C00. But the mere number insufficiently describe? what ha 3 been given. No description couM make intelligible the rare beauty and value tv bookmen of some of the books and unseals. One of them date 9 from the 9th century, and many others are of great antiquity. There are also MSS. of the middle ages of which there are no copies or duplicates in existence, and all of them of historical interest. There are likewise letters and MSSi written to and presented to Sir George Grey by famous deceased statesmen, travellers, and musicians of this century, and all unpublished. There are as well coplouE letters in tho possession of Sir George which maj be given to this Library, and if givon and published they will throw a light on modern English history whareat present no liprht exiets. In addition to what I have referred to, there is a valuable collection of native carvings in wood, some of them from the South Sea Islands and others by the natives of New Zealand, the like of which cannot now be procured. The collection of a lifetime has been given by Sir George Grey to the people of Auckland, and his anxiety throughout has been that what he has given shall be placed where moit readily Been, and the moat instruction imparted. Sir George, during his long and useful life, has done many good action?, but it has always appeared to me that his gift to this Library ranks lirst among these actions. When you see and examine what has been given it will appear to you marvellous that any man could be so se,lf-sacrificing as to part with his library— to parfc with that which recalled to his mind the history of his life, associated, as many of the articles are, with events in the life of Sir George which have been written down as history. Then, too, it might be remembered that this library is given at an age whon, to a studious man like Sir George; it is one of a man's beet friends.' These reflections will tend to enhance the value of the gift in our eyes. The gift of Sir George —in future to be known as "The Sir George Grey Collection "—-will cauee our Library to be admired and envied by men of letters in all parts of the world, and learned men will come to Auckland to find here beauty and knowledge in books not to be found elsewhere. The gift will also cau^e the Auckland Library to rank first among the libraries ol New Zealand, and must prove ftn efficient; instructor to both young and old. And my duty now is, in the name of the people of Auckland, to thank Sir George for his valuable library, and for his presence here to-day, Valuable, interesting, and attractive though our

Library now i?, yet it needs two articles to make it more complete. Those two articles will, I am confident, be ?uickly and voluntarily subscribed for you. mean an oil painting and a bust of Sir G. Grey. To Professor Aldis we are greatly indebted for thetimeand the ability that he has given in assorting and cataloguing Sir Geo. Grey's library, The knowledge required for that purpose is limited to a few men in our community, and among them is Professor Aid is. Not only has he given his time for the present, but he has intimated that he will give whatever time is needed to assort and arrange the rest of Sir Geo. Grey's gifts not yet exhibited. Bis Worship resumed his seat amid loud and general applause. Upon the Mayor resuming his seat after delivering the opening addrees, the members of the Choral Society reudered with much power the introduction and chorus (" Lobegeeang"), Mendelssohn, The Mayor then called on Sir Geo. Grey to address the audience.

SIR GEO. GREY'S ADDRESS. Sir Geo. Grey, on rising to address the assemblage, was received first with loud and prolonged applause, and finally tho audience rose to theii feet as if by a common impulse and cheered him lustily. Sir George eaid : —Mr Chairman, ladies and gentlemen,— lt seems to myself wrong to commence an address on sush an occasion as this with the usual formal words of thanke, for this to me is no ordinary event It is the fulfilment of a hope indulged in for many years whilst collecting in various countries a library that I thought would be useful to this city. Often, worn-out and tired, I have imagined when the day was to come which was to fulfil my wishes and my hope= how triumphant I should feel ; and I do, upon the present occasion, ieel happier than I can well express to you. The Mayor has nlluded to the various benefactors of this institution. Let me name one more -the first donor, I believe, of valuable books to Auckland. That was the late- Sir Everard Home (applause), who, when senior naval officer upon this station, having m9t with an accident on board his vessel, lay at Bydnoy dying, and ho there made his will, and left to myself his collection of books, amorgst thorn one which is really of extraordinary valuo. Ifc now, 1 believe, lice in the Museum. Ib was a publication in several quarto volumes, or rather a binding up of all the papers written by his father, who was a very eminent physician indeed, and who, on account of his knowler^e, was made a baronet, the first baronet of that family. A doubt exitted regarding many discjveriep, as to whether they were made by Sir Everard Home, or by by tho celebrated John Hunter ; it was believed that an examination of the3e papers would cle.;r thifc doubt up, and when it was heard that had he Itft all the books in New Z?aland, very great Borrow and regret were exposed by scientific men in England. They thought theso booka should be in the possession of the College of Surgeons in London, and not Uft at £. uckland. But Sfr Everard Ho:no, a few hours only before his death, sent for his will, and in it ho added a note that he trusted if ever I parted with these books I would give them to some public library in tho city of Auckland — (loud applause ) — where ho was most anxious to see a public library established. (Yienewed applause ) In fact it had been a frequent pubject of conversation between ue. Th xt was somewhere about the year IS4S, and I believe 1 had au extract from the will published in a Gazette of that peiiod. If 1 am right in that respect, the reference can bo found, Having stated that regarding Sir Everard Home, I will only add how completely I sympathise with your Mayor in regard to the compliments that ho has paid to Mr Glark, to whom wo are graatly indebted (applause), and to Mr Wadiel, whom you all know to have been ever attentive to his dutiep, and as attentive to tnia duty us any other. In fact, he davoted great caro indeed to tho e&tablMimont of this Library. (Applause ) Well, the Mayor cannot allude to himself, but I can tell you th.it jou aio greatly indebted to him a!*o for the manner in which ho ha 3 laboured to bring about the great event of ths opening of thi3 Library. (Loud applause.) I can hardly tell jou the assistance he has been to myself in tint respect. Allusion wa3 made to the late Mr Edward C'ostley. We must fet;l mosfc deeply grateful to that gentleman (applause?) ; aad, I confess, my desire and wish were that a very simple tombstone phould have been raised to his memory by the citizens of Auckland, If they had had a plain stone put over his grave with an epitaph eoinething to this effect:— "The citfzene of Auckland have placed this stone over the spot where rest tho remains of JUdwaid Costley. Hi 9 monuments are in the city " (applause), and added nothing more, I should have been satisfied. But some email memorial from yourselves, I think, should fctand abovo the remains of Mr Edward Costley. (Renewed applause.) Now Jet me pass to other subjects. L9t me tell you in plain terms what have been my own reflections regarding this Public Library. I believe that the world is now entering upon an entirely new epoch. (Applause.) In my youth — that U early iv the 19ch century — the state of things was this : That for a long period of time man had been endtavouring to acquaint himself with the world. But really, comparatively epeakirg, Uittlo was then known regarding tho surface or the inhabitants of this earth, aud that aroee naturally from the difficulty of communication from place to place ; the slowness with which persons could travel, the difficulty of collecting information, and other impediments of that kind. Wo know nothing of Africa. The bources of the Nile wore unknown. The continent had bten found so unhealthy that its intciiov had never been traversed by persons who could leave any useful account of what they saw. Little indeed was known of its capabilities, ' or of tho populations which inhabited it. Little was known of China. Little was known of a great p'irt ot America, and but very little was known of Australia. It was imagined that a great inland sea existed there, and regarding what an exploration of the interior might unfold, nothing was known. Little was known of Naw Zealand —nothing but the accounts of Cipt Cook. Little was ktiown of the islands of the Pacific. In fact, a groat portion of the earth lay hidden from man. The duty, therefore, of the 19th century was to clear up all these points, to make man acquainted with the planet which he inhabited, to let him know what its resources were, what kind of people it contained, and what were the limits of the available teriitory within which mankind were to bo confined, and within which alone their efforts for their 'support could be exerted. Therefore, the duty of the 19th century was to see that countries were explored and examined, that their contents were ascertained, that unknown things were mastered, and. that all dialects should be compared by comparative philology, so that we might be able to get some idea of the way in which human beings had distributed themselves over the earth. And it appeared that matters of that kind were those to the consideration of which the youth of the 19th century ehould address themselves. Well, you must all know of the efforts that were made for that purpose. You must all know of the talent of the

great engineers who brought the knowledge of ateam to its presem- potfection, and who have enabled us en reach all parts of the world — you may say almost within a few days— facilitating in thai; raanuor the communication of men over the globe in a way which in my youth would have appeared impossible and incomer ehensible. Thai you all know. You Lno,v too what haa j been done by Max JVluHor and other philologists, to comparo almost all the known ! language oi the e.uth mj i reduce them to some general system by which theaccquieation of language? has brccrne comparatively easy. You mupfc know how every country has becamo explored and examined until wo nnvy now be said to have an accurate knowledge of all new districts opened to ma,!, and within what 1 mits men's eliorte maji bo confined, and their possibilities of tei^ing their species. You must bo nwAi-o 'hat all thia haa been ascertained, and very completely indeed that work lias been done* And, now, what id tno work which remains to be done ? To comprehend that wo must consider how am .11 a spot the earth has proved to be. Think how many times in a tinglo your any Quo individual here could encompass tho \vorld now, and go round and louad it How litrlo an orb, and yet countlccs lailiiona will be compelled to find their e^iiteaee on it. And on the youth of tho izenerution coming rests an imujonso task, and a most difficult one — the aaeertaining nail deciding exactly in what inanrver it is boat that the waste parts of tho earth should henceforth be peopled. Of this vet assured— and it is a point never enough valued and fairly confidei ed, that whilst the Creator L:iS lii I 0 iwn certain natural laws, regulating Ihe Mind?, the seas, the earthquakes— roguhtic '{ all things which interest mm hi tlr>t> \:ay-~ Ho has left ta human beings tho gov-uaance of tho world in all other respect-* Yog are His ministers to givo efLcfc to His desires for the wt'iuro of His creatures, or turning traltoi* to th<;f duty, to prevent His wishes for tho vc.faie of all beingcarriedout. You may a ;y "Oh, no design i» necessary to dotormiuo how the world ia to be herea»ter peopled, and by what races diff rent pu. lions of t : !-> globe are to ba occupied." Hut I .'ay tt, uif you take that view you will iv^lcc" . ..ur duty and bring untold or unt(-ltab'o ?niaories upon thegeneration who are no „ curving into the woild (Apj)'auio). Jib; consider what carelessneEih uiil do ' i mdlc for instance, at the West 1.-tdi ,-i I Asnu ' What cook place - The inhabitant of tJ--< e^rth at the time that they were di-covct <:, and up to a late period, took no £tear ..i.d comprehensive view of thc-ir dailca ia iv.sp.ct of the peopling of the earth. On He contrary, they, juet for the purpose of p oaring labour, had recouiso to the int.oiuction of a negro population. They e-rablished tho slavetrade with all the h>n:ble cruelties of what was ca'led thL Middle Passage — cruelties co terrible Vat nowadays it is difficult to believe xbax .-uch things existed. They esta li«hed pbiAcy to keep the negroes under control, and they subjected them to laws which 1 think few now could credit 'ever oxi-ted. Tnose who doubt what I say, I a-k to examine pome of the questions decided by the judges of the Supremo O'jutr with rc^rd to the rights and positions of sl.ives, and then let them say if more tenible foig-.tfulness of all the interests of mankind could possibly have been t-hown — th it is such as were developed in thoso judgments. Well, those things have all now been swept away, but a negro population still almost solely occupioa the We?t Indian Islands, and I foar— and I bjheve nuny other people fear the samti - that ultimately thu control *of many of those islands must fall almost wholly into tho hande of a negro race unpieparrd to meet such difficultiey, and that in other islands you wilt have scenes enacted *uch as those which stained the island of Han Domingo. Now, here we have beforo us in our immediate neighbourhood a vast Lumber ot islands not dissimilar in character, in climate, and in soil to these cf the West Indies. In most of tho^e islands Christianity is now established. But what shall I tell you in regard to that -that soon after Christianity isestablished in these islands a total forgetfulnees takes place of the evils, which were removed by the early pioneers of Christianity. How many of you sitting here no w sver realise to yourselves what was tiio state of Nevir Zealand in former years ? Which if you can imagine human sacrifices continually taking pl'ico — human victims habitually slain for tho purpose oi being consumed by theirfeilowmen — all tho scenes of bloodshed and atrocity which went on, and the numbers that were annually sacrificed to habits of thatkind. All that wo hwo forgotten. We take New Zealand as it is. And so it will ba with each of those other Island?.. And then v, hen the question of how they are to be peopled arises, as it i 3 rising nowy I say, if you leavo all to chance, all to haphazard, if you forget your duties which will fall upon you in tho next few years, you will repeat in some other form, or cause to be repeated, not exactly tho same evils that took placa in the West Indies, but evils equally groat, and which will produce proportionate unhappy results, Not only that, but if you allow the world to be widely peopled in the few parts still remaining open to us ~if no care ia taken for the regulation of such thiuge, you will fail in your duty, and you will, as I say* not have shewn yourselves worthy ministers of your Creator, but you will simply became men who in pursuit of their own objects forget the most pacrod and the greatest of duties. And it is tor such objects as these* with a view of raising and elevating the minds of the youth of the present generation, fitting them for the arduous duties oa which they are about to enter, that great establishments like this Library are now built tip and founded. And it to you we loou; with hope to use the means placed at your disposal to render yourselves a blessing to all this portion of the world* and to duly reward those who have laboured to obtain theea. advantages for you. (Loud applause. X Those aro the objects that are before ypuI believe that amongst those of tho rising; generation wbo now liaten to me there are many who will endeavour to qualify themselves to pursue that difficult task which it is their duty to carry out : to render New Zealand, their owa home, a model to this part of the world. For you will be the only purely European population almost that will exiefc in th 3 Southern Hemiephere. At the Cape of Good Hope they must be largely mixed with the coloured population existing there* and very largely so mixed. I believe that in Australia a large coloured population will come in, and thatexcept in a very smalt portion of that continent, no purely white population will exist. But here may arise & population thai: will be a model to all who are in this part ofthe world, fitted to exerciaeth© duties of Government throughout the whol© Pacific, and to consolidate Anglo Saxon power in this portion of the Southern Hemisphere. (Applause). I believe that you -will rise equal to such duties — that you will feel eurethat you will have theaid of your Creator on your side in attempting to carry them, out— to render His earth that banefib to Hia creatures which He has enabled it to become if men will but do their duty one to the other. I feel sure, indeed, that many

of you will determine to enter upon a career which will lead to such ends. (Applause.) Your task is difficult. I have told you of the duty that liea 'before you. Every means of education has now been provided for you within New Zealand (Applause). Here wo are placing one of the crowning stones which will, as it were, consolidate the arch of iearning, which, I hope, the people of this country will poeeess -not what i should call mere worldly knowledge, but knowledge of all things revealed to man, both ia this world and in the spiritual world which exist* beyond us. (Loud applause.) This )s a subject so important that I could tor a long time dilate upon it, but many other persons have to speak. I will simply say this, that I shall sit down with a full confidence that miny of those who hpar me will determine to use the Library now placed at thoir dii ' posal, and which in part has been formed to afford the knowledge to enter upon the task I speak of— will devote their lives in great part to see that in what I should call this epoch of the last settlement of man upon the few remaining portions of the earth ' yet untroddeu by cultivators, and by those who make use of the soil, that they will see that these fow remaining portions of the earth are wisely apportioned, properly peopled, and that the populations which go to these new countries are afforded means at loast equal to those you have yourselves of improving their condition, of gaining knowledge, and in continuing to carry out that - great work I try to press upon you BB 'being the ministers of thoir Creator, labouring to carry out 13 is will foi the benefit of their lellowmen. (Loud applause). They wiil with that view devoto life, energy, means— all that is placed at their disposal— to work conjointly with their Maker in such great and bcuetioont objects. Sir George sat down amid enthusiastic applause. Whon the applau^o which followed Sir G. Grey's speech had subsided, the Choral Society sang the chorus, " Yo Nations OtTer to the Lord Wisdom and Might," from the "Lobogesang."

MR PEACOCKS ADDRESS,, Mr Thomas Peacock M,H.R , next addressed the mooting. As one who was privileged to take a prominent p'irt in the inauguration of the Fiee Public Library, I feel an especial pleasure in being prosont on this occasion, and joining in the congratulations of the citizens at seeing the library transferred to euch an excellent and substantial building Although some were found to object to tho bringing into force of the Free Library Act, l venture to think that there are very tew in Auckland now who. after these six and a half years' experience, would be found to object to the existence in our city ot t>o u-efu) an institution. It may be appropriate it, in tho few minutes I am to address you, I should ask you to take a retrospective glance to the proceedings at the opening ceremony in 1880, po than wo may consider the hopos and aims then given expression to, and see to what extont they may or may not have bsen fulfilled. In the first place, lot me pjint out that the City Council of that day acted wisely in starting the Libraiy at the time they did without wailing till some future lime, when difficulties would bo lesp, or when arrange ments of a more pietensious character could have been provided. In so doing they had the assurance that a deserving cause, if vigorously taken up and kept befoie the public eye, will not fail to enlist sympathy and help in its favour. For bad the Free Library not been in operation ac the time of Mr Costley's death, end had it not been prominently commended lor public assistance at the opening ceremony (and by no one more than by Sir Maurice G'Rorke), it would not have occurred to tho mmd of that legal gentleman, whom we all know to have had so much to do with the method ot distribution, and we certainly fchould have raiesed that excellent bequest of £12 000, which has been so opportunely helpful Woll, the sum of £20,000 having besn provided for the Library and Municipal Buildings in the Consolidated Loan Aci of that year, and an Act passed to authorise tho transfer of the Provincial Council and Mechanics' Institute Libraries, the library wad begun, and at the opening it was stated, '* The Council, having resolved to carry out the scheme at once, ha-? fitted up the present building as a temporary arrangement ; but we look forward at no distant date to the erection of a more permanent, safe, and suitable building, one which will be worthy of the city and the useful purpose which the library is intended to subserve." And here we have our anticipation realised in this noble edifice, viiiioh has been b lilt, too, on the site that the committee of that day will recollect was unanimously recommended for the purpose, but which, after many dopartuies and leanings to other eitep, waa eventually reaffirmed and adopted — a site which, I venture to cay, is at onco commanding, convenient, and retired. Then, with regard to the library itself, we hoped for assistance in the nupply of booxe It was then stated : " Fortunately, we have a good basis to work upon (referring to the two' libraries which formed the nucleus) ; and, while looking forward to recoiving contributions of valuable books from the citizenp, it may be ejections, bequeathed to the library, we should be enabled from the ratea to make substantial additions irom year to year," And have we not received valuible books from the citizens, notably from Mr Clark, my successor in office ? And havo wo noc had the entire collection of books, too, in tho munificent donation ot Sir George Grey ? The only point, in which the Utter present does not accord with f he expiessed hope is ■one which enhances its value, for we rejoice to know that it/ is not a bequest, bub that he still lives to have the *ausmctioa of seeing the pleasure derived by others horn his welltimed gift. So far, then, our anticipations, both with regard to the building and tho Library, have been fully realised. Let me now refer briefly to t am other matters which have not yob bee»i satisfactorily treated. The firet i 3 the systematic selection of books. Tnis point was referred to at the opening in tha following terms : will undoubtedly require the greatest discrimination a id cure to select the books on a definite plan, with a view to making Iho librsiy thoroughly broad -and catholic in it* character, well-balanced in its various parts, and representing by the works of standaid authors every phase of 'human thought " Time will not allow me to dwell on thie; f-uffiiie i< to say th*b the suggestion made in 1880 no ay well ba renewed in 1887 i viz , '• Wtteth r ?he Council ehould endeavour to epr> Jia^e vK'ith the Library •Committee snrae of thecinzens with special literary ability to t».Bei«t in this important direction is deserving of tho serious attention of the Council " The och<r matter to "which I shall allude ie the eorfc of promue then made, that the question ot f-.upplement-ingtherefereneelibrarywithalendiugUbrary should be dealt vtith as in Sydney, after the first bad been well estfibi'V hod. I cannot extend my remarks on this important feature, but will content rayeolf by eay> ing that the time has arrived when tho matter should bo faced, and a determination arrived at by the Council. For "without this lending branch the library

cannot exort that wide and valuable influence on the community which it ie calculated to achieve. I will only further say that I hope this library will grow with the growth of the city, and that in generations to come it will scatter amongst the people the blessings of that knowledge which is power— a consummation which will bo the beet reward and memorial for those who have in any way beon privileged to take part in the formation and gradual upbuilding of so beneficent a work. The address was frequently applauded during its delivery. ThQ orchestra then played the " March of the Israelites'* from "Eli" (Costa) in splendid style.

MR. J. M. CLARKS ADDRESS. Mr J. M, Glark then came forward amidst considerable applaue© and said : Ladies and Gentlemen, — I see that the next item on the programme is* a short address by Mr J. "M. Clark, I think it would have been better had it been worded a very short address, for after the very eloquent address we have jusfc received from Sir George Grey I think that any remarks I might make would be ill-received. Besides, in tho pre3ont heated atmosphere I am sure 1 shall ba excused from delivering any lengthy aidrces. The Mayor, in bis opening address, has given a corner in this Freo Public Library. I think in doing so that he has given a little too much credit to myself and the Council over which I presided. S\ c only carried out a work already commenced, for tho question of th© Free Public Library was initiated during tho term of office of my predecessor, Mr Thomas Peacock, and the ratepayers had already intimated to us that they were in favour of the establishment of a Free Public Library. They had already expressed a wish to have tha Free Public Libraries Act brought into force, therefore the Council over which I presided were only carrying out the expressed wish of the ratepayers, po that really we were not entitled to all the credit which ha* been accorded us. And, as regards the mannor in which we carried out thoso wishes, I think that more credit is due to Sir George Grey, whose intimation that he intended to present to Auckland hia library as soon as a suitable building was prepared for its recep tion, no doubfc led Mr Edward Co3tley to make hia magnificent bequest B> side?, i* there not more than merely the direct benefit which is dorived from these donations ? For they stimulate others to exertion and further bequests. I say that tho Council felt themselves empowered by the vote of the ratepayers to provide a building fit for the valuable propexty which wa=* some day to be placed in it, and the lesult is the splendid building in which we now are, and one in which tho citizens of Auckland havo occasion to be proud. As regards one portion of the building we cannot look upon it with such good part I refei to that set apart for Art. That is the room in which we are now seated It is well lighted for the purposes for which it was designed. There is plenty of wall space, but where are the pictures? The Mayor in' his speech has touched upon the reason, bub as it reflects somewhat upon those who provided a room like this without any pic tures, I feel sure that you will permit me to etill further explain the reason. This room was provided for a picture gallery and school of art The Mayor has stated that at the time this room was designed, fhelate Mr James Tennent McKolvie was still alive. That gentleman had sent out many pictures to Auckland, and hia friends stated that his honse was also filled with pictures, and that he wa« still purchasing more pictures, all of which, it was said on good authority, wero intended for Auckland, and that as soon as a suitable place was reared he would eend them out. Then some very largo subscriptions from wealthy citizens were aleo talked about, but it was thought by the Council, and also by myself, that these subscriptions would be valuable for clothiog the walls with pictures. But now what is the result ? Mr Mackelvie is dead, and it was found when his will was opened that he expressly stipulated that a special building should be erected under the direction of his trustees in which to place his works of art, Then as regards the subscriptions Woll,hard times came upon us, and many of those who made promises ia good faith found that they were unable to fulfil them. There is, however, one promiea that will be kept. I refer to that which I made myself. (Applause,) I have made a commencement to-day, for this morping I purchased a picture from a local artist which haft already been favourably commented upon by the press. It is " The Knight in Armour," by Mr Atkinson. This will be hung in the Art Gallery, and I will go on purchasing pictures to fulfil the promise from time t3 time, as opportunity offers Reference was also made by tne Mayor to the proposal to turn this room into a Town Hall, but 1 would strongly urge that it should be reserved for the purpose for which it was designed. Probably these bare walls may stimulate those who have pictures to hatig them where they may be seen by the public (Applausa ) I teel, Mr Mayor, that I am not too sanguine when I express the hope that we will yet see this hall filled with pictures The speaker then resumed his teat amidst groat applause. '* Tho Chorus of Israelites " was sung by the Society, after which tho Mayor called upon Mr Waddel, the exMayor, to address the audience.

MR. W. R. WADDELLS ADDRESS. Mr W. R. Waddel then came forward and was received with evident favour. He eaid :— Mr Mayor, ladies and gentlemen, I am sure that most of you will be thinking : What can you have toaay ? (laughter) Hie Worship the Mayor has referred to the foundation of the Free Public Library by Mayor Peacock, and Mr J. M. Clark ha?, with hia usual modesty, eaid that they who followed after had only to carry out the work already commenced. Therefore, what can I have to say ? Recollactjng the warmth of the afternoon and the heat of this room, I will endeavour to be merciful, not only to you, but also to myself. During th 9 last few jeare, 1 have had to do a good deal in connection with this Free Public Library. Ido not wish to be thought egotistical, but having taksn up the position of Mayor, I have in the past eadeavoured to fulfil to the be3t of my ability the duties devolving upon that office; but the remaiks of His Worship the Mayor, followed by thoie of Sir George Grey, are quite enough reward for anything that I have done towards the successful establishment of this Free Public Library. The objects of the institution have been referred to by Sir George Grey, bo that it will be necdlees for me to dilate upon them, and as I will bo followed by Sir Maurice O'Rorke, who has always shown great zeal in the matter of higher education he will, no doubt, touch upon any points that may not have been noticed. I will, however, make one suggestion. ~lt is that a copy of the works of Raphael — which, aa most of you no doubt know, aro copied from the Queen's collection — should be procured. His work in too expensive for moat persons to possess, and as nowadays the newspapers are casting around for some method of celebrating (he Queen's Jubilee it occurred to me this would be a useful and also a fitting memento of the Jubilee year. Sir George

Grey, in his remarks, referred to the bequest of Mr Edward Coßtlov, and to tbe propriety of erecting a suitable monument over his remains, but that has already beeu done by his trustees Probably many of you have seen the stone, and no doubt aftor this explanatoin, those who have not yet done so will devote a little time to visit the grave of this one of Auckland's benofactor*. The Btone is a handsome granite, one which was procured from England, and is alike creditable to thosu who erected ie, and aleo to him who lies beneath. It has also been suggested that a tablet with a suitable inscription should be placed in the Library, and no doubt this with others will be done by the Council. Mr Peacock has referred to the ad visibility of a committee of literary gentleman being appointed to assist the Library Commiti/.o in the selection of books whou moro volumes are requited. Well, that n\?o his been done, and you will havo seen thai tho prees has been pieced to state that the selection iB satisfactory, probably on account of the Lilorury Oomm br.ee ; so that for once, at least, tho selection ha a given satisfaction. As L.one cf tho others have done so, Mr Mayor, 1 will vonturo to congratulate you upon tho puccosfful opening of the Library, and expro?s my ploayuro at being present. Tho orchestra then performed the march from "Cornelius," McudeUeohn, which was listened to with manifest pleasure by tho?o present.

SIR MAURICE O'ROKKE S ADDRESS. Sir G. M. O'Korke next came forward, amidst great applauao. He Brtid : — Ladies and gentlemen,— His Worship the iM>yor has been good enough to a<;k mo to bo present here to-day. This in vision was given to me not afc all on account; of tho position I now hold, but becauso of tbo fact that I am well kLowo to be much in tereated in the matter of higher education. It is a source of gratification to me to know that the hopes which I cherished years ;ig j have now at length been realised, Mdii> yeirs ago, when I was clerk of the Provincial Council, Icame across E wart's Free Public Libraries Act, and it occurred to me that an Act would be ueoful ii \h.Ho colonies. I accordingly took tho in itter in hand, and at length, tho result was that at my motaii rt e mid without any opposition in tho Legislative Council, the Free Public Libia: ie° Act became law in this colony 1 boh'avo that is all I have done towards tho foundation of this Free Public Lior:uy. Ie Jus never been my lot, not do I hohovo if ever will be, to make such a donation to any library as that Sir Gooige Gioy has givtm to this one And by tin touching words in which ho has roferred to his donation, had J been a stranger to Sir George Grey I might havo thought that he wad giving away tho collection of a lifetime; but- ib sjem3 h'ttu>g that I should any that tlm is not so, bufc that he has aldo presented, tho acquisition of his life up to that time to another city. I have read of magnificent bequests— l havo read of great donations, bufc there never was unfolded to me another caso a here one man endowed two libraries. (Applause.) Oue of these libraries is in a city whose ehorei are washed by the Atlintic Ocean, aud now in the Pacific Ocean another library h.B arisen, mainly owing to his labours. Kno «ving this,it would be wrong forme to besilent. I can imagine the pang with which many men's hearts would be wrung were they to give away such a grand collection as that presented by Sir George Grey to the citizen 0 of Auckland, But 1 ieol snue that this day is to Sir George Grey an exceeding great reward, and he is now oojoying what I fear many of us fa.il to obtain — the pleasure of doing good— (applause ) But at the risk of trespassing, peihaps, j upon your time and patience, I must also refer to the labours of others. I remember the action of Mr Peacock in promoting the Free Public Library movement. I still recollect the euccesaful convereaziono which was held upon its inauguration when opened for the first time in this city, the Free Public Library. He could not anticipate, and nei'her could I, that he Bhould live to see the time when that would be transferred from that humble spot to this magnificent pile. Frequenters of the library would also often come across books beat ing tho name of Mayor Clark, which were an) eloquent testimony of tho interest he hadfeltinthofoundation of this library, and when ho handed over that offico to my friond Mr Waddel, I, say that he handed it over to a worthy successor (applause), and I feel grateful to Mr Waddel that he has built tbi3 up to a successful ig=ue. I havo a vivid remembrance of the day on which he laid the foundation stone of this building somewhere near the place whero I now stand. Considering thatthere are none to come after me, perhaps I shall bo forgiven if I revert to a gentleman who had lived amongst us, but unknown to tho majority of those whom he afterwards benefited. If I lift the veil of the past there come 9 before my vision one of those untitled sons of earth, who with bowed - down head wends hia way along the streets of tho city, apparently caring little tor anyone and obviously very little cared about. We might pass him day by day, but who could solve the mystery of his lifo ? Who could say what echemoß were being formed in that mind ? Although at so lalo a pericd «,f the day it is not pleasant to read documents to an audience like this ; still at the risk of even trespassing beyond the limits of your patience, I will read to you a portion of a letter which will tend to show that it was not the result of a death bed influence that caused Mr Edward Costley to rnako his munificent bequest to the citizens of Auckland. I hold ia my hand an autograph will written by Mr Costley which shows that for more than 10 years he was meditating some such action. You will forgivo me if 1 read the extractß to you, for I do co at Mr Samuel Jackson's instigation, a name fchat will ever bo united with that of Mr Coetley. Mr Jackson has asked me to disabuse the public mind of the idea that has taken hold of it that he instigated Mr Costley to make his bequest to tho city. I do not mean to read the document at length, but will content myself with reading the most interesting matter. Tho speaker then quoted from a document evidently a draft will, dated February 12th, 18S4. This commenced with a list of the properties of Edward Costley, and stated that being in a delicate state of health he hoped that two gentlemen whom he named — Dr. Campbell and Mr Walter Graham —would conflent to ba trustees in his estate. The writer then names certain properties which he directs should be offered to old friends at a certain fixed price, and also directs that all properties not so disposed of shall be diapo&ed of by public auctions, and the proceeds invested in the beet way that can be, for the relief and benefit of all aged persons who require charity, and terminate s with the words "to be relieved us far as it sesmsd to be meet." Sir G. M. O'Rorke continued :-~That homely language will pbow the people of Auckland that the disposal which has taken place' had for a long time been meditated by Mr Coatley; still, I would not detract from the action of Mr Jackeon. I say that he. accomplished a great feat when in 20 minuteß he reduced to writing in legal phraseology the many bequests of Mr Costley, and it ia characteristic o Mr Jackeon that he should with to give thanks to

I the testator. It may bo asked by eotno What j U thu advantage ©f thieFreo Public Libiary in theae da,ys, when pacple can purchase books for themselves ? But those who have listened to Mr Peacock will recollect that the Library is tin groat educator, and I trust that the young people when they leivo pchool and college will not think th.U thoy have completed their education, but will come to the Library and still further stnro their minds with useful literature. There is one auggostioti that I intended to have made, but I am glad to s&y that I w<ie> anticipated by tho Mayor. I refer to the lending library Io ha 3 been stated that tho City Council had already bee'i consider ing tho mitter, and I am gla-i of it, for there are many who cannon attend tho Library during the diy nor in the evening who would giad'y take a book home with them I obervel that all tho libraries established at LTomo under Mr Evort's Acd a'ao had londing hbraiies. Firet lend to ratepayers, and thon, if necas-sary, to others who bring a retiommomlation fr&rn a ratepayer ; but a^ thi-j ptylo cf library entails some expens3, I think i& only li-jhr, that those who will got the inestimable bjon of taking these b^oks home bhould pay a small chaigo for them, ard it would only b:> reasonable and juf-t. It only iemaina for mo now to s ly how ;^rcat i = my pleasure to have been present here t \- d ty. To me no celebration cf her Mr»je3*"y'r» Jubilee cou'd have been co great as that of to-day's coiemonf. It rru> havo ben thought that perhaps it would have been advisable to put off the time of tho opening of tho Library until the Jubilee celebration, but it that hid been dono wo would have lost tho presence- of Sir Goorgo Grey, and therefore I am glad that it has not b_on postponed. I hope tint this day's perform anc'o will stimulate othora to bring into the poste-sion of the Library other valuable acquisitijna. Auckland stands alone in being able to levy a library rato which now returns £800 lam proud to think that I have a^idfced to bring tho Act forward which enabled them to do thi*?. Homa of thope luvo adoptod thoFreoPuuM? Übrari s Ac*. Amongst these avo Masterton, Featherstone, and tho inland towns in Wairarapa - Fuxton and Marton. Although we moy bo envied, 1 hope that it will cau^e other tonni, fuch as Dunedin, to imitate up, and thus in tune become possessed of gjod libraries. This Act Ins been in operation 37 years in England, and ai tho prevent timo only 33 libraries havo beon started In New Zaaland wo havo now seven, so that for a new place we do not stand bjdJy. Such an occasion aa this should v/arm tne I blood of U 3 all, and cause U 3 t> meditate upon tho evamplo of Sir Georgo Givy. At a timo whei to a thoughtful man hi; book*? b:ome the most valuable, ho hi=> ! duvotei them all to this library I think that whan the timo comod to him v. hic'i mii't coma to all, he will be able- to "ay "Exego moaumentum aero pcrenniue." I thitik that the recollection of thii day will offc call to hte mind the words " JS'on uainid moreor." Sir G. M. O'Korke then rcsumoJ liiq rctt. Sir George Grey th;n ro3o to his teet and state r l that the Mayor had requested him to announce that when tho " Hallelujah Cr.o"us " had been aung ho woula proceo i o3 the library hall, and fotmally Jnciue it opened. Sir George aleo a.'kcd the audi ence to testify to too Mayor their upprecia tion of the manner in which ho had arranged and carried out the coremony of opening tho Froa Public Library. Apflauso was accorded tho Mayor, after which the whole audionco iosO lo t heir feet, while the Choral Society perforated the ♦• Hallelujah Chorus." The Mayor and Sir George Grey led the way to the Library IJall, when the : former in a few sentence* diew attention to the many excellent works presented by Sir George Grey, and then declare the Library formally opened. Tho visitors then swarmei all over tho place, many proseeding to tho rofrcshmeut room and partaking of the Committee.* hospitality. Others wandered into tho upper stories and thoroughly exp'ored the building. With regard to the cla^siiicafion of the books it h only fair to the Librarian— Mr Shillington — to state that for the last six weeks ho has borne the onus of attending to the books, Piofessor Aldia being prevented by otli^r duties from attending, A word of praise id due to the city councillois and city officials for the manner in which ihey attended to the wants and convenience of their visitors The musical Sdleotions were performed very emsieitly indeoJ by tho Choral Sociory under the able conductorship of llerr C-»il Schmitt. Ih9 "Cornelius" March, the "March of the Israelites," and tho "Hnlle-Kjj-ih"'choruswereparticularly well rendered but in tho execution of any of Ihs selections, ifc ivould be difficult to iind matter for cavil. Both singers &nd players did thair du*-y remarkably well. It may be remarked that the orchestra waa sfrengthenocl by the ftssistance of Mo c srB McC.'inish and Hunter, two well-known cornettirte, and also by theassistatjca ot A vj x Arthur Eady (violinist). Mr Cha3. fierauu acted as nrut violin with his usual ability.