THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTE.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 July 1918, Page 7

THE CARNEGIE INSTITUTE.

ANNUAL MEETING OF SUBSCRIBERS. The annual meeting of subscribers to the New Plymouth Carnegie Institute was held at the Soldiers' Club last night; Mr. A. H. Johnstone presided over a small attendance, regret for which he expressed. ANNUAL REPORT. The report stated (inter alia) that the number of subscribers -was 274 compared with 238 for the previous year. The number of books added was 288, making a total number of volumes in the library 9853. The number taken out during the year was 18,603, the daily average being 61. The attendances at the reference library showed a substantial increase. Students from the secondary schools and teachers of both primary and secondary schools were amongst the most frequent patrons of this section, though there had been evidences of a more lively appreciation of its privileges ou the part of the general public. It was hoped shortly to add a number of books and documents of especial interest in reference to the early history of Taranaki. The reading and magazine rooms continued to be well patronised, though on account of the increased cost of paper some newspaper proprietors had been compelled to discontinue supplying free papers. The maintenance costs of the room are continually increasing, and while the üblic continued to use the room in such large numbers the committee could not consider reducing the number of papers. The commtitee placed on record its appreciation of the services of the librarian (Miss Free)"and the custodian (Mr. Ford), and also thanks to those who had made gifts to the library during the year. In conclusion tho report stated that much remained to be done before the library could be said to rank with the larger libraries of the Dominion, but the committee felt justified in again drawing the attention of the citizens of New Plymouth to the very valuable asset which they possess in the library, and in again urging upon them the advantage offered by ready access to so valuable a collection of books. The total receipts for the year were £564 48 10d, the balance on the year's working £430 13s 6d. The subscriptions totalled £139 4s lOd and the borough subsidy £425. In moving the adoption of the report and balance-sheet the chairman remarked that he did not think the library had developed as it should have done during the 34 years it had been in existence. He admitted there was room for improvement in the library, but thought it was entitled to more public support than was accorded. He also referred to the scheme for lending books to the public schools and to the use made of the privilege. Satisfaction was expressed at the general increase in the Interest in educational matters, and also to the fact that the Polynesian library was now housed in the institute building. Referring to financial matters, he doubted If there was another library in the Dominion run on such a moderate expenditure. He then moved the adoption of the report and balance-sheet. The motion was seconded by Mr G H. Dolby. Mr. Austin referred to what he said was the small number of subscribers compared with the population of the town, and expressed an opinion that something might be done to popularise the institution by reducing the subscription, which he thought was on the high side. The report was adopted.

ELECTION OF COMMITTEE. The following committee was elected: Messrs G. H. Dolby, W. H. Moves, C. E. Baker, and J. B. Roy. Mr. A. H. Johnstone was elected chairman.