THE ATHENAEUM.

Tuapeka Times, Volume II, Issue 87, 9 October 1869, Page 3

THE ATHENAEUM.

(To the Editor of the Tuapeka Times.) Sir, — As the election of a new committee of management for the Tnapeka Athenasum takes place on Tuesday evening, a few remarks on the recant management and future prospects of that valuable institution may not be altogether out of place. While I have no doubt the rttiring committee will make considerable capital out of the present financial coi - dition of the institution, I fur one c"o' not see that they have any right to cal ecredit for thi improvement. The £2( 0 granted by the Provincial Government i et them on their legs ; and it is generally believed that they have not taken full advantage of their unfettered position to advance the interests of the Athenteum, Their carelessness has become almost proverbial — no quorum being the most ordinary result of their meetings. But, Sir, while the financial advancement of the institution is no doubt an important matter, some of us believe it to oe entirely subsidiary to the right employment of ihe Athenaeum as an educational agent. In furtherance of this object the committee have done absolutely nothing — have, indeed, by the introduction of cheap and nasty periodicals, encouraged a vitiated taste already too prevalent. They have regarded the institute from a purely mercantile point of view — a deplorable error in connection with a place specially intended to improve the mental status of its members. The indictment against the existing body may indeed be summarized as charging them with neglect, misconception of the objects of the Athenaeum, and the grossest carelessness. These are three of the heaviest accusations that can be brought against the members of a body to whom the public entrusted the direction of a public institution. I trust that on Monday evening a ci'owded meeting of subscribers will minutely investigate the conduct of the retiring committee of management, and take measures to prevent a recurrence of the blunders and neglects of the past year. At all events, I hope a large number of members will roll up, and not permit a body of tried incompctencj to re-elect itself. — 1 am, &c, A Member. Lawrence, October 7th.