MASTERTON LITERARY INSTITUTE

Wairarapa Standard, Volume I, Issue 25, 24 June 1867, Page 3

MASTERTON LITERARY INSTITUTE

For some time past the settlers in Masterton have been taking steps to establish a Literary Institute and Reading Room. Their efforts have been so far successful that the Reading Room was opened on Tuesday evening, the 18th instsnt. Several friends had kindly undertaken to provide tea, &c., so as to invite those interested in the movement to a social gathering on the occasion. The most prominent topic of conversation amongst the members of the Committee and their friends for some day’s past has been the weather. It was generally felt the result of the Tea Meeting would greatly depend upon Tuesday’s proving a fine day. It was hoped that as we have had a very prolonged season of bad weather, we might look for a few fine days,probably about the time arranged for the opening meeting. Monday did not promise well, until night, when a fine moonlight and a clear sky added to the intense cold made many of us think that wc might hope for the usual three day’s fine weather and at least to feel pretty sure of one dry—Tuesday’s sunrise promised well, but al is! for human calculations ; the sky gradually overclouded, and south-east squalls heavy and cold cams up, and by mid-day we all but despaired of any one being bold enough to venture out. Nor were are our fears allayed as the day wore on, the squalls were both heavier and more frequent, and by four o'clock we pretty well gave up all hope. But gradually and in the heaviest cf the squalls, one party after another arrived, and it was soon evident that “ all wind and weather scorning,” our friends meant to shew that they appreciated the undertaking and a company of about 100, children, ladies and gentlemen assembled. A capital tea had been most kindly provided to which we all sat down and endeavoured to do ample justice. Yet there was enough and to spare. After the tea was all cleared away, the room was prepared for the meeting. Mr Crayne one of the Committee was voted into the chair and opened the meeting with a few remarks on the object for which we had asscin-

bled. After a vote of thanks to the ladies who had so bountifully provided for us, the meeting was addressed by the Revs. W. Bonaldson, J. Ross and J. S. Rishworth, The importance of the movement now set on loot here and the desirability of our young friends in particular availing themselves of the opportunity no* offered them for improving their minds and so fitting them for the active duties of life, inner as -well as outer, was both forcibly and ably urged by the several speakers. The meeting closed noth the Doxology. It is worthy of notice that all the material and labour required in making the tables and seats for the leading room was very freely and willingly given by friends who have taken an active part in the movement from the beginning. This, together with the liberality of others, whose names need not be mentioned, is a great encouragement to the Committee, and very sensibly impresses them with the necessity of making every effort to secure the the ultimate success of the undertaking they have in hand. The Committee would feel thankful to be allowed to state that they contemplate adding a Library to the Reading-room. A few liberal donations, and loans of books have already been made. The Secretary or Treasurer, or any of the Committee would very thankfully receive any assistance for this purpose either by the gift or loan of books, It is proposed to open a special subscription list for the purpose of purchasing useful and valuable books for the' Library.