Untitled

Waimate Daily Advertiser, Issue 18, 24 September 1898, Page 7

(to the editor.) Six, — While not denying that the income <of the Waimate Public Library is not sufficient to carry on the .institution as I think it -ought to be carried on, I must point oui that -Borne of the statements in the leading article -of your issue of the 10th, are not warranted by ihe facts. The statement that the amount realised by the sale of the billiard table was used to meet current expenses is misleading. There were at the time of the sale liabilities -of the past, in payment of which the greater part of the money was used. The £40 was received in January 28th, and at the end of March there was only left of it a balance of £13 odd, the difference having been applied meanwhile almost altogether to liabilities incurred previous to the sale. Your statement that the committee will have to apply further •assets to -the extent of another £40 for the present year is not correct, as it is estimated that the income will just cover current expenses, that is without allowing for purchase •of books or improvements or any substantial repairs to the .building.. The. Committee re■cognize, however, that to Have to oarry on a library without purchasing new books is, in the words of the old adage, like making hay _ -without straw. It is unfortunate that the

love of acquiring useful knowledge and the appreciation of good literature ie to all appearances so lacking in our community that sufficient members cannot be found to cany on such a useful and meritorious institution with the zeal which its benefits should inspire. It is to be feared that it is the lack of the tastes which promote that zeaHhat it at the root of the matter, and that institutions of this kind will languish so long as that cause continues to exist. On the other hand, if such tastes were cultivated and developed, such institutions would flourish. Anyone ■who will suggest effectual means of doing this should be regarded as a public benefactor. Aa increase in the number of subscribers would relieve tha committee from the difficulties ef its task in carrying on the library. The fee of 10s, would be beneficial, if anything like the number of .subscribers could be got that might reasonably be expected to be got in a community of the eize of ours.— l am, etc*, W. M. Hamilton, President Waimate Public Library. [The statement that the £40 was applied to current expenses was not ours, but was .made by the deputation to the Borough

Council in reply to a question by Councillor Coltman. We did not say that the Committee will h*ve to apply further isseta to the extent of £40 for the present year. There was nothing said at the Council meeting to indicate that the whole £40 was not expended. — Ed.]