CORRESPONDENCE.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume XV, Issue 4729, 25 May 1894, Page 3

CORRESPONDENCE.

Public Libianj,

Midi alteram partem

[To Tin; Editoii W. D, Times.]

Sin—Recently your interesting and influential suburban journal contained a paragraph from your Wellington correspondent reilecting on the management of the above institution , which has caused a commotion here, almost equal to the convulsion of nature which has cracked in places the solid looking structure from its pinnacle to its base! Knowing your love of justice, Sir, you will I am confident allow your readers the opportunity to " iieaii tiik otiieii sun;." Audi alteram partem, an old axiom translated into the plain English vernacular, so that all who run may read. With some of your scribe's remarks thcpublichcre cordially agree, but when be makes the sweeping assertions re management, etc., 1 and a host of other regular attendants and subscribers are thoroughly opposed to him, as it may bring this highly educational and refining institution into disrepute, if not controverted, and to strengthen the Chief librarian's and hiszealousassistant's bands, I handle my pen solely on their behalf, as they nro to a very great extent restricted. They are thoroughly experienced, painstaking, courteous, and obliging officials. 1 arrive at this just-opinion in conjunction with a host of others, who have had a life long and varied connection with similar institutions in the Old Country and abroad, and there is nothing here for the most cautious to find fault with in their conduct of the Library, The only complaint that requires ventilation is the excessive amount of fees, which, only- tho wealthier section of the public can afford, thus ostracising the masses from the seat of learning, and refinement, which is totally at variance with tho objects ofa puke I'uhmc uiiiiAiiT. One other, a great source of annoyance, is the want of suitable covering to deaden the clatter and and disturbing clement of tlio thoughtless, loud chattering,, and fcai/y i'ootedgentry, who parade and

stamp through the main mid periodical rooms in search of frivolous infonimtioiijiiolwitlislnndiiigsiLßKOE in large typo faces them on every side. Remedy these defects, and tho rough usage of the papers, and robbery, especially illustrated, then the Wellington Public Library becomes a perfect clysium of bliss for tho thoughtful and studious, and a haven of delight for

AX ANCIENT s'runm. Wellington, May 22nd, 1894 [From several sources we learn that the Library is a failure, It was found in Auckland that City Councillors were incapable of efficiently managing such an institution, and so a Committee of resident UtmUcurs was appointed, Wellington ought to follow suit instead of allowing the institution to become ridiculous and con-temptible-En. W.D.T.] More Facts, To TiikEbitohW.D. Times. Sir,—That the confusion evident in society is due to our slavish reverence for obedience, instead of independence. Men confound authority and privilege with liberty and Justice, While professing to love the latter they engage inbrntal strife to obtain the former. When men and women recognize the fact that true liberty can bo enjoyed by none, if not by all, and that liberty and authority have no affinity, we shall be in n position to solve peaceably, the many social problems now seeking for solution—Yours ele.

Hkx'liv Gkoihie. [lf our friend had a little more common sense and a little less philosophy he would not be destitute. -En. W.D..T]