The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1868.

Westport Times, Volume II, Issue 199, 20 March 1868, Page 2

The Westport Times AND CHARLESTON ARGUS. FRIDAY, MARCH 20, 1868.

The absence of rational amusement has long been felt in Westport, and it is matter of surprise that, up to the present time, so many to whom the existing means of whiling away spare time are anything but enticing, should have done nothing to provide themselves with some kind of intellectual recreation. A few weeks ago the district was so sererly afflicted with Queensland fever that it would have been hopeless to suggest anything in this way that could by any possibility be attended with the slightest outlay, but now that the critical period has passed jrad delirium has been succeeded by convalesence it may be possible that a reasonable suggestion may be considered and even acted on. It is too true that in Westport up to the present time the billiard table, the theatre, and the casino, have alone held out amusement to both youth and maturity after the labours of the day have closed, if we except a few entertainments of a higher class given few and far between, and in themselves of a costly description. Anything that could advance or develope mental cultivation, that would tend to elevate us in the social scale, that could instruct or amuse and leave no sting behind, has been utterly unknown, or at least, wholly ignored. The everlasting " nobbier" is the god most generally worshipped ; the leisure that might be pleasantly and profitably spent, in many cases becomes a curse rather than a blessing. Of all undertakings most calculated to change this miserable condition of affairs, the establishment of a Mechanics'lnstitute is the chief, and the facility with which this can be done, if only a few put their shoulder to the wheel in right down good earnest, leaves no excuse for further delay. In every town in Great Britain and Australia, almost without exception, these or kindred institutions have been established with the most triumphant success, and the advantages that they have conferred are almost incalculable. One in Australia, of which we have personal knowledge, and it is a country institute too, at the present time has a library of nearly four thousand volumes, comprising every description of literature, whether useful, amusing, or instructive. It is supplied gratis with all the magazines published in the colonics, and almost without exception with every newspaper on the same terms. The latter are regularly filed, and bound at the expiration of each year, so both as vehicles of reference or information are highly prized. There are class-rooms in which music is taught, and public nights when concerts are given; a debating society is formed amongst the members, and have weekly meetings open to subscribers ; a shorthand class enables any one desirous of acquiring the stenographic art of doing so thoroughly, and at small expense; adult classes meet twice a week for the purpose of repairing the defects of neglected education in early life, and lectures are given weekly by able men on various subjects. Other classes have, we believe, since been added, and the whole of the privileges derivable are enjoyed by subscribers for. an insignificant annual fee. Now we do not for a moment expect Westport to arrive at this stage of perfection at once, but we can at least make a beginning, and creep before we walk. Although not in the same perfection we may still have our classes, debating society, choral society, library, and news-room, &c, &c, provided we have a building to house them in. This might bo rented to start with if we could not raise funds for a building, and no more favorable time for obtaining one suitable, on reasonoble terms, could be selected than the present. The Provincial

Council meet next month, and there is plenty of time before then to initiate the movement in such a manner as to show that there are earnest men concerned. Let this be done, and with justico wo can confidently ask for assistance in some shape or other in furtherance of the project, and oven the most stolid and cheese paring of our local legislators cannot offer any valid reason against it being liberally granted. So far from being an encumbrance or expense only let it get fairly afloat, and we venture to predict, that whilst the subscription fees need be very low, it will be more than self-supporting ; the immediate and obvious benefits that must flow from it cannot be over estimated. The particular institution to which we have made special reference, is open till 10 p.m., and provides every comfort in the shape of seats, lights, &c, for its subscribers. The large room, and it could be so here, is let for meetings, concerts, exhibitions, &c, and from this source alone is derived a handsome income. At present, prices both of labor and timber are low, and a handsome and commodious building suitable to all present requirements, and capable of extension, could be erected at a very moderate cost. We do hope that some of our leading citizens will take up the matter, and we feel assured that a start is all that is needed to establish a "Westport Institute. If a public meeting be called, and a committee appointed, the fruit of their labors will soon follow. Of all things at present required here, none is more imperatively called for. Should any action be taken, we will gladly afford more detailed information as to the working of institutes of this kind, and are prepared to show how readily one can be planted and will flourish, if a few energetic men inaugurate it.