CAMBRIDGE LIBRARY.
L\ t accordance with a resolution passed at the annual meeting of the members of the corporation of the Cambridge Library, a public meeting was held on Wednesday evening, at 8 p.m., to consider the advisability of appropriating the money collected to start a museum fund and devoting it to the purchase of books. The attendance was small. The chairman of the Library Committee (Mr J. H. Priestly) occupied the chair, and briefly stated the position of affairs, which showed the Library was in want of books and without the necessary funds to purchase them, while £14 17s 'Jd was lying in the Post-office Savings Hank to the credit of the museum fund. His own views were that the money ought to be devoted to the purchase of books for the following reasons -If they had a museum they would require another building, which would cost more than the amount now in hand ; and they would find themselves in the position of the " man who began to build, and was not able to finish." The utility of a museum depended upon its educational powers, and he was afraid the township was hardly in a position to provide one chat would be of much assistance in that direction. The Government had ceased to give subsidies to libraries, and and consequently they were without funds to replenish their shelves. If the £14 17s ()d was devoted to that purpose, lie thought it would be of double value, as they contemplated purchasing from some of the home circulating libraries—most probably Smith or Mudie's where books could be obtained at less than half the original cost ; so the £14 17s !)d would probably purchase £30 to £3o worth ot books. The new books in their turn would bring new subscribers ; who again would provide fresh funds for more books, and the business would proceed in, what he might term, a harmonious circle, to the benefit of all interested. Mr George Shirley having provided the eutertainment that had raised the amount now lying in the bank, it was thought that ho should have a voice in the matter; and ho was pleased to say that Mr Shirley had written (letter read) approving of the contemplated changu in its destination. Ho then invited discussion.—Mr W. S. Stewart thought there could bo no difference of opinion as to tlio diverting of the money from the Museum fund to the one for purchasing books; nevertheless, ho was extremely sorry that it had to be done, but the library shelves must be replenished. He was sorry that Cambridge could not support a museum as it was situated in what had been a fine native country, and Maori curios should be plentiful, and would soon become very valuable aa the native race was quickly disappearing. The native birds were being exterminated, and lie doubted if in another generation a single kiwi would be left.—The Chairman then proposed " That the funds now in hand which were intended to form the nucleus of a museum, be used for the purpose of replenishing the library shelves."—Seconded by Mr G. Collins, and cairied unanimously.—A vote of thanks to the Chairman closed the proceedings,
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/WT18890209.2.29
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Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2587, 9 February 1889, Page 2
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531CAMBRIDGE LIBRARY. Waikato Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 2587, 9 February 1889, Page 2
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