Strictures on the Library.

Gisborne Standard and Cook County Gazette, Volume II, Issue 200, 25 September 1888, Page 2

Strictures on the Library.

|TO THE EDITOR.] Sir, —I feel certain that you will allow me to make a few pointed remarks through your columns. I notice that an entertainment is to be held next Thursday or Friday (the newspaper notices differ) “ in aid of the funds of the Gisborne Public Library.” Where, 1 should like to know, is our public library ?— Have we got such an institution in our district that is entitled to come before the public and appeal for funds ? We have, I believe, a library building erected with the assistance of public funds, but dare one of those who have helped to build the place go in the room for a ten minutes’ read ?—dare a visitor to the district go into that room without putting bis hands into his pockets to fully pay for all the advantages he may get ? Is there not a card in the doorway warning all and sundry that they must not enter unless “>ey are prepared to pay a certain fee. Cap -‘ 4o into a public house sitting room they no. . flom p an y f ot the price of a and enjoy jov._ at if th *y ohoae ? drink or two, or not eve.. ... . t ( I . . But let all this be as it may, is. alr lor “ management of any institution claim.. . public support to pursue the cut-throat policy which this soi disant public Library is doing —entering into the most absurd competition with a generous spirited man who can claim to have done more for the public good than most of our public men can. A short time ago funds were wanted for Mr Warren’s Cadet corps? Who was the man to come forward and give the free use of his hall, and allow the Cadet corps to take the cream of the profits by which the cost of the hall should be repaid. There were £4O or £50,1 forget the actual amount, diverted from the proprietor's pocket to the funds of a struggling corps. Then we have the Fire Brigade treated in a like generous spirit, all this going to exhaust the resources upon which the hall has to de. pend. And yet, after the proprietor has been so generouc, and after he has awarded his best opportunities to others, ha Homes forward under all the disadvantages he has brought on himself and attempts to pursue his legitimate business. What do we find ’—the management of this institution drop in the field to endeavor to out him out. The attempt is vary foolish, but the selfish principle is ten times worse, and I feel that the public will treat it accord, ingly. I really cannot see what further claim this Library has to public support than that it enters into competition with local booksellers—a fact which may commend it to the approval of some, but not to yours, etc., Abbow.

[The entertainment referred to takes place on Thursday, and is not likely in any way to enter into competition with the Binking Carnival on Friday, which is a fairly assured success. As to the other points we leave it to those who interest themselves in the matter to malt* reply.—Ed.j