Original Correspondence.

Inangahua Times, Volume VII, Issue 1186, 29 September 1882, Page 2

Original Correspondence.

[To THE EDITOR LVANGAHOA TIMES.]

Sir. - A few days since, I was a visitor in Reefton, wishing to peruse files of the local newspapers, I thought the' public reading room would be the most*isuis»bleplace for me to do so, on making enquiries where that place could be found, I was directed to a business establishment known as Schulhffs, on enquiring at the custodian of that establishment if I could see the files of the local newspapers, I was answered in anything but a courteous tone of voice, that he did not keep them, as there was no room, but I could see them at a mining agents. Thinking that I had got into a shop where one could spend his spare cash in purchasing instead of spending a spare hour in reading, I left the socalled reading room, and went in quest of further information about the matter, meeting Mr Brennan, M. I. C. C, he courteously supplied me with the information, that SchulofFs establishment contained the reading room, and that he yearly received a subsidy from the Council as such, I was also informed, that as a public room, it is supplied gratuitously with copies of the local papers. From my experience, it exists only in name, perhaps the custodian did not recognise in my personal appearance a Dunedin, or Greymouth speculator, so he did not deem it worth his while to supply me with what he receives public money for seeing that the County Council votes money for a public reading room, they should see that it is provided for the public benefit, visitors included, which will prevent disappointments to other visitors looking for what should be there, and finding it not. I purpose visiting Reefton again shortly, and will interview the custodian of the supposed public reading room, and if any change has taken place for the better, I will be pleased to add my testimony thereto.

I am, etc., Matthias Willing. Nobles, Waipuna, September 21st 1882