his gifts may correctly be described as unrivalled, for some of the valuable manuscripts presented by Sir George cannot be duplicated. The fact that these gifts were made while the owner was yet alive also adds to their value. After much labour and patient waiting this city possesses a really magnificent Free Public Library, and a highly creditable building in which to keep it, and to-day at 2.30 o'clock commenced the ceremony of opening the building. As previously published the most elaborate preparations have been made by the Library Committee in order to make the ceremony a thorough success. Outside the building presented a gay appearance. From the highest turret floated the British Royal Standard, while from all the minarets less important flags were flying upon the breeze. The flagstaff in Albert Park was also resplendent in bunting, the topmost banner being that of the rear-admiral of the red. Councillor Crowther also ran up the Union Jack on the top of his premises, an example that was speedily followed by other leading citizens.

PREVIOUS HISTORY OF THE LIBRARY.

On an occasion like the present it will not be out of place to refer to the past history of our Library. It was started in connection with the Mechanics' Institute many years ago, and for some time was run as a private venture. As years rolled by the library began to languish, and during the presidency of the present Town Clerk, Mr. P. A. Philips, a petition for assistance was presented to the General Assembly. As this led to no practical result the Institute then made overtures to the City Council to take over the library, which was offered free of cost in order that a public library might be established. In 1879 the Committee of the Mechanics' Institute formally offered to transfer the site, buildings, library, etc., to the Council. It was decided to accept the same subject to the action being endorsed by the ratepayers. In accordance with the provisions of the Free Public Library Act a poll was taken, and assent was given by a majority of 637 votes, 728 being recorded for bringing the Act into operation, and 91 against it. A short Act of Parliament for conveying the same together with the valuable liorary at one time was passed, and the Free Public Library became an established fact in Auckland. Subsequently the munificent Costley bequest was received, and the present handsome block of buildings was commenced. Then it was that Sir George Grey added his splendid donation of books, and thus placed Auckland in a satisfactory position as far as the Library was concerned.

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THE PRESENT LIBRARY.

The room in which these valuable books are now placed has been most handsomely fitted Upon reaching the landing from the main entrance, the visitors' eyes are attracted by the Maori carvings, gods, and weapons with which the walls are embellished. These also are a portion of Sir George Grey's collection. They have been arranged with considerable skill and taste, and present a striking appearance. Passing through the glass doors the visitor is at once in the large library hall. Immediately within the doorway is a fine oil painting of the discoverer of New Zealand, Captain Cook, which was presented by the trustees of the Auckland Savings Bank, and proved a welcome addition. All along the centre table are placed the 465 works of standard authors lately received from Home. These are well selected, and also well bound. They have cost between £500 and £600. To the left is Sir George Grey's collection. One cabinet contains so many old documents that its monetary value must be almost invaluable. Here are fac similes of the seals of New Zealand, New Munster, New Ulster, the London Zoological Society, and autograph letters of Dr. Livingstone and other celebrities. In fact, the cabinet is one grand combination of valuable manuscripts, documents, and books. All around on the shelves are the readable works, also presented by the Knight of Kawau. Other volumes have been carefully selected and arranged in proper order on the shelves in the various side sub-divisons. At the end are works of reference; next comes history, chronology, antiquity, and mythology, and opposite are books of natural philosophy and works of art. Next comes theology, and mental and moral philosophy and educational works; adjoining these are biographical works and correspondence, followed by jurisprudence and history, then periodical and serial literature, poetry, drama and prose fiction, geography, topography and Sir George Grey's works on science, arts, and foreign literature. An iron spiral staircase leads to the gallery of the hall, from the floor of which were poles, from which depended flags extending over the ground floor, and Maori mats were also hung over the balustrades of the gallery, all of which tended to present a gay appearance in keeping with the occasion.

OPENING CEREMONY.

In accordance with the programme already arranged, holders of red tickets were admitted to the Library Buildings at 1.30 o'clock, and the possessors of blue tickets half-an-hour later. The holders of white tickets did not effect an entry until a few minutes before the ceremony of opening commenced. The lecture hall was filled by 2.30 o'clock, every available seat being occupied. At the end nearest Wellesley-street a temporary platform with raised orchestral benches had been erected. These seats were filled with the singers of the Auckland Choral Society, under the conductorship of Herr Carl Schmitt, the orchestral band being also in attendance. Naturally the seat of honour was accorded to Sir George Grey, K.C.B. On his left sat the Mayor of Auckland (Mr. Albert Devore) and the members of the Library Committee, Councillors J. J. Holland, C. Atkin, E. Cooper, R. Garratt, F. Phillipps, and J. M. Lennox. Behind Sir George sat the Town Clerk, Mr. P. A. Philips, and Herr Carl Schmitt. Along the right side of the Chairman were ranged Sir G. M. O'Rorke, Speaker of

the House of Representatives and past Mayors W. R. Waddel, J. M. Clark, T. Peacock, M.H.R., and the Mayors of Parnell (Mr. G. Winks), Newmarket (Mr. W. J. Suiter), Devonport (Mr. Malcolm Niccol), and Newton (Mr. R. T. Warnock). Behind these were placed Councillors Clarke, James, Davis, Trenwith, Goldie, Buchanan, Dignan, Swales, Evans, La Roche, Crowther, and Kidd. A few other leading citizens were also provided with seats on the platform. After the applause consequent upon the appearance of Sir George Grey upon the platform had subsided, the proceedings were appropriately opened with the solo and chorus, "God Save the Queen," by the Choral Society, Miss Bleazard taking the solo.

His Worship the Mayor then delivered the following inaugural address :-Ladies and gentlemen, -We are met to-day for the purpose of celebrating an event in the history of New Zealand and of Auckland in especial. That event is the opening of this Free Public Library, and the large audience present shows the interest taken in this latest work of the City Council. And perhaps the people are quite as desirous of using the Library as the Council are to open it. Before requesting Sir George Grey to deliver his promised address, I claim your attention for a space, while I briefly furnish you with some business details in connection with the building and its contents-details which are worthy of record, and which, for the future, will prove useful. The Library will be what its name purports it to be a Free Public Library, open to all on every day of the week. It is built with the money of the ratepayers, but will be free to all who choose to enter it. When, in September, 1880, Mr. Thomas Peacock, then Mayor, opened the building just closed, and until then known as the Mechanics' Institute, he and some of the other speakers then present among them Sir Maurice O'Rorke-said that they hoped the time was not far distant when a Library would be erected suitable to the wants of the city of Auckland and its large and increasing population. At that time it was known that Sir George Grey intended to give his library to the people of Auckland, and in October, 1882, he did formally give it, and in doing so he stated that he was ready to hand it over as soon as a suitable building was complete in which to place it. Mr. James Clark was then Mayor, and took prompt action, for at this date the City Council had determined to borrow a large sum of money with which to make permanent improvements within the city of Auckland, and to provide a water supply. Mr. Clark, in his place in the Council as Mayor, moved that out of the money to be borrowed the sum of £20,000 should be set apart with which to build a Town Hall, Municipal Offices, Art Gallery and Free Public Library. The money was borrowed and the £20,000 was set apart on Mr. Clark's motion. Suitable designs were then invited from the architects in New Zealand and the Australasian colonies, resulting in 40 designs being sent in, and after much deliberation the design of Messrs. Grainger and D'Ebro, architects, of Melbourne, was selected the design of this building. Shortly afterwards, Mr. Clark retired from office, but before doing so the site was fixed upon, and the idea of a Free Public Library and Art Gallery had become a reality. It should be a source of pride to Mr. Clark, and of gratification to all of us, that this timely action has been carried to so successful a conclusion. Mr. Waddel succeeded Mr. Clark as Mayor, and faithfully carried on what his predecessor had commenced. Mr. Waddel laid the foundation stone of this building in June, 1885, and to him we are indebted for the arrangement of the Library and the style of furnishing. A large proportion of this building was set apart for the purposes of an Art Gallery. This was done in the belief that the late Mr. Mackelvie would give his art collection to the city of Auckland, and after the design was adopted and the contract was let, considerable internal alterations were made in the art portion in compliance with the wishes of Mr. Mackelvie as made known to us by friends of his, resident in Auckland. Mr. Mackelvie unexpectedly died, and to the surprise of many it was found that in his will, which was dated some years prior to the selection of this design, he had expressly directed that a building should be specially built in which to place his art collection, and with suitable class rooms annexed. All hope then of seeing the Mackelvie collection in this Art Gallery was at an end, and the Council decided to utilise some of the rooms as municipal offices. These offices are now open and the municipal business of the city is here carried on. Until the Art Gallery can be utilised for the purposes for which it was built, it may well be used as a Town Hall and for other public purposes. The cost of the building, including the approaches and foundation, is £24,375; the cost of the fittings and furniture has not yet been ascertained, but will probably be about £3,000. The Reference Library will accommodate 250 persons at one time in chairs, which number will be increased to 350 without crowding the room.

LENDING LIBRARY.

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An erroneous impression prevails that the Council have made no provision for a Lending Library. In reality two years ago the Council decided that there should be a Lending Library, and set apart a room under the Reference Library for that purpose, and as soon necessary arrangements can be made and the books are selected, it will be opened to the public. This will supply a public want, and judging from the success achieved in that direction elsewhere, it should also be a success here. The books will be obtained on nominal conditions, and it mainly rests with the people themselves whether the Library shall continue in the efficient and good condition in which it will be opened. However, there is little fear but that as much care will be taken of the books to be borrowed here as we find to be the case in other cities. The question of placing draughts and chessmen in the Lending Library will be shortly brought before the Council for their consideration, and every means will be adopted to make the Lending Library both attractive and instructive.

TECHNOLOGICAL MUSEUM.

It is contemplated to establish a Technological Museum in connection with this institution. It has not yet been definitely decided upon, but in all probability space will be set apart for that purpose. Such a museum will reach numbers of our people who, but for it, must remain in ignorance of the knowledge to be there obtained; and, unlike the teachings of an Art Gallery, it will reach our mechanics and artizans, and enable them to attain technical and mechanical skill, and thus directly benefit a large number of workers. After the Library, this museum should receive the first attention.

DONATIONS.

Donations of books, papers, and pamphlets-particularly of those relating to the early history and settlement of this colony-will be thankfully received, as will also donations of money, coins, natural curiosities, and the like. There must be many persons in this community who are able to make presentations, and it is to be hoped they will do so now that there is a suitable building in which to place and exhibit them. The foreign consuls resident in Auckland can assist us very much in this direction by representing to their respective Governments the existence of our Library and its requirements. The foreign consuls in Melbourne unsolicited did this, resulting in valuable contributions and gifts from foreign Governments to the Melbourne Library.

INCOME.

Fortunately we have an ample income with which to maintain this institution. In the first place there is the Costley bequest, amounting to £12,150, which produces an annual income of £800. Last year it was £812, but the average will be about the sum named. For that bequest we are indebted to Mr. Samuel Jackson. When Mr. Costley was dying, Mr. Samuel Jackson, who was in attendance, was asked by Mr. Costley to advise him in what way his wealth should be left. Mr. Costley always intended to give his money for charitable purposes, but had not determined the direction until this time. Mr. Jackson, with his knowledge of our charities and other wants, advised that the estate should be divided into seven bequests. One of that seven was this Free Public Library, and that is the manner in which we are indebted to Mr. Jackson for the Costley bequest. The name of Mr. Jackson should for the future always be associated with the Costley bequest. In the next place there is the revenue from the library rate of one halfpenny in the pound. Last year the amount was £771, this year it will be less-about £750. And, in the third place, there is the Government subsidy of £50, making the total revenue for the year £1,600. After making allowances for salaries, expenses of management and increased expenses in the future, there remains at least £1,000 with which to purchase books, amounting to, say, 1,500 volumes per annum. On our present resources the number of books in a few years will be doubled. During the last three years the Council have not purchased many books for want of space in which to place them, the result being that money amounting to £1,950 has accumulated to the credit of the Library Fund. Out of that £500 will be required to pay for the consignment of 500 books which arrived here on Monday last. This last consignment of books was selected by the Council on the advice of the best men in Auckland, and these books will be found to be the best and the most instructive yet placed in the Library, excepting those of Sir George Grey, to which I shall presently refer. A catalogue will be printed as soon as the manuscript is complete, and in that catalogue will be a full and descriptive account of Sir George Grey's library so that visitors to the Library may obtain any work they need without delay in searching for it.

BOOKS.

The number of books in our Library at the end of 1886 was 7,000. Of that number 5,300 were in the Library just closed, when it was opened by Mayor Peacock in 1880. Those 5,300 consisted of the Provincial Council Library and the Mechanics' Institute Library-the exact proportion of each I have been unable to ascertain. For the Provincial Council Library, we are chiefly indebted to Sir Maurice O'Rorke's exertions, while the Mechanics' Institute Library was brought to its pitch of efficiency by the exertions of Sir Frederick Whitaker, Mr. William Swanson and Mr. G. P. Pierce. The increase of 1,700 volumes has been mainly purchased by the City Council, out of funds derivable from the Library rate. Mr. Clark, while Mayor, gave a considerable number of volumes to the Library, and other citizens have made small donations of books, all of them interesting, and many of them very scarce.

SIR GEORGE GREY'S LIBRARY.

Our Library during the last few weeks has been enriched by the addition of Sir George Grey's library. In number, our volumes have been more than doubled, for Sir George Grey has given between 8,000 and 9,000. But the mere number insufficiently describes what has been given. No description could make intelligible the rare beauty and value to bookmen of some of the books and missals. One of them dates from the ninth century, and many others are of great antiquity. There are also MSS. of the middle ages of which there are no copies or duplicates in existence, and all of them of historical interest. There are likewise letters and MSS. written to and presented to Sir George Grey by famous deceased statesmen, travellers, and musicians of this century, and all unpublished. There are as well copious letters in the possession of Sir George which may be given to this Library, and if given and published they will throw a light on modern English history where at present no light exists.