Library of the University of Otago.

William Henning Mansford, Registrar and Librarian.

The University of Otago was founded in 1869; but in 1874 it practically ceased to be anything more than an affiliated college of the University of New Zealand, having surrendered its right to grant degrees, &c.; but by courtesy it is still, and will probably always be spoken of as the University of Otago.

The buildings of the University are very handsome, and I am much indebted to Professor J. Mainwaring Brown, M.A., L.L.M., and to Mr. Mansford, the former for his introductions, the latter for his personal attentions, which enabled me thoroughly to appreciate the position and working of the University.

In 1872 a Free Public Library of Reference was founded, chiefly by public subscription, in connection with the University, and it now contains "about 5,000 volumes which for the most part have been especially selected by the Professors for the use of Students." It is contained in a handsome room, 55 ft. long by 25 ft. wide by 35 ft. high, in which shelf room for 15,000 volumes could conveniently be found. There are some fine portraits in oils on the blank walls, including portraits of the Queen and Prince Albert, Captain Cargill, Dr. Burns, and others.

Though the library is nominally "public," sometimes a month passes without any stranger coming in. The truth is that there is no cultured leisure class at present, and everybody is still for the most part intent on making money. Here is stored the old Provincial Council Library of Otago, which is samll, and but for a few such items as a complete set of the Otago Times from the commencement, possesses page 38 little of interest. There is at present but little attempt made at a scientific arrangement of works upon the shelves. It is difficult to say that the library is stronger in any one department than in another, for neither classics, mathematics, science, or literature are really good; there arc however, some good sets of transactions, and a few scattered works of real value.

The catalogue is at present in manuscript, and I regret to add that there is an air about the library as if it languished for funds and management. I suppose the truth is, that the library has suffered from the fact that the Professorial Board, in which its management is entirely vested, has lately been expending the sum of £42,000 in new buildings) houses for Professors, laboratories, &c., and so has not had time to give any consideration to the wants of the library. However that may be, in the future interests of the University the library deserves and will repay attention. The rules of the library are dated as long ago as 1875, and do not call for any special comment. I hope before many years a printed catalogue may make its appearance and awaken public interest in Dunedin, in what may very well become the not least valuable part of the University.