Our Library.

NOW that we are within measurable distance of having a home of our own, we should like to suggest that this is an opportune time for the Students' Association to consider whether something cannot be done towards improving the Library, Whilst we were in the unhappy position of being strangers and sojourners, it would not, perhaps, have been wise to have purchased many books, for which, indeed in our present quarters, there would hardly have been room. In addition to this, the fact that the library has only been available to students within very limited hours, has in a large manner prevented them from using it to the extent they would otherwise have pone.

Yet in spite of this drawback, and the fact that the number of books is very small, most students have been at some time or other, greatly indebted to the library, for small though the number of books may be, they have been chosen with such skill and care that the object aimed at—that of giving assistance to the greatest number possible with the limited means at hand, has been attained.

We do not think, however, that anyone will say that the Library as yet, is worthy of a University College, or that were funds available, its usefulness could not be greatly increased. The question of funds, however, is here, as in a great many other matters, a stumbling block, for it is recognised that the Council is unable, however willing it may be, to place us in this page 58 respect on an equality with the older Colleges.

We think, therefore, that we must help ourselves, and that the Association would be justified in, at least, giving the question careful consideration. We have no doubt that a Students' Library Fund would be viewed with as much favour, and be as well supported as was the Building Fund, or, should it not be considered wise to make another call on the students so soon after the last, an entertainment on the lines of the Capping Day Celebrations might be organised. In the past it has always been noticeable that the students, perhaps from the very fact of seeing the work carried on under great disadvantages, have been united in working for the ultimate good of the College. We do not think that the present generation of Students will be found to be wanting in this respect; and even on the ground that any scheme, which tends to bring students to see that they have a common aim and to promote that feeling of loyalty to our College, ought to be welcomed, something may be said for the proposal. We leave the matter for further discussion among students.