§1. Of the situation of the New Library.

The new Library is situate on the first floor of the Memorial Wing of Victoria University College, recently completed after much and long continued hard work on the part of the contractors.

§2. How to reach the New Library.

Proceed upstairs to the first floor, turn smartly to the left, avoid punning into Prof. Mac, continue at a good pace straight ahead, gradually gathering speed until you arrive at a pair of handsome glass doors; dash through them and shout at the top of your voice: "Is this the New Library?" On being informed that it is, go for your life.

§3. Of the interior of the New Library.

The New Library is a vast cathedrallike structure, roughly rectangular in shape, having an atmosphere of beautiful and silent sanctity, and suffused with a dim religious light. The walls are lined with extremely palatial shelves, containing several books, which are on no account to be touched, as there is a cardindex for the use of students.

§4. Of the advantages of the New Library.

The New Library differs from the Old Library in several ways: (1) You can go upstairs in it, flights of stairs being provided for this purpose at each end; in the absence of staircarpets students are requested tiytake off their boots when using the stairs, so as to avoid unnecessary noise. (2) A railing is provided all round the landing; students are requested also when examining volumes not to lose their balance and fall over, as it may disturb the Librarian.

§5. Of the disadvantages of the New Library.

Unfortunately, the structure of the New Library makes it necessary for Law and Science students to be directly under the eye of the Librarian. While commiserating with the aforesaid students on this retrograde step, we trust they will endeavour as heretofore to persevere with their studies undaunted by the frequent interruptions with which the Librarian may see fit to break in upon the tenor of their thoughts.

§6. Of the Regulations for the New Library.

While the Rules (q.v.) for the use of the Old Library still remain in force, it is rumoured that they are to be amended and brought up to date, to harmonise with the other adjuncts of the New Library. In the meantime students are expected to familiarise themselves with the Regulations for the Proper Use of the Library, which should be such as for the reading-room of any public library. Students requiring aid in the interpretation of the aforesaid regulations will be helped willingly, gratis, on application to the office of "The Spike."

§7. Of the Librarian.

We are pleased to observe that the Rev. B. H. Ward, B.A., (Lond.), has returned in accordance with the poetical wish expressed by us in the last number of "The Spike," and is now devoting his best time and attention, with his accustomed brisk and cheery goodwill, to the furtherance of learning in the New Library.

§8. Of the Assistant Librarian.

We 'have to chronicle with regret the loss of our P.M.S., whose benign sway over the Library last year in the absence of the Librarian was so much admired. We welcome in his place with all the warmth of our hearts Mr. D. R. Wood, who may be distinguished from the Librarian by his handsome appearance and the absence of clerical garb.

§9, Of the Disposal of the Old Library.

We have received several reports as to the disposal of the Old Library. It is said: (1) That it is to be turned into a Private Bar and Community Club de luxe for professors and graduates, where in Teddy L—may hide his sorrows; in this case it will still be under the charge of the Rev. B. H. Ward, B.A. (Lond.), as chief bartender. (2) That it is to be the headquarters of a new detective agency under the control of the Minister of Education. The convenience of this is obvious, as it will be possible to despatch highly qualified sleuths to any part of the building at the shortest notice. It is anticipated that it will be the means of securing the Minister many more'convictions than has hitherto been possible. (3) That it is to be turned into a luxurious suite of offices for "The Spike."— Time alone will show which of these surmises is' correct.

§10. Conclusion and Peroration.

In conclusion we wish all our readers long life and happiness in the New Library, with much increase of knowledge and gentleness of manners, and the mien and bearing of true students. We beg them to recall the long tradition of dignified erudition that attaches to the Old Library, and to maintain that tradition in all their dealings with the New Library; calling to remembrance the fact that though the way of knowledge is hard, nevertheless sic itur ad astra (Virgil).

—Junius Brutus.