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The Cyclopedia of New Zealand [Otago & Southland Provincial Districts]

Oamaru Athenæum

Oamaru Athenæum.

The Oamaru Athenæum and Mechanics' Institute . This important institution was established in 1865. The original building, which consisted only of a library and a reading room, was erected in 1867, but a large and important addition was completed and opened in 1883. It is composed of Oamaru stone, two stories in height, and the ground floor is taken up with one large hall, and one of a smaller size. Within the original building there is another floor, which is used as a free reading room, and on the upper floor of the new building there are the circulating library, reference library, a committee room, a general reading room, a reading room for ladies, and a chess and smoking room, in which the Oamaru Chess Club holds its meetings. Altogether the building and its appointments are a credit to the town. In the circulating library department there are about 8000 books, and in the reference library 700. New books arrive quarterly from England, and by this means the library is kept up to a high standard. The number of members is 235, which is considerably less than it ought to be, considering the advantages which membership gives its possessor. An endowment of 102 acres at Ardgowan brings in a revenue of 12s 6d per acre, and there is a debt of £450 upon the building. The entire cost of the premises, including £265 spent on the heating apparatus, under Asburay's patent, was £2150.

Mr. Henry Richmond , Librarian to the Oamaru Athenæum and Mechanics' Institute, was born in Liverpool, England, in 1834. He was brought up to mercantile life, and arrived in Wellington on the 14th of November, 1857, by the ship “John McVicar.” After a year in Canterbury, Mr. Richmond travelled overland to Oamaru, for the Lindis “rush,” which took place in 1859. On the outbreak of Gabriel's Gully he was attracted further south, and was for seven years on the Otago goldfields, especially at Waitahuna, where Richmond Hill bears his name. He afterwards returned to Oamaru, where he acted as an accountant in various drapery houses till the 5th of August, 1877, when he was appointed to his present position, Mr. Richmond is one of the four oldest members of Court Pride of Oamaru, Ancient Order of Foresters, and acted as secretary for seven years. He was married, in 1868, to a daughter of Mr. Edward Allcock, of Leamington, and has four daughters.

Mahan, photo Mr. H. Richmond.

Mahan, photo
Mr. H. Richmond.