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161
Hill, M.A., Mr. S. W. Pascall, and Mr. A. W. Waters. The plan
for members of the Committee to express opinion upon each
book on the list according to a pre-arranged division of criticism, and
also to add to the list the names of books they were of the opinion
hould be purchased. The collective criticisms were then discussed
nd on August 24th, 1898, instructions were given to purchase about
4,000 works, and at a later date orders were given for the purchase of
he stock of Fiction. It may be added, that it was not deemed
???esirable to purchase a large or expensive stock on account of sums
being set apart from the available funds to clear the cost of the building
and furniture, and to provide a nucleus of a fund for the purchase of
he freehold of the site.
The majority of the books were bought from second-hand booksellers
who affixed prices to each book they had for sale which was
lamed in the list sent them. The prices were tabulated, with the
Result that books were bought from over 90 booksellers. The
remainder of the books were bought on very favourable terms in the
ordinary way of trade.
The total amount spent on the purchase of the initial stock of
Dooks was £752 9s. 11d. to which may be added £44 0s. 9d. for
re-binding.
books of account, library specialities, etc.
The Commissioners deemed it adviscible to obtain tenders for these matters,
with the result that the prices of the following firms were accepted:—
Books of Account—Mr. T. Cornell.
Library Specialities—Library Supply Company.
Typewriting Machine—Hammond Typewriting Company.
fittings.
The Commissioners obtained tenders for the necessary book racks, tables,
newspaper stands, and counter from various firms, and Messrs. W ake A Dean,
whose business is carried on in this parish, obtained the cod tract.
catalogue.
Immediately a sufficient number of works had been purchased, the
Librarian proceeded with the preparation of the Catalogue of the Library, and
in November, 1898, the Commissioners obtained tenders for the printing of the
work, and, Mr. T. Cornell's tender, being the lowest, was accepted.