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thusiastic supporter of the development of libraries, and one of the
things that they wanted in Clerkenwell was a further extension of the
benefits of the parent institution. He was not afraid to make this
statement publicly, although he was cognizant that it would bring
criticism on his shoulders. The Bishop of London recently stated that
the growth of education had decreased the criminal returns of the
country by something like 40 per cent. If this was so, they, the public
men of Clerkenwell, should give every opportunity they possibly could
to the outlying districts of the parish to participate in the benefits of
the free library movement. (Hear, hear.) They had had opposition
in the past, and no doubt but that their schemes would be opposed
again, but if the residents of the parish supported the development hinted
at by the Chairman, they should go ahead, especially when the new
Council was established, and rooms like that in which they were now
assembled would be in the near future opened in every part of the
Porough of Finsbury. (Applause.) As one of the political opponents
of Mr. Millward, he should like to say that he much appreciated the
courtesy, kindness, and genial manner in which he sits on the Library
Committee.
Mr. Randall, in seconding the vote of thanks, said that he was sure
the Branch would be so extensively used by the inhabitants of Pentonville
district that it would have to be enlarged.
Mr. Daldorph supported the motion. They must all be very grateful
to Mr, Millward, who not only had the cares of a large business on his
shoulders, but was continually aiding one good cause or another by his vocal
talents—it was only on the previous night that he had delighted an
audience at the Queen's Hall by his exquisite and sympathetic rendering
of a sacred song—for coming there hat day to open this Branch Library.
He hoped that the experiment would be a success, and would not only
justify the expenditure on it, but the trouble gone to. (Hear, hear.)
The vote was carried unanimously.
Mr. Hale moved a vote of thanks to Captain Penton for his generosity
in leasing the rooms to the Library Committee on such favourable
terms. The gallant Captain was always ready and willing to aid the
spread of intelligence. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. Bladon, who seconded the motion, hoped before long a similar
Branch would be opened in No. 5 Ward.
The motion was carried amid applause.
On the motion of the Chairman, seconded by Mr. Skinner, a vote of
thanks was also passed to Mr. Brown, the Librarian, for the care with
which he had organised the Branch.
The proceedings then terminated.