358 Timehri. 



what is said is true, and if those books are necessary, then let there be a 

 sub-committee for the purpose of dealing with the matter. The difficulty 

 we have to face is not new ; it has already presented itself to Mudie's, 

 Smith's and other libraries, and their manner of dealing with it could be 

 adopted by us. 



Varied Suggestions. 



" It is suggested that we can with advantage advertise our Society 

 by bringing its attractions to the notice of such persons as are gradually 

 discovering the existence of Guiaua, and tbat a short circular and 

 tear-off application for temporary membership should be sent to every 

 new arrival. Those who travel intellectually invariably make first for 

 the Museum of a town, and many have told me of the pleasure they 

 have derived examining the collection in this Museum, whilst hardly a 

 day passes but enquiries reach us on a variety of subjects. It is also 

 suggested that there should be some sort of gathering once a month, 

 when opinions of the various topics of the day might be discussed (a 

 conversazione, to give it a more high-flown name). Doubt is expressed 

 as to sufficient food for discussion, but if those who suggest it are really 

 in earnest there is no fear. For instance, the serious-minded or clergy 

 would have a topic which is ever with them ' Kitual and Church adorn- 

 ment as a help to devotion," or some such equally serious matter. The 

 Agricultural and Commercial sections would find ' Guiana and how to 

 develop it ' a wide field. There are also topics such as ' The Absentee 

 Proprietor from a Non-sympathetic Point of View/ ' The Absentee 

 Proprietor " by One of Themselves, ' Guiana as a Field for Rapid 

 Fortunes' by Optimist, ' Guiana, its Impossibilities and how I Dread to 

 Lose my Little All,' by Pessimist. 



" Then there are topics for ladies such as • How can Women 

 Popularise the Society.' 'Should Women Smoker' 'Georgetown and my 

 Friends.' If truthfully stated this would, to say the least of it, be 

 interesting. The tango too would be sure to call for much entertaining 

 discussion. (Laughter.) A lady writes me suggesting monthly meetings 

 for lectures and music. On ever} T occasion the suggestions are accom- 

 panied by opinions that such meetings should be in the evenings, that 

 refreshments should be provided, and that free admission should only be 

 allowed to members whose friends would also be welcome on payment 

 of a small entrance fee. I have quoted several of the suggestions made 

 me and there are doubtless many here who would add to them. I am sure 

 every member of the community would be sorry to see this old institution 

 totter, and it rests with us all to pull our weight and restore it to its former 

 prosperous position." 



The Discussion. 



Mrs. Stephenson stated that she thought it would be a very good 

 thing to have special monthly meetings where members would express 

 their opinions, not gossip or scandal or anything of that kind, on books 

 we have read and the good we might perhaps do to others. 



Mr. Sherlock said that the subject was a delicate one and perhaps it 

 was a case of 'fools stepping in where angels fear to tread."' It seemed 



