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2 corrections, most recently by djbcjk - Show corrections

SIR JOSIAH SYMON'S LIBRARY.

At the last meeting of the Public Library Board, a letter was received from Sir Josiah Symon, making known his intention to bequeath to the na-

national collections his private library at "Manoah," Upper Sturt. This be- quest which it to take effect when a distinguished career which has made such a mark on Australian life has come to a close, and subject to the wishes of Lady Symon during her life time, is unique in local history. Sir Josiah is a book lover who has known, as he says, for many years the solace and refreshment of being surrounded by many thousands of dear friends, his books, accompanied by historic and other portraits and ornaments appro- priate to a well furnished library. He does not wish his gift to be merely a donation of books, to be dispersed among the rich mass of such material already in the Public Library and its archives. His desire is to present the Library in its entirety, "with all that has given it the atmosphere and made it the live and attractive corner" that   it has been to him for so many years. He proposes, therefore, to give not only the books, which number about 8,000, but the shelving, cupboards, fur- niture, and ornaments; also his accu- mulation of signed photographs, let- ters and MS., historically and other- wise interesting, so that the library may be transferred from his home to the Public Library for the use of book-lovers for all time, as nearly as possible in the form in which he used it. Included among the orna- ments is a beautiful copy in Carrara marble of the Faun of Praxiteles, one of the famous masterpieces of Greek sculpture. Sir Josiah intends to accompany the bequest with a contri- bution towards the expense of removal from Manoah, and to provide an annual contribution towards upkeep. The letter was received by the board of governors with great satisfaction, and a letter of thanks has been for- warded to Sir Josiah in grateful ac- knowledgment with the hope, however, that he will himself live long in the companionship of his books.

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