New chapter for Dunedin readers

With some degree of ceremony, as befitted the occasion, the Reference Library established in connection with the Carnegie Free Public Library was opened yesterday afternoon by his Worship the Mayor (Mr J. H. Walker).

There was a very representative gathering of educational men and interested citizens amongst whom were not a few ladies.

As one of the speakers pointed out, the Reference Library is being started under fairly auspicious circumstances.

When the present fine Edinburgh library was started in 1580 it possessed but 300 books; our library starts with not less than 3000.

These books are housed upstairs in a fine airy chamber round the walls of which, in methodical array, are grouped the works themselves.

These are systematically arranged under the different headings of philosophy, philology, religion, sociology, natural science, useful arts, fine arts, literature, history, and general works.

In addition, there are sections for biography and New Zealand works.

• The Forbury Park Racecourse has latterly been bearing a very animated appearance, as training operations for the opening meeting of the new track are in full swing.

A recent visit to the course showed that the club had completed the task of presenting the sporting public with an up-to-date racecourse replete with every convenience.

The grand stand has been fitted out with backs to each tier of seats, and the appointments in both closures have been completely renovated and made as good as new.

The re-turfing and topdressing of the lawn has been rewarded by the appearance of a generous growth of grass, pleasing to the eye and pleasant to walk upon, while the general aspect of the new course is such that the club will be able to throw the gates open to the public on Friday with a good deal of pardonable pride.

The club has wisely removed the bulk of the sand with which it top-dressed the track as it was originally formed, and with the exception of a portion of the south turn, where rather much still remains, the going will be firm and fairly fast if the weather remains fine.

The new track withstood the assault of the recent wet weather very well indeed, as with the exception of a couple of small patches it is almost fit to race upon at the present time. - ODT, 23.11.1909.