The Missionary by Stephen N. Haskell

International Tract and Missionary Society · Oakland, California · Nov 19, 1885

FromSigns of the Times, Vol. 11, No. 44.

The Missionary.

By Stephen N. Haskell

Books for Australian Libraries.

WE have said in previous articles that this country abounds in libraries, and also that the people are great readers. In the library of Melbourne, the suit of apartments called the Queen's Reading-room is two hundred and thirty feet in length, fifty in breadth, and thirty in height, and can accommodate four hundred persons at one time without any inconvenience.

I have been informed that the average number of visitors last year was over a thousand a day. These facts will give the readers of the SIGNS some idea of the reading habits of the people of this country.

We have written to a few libraries in reference to our books; and although it has been but a few days since the letters were sent, answers have already begun to come in. The following are samples of those that we have received:—

"I beg to acknowledge the receipt of your communication of the 26th inst. Please find inclosed post-office order for three shillings and sixpence [80 cents], as requested. Please forward the books by rail. In reply to your inquiries, (1) None of your books are in our library; (2) New books are advertised in the local newspapers and in the catalogue; (3) We have a reading-room connected with the library. Would be glad to receive the health journal as mentioned, also the religious journal."

Another writes: "In answer to yours of the 22d inst., I have the honor to inform you that your books will be gratefully received, and acknowledged in both of our local newspapers and in reports. We have a public reading-room, which is visited by from two hundred to three hundred persons daily. We should be happy to pay carriage on your books, and will take the best possible care of them. I have read with great interest the two magazines which you inclose, and am sure that they will be instrumental in doing much good. With hopes that you will kindly forward these publications with the parcel of books, and wishing you every success in your work, I have the honor to be your obedient servant," etc.

These letters will give our friends in America some idea with what favor our publications are received, and I know that there are hundreds of the supporters of the International Tract Society who will be interested in every evidence of success. We are continually trying to do something that will bring up the work in all its branches, and we think that the Lord does condescend to help us by his Holy Spirit. S. N. H.