and re-numbered. On May 29th the library was re-opened, and by the end of September 60 volumes were in circulation, showing a satisfactory increase in the number of readers. The circulation is now (October 1891) about 150 volumes, an increasing number of the younger members of the congregation availing themselves of the books.
In addition to fresh purchases at Home, donations of books have been made to the library by friends; among these have been Dr Stuart, Mrs Whitelaw, and Mr George Grant. In 1888 Mr A. M. Braik presented the handsome gift of £25 for the purchase of books, being half of the proceeds of a concert that had been given by him with the assistance of pupils and friends. Mr W. T. Glasgow rendered valuable service as honorary librarian for a number of years. As far as can be ascertained, the librarians since his retirement have been—Messrs E. Dalgleish, D. M. Stuart, jun., Christie, Stephenson, J. Kirkpatrick, R. Forsyth, Manly, Paul, C. White, and J. Campbell.
In January 1867 a collection amounting to £25 was made in aid of the Kaikorai Church, and in March of the following year a collection of the same amount was taken up in aid of the Blueskin Church fund. Some years previously a collection had been made for Anderson's Bay manse building fund. As early as 1862 the Session resolved that a half-yearly collection should be taken for foreign missions.
The Session and Deacons' Court, in September 1867, requested the minister to "move the Synod on the subject of obtaining a missionary for the Chinese now resident in the province." The Synod took up the matter most heartily. For a time Ah Chinn, a Chinese Christian, laboured in Lawrence under the direction of the Rev. Dr Copland, with zeal and devotion. Mr R. S. Gardner, one of the elders of Knox Church, formed a Chinese class, which met for a time in the class-room. This hopeful effort was interrupted by Mr Gardner's departure for Scotland. The Synod in course of time saw its way to appoint Mr (now the Rev.) A. Don to be its missionary, and sent him to Canton to acquire the language, and gain some familiarity with the best methods of presenting the Gospel to the Chinese. Mr Don still labours diligently in his difficult ministry.
In the Annual Report for 1867 the office-bearers were able to announce that Knox Church congregation was now wholly free of debt.
